Report updated Apr 1, 2026

What Is Sherlock・Hidden Object・Match 3?

Sherlock・Hidden Object・Match 3 is a narrative-driven casual game by G5 Entertainment that successfully blends hidden object investigation with match-3 mechanics. By utilizing classic literature as a backdrop, it creates a unique, immersive experience that stands out in the crowded casual puzzle market. With a solid 4.53-star rating and recent momentum in the Top 100 Grossing charts, the game effectively monetizes through a non-intrusive freemium model. Its ability to offer both relaxing, narrative-focused gameplay and challenging puzzle elements makes it a versatile contender against major industry leaders.

What does it look like?

What are the key features?

Hybrid Gameplay MechanicsDifferentiator

Combines traditional hidden object investigation scenes with match-3 puzzle challenges.

Literary-Themed NarrativeDifferentiator

Players travel through classic book worlds like Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz to restore corrupted plots.

Offline PlayStandard

Allows users to play the game without an active internet connection.

What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.

Gathering public signals...

Sentiment analysis will be available once enough user reviews are collected.

How is it ranked?

ChartRankChange
Grossing#100NEW
No ranking data for this selection.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

  • Unique hybrid gameplay mechanics
  • Strong literary IP integration
  • High user rating (4.5+)
  • Robust cross-platform sync

Cons

  • Potentially niche appeal of literary themes
  • Risk of mechanic fatigue in hybrid models

What is the market outlook?

Growth Opportunities

  • Expand narrative into new literary genres
  • Enhance social/community features
  • Capitalize on the 'Merge' game demographic

Market Threats

  • High market saturation from major competitors
  • Increasing user acquisition costs
  • Shift in casual player preferences toward merge-mechanics

Who competes with Sherlock・Hidden Object・Match 3?

New Kids on the Block

Merge County

Merge County

Microfun Limited

Rising popularity in the narrative-driven puzzle space with high-quality visual storytelling.

Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek

Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek

4.1 (133)

Artifex Mundi S.A.

Leveraging high-end PC-style hidden object adventure ports to mobile, threatening the narrative-heavy segment.

What are the key takeaways?

Sherlock・Hidden Object・Match 3 is a divisive games app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 4.5/5 rating from 57.5K reviews, it receives mixed feedback from users.

Best for: Casual gamers and fans of mystery/detective stories who enjoy relaxing, puzzle-based gameplay with a strong narrative focus.

How much does it cost?

Model: freemium

Tiers:
Free to playOptional in-app purchases for bonuses and boosters

The game is free-to-play with no forced ads, relying on optional in-app purchases for monetization and a 'G5 Store' ecosystem to drive user retention.

iOS Version

1.68.6800

Release Date

Oct 20, 2020

iOS Price

Free

Independent intel to help builders create better apps.

No publisher influence. No third-party bias. Built with objectivity in mind to serve the builder community. Reports are continuously improved and refined. For informational purposes only.

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Cite this report

Marlvel.ai. “Sherlock・Hidden Object・Match 3 Intelligence Report.” Updated Apr 1, 2026. https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/games/com-g5e-bookspg

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