Mystery of the Crystal Portal HD for the iPad

If you're a parent and you rushed out and bought an iPad in the last few weeks, chances are you've already downloaded some apps for your kids to play. You may even be familiar with the "hidden object" games for the iPhone/iTouch -- there's quite a few of these "Where's Waldo" -style games in the app store. It's pretty straightforward: spot the hidden objects and solve puzzles and mysteries in lushly illustrated scenes.

The Mystery of the Crystal Portal HD, a new hidden object addition to the iPad gaming library, kept my 10 year old son engaged and entertained. The graphics look beautiful on the iPad, and the environmental animations and a fun storyline turn what could be a rather frustrating experience (tap tap tapping to find objects) into an engaging and clever adventure.

The game's conceit involves a cliche-ridden story about a adventurer tracking down her missing father (blah blah blah), but really all about attention to detail. You'd swear the boot or bucket or fish you're searching for isn't even on the screen, and then -- there it is! It's surprisingly challenging and addictive, and a great way to share some game time with your kids. We take turns trying to find the objects, passing the iPad between us until one of us scores a hit.

Mystery of the Crystal Portal HD is rather short in overall gameplay time, but at $4.99 it's worth the few hours gameplay, especially if you plan to pass the game (and the iPad) around multiple family members.