Originally released on PC and mobile in 2024, Please, Touch the Artwork 2 is now available on Switch and acts as a worthy continuation in comparison to the puzzle-heavy nature of the original.
Playing as a dandy, suit-wearing skeleton, gameplay is similar to Where’s Waldo where you need identify certain objects hidden within each panel by clicking on them with a skeleton hand. The main gimmick comes from the ability to move between interconnected paintings, essentially completing tasks given by abstractly painted NPCs. This might sound a little strange on paper, but the execution is creative, fun, and carries a humorous overtone throughout. Paintings also need to be repaired by rolling tape in a specific sequence.
The one-hour experience remains relaxing, casual, and interesting, all of which are well paced. To its benefit, there is a built-in hint system that the player can access without penalty, preventing any frustration. My biggest complaint comes from clicking on the tiniest things in the background which can be extremely difficult to find especially when playing in handheld mode. For example, targeting a thin matchstick or locating that dark cross that merges seamlessly in the shadowed background wouldn’t have been possibly if the hint system didn’t highlight these assets. Also, the piano playing Simon Says portion also wouldn’t have been beatable if it wasn’t for the hint system that can be used at will.
The literal artwork is well done and should satisfy any desire to visit a museum. These paintings sometimes are outfitted with quirky animation and sound effects which only adds to the charm. The low-key, classical soundtrack that accompanies the campaign also provides that perfect art gallery vibe.
This small digital download’s brevity should not be looked upon negatively. In fact, the one-hour length plays to its strengths as it concludes before things get stale and repetitive. Personally, I wish more games took this approach as it is refreshing to enjoy a condensed, specifically designed campaign that never repeats in comparison to mindless, grinding busywork that is only there to artificially pad the overall game time.
While the original was an original, eye-catching puzzle game, this sequel’s creative, flowing-yet-slightly-humorous narrative centered around a dead skeleton is unique, appreciated, and well worth the investment. Indie games like this need to be supported, encouraged, and highlighted especially when compared against the modern gaming landscape of repetitive roguelikes, simulators, and Survivors clones. Give me more games like this, please and thank you.
Also Play: Hidden Through Time
Better Than: most other games released on the eShop this week
Don’t Forget About: Nakana.io published Switch titles
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
X/Twitter: @ZackGaz
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RATING
OUR SCORE - 8
8
SCORE
A hidden-object game wrapped around abstract, modern art, Please, Touch the Artwork 2 is not only a creative transition over the original, it is a thoughtful, pleasant, low-cost indie game that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Editor in Chief - been writing for mygamer,com for 20+ years. Gaming enthusiast. Hater of pants. Publisher of obscure gaming content on my YT channel.
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