Recently hidden object games and casual games became more and more adventurous. The genres are merging since a mix of genres will surely attract more attention from customers than a classic game of one genre. Diner Dash series used to be one of those. But PlayFirst’s Avenue Flo was made in this modern style. The sixth game of this series allows us to skip some part of routine of waiting tables and have a little adventure. I believe we are all happier this way, most of all Flo.
Hard-core players of adventures will not be fully satisfied with Avenue Flo but devotees of Dinner Dash will be happy to experience this little expansion. The protagonist, Flo, whom we all know and love, will go on a little journey through the Dinertown neighbourhoods which is I found quirky and charming.
The story itself: the town is abuzz. Large wedding by the town’s most important socialite – Miss Big – is to be held today. But something goes really really wrong. So wrong in fact that writing it off as a chain of coincidences became impossible. The cake was damaged, the rings somehow misplaced, etc. Similar disasters sprung from around every corner. So who’s the saboteur? As you would expect Flo rushes comes to the aid. Saving the event is paramount for the town!
Since it’s a little town everyone Flo encounters on her journey somehow is involved in the wedding. Many of those will need Flo’s help. It seems nobody from florists to dressmakers is able to handle their job in time (I mean really – in THE day of the wedding?!) or on their own. Sometimes you will meet people willing to help but (there is always a but, isn’t there?) they will need some favour in exchange for help. Just like in the real life.
The challenges are mostly simple fetch quests, sometimes you have to sort stuff on your way. However Avenue Flo is not a camouflaged hidden object game. Present elements of this genre are infrequent and are of little consequence. The most important tasks stand alone and offer a real challenge. The puzzles might not be outstandingly hard but they sure are tricky.
Game offers plenty of locations and characters, it’s fully voiced. A pleasant surprise to be sure making the game atmospheric and rich. Another of my sore points in games is music. Avenue Flo though offers light music with a hint of jazz. Not unbearable but a tad irksome.
Overall the game is bright and cheerful. It will suit any age group.
