“Standard" Mode (Default Mode)
In Deep Sea Search, your objective is to find all the objects presented at the bottom of the screen within the time limit.
You want to make sure you find the correct objects to maximize your points, ending up with a higher score than your opponent.
In "Standard" mode, the game is broken down into five rounds, with a five-minute time limit. Each round will have a set number of objects to find. Once all the objects for that round are found, you will be transitioned to a new scene under the sea to begin your search. When transitioning between rounds you can still pick-up objects and treasures.
Drift Mode (Limited Edition Mode, Availability will vary.)
In "Drift Mode", the objective is the same as "Standard" Mode, except the game isn’t broken into rounds. You will have a moving list of objectives and will be tasked with finding the items as you traverse the ocean floor with a continuously moving background.
Gameplay continues to move whether you’re looking or not. So, with the objects you are presented with, make sure to check interactable objects that wiggle or have bubbles coming out of them for any potential hidden treasures.
Round Breakdown
The number of objects in each round is as follows:
- Round One: Two Objects
- Round Two: Three Objects
- Round Three: Four Objects
- Round Four: Five Objects
- Round Five: Six Objects
While playing, look out for other interactive objects that can help you maximize your score. Gold coins are an easy way to gain quick points. You can also tap treasure chests, barrels, and lobster traps to see what items they contain. You might luck out and uncover gold coins or objects!
Sometimes interactive objects release their content contained in a large, blue bubble. Tap the bubble to collect..
Want an easy way to spot interactive objects? Look for objects that wiggle or release streams of small bubbles.
Though speed is the name of the game, make sure to avoid selecting the wrong object, as it will deduct five seconds from your total time.
Power Ups
During your search, you will be presented with a few Power-Ups to boost your score, save you time, and help you find those hard-to-find objects.
XXX Bottle: Your vision will get distorted, but your points will be multiplied by 3.
Rusted Clock: Time will stop so you can maximize your time bonus.
Diving Goggles: All objective objects on the current screen will glow.
Scoring
- Objects = 200 points.
- Multiples of the same Object = 100 points for the 2nd claimed Object, 50 points for the third, and 25 points for each additional Object found.
- Treasures = 50 points.
- Perfect Game Bonus = 500 points. (A Perfect Game is a game with no errors and all Objects are collected.)
Time Bonus
- Standard Mode (for each round) = 500 pts * Percent of Time Remaining (You have to collect at least one object in the round to get a time bonus.)
- Drift Mode (for entire game) = 500 pts * Percent of Objects Collected
Tips
- If the ocean floor feels overwhelming, make sure to zoom in and out by pinching the screen. You can also pan the floor by dragging your finger around the screen whilst zoomed in.
- In "Standard" Mode, when transitioning, make sure to take advantage of the interactive objects and coins that scatter the ocean floor.
- Once an object is found, you can claim any duplicates for bonus points. The first item claimed is worth 200 points, but additional items claimed are worth less.
- Make sure to scope out the ocean floor before activating the XXX Bottle, that way you can maximize the x3 bonus.
- Find and use the Rusted Clock to give yourself a breather if you are feeling restricted by the time limit.
- Completing the game early will give you a time bonus. The time bonus is based on the percentage of time left over times 500.