Hidden Folks
Overview
"Hidden Folks" is a hand-drawn interactive game developed and published by Adriaan de Jongh and Sylvain Tegroeg. The game, released in 2017, is a digital adaptation of the popular "Where's Waldo?" concept, challenging players to find specific characters and objects within intricate, monochrome landscapes. The game is known for its attention to detail, unique art style, and the use of sound effects made by human voices.
Gameplay
In "Hidden Folks", players are presented with a series of detailed, interactive scenes, each filled with dozens of characters, animals, and objects. The goal is to find specific targets within these scenes, which can range from a particular character to a hidden object. The targets are listed at the bottom of the screen, along with a small hint to help locate them.
The scenes in "Hidden Folks" are not static images, but interactive environments. Players can click or tap on elements in the scene to interact with them, often revealing hidden areas or characters. For example, clicking on a tree might cause its leaves to rustle, revealing a hidden bird, or tapping on a building might open its doors, revealing the characters inside. This interactive element adds a layer of complexity to the game, as players must not only search for their targets, but also manipulate the environment to find them.
Art Style
The art of "Hidden Folks" is one of its most distinctive features. The game is entirely hand-drawn by artist Sylvain Tegroeg, using a monochrome palette of black and white. The scenes are incredibly detailed, filled with tiny characters and objects that each have their own unique animations and interactions. The art style gives the game a charming, whimsical feel, and the level of detail encourages players to explore each scene thoroughly.
Sound Design
Another unique aspect of "Hidden Folks" is its sound design. Instead of using traditional sound effects, all of the game's sounds are made by human voices. This includes everything from the rustling of leaves to the sounds of animals and vehicles. This unusual approach to sound design adds to the game's charm and whimsy, and also provides audio cues to help players locate their targets.
Reception
"Hidden Folks" has been well received by both critics and players. The game's unique art style, interactive gameplay, and innovative sound design have been praised, and it has won several awards, including the "Innovation Award" at the 2018 IGF. Despite its simplicity, "Hidden Folks" is often cited as an example of the creativity and innovation possible in independent game development.