PGC NEWS

The hidden object genre, often associated with casual mobile gaming, faces a unique challenge when transitioning to larger platforms. How can a seemingly simple puzzle game capture the attention of console and PC players? Artifex Mundi tackles this challenge head-on with My Brother Rabbit, a hidden object game that delivers a surprisingly rich and emotional experience. This review explores what makes My Brother Rabbit a worthwhile adventure.

My Brother Rabbit

A Touching Tale Told Without Words

My Brother Rabbit opens with a glimpse into a happy family: a father watering plants, a mother tending the garden, and two children playing together. This idyllic scene is shattered when the younger sister falls ill. To cope with this harsh reality, the older brother creates a fantastical world to comfort and empower his sister. In this imaginary realm, the brother becomes his favorite toy, a stuffed rabbit, and guides his sister, represented by a flower, through a series of whimsical landscapes on a journey towards a land of happiness.

The game conveys its emotional narrative entirely through visuals and music, without a single line of dialogue. The real-world story of the siblings unfolds through interspersed drawings, creating a poignant undercurrent of emotion. Contrasting this somber reality is the vibrant and dreamlike world of the game, captivating players with its stunning artistry.

My Brother Rabbit

Faced with a difficult reality, the brother creates a fantastical world to empower his sister.

This dreamlike world is filled with strange creatures, floating islands, a mysterious ocean, and a vibrant color palette that breathes life into every scene. My Brother Rabbit captures the boundless imagination of a child. Juxtaposed against the sadness of the real world, this imaginary realm represents the siblings’ hope and resilience, their belief that they can overcome adversity and reach a brighter future.

The game’s strength lies in its seamless blend of a touching story with captivating visuals. Every frame, every moment, is imbued with a sense of wonder, making for a truly unique and emotional experience.

Puzzles Within Puzzles

As a hidden object game, My Brother Rabbit presents players with numerous items scattered throughout its environments. These items are cleverly integrated into the scenery, blending seamlessly with the fantastical world. The game also layers its puzzles, often requiring players to complete one task before unlocking the next. This interconnectedness encourages exploration and attention to detail, especially since items cannot be collected before their corresponding task is revealed.

My Brother Rabbit

Beyond hidden object puzzles, My Brother Rabbit incorporates a variety of other puzzle types, including jigsaw puzzles, tile matching, and pattern recognition. Players must sometimes interact with the environment to reveal hidden items, adding another layer of complexity to the gameplay. This diverse range of puzzles contributes to a rich and engaging experience.

One minor criticism is the game’s gentle and consistent difficulty curve. The puzzles rarely present a significant challenge, and the overall progression feels somewhat linear. Players might yearn for a more demanding or surprising element, but the game maintains its steady pace throughout.

My Brother Rabbit

A Heartfelt Journey

Despite this minor drawback, My Brother Rabbit excels in delivering on its core premise. It provides a heartwarming and visually stunning experience that sets it apart within the hidden object genre. This is a game that resonates emotionally and offers a welcome escape into a world of imagination and hope.

My Brother Rabbit excels in delivering on its core premise.

• Developer: Artifex Mundi
• Publisher: Artifex Mundi
• Genre: Puzzle
• Release Date: September 21, 2018
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch