Mystery Trackers: Memories of Shadowfield – Review

You visit a psychologist in hopes that you will be able to gain back your memory from your investigation near the Shadowfield of Observatory. Travel back in time and discover the secrets behind the missing girl in this latest chapter in the Mystery Trackers franchise.

Remember when Mystery Trackers used to be great? Back when each sequel offers a creative storyline or a unique concept? Well, those days are long gone considering the disappointment that is Memories of Shadowfield. The storyline in this sequel could not have been drier. The scenarios are cliché and the characters are uninteresting; Memories of Shadowfield has lost Mystery Trackers’ signature touch of intensity and urgency.

The gameplay isn’t much better. The main adventure portion of the game is not at all complex; most HOPA veterans will be able to figure out every step on their own without needing to consult the Hint button or the strategy guide. The mini-games are either ridiculously easy or overwhelmingly difficult, there is no in between. As for the hidden object scenes, they are well-polished, but lack creativity.

One thing that Mystery Trackers: Memories of Shadowfield managed to get right is the production. The graphics are often dark and shadowy, but never too dark that compromise the intricate details in the artwork. Moreover, the impressive visual effects and the professional animations add up to create an effectively suspenseful atmosphere for the game. On the audio side, the game delivers. The soundtracks are haunting and orchestral, and the voice-acting is on-point.

For a game with the Collector’s Edition price tag, Mystery Trackers: Memories of Shadowfield is disappointingly short. We completed the main game in just three hours and the bonus chapter in 45 minutes – a terribly short length for a HOPA game. The bonus section includes all the standards; a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, soundtracks, achievements, collectibles, morphing objects, and a secret room.

Wonderful sights and sounds aside, Mystery Trackers: Memories of Shadowfield is lacking in all aspects.