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The Secret Order 3: Ancient Times similar games & best alternatives

The Secret Order 3: Ancient Times

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Linux • 2016

Related articles

Quick resume

Find a way to destroy the ancient artifacts!

Global score

87/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Beautiful graphics and artwork
    • Engaging fantasy story
    • Varied puzzles and hidden object scenes
    • Cute baby griffin helper
    • Bonus chapter extending gameplay

    Cons

    • Some puzzles are repetitive or frustrating
    • Short main game length
    • Low quality cutscenes and voice acting
    • Story can be thin or nonsensical
    • Limited novelty or innovation in gameplay

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Survival, Violence, Fellowship, Expression. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Experimenting, Creativity, Thrill.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      3

      "Players have freedom to explore multiple locations, solve puzzles in various ways, and use a baby griffin helper, indicating moderate control over actions."

    • Competence
      2

      "Puzzles range from easy to moderately challenging, with some players finding them frustrating, but overall skill is required to progress."

    • Competition
      -5

      "Game focuses on single-player experience without competitive elements or comparison to others."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Players report engaging story and gameplay that encourages playing through main and bonus chapters, though some find it short."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Entirely single-player with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

    • Creativity
      1

      "Some creative puzzle designs and use of a baby griffin helper, but mostly follows established hidden object and puzzle game structures."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; purely individual play."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players use the game as a relaxing fantasy escape with immersive story and environments."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for enjoyment and relaxation, not out of obligation."

    • Experimenting
      -2

      "Gameplay is mostly routine hidden object and puzzle solving with limited novelty or experimentation."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Game involves traveling through various locations and discovering collectibles and secrets."

    • Expression
      -3

      "Limited customization or self-expression; players follow preset story and visual design."

    • Fantasy
      4

      "Strong fantasy theme with griffins, dragons, time travel, and mythical kingdoms."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "No social or community features; solo play only."

    • Growth
      2

      "Players develop puzzle-solving skills and progress through story, though learning curve is mild."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay typical of hidden object games."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention to solve puzzles and find objects; not idle or background play."

    • Intimacy
      -5

      "No social or emotional relationship building; solitary experience."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management elements."

    • Progression
      3

      "Players collect items, unlock achievements, and complete bonus chapters, showing clear progression."

    • Relaxation
      4

      "Many players find the game relaxing and enjoyable, suitable for casual play and stress relief."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Visuals and music are praised for beauty and atmosphere, providing moderate sensory stimulation."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social recognition or status systems present."

    • Story
      3

      "Story is a key element with time travel and fantasy narrative, though some find it thin or nonsensical."

    • Strategy
      1

      "Some puzzles require problem solving and planning, but overall gameplay is straightforward."

    • Thrill
      -2

      "Game is low risk and low suspense; more relaxing than thrilling."

    • Value
      3

      "Players find good value especially when purchased on sale or in bundles."

    • Violence
      -5

      "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus on puzzle solving and exploration."

    • Survival
      -5

      "No survival or threat mechanics; stable and safe gameplay environment."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026