Around the World in 80 Days: Hidden Objects Review (2026 Xbox Verdict)

Around the World in 80 Days: Hidden Objects is a casual adventure title that brings the classic Jules Verne narrative to the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S platforms. As a port of a 2017 indie release, the game functions primarily as a seek-and-find experience, tasking players with identifying specific items hidden within static, thematic environments. For players interested in the Indie gaming scene, this title provides a low-stakes loop that translates reasonably well to the console environment, including use on an Xbox handheld device through cloud streaming.

Around the World in 80 Days Hidden Objects Gameplay Verdict

The core gameplay of Around the World in 80 Days: Hidden Objects revolves around a series of static screens where the player must locate a list of items. Each level corresponds to a leg of Phileas Fogg’s famous journey. The mechanics are simple: you are provided with a list of words, and you must scan the screen to find the corresponding objects. There is no complex combat or intricate puzzle-solving here; the challenge is entirely based on your observation skills.

On the Xbox Series X and S, the game runs without technical hitches, though it does not utilize the advanced graphical capabilities of the hardware. The interface is adapted for controller input, allowing for easy navigation through the item lists. While the game provides a functional experience, the lack of variety in the tasks—which consist almost exclusively of finding items in increasingly cluttered scenes—means the gameplay loop remains stagnant from start to finish.

Analysis of Visuals and Presentation

Visually, the game reflects its 2017 origins. The art style is functional, utilizing static backgrounds that aim to evoke the Victorian era and the global nature of Fogg’s travel. However, the resolution of the assets does not always scale perfectly to modern 4K displays, leading to some blurriness when inspecting the more intricate parts of the environments. The user interface is clean and does not obstruct the gameplay area, which is a necessity for a title where the primary goal is visual identification.

For those looking for a high-fidelity experience, this title may appear dated. However, the aesthetic consistency helps maintain the theme of the journey. The audio design is similarly modest, featuring a repetitive soundtrack that serves as background noise rather than an immersive score. It fits the casual nature of the game, though it does not offer the depth one might expect from a modern adventure title.

Around the World in 80 Days Hidden Objects Pros and Cons 2026

When evaluating whether this game is worth buying in 2026, it is important to weigh the specific strengths and weaknesses of the experience. It serves a very specific niche, and its appeal is limited to those who enjoy the meditative nature of hidden object games.

• Pros:
  • Accessible, easy-to-learn mechanics suitable for all skill levels.
  • The theme provides a nostalgic, literary backdrop for the gameplay.
  • Minimalist design ensures no performance issues on current Xbox hardware.
• Cons:
  • Repetitive gameplay loop with little variation in objectives.
  • Dated visuals that do not leverage modern console hardware.
  • Lack of replayability once the initial list of levels is completed.

Is Around the World in 80 Days Hidden Objects Worth Buying?

The decision to purchase this game depends entirely on your preference for the genre. If you are a fan of casual, low-pressure puzzles, it offers a functional way to kill time. However, those seeking a complex narrative or engaging mechanical depth will likely find the experience lacking. At In Game News, we noted that while the port is stable, it does little to update the formula for the modern console generation. It remains a relic of its original 2017 release date, providing a standard experience that neither exceeds nor fails its genre expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Around the World in 80 Days: Hidden Objects worth buying?
The game is a straightforward hidden object title that offers a relaxing experience, though its lack of depth or replayability may limit its appeal to casual fans of the genre.

What is the critic score for Around the World in 80 Days: Hidden Objects?
There is currently no official Metacritic score available for this title, as it remains a niche indie release primarily suited for fans of classic seek-and-find mechanics.

Can I play Around the World in 80 Days: Hidden Objects on my Xbox handheld?
Yes, the title is compatible with the Xbox ecosystem, including current hardware and compatible mobile streaming devices, allowing for portable play.