Where is 2022? is a free indie hidden object game developed by Mateusz Skutnik. This upgraded Where’s Waldo puzzler lets you search for a tiny creature by interacting with objects and revealing the little red elf hiding away. You can move rocks, open doors, and pull curtains in different cleverly-designed and scenic photographs in your quest to help Santa find New Year.

Its simple graphics and gameplay makes for a relaxing way to pass the time, making Where is 2022? a minimalist alternative to Mystery of Mortlake Mansion or Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate.

Leave no stone unturned

The first thing to notice in playing Where is 2022? is its use of great photographs. It features a variety of spaces, from natural to urban, without humans in it. You can start searching for the little red elf in rivers or city rooftops, with the images evoking a calming feel. While the images are fun to look at, make sure to check all possible interactions to not miss anything.

Like most hidden object games, this also employs a point-and-click control system. You only need your mouse, with the cursor changing accordingly. The blue circle turns into a hand if there’s something you can interact with — whether it be a stone out of place or an object out of alignment. Also, it’s not always the elf hiding behind something. There are stages where you need to complete a sequence of actions.

Most of the time, the elf is easy to find because his bright red color stands out from the photo, accompanied by an audio cue. However, there are some stages where the elf blends in with the background, making the game challenging in some parts. The only drawback is its short playthrough. It only has a couple of stages for you to play and has no extra content to unlock.

A short game for unwinding

All in all, Where is 2022? is a short yet fun game that will have you scanning each photo intently. Its gallery of amazing pictures feels therapeutic, letting you relax as you find interactions and items out of place in order to find small red elves scattered throughout. As a game, it has enough variety as some stages are too easy while some are more challenging. Highly recommended.