Mystery Awaits in Stray Souls: A Dollhouse Story, a HOG for the Windows PC

Horror is the theme in Stray Souls: A Dollhouse Story, a hidden object game available for the Windows based PC. The title delivers more than enjoyable gameplay and succeeds at engulfing players into a chilling world of mystery with rich visuals and sounds, topped with a mix of entertaining challenges.

A mysterious knock on Sam and Danielle's front door during a stormy dark night sets the mood for Stray Souls: A Dollhouse Story. Upon answering the door, Sam strangely vanishes as an old wooden box is found in solitude on the front porch. A creepy doll found within by Danielle is soon revealed to hold the secret to Sam's disappearance. Embarking on an investigation for Sam, Danielle encounters the mysteries of his life by visiting locations in his troubled past. Through the solving of puzzles and discovery of more dolls along the way, Danielle ultimately unravels her husband's disappearance.

Stray Souls follows the same gameplay formula as other typical (HOG) hidden object games. That is, visit and search multiple areas for a laundry list of hidden items that are scattered about the screen. While most of the items found are simply cleared from the list for game progression, other items prove to be useful by being carried to other areas for use in completing a task. While there are usually a few tasks available at any given time, they aren't very difficult to recognize or complete.

A strong story line never compromises gameplay and keeps the progression in Stray Souls together well. While the title does have linear gameplay that allows the mystery to unfold, gamers are allows to wander about within various areas, giving the game an enjoyable sense of freeplay.

The game includes a variety of difficulty levels. Gamers new to the style of game will appreciate the game's most basic level which offers a quicker hint recharge system, and on screen prompts that assist in discovering what actions need to be taken within an area. Those wishing for an unassisted approach can take advantage of a higher difficulty level that offers fewer hints and no on screen help. While the varying levels offer differing gameplay, most gamers will likely find most challenges within the game straightforward and not overly difficult to comprehend.

All-in-all, Stray Souls is a well-built software package that offers an enjoyable and entertaining casual gaming experience.

Stray Souls: A Dollhouse Story The Collector's Edition of the game extends up in the original game with a playable bonus prequel chapter, a gallery of concept art, the game's soundtrack, and a collection of desktop wallpapers.

Sources/Resources:

Stray Souls Collector's Edition at Bigfish Games