Mystery Trackers: Darkwater Bay > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

55 of 60 found this review helpful

DID YOU JUST FIND THE ANCIENT ATLANTEAN CIVILIZATION?

PostedOctober 5, 2018

biscuitsmama

fromTaking a dive to the bottom of the sea

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This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Mystery Trackers Darkwater Bay is the fifteenth game in the MT series. Once again you play a detective with the Mystery Trackers organization and this time you might have been given the case of a lifetime. Dr. Russell Jackman who is a renowned scientist has disappeared while working on his research vessel the Poseidon. No one has heard from him and it is feared that he might be in trouble. As you ...Show more

Mystery Trackers Darkwater Bay is the fifteenth game in the MT series. Once again you play a detective with the Mystery Trackers organization and this time you might have been given the case of a lifetime. Dr. Russell Jackman who is a renowned scientist has disappeared while working on his research vessel the Poseidon. No one has heard from him and it is feared that he might be in trouble. As you and your trusty companion Elf arrive on the Poseidon, it looks like there was some sort of disturbance and Dr. Jackman is nowhere to be found. By following the clues left by Dr. Jackman you are soon off on an adventure that will turn into a very dangerous mission. Travel to the depths of the ocean as you search for the missing scientist and confront members of the Dark Trackers organization in a rush to control a very ancient and dangerous artifact.

The graphics are amazing and some of the best I’ve seen in recent games. If there is any drawback it is Dr. Jackman’s accent and voice acting that could have been a lot more natural and less contrived. Since it is not a constant part of the game I didn’t find it too annoying. Even though your companion Elf has traveled with you in this game, he seems to be very silent and not an integral part of the find and fetch crew.

The HOP scenes are fairly standard and what we expect to find in games from this developer, but they have been stepped up and seem more interactive. Even though I really enjoyed the HOPS, as I didn’t have to search for really tiny and almost invisible items, what is excellent in Darkwater Bay is the variety and difficulty of the puzzles. There are some new puzzles that I really enjoyed and one of my favorite puzzles is found early in the game when we need to open a wall cache to find some needed items. Although it is not a difficult it took some time to solve.

Some gamers might find the game short since it only includes three chapters but I for me it was just right. I love this game and find the gameplay has kept me quite busy. I am not a fast player who loves to rush through a game to see how fast I can complete it, but rather one who loves to look at every scene and enjoy the graphics and each little detail. This seems to be one of the best games in the MT series since those earlier ones in Raincliff. I played the beta for the game and have been anxiously awaiting the full game release and it doesn’t disappoint. Elephant Games nailed this one and has provided a great mystery game with a lot of action to keep me involved right through the end. Even though I really enjoyed this game, as always please try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy. Happy gaming! Show less

I recommend this game!

+50points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

9 of 9 found this review helpful

Fun Game All Around!

PostedJuly 4, 2019

Homeimps

fromPalm Desert, CA

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

This was a good game from start to finish. I'm always an avid fan of puzzles and there were certainly a few here that I'd never seen before. And although I'm not a big fan of HOS, even those were fun to play.

The voiceovers were especially good and the graphics were absolutely stunning.

I just looked back over my list of games and saw that many of the games in this series got a mediocre ...Show more

This was a good game from start to finish. I'm always an avid fan of puzzles and there were certainly a few here that I'd never seen before. And although I'm not a big fan of HOS, even those were fun to play.

The voiceovers were especially good and the graphics were absolutely stunning.

I just looked back over my list of games and saw that many of the games in this series got a mediocre description from me so I didn't buy them, but the ones that I considered to be good turned out to be great fun; I just bought Nightsville Horror and am looking forward to playing it next; if it turns out to be as good as Darkwater Bay I will be a happy camper indeed. Show less

I recommend this game!

+9points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

5 of 5 found this review helpful

Why oh why?

PostedJune 23, 2019

pogiedoz

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Avalon Legends Solitaire 3

(22)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Overall, the game was engaging, kept my interest and was a lot of fun. I thought several of the puzzles were delightfully difficult ... some I loved, others just didn't play to my strengths ... but that's how it should be. Elephant Games generally delivers interesting games that hold my interest. This was no exception.

I never look for games that are too difficult as I do get frustrated ...Show more

Overall, the game was engaging, kept my interest and was a lot of fun. I thought several of the puzzles were delightfully difficult ... some I loved, others just didn't play to my strengths ... but that's how it should be. Elephant Games generally delivers interesting games that hold my interest. This was no exception.

I never look for games that are too difficult as I do get frustrated easily. The Why oh Why is for the following...

I love Mystery Trackers and usually get the Collector's Editions so I can search endlessly for the morphing, collectibles, puzzle pieces. What I truly missed was a recap of whether I got all the morphing objects ... and the opportunity to replay any that I missed. The same with the puzzle pieces and the collectibles. I was so disappointed when I finished the game and didn't know how I scored - oh i did see that I missed one puzzle piece ... but had no idea where or when :( Show less

I recommend this game!

+5points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

another great game in the series

PostedSeptember 26, 2019

denniann2

fromharrisonburg, virginia

Key Contributor
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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

i believe i own most of the games in the series. this is like the others. it is good and you are trying to save atlantis. the dark trackers are trying to prevent you and to take the population to increase their life force.

I recommend this game!

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Overall rating

4 / 5

65 of 72 found this review helpful

CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM?

PostedOctober 5, 2018

pennmom36

fromCan we consider not including rust + oil, tool + no fuel, latch + no slider, spring + no button-lever, drawer /door + no handle or any similar combinations? Isn't there a new task to consider???

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Skill Level:Expert

Current Favorite:

Immortal Love: Kiss of the Night Collector's Edition

(34)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I'd like to point out that Elephant Games have always had some of the best Computer Generated Graphics. After playing Thursday's game by another well-known developer, it's clear to me that there's just no comparison! I've always said that nobody can pull off an abandoned creepy town like Elephant Games because they pay attention to detail. When you look at the location scenes of most other games, ...Show more

I'd like to point out that Elephant Games have always had some of the best Computer Generated Graphics. After playing Thursday's game by another well-known developer, it's clear to me that there's just no comparison! I've always said that nobody can pull off an abandoned creepy town like Elephant Games because they pay attention to detail. When you look at the location scenes of most other games, the first thing you notice is that objects are large and there's hardly any detail. Sure the colors are vibrant and pretty but it just seems fake, you don't feel like you're actually there. That's the difference here that I'm talking about, with Elephant Games, the scenes are realistic and instead of feeling like you're just looking at a made-up scene in a game, their games make you feel like you're actually there, or at least they make you feel that the scene is believable, that the town is believable or the rooms you enter are real. I just wanted to point out that the Elephant in the room can sometimes be the tiny detail that we often overlook.

Even though this game only has 3 Chapters, I felt that the Chapters were of decent length, and the CE Bonus Chapter was a decent length as well. The CE Bonus Chapter is a sequel that takes place shortly afterword with a similar plot (kidnapping of Dr. Jackman by the Dark Trackers) The BC has 7 remaining Hidden Object Scenes and 5 remaining Mini-Games, and there are 3 Collectibles, 8 Puzzle Pieces, and 8 Morphing Objects to pick up in the CE BC. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either is right for you:

Your mission, should you decide to accept it (do I get a choice?) is to locate DR. Russell Jackman who suddenly went mia shortly after discovering what is believed to be the legendary city of Atlantis. The Order of the Dark Trackers organization is desperately trying to steal the Atlantean Tesseract which gave the Atlanteans the power to control the sea. I have just one question, did anyone know there was an anti-Mystery Trackers Agency?

My little Min Pin has returned to steal the show. I've told the Elf story before, but since it's an interesting story and some may be new to the series, I'll tell it again. Originally, Elephant was developing a dark Fairy Tale with no Hidden Objects, but about 70% through they realized their mistake and scrapped it. Eventually, Mystery Trackers: The Void was created but it didn't include Elf until Black Isles. One of the team members saw a Miniature Pincher and did some research and found that they were often called Elves because of their large pointy ears. That little Elf has been a vital component of Mystery Trackers ever since, in fact, I don't believe I would purchase a MT game in the future if it didn't include my beloved crime-fighting partner Elf!

The Hidden Object Scenes are typical for Elephant Games with mostly Interactive List finds, but many of the scenes are multi-layered. There are Silhouetted Shape Finds, Morphing Object Finds, Replacing Misplaced Item Finds and several Zoom Zone Hidden Object Scenes available. In the game itself, there are more Mini-Games than HOP's but more HOP's offered than Mini-Games in the CE Secret Room re-playable section.

Some of the Mini-Games are simply fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the Fish puzzle (they look like snakes?), the Star and Hook puzzle and the Gears puzzles. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:

1-Move triangles along tracks until they fit into the slots.
2-Arrange fish so they aren't touching each other.
3-Drag sphere along tracks through all gears to open portals.
4-Rotate triangle sections to match the picture clue shown.
5-Rotate square tiles to connect all lines continuously.
6-Rotate hooks to grab Stars and arrows to move the hooks.
7-Click when the arrow is in the green zone to catch a fish.

The Collector's Edition has 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 3 Music Soundtracks, 20 Achievements to earn, a Secret Room with 16 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes & 12 re-playable Mini-Games, an Aquarium with 12 Collectible Sea Critters, 27 Morphing Objects, 32 Hidden Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces (automatically assembles the puzzle, why?) 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide, enjoy Atlantis!

MYSTERY TRACKERS SERIES LIST
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating

1-The Void (November 12-2010) 4.1
2-Raincliff (June 4-2011) 4.0
3-Black Isle (March 1-2012) 4.5
4-Four Aces (November 9-2012) 4.3
5-Silent Hollow (August 30-2013) 4.1
6-Raincliff's Phantoms (March 14-2014) 4.0
7-Blackrow's Secrets (September 26-2014) 3.3
8-Nightsville Horror (April 24-2015) 3.8
9-Winterpoint Tragedy (September 6-2015) 3.3
10-Paxton Creek Avenger (February 26-2016) 3.5
11-Train To Hellswich (August 26-2016) 3.6
12-Queen Of Hearts (January 8-2017) 3.3
13-Memories of Shadowfield (July 21-2017) 3.5
14-Mist Over Blackhill (May 20-2018) 2.8
15-Darkwater Bay (October 5-2018) n/a

by: Elephant Games Show less

I recommend this game!

+58points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

29 of 31 found this review helpful

Really Good Game

PostedOctober 5, 2018

PATinPNS

fromPensacola, FL

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3

Current Favorite:

Mystery Trackers: Darkwater Bay Collector's Edition

(30)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

This is posted after playing the entire game.

MT has come through once again. I really enjoyed playing this one. It's the best game I've played in a long while.

Graphics were excellent. I loved the ocean scenes especially. The colors were bright and easy on the eyes. Music was good. Wasn't intrusive at all and like the effects went along with the action in the scene. The only thing I didn't ...Show more

This is posted after playing the entire game.

MT has come through once again. I really enjoyed playing this one. It's the best game I've played in a long while.

Graphics were excellent. I loved the ocean scenes especially. The colors were bright and easy on the eyes. Music was good. Wasn't intrusive at all and like the effects went along with the action in the scene. The only thing I didn't care for were the voice overs. They seemed so artificial and pressed. It seemed like the developers thought, "We need to have something here. Let's put in a fake voice over." It is not a deal breaker by any means, but just to unusual for this developer.

The hidden objects were good to an extent. So many designers are going to those little pop-up windows with little tiny objects and it's difficult to even see something. There were several of those. Even in the full screen scenes some of the objects were extremely small and pass difficult to see. Now those dreaded mini games. I do no like them to begin with, but when I can't understand the instructions, rather alone the game, it's skip time. I think I completed two or three of them. They are way past my patience and ability levels. If you like hard minis, you will love this game.

I really enjoyed the story. It seemed to keep me interested all the way through. Others will go into depth about what it is about, so I'll leave them to that and not bore you with my rendition. I'll just say it help my attention all the way through.

Play the demo and see if this game shouldn't be added to your collection. I loved it and I'm hard to please. Show less

I recommend this game!

+27points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

A Good Game

PostedNovember 23, 2021

Scottar

fromAlbuquerque, NM

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Strategy, Time Management

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

The graphics are very good, lacking in some detail but colorful. Makes it hard to find things especially in HOPs. The music is Good.

Some puzzles are hard. I came across only one that I lost patience with. There are some tricky Hops, some items are hard to find. Some items to apply are not so apparent. Solving things is a challenge.

You have a map to help you navigate but not where to go ...Show more

The graphics are very good, lacking in some detail but colorful. Makes it hard to find things especially in HOPs. The music is Good.

Some puzzles are hard. I came across only one that I lost patience with. There are some tricky Hops, some items are hard to find. Some items to apply are not so apparent. Solving things is a challenge.

You have a map to help you navigate but not where to go next, you have to refer to the hint interface. Objects to find are not indicated. You will be going all over the map finding things

No easter eggs in this game.

Basic customizations and no strategy guide. Show less

I recommend this game!

0points

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Overall rating

3 / 5

12 of 13 found this review helpful

Good game, but short!

PostedOctober 6, 2018

safetykim

Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I always love the Mystery Tracker games, but this one only took me a couple hours to finish. Story line was nice but it definitely seemed as if it was missing a lot of something.

I recommend this game!

+11points

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Overall rating

3 / 5

9 of 9 found this review helpful

Amazing setting turns to stone.

PostedOctober 23, 2018

thebubba

fromBay Shore, NY

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Puzzle

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

Played the demo and in 10 minutes I was hooked. The most amazing under water settings left me in a fantastic state of mind. Bought the game expecting more of the same. Once we left the deep and returned to land the magic ended. It became same old...same old. Insert access card (twice), use the tongs to acquire the hot object in the fire you just put out with the leaky bucket you patched to obtain ...Show more

Played the demo and in 10 minutes I was hooked. The most amazing under water settings left me in a fantastic state of mind. Bought the game expecting more of the same. Once we left the deep and returned to land the magic ended. It became same old...same old. Insert access card (twice), use the tongs to acquire the hot object in the fire you just put out with the leaky bucket you patched to obtain the water in the spring, and so on. And why am I now repairing American Indian totem poles? Huh? What happened to the fish?
Also we get a pretty crummy looking map and a collection of puzzles that defy solving if you follow the cryptic instructions. Don't let the amazing first 15 minutes suck you in unless you're okay with "same old". Show less

+9points

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Overall rating

2 / 5

9 of 9 found this review helpful

Good game, except

PostedOctober 8, 2018

sjoycesam_1997

fromVincennes, Indiana

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

1 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I started liking this game, at first. Then I started getting mini-games that I could not figure out. There is a lot of going back and forth, so that isn't fun, either. I did my usual routine. I look at reviews, play the trial game, buy the game, then find out it isn't so easy after all. Casual is supposed to be a little easier than the other options, but they are not. Keep trying and you might ...Show more

I started liking this game, at first. Then I started getting mini-games that I could not figure out. There is a lot of going back and forth, so that isn't fun, either. I did my usual routine. I look at reviews, play the trial game, buy the game, then find out it isn't so easy after all. Casual is supposed to be a little easier than the other options, but they are not. Keep trying and you might finally get it right. CASUAL games are CASUAL, and not hard to figure out. I only recommend this game because there are much smarter people out there in game land, than me. Show less

I recommend this game!

+9points

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