Them: The Summoning

In Them: The Summoning, you investigate the mysterious death of your friend Grendel after he claims his deceased wife is haunting him, only to suddenly perish himself—leaving you falsely accused by police. This fantasy detective adventure combines hidden object gameplay with first-person exploration, where you search for clues in detailed scenes, solve mini-games like spot-the-difference, and use inventory items to uncover supernatural truths and clear your name.

Them: The Summoning: Review

Introduction

Them: The Summoning (2011) is a hidden object game that blends mystery, horror, and detective elements into a narrative-driven experience. Developed by AV Technologies, Ltd. and published by Gamatic, Ltd., the game thrusts players into a supernatural whodunit where they must clear their name after being framed for two inexplicable deaths. While the title may not have achieved widespread acclaim, it offers a compelling, if flawed, exploration of psychological horror and hidden object gameplay. This review will dissect its development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, and lasting legacy, ultimately assessing its place in gaming history.

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Development History & Context

Studio and Creators

Them: The Summoning was developed by AV Technologies, Ltd., a studio with a portfolio that includes other niche titles. The game was directed by Ingo Mesche, who also served as the art director and contributed to game design alongside Adrian Farrugia and Andreas Seebeck. The writing was handled by Adrian Farrugia, who crafted the story and dialogues, while the cast included voice actors like Roger Mulvaney and Doreen Leonide Pace.

The game was published by Gamatic, Ltd., a company known for distributing casual and indie titles. Its release coincided with a surge in hidden object games, a genre that saw popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s, often targeting casual audiences.

Technological Constraints and Gaming Landscape

Released in 2011, Them: The Summoning was developed during a transitional period for PC gaming. The Unity engine, which powered the game, was still gaining traction as a versatile tool for indie developers. The title’s photorealistic hidden object scenes were a hallmark of the era, though they sometimes struggled with clarity and item visibility—a criticism leveled at many hidden object games of the time.

The gaming landscape in 2011 was dominated by AAA titles like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Portal 2, but the casual market remained robust. Hidden object games like Mystery Case Files and Hidden Expedition were staples, and Them: The Summoning positioned itself as a darker, more narrative-driven entry in the genre.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

The game’s narrative begins with a call from a longtime friend, Grendel, who claims his recently deceased wife is haunting him. Upon arriving at his home, the player witnesses Grendel’s sudden death under suspicious circumstances, making them the prime suspect in two murders. The protagonist must uncover the truth while evading a tenacious investigator, delving into a paranormal world where reality blurs with the supernatural.

The story is presented through text-based dialogue, which disappears if not read quickly—a design choice that frustrated some players. The protagonist’s reactions to the dark events are notably detached, making light of serious situations with bad jokes, which clashes with the game’s otherwise grim tone.

Themes and Atmosphere

Them: The Summoning explores themes of guilt, paranoia, and the blurred line between reality and hallucination. The ghostly specter of Grendel’s wife serves as both an ally and an ominous presence, raising questions about the protagonist’s sanity. The game’s horror elements are subtle but effective, relying on psychological tension rather than jump scares.

However, the narrative feels incomplete, setting up a sequel that never materialized. The game’s episodic nature leaves many plot threads unresolved, which may frustrate players seeking closure.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

At its core, Them: The Summoning is a hidden object game. Players navigate photorealistic scenes, searching for items listed at the bottom of the screen. Some items are hidden behind objects or in drawers, requiring careful examination. The game also includes mini-games, such as spot-the-difference puzzles and clicking on light-colored bats among a flock, though these are sparse.

Combat and Progression

There is no traditional combat; instead, progression is driven by solving puzzles and uncovering narrative clues. The inventory system allows players to collect and use items, though these interactions are limited. The hint system recharges quickly, mitigating frustration from overly obscure item placements.

User Interface and Accessibility

The UI is functional but unremarkable, with a backpack for inventory management and a journal to track objectives. The game supports multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Japanese, making it accessible to a global audience.

Flaws and Innovations

The game’s reliance on hidden object mechanics, with minimal puzzle variety, limits its appeal to players seeking deeper gameplay. The lack of challenging puzzles or adventure elements is a recurring criticism. However, the game’s atmospheric sound design and orchestrated soundtrack contribute to its eerie tone.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s setting is a mix of domestic and paranormal environments, from Grendel’s cluttered home to eerie, otherworldly locations. The photorealistic art style immerses players in detailed scenes, though some items are frustratingly small or well-camouflaged.

Sound Design

The music is suitably creepy, enhancing the game’s horror elements. However, the sound effects—particularly the repetitive noise when finding objects—can become grating. Players can adjust these in the options menu, though the lack of audio customization options is a missed opportunity.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Them: The Summoning received mixed reviews upon release. Critics praised its atmospheric soundtrack and hidden object gameplay but criticized its weak story, poor graphics, and lack of challenging puzzles. The game’s Steam page reflects this, with a “Mostly Negative” rating based on user reviews.

Commercially, the game was a niche release, appealing primarily to fans of hidden object games. Its low price point ($2.99 on Steam) suggests it was marketed as a casual, budget-friendly title.

Influence and Evolution

While Them: The Summoning did not leave a lasting impact on the industry, it contributed to the hidden object genre’s evolution. Its attempt to blend horror and mystery into a traditionally casual genre was ambitious, though its execution fell short. The game’s unresolved narrative hints at a potential sequel that never came to fruition, leaving its legacy as an unfinished experiment.

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Conclusion

Them: The Summoning is a flawed but intriguing hidden object game that blends horror and mystery into a narrative-driven experience. Its photorealistic art, atmospheric soundtrack, and psychological themes offer moments of engagement, but its reliance on repetitive gameplay and unresolved storylines limit its appeal. While it may not be a standout title in gaming history, it serves as a curiosity—a snapshot of a genre in transition. For fans of hidden object games seeking a darker, more narrative-driven experience, Them: The Summoning is worth a look, but its shortcomings prevent it from achieving greatness.

Final Verdict: A niche title with potential, held back by execution flaws and an unfinished narrative.