Review by Jon Donnis
Hidden Pictures: Agent Q is one of those rare games that knows exactly what it wants to be. It's light-hearted but smart, playful without feeling shallow, and surprisingly rich in detail for something that invites you to explore tiny floating worlds. Designed for Meta Quest, this single-player VR puzzle game combines hidden object challenges, narrative progression, and a bit of collectable hunting, all set inside vibrant dioramas that appear in your home through mixed reality.
You take on the role of Agent Q, an elite operative from B.A.R.D., whose mission is to stop the Tumai, a group of space pirates trying to steal powerful Galaxy Orbs. These orbs have been shattered and scattered across more than sixty miniature planets. Each one has its own distinct theme, from Western towns and Halloween haunts to futuristic cities and cluttered museum exhibits.
At first glance, it seems simple. You search each world for items, clues, or fragments of the Galaxy Orbs. But it quickly becomes more involved. The locals in each setting, called Muddles, often have requests. They might hold up an item they want you to find, or ask you to complete a task in exchange for a clue. It's a smart way of pushing you to examine each world more closely, encouraging you to look behind buildings, rotate the entire level, or zoom in on the tiniest of details.
The game's presentation is one of its biggest strengths. The visuals are colourful and full of character. The Muddles have an odd, friendly design that makes them feel like animated toys, while each environment is packed with tiny moving parts. It's not just decorative. Almost everything you see might be a part of a puzzle, a hint, or a collectible. And thanks to the mixed reality system, these worlds can be placed right into your real space. Whether you're sitting or standing, you can adjust the game height, lean in to inspect objects, or simply move around the scene as if it's a living model on your table.
The game has multiple modes. Adventure Mode lets you work through the main story, exploring each level at your own pace. Puzzle Mode gives you timed challenges that lean more towards memory, observation, and logic. Then there's Boss Mode, which introduces the Tumai pirates in more dramatic scenes. These are bigger, louder encounters that shift the rhythm of the game just enough to keep things exciting.
There's also a strong collecting element. Each world hides one Tumai pirate, and once you catch them, they're added to your pirate collection. The same goes for the Muddles, many of whom have their own unique look or role in the story. It gives the game a satisfying sense of progress, even if you're only playing in short bursts.
In terms of difficulty, the game builds things up well. Early puzzles are straightforward and help you get used to how the controls work. Later stages require more observation and problem-solving, with some levels asking you to juggle multiple tasks at once. There's also the occasional rhythm mini-game, which works well enough, though it might not appeal to everyone. Fortunately, it doesn't overshadow the core gameplay.
The puzzles themselves are the right mix of relaxing and stimulating. Nothing ever feels like a chore. You're always nudged gently toward the solution, either by a character's comment or a visual clue. The satisfaction comes from figuring things out without being told exactly what to do.
Easy to pick up whether you're new to VR or already comfortable in that space. The interface is clean, the pacing is calm, and the tone is warm throughout.
Hidden Pictures: Agent Q is a strong addition to the growing catalogue of thoughtful, well-designed VR games. It's suitable for players of all ages, and while it leans into fun and whimsy, it still delivers meaningful interaction. The game understands how to use space, movement, and curiosity to keep you engaged.
Score: 9 out of 10
Imaginative, accessible, and packed with smart details. A rewarding experience that feels just as good for a quick session as it does for a long sit-down play.
Out Now on MetaQuest
Thank you to Newmatic Co., Ltd. for providing the game key.
