Where is 2012? review

When the calendar year draws to an end, free Flash game fans have something special to look forward to: a new game from Mateusz Skutnik, artist and designer who leads Pastel Games, the studio that brought us masterpieces such as the Submachine series, Daymare Town, and Sneak Thief 4. This year, Where is 2011? takes us on a special trip to help Santa locate the new year, one leftover Christmas present at a time!

Let’s start out by stating something obvious. Where is 2012? is a gorgeous game. The artwork, as Skutnik is known for doing, is entirely hand-drawn, and there’s so much attention to detail, it’s as if you’re playing an intricate watercolor painting. The game plays out like a cross between a platformer and a point and click room escape game, putting you in Santa’s shoes as you venture around the small snowy area searching for more presents to collect. Doors can be unlocked by locating various switches, all of which aren’t so easy to spot, and a fair share of ladders, windows, fireplaces and chimneys also play key roles in giving you more screens to investigate.

Where is 2012? is a bit of a departure from the “Where is…” line of games. Previous adventures were more like Skutnik’s 10 Gnomes releases, featuring stark visuals and hidden object-style gameplay. Now, with a new look and more intricate controls, the new year-end release outdoes its predecessors in every way. It’s a wonderful coffee break-style game that will enchant and entertain you, all for the low price of free!

Play Where is 2011?!