Secrets of the Seas: Flying Dutchman Collector's Edition

My last final is tomorrow, and, frankly, I'm terrified. But not nearly as terrified as I am of... The Flying Dutchman. Tales speak of a fierce, grog-swilling pirate ghost who makes you rake leaves and find scissors. All in a day's work when you're the hero of the new hidden object game Secret of the Seas: Flying Dutchman Collector's Edition. With its fresh seafaring setting and solid adventuring, this game will shiver your timbers in no time. Yeah, I went there. [[FlyingDutchman1.jpg]] It seems you're a young adventurer on your way to visit a sailor friend named Michael. Before you can say "I should probably be studying" (or maybe that was just me) a ghost ship appears on the horizon, and you find yourself marooned in a strange island town. Where is Michael? And who is that dapper gentleman with the eye patch sitting in the local pub? You'll need a sharp pair of eyes and a good head on your shoulders to navigate this hidden object adventure and battle the Flying Dutchman. Props to the developers for creating a lovingly-crafted pirate paradise, which is a refreshing break from the usual spooky mansion. From sandy beaches to the deck of a ghost ship, you'll enjoy exploring the environs. Backgrounds are vibrant and the hidden objects are crisp and well-defined, giving you just the right amount of challenge. Puzzles are on the easy side, but the biggest draw is the intricate find-and-use adventuring, which is satisfying and above average. [[FlyingDutchman2.jpg]] Other than the setting, you'll see a lot of familiar elements. One exception is a true Hard Mode, which you don't see every day. In Hard Mode, you don't get ANY hints, and you don't get any sparklies to let you know what to click on. That's cool to see. Most games don't go there, and I always appreciate an extra challenge. Bonus Collector's Edition goodies include screensavers, wallpaper, game music, and concept art — pretty standard stuff for a collector's edition. Secret of the Seas: Flying Dutchman Collector's Edition isn't the most original game floating around, but what it does, it does well. If you're trying to avoid reality and responsibility like me, I recommend it for a few hours of pirate-y fun.