Please, Touch the Artwork 2 is a relaxing puzzle game for the Nintendo Switch. It takes the hidden-object concept and adds interactive elements involving artwork, skeletons, and minigames. It might be short and sweet, but it’s an immensely enjoyable ride while it lasts.
The concept is simple. You play the role of a sophisticated skeleton who rises from the grave to explore paintings. You move this otherworldly art connoisseur by walking within the paintings themselves. The pieces of artwork connect with each other, allowing you to move through each set of 20 or so paintings to discover missions and minigames.
As you traverse between the pieces, various characters task you with finding a set number of specific items. These requests come from the art itself; it could be a human, duck, or even a shellfish in need. The searchable objects also vary immensely, from cats and seagulls to planks of wood and wine bottles.
Finding the items is as simple as touching the screen in handheld mode or using the left stick to move the cursor (which is shaped like a skeletal hand). A handy counter at the top of the screen shows how many of each item are left to discover. You can also use hints to help find trickier ones. Matchsticks, for example, tend to blend easily into the background. You can toggle hints on or off, providing a level of accessibility. Although there are some cleverly hidden objects, the game never becomes difficult. And it’s not meant to be.
Please, Touch the Artwork 2 is a relaxing affair. It features five chapters, including a prologue and epilogue. You can complete these in any order, providing another slice of accessibility. Nothing is locked here except the ending. You can even view the credits ahead of time, if you like. The entire game won’t take more than a couple of hours, but it pays to take your time and enjoy the experience while it lasts. Don’t rush!
The audio goes a long way to adding to this serene tone, with a classical, piano-based soundtrack. The title screen advises playing with headphones; I’m glad I complied with this tip, as it helps further immerse you in this world. It’s pure bliss, and it gave me that feeling of escapism that is precisely why we play video games in the first place.
There’s a quirky quality to the gameplay that adds to the fun. Paintings often come to life in playful ways, like people moving or objects changing. It’s very clever. The art pieces hail from James Ensor, a Belgian Modern Art pioneer. There are dozens of works (over 80 in fact), hailing from 1836 to 1938, according to the credits.
I mentioned minigames, which are usually triggered by a tear in the painting that needs mending. Someone is clearly tampering with these pieces, and you find yourself compelled to fix them. These puzzles come in the form of lines that need taping. The catch is, you have to cover all lines in one go without doubling back. It’s a neat departure from the hidden-object style. There are other puzzles along the way, too, such as spot-the-difference. This variety keeps things feeling fresh.
The original Please, Touch the Artwork outing was split into three sections based on puzzle type. It focused on a minimalist art style, making this sequel’s modernist approach a fresh take for the series. I can’t wait to see what developer Thomas Waterzooi conjures up for a potential third outing (please make a third one!).
Overall, Please Touch the Artwork 2 is simply a delight. The beautiful paintings, quirky characters, and lovely music combine to create a playful outing that provides a true form of escape. It leaves an impression that lasts well after the credits roll.
