Review · Strategy · iOS
Criminal Investigation - Hidden Object
Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026
iOS
Martin Grigorov · 2015
Ludograph rating
C
Mixed
50 /100
Criminal Investigation - Hidden Object is a puzzle game where kids develop problem solving and memory through hidden object challenges, though it features in-app purchases.
Growth (BDS)
38
Risk (RIS)
28
Daily limit
90min
Age guidance
13+
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.48 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.17 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.45 | |
Criminal Investigation - Hidden Object offers engaging hidden object puzzles that challenge players' problem-solving, spatial awareness, critical thinking, memory, and attention to detail. The game provides a narrative context of solving crimes, which can foster ethical reasoning. Its puzzle-based gameplay can be enjoyed in short, focused sessions.
Design risks
| R1 | Compulsion-loop pressure | 0.30 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.25 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.28 | |
The game's free-to-play model includes in-app purchases for 'boosters' that can facilitate progress, introducing a 'pay-to-win' element and potential spending prompts. While not explicitly targeting children, the hidden object genre and F2P model can appeal to younger audiences. Social features like sharing progress on Facebook may lead to mild social comparison and privacy concerns. The crime-solving theme involves implied violence and potentially mild fear/horror, consistent with its Teen rating.
Content (not in risk score)
| R4.1 | Violence Level | 0.67 | |
| R4.2 | Sexual Content | 0.00 | |
| R4.3 | Language | 0.33 | |
| R4.4 | Substance References | 0.00 | |
| R4.5 | Fear / Horror | 0.33 | |
Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.
Heads up
- Monthly spendTypical real-money spend by engaged players: $0 – $20/mo.
Regulatory design checks · DSA — Not yet assessed·GDPR-K — Assessed: concerns noted·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria
- DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.
- GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. Likely violations: elevated privacy risk in a children-rated or child-targeted game.
- ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.
These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.