Ok so I'm crazy about the Nancy Drew series. I loved the books as a child and I started playing the video games as a child, although they were way too difficult for me then and even sometimes now. Here is what I think about the games and my best and worst games. WARNING: THESE REVIEWS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.
1. Secrets Can Kill (Original) and
Remastered
Ok so this was the first game and it’s
honestly terrible. I was very disappointed in this game partially due to the
fact that I had played the games out of the order and had grown used to the up
tec of the newer games. The design is completely different and the original
story is interesting, the culprit isn't even a character in the game. Also it was
just so cheesy and barely any puzzles at all, just weird hidden codes that made
it very difficult in my opinion to play.
Remastered: Much better, more up to the
current style of Nancy Drew games and the made the plot more interesting, while
keeping some of the original dialogue of the game. They also changed the
culprit making them an actual part of the game. They also added an actual
confrontation to the game and more puzzles. Added bonus that Michael Grey aka
arglefumph's picture is in the game, I love following his game play on YouTube.
I still don't like the game as much as others, but much better. My only
negative is they made the character Daryl look ugly.
2. Stay Tuned for Danger
This game is popular among other gamers. I
do like that it involves a serious crime and that there is a lot of character
dialogue and sneaking around. Also you find hidden passageways and learn about
different secrets of each of the characters. Also the design is a huge step up
from the previous game, although the characters look kind of like Barbie and
Ken, their current character design is flawless compared to these original
games. I also do like how the threats build and how Nancy is even threatened.
Negatives: don't like the phones calls or the voice actors of George, Bess and
Ned. The ending was great, super climatic. Her interactive discontinued this
game, so fans are hoping that means that it will be remastered soon.
Update 5/22/14- looks like on the herinteractive
website you can buy this game, previously it had been discontinued.
3. Message in A Haunted Mansion
This was my first Nancy Drew game I owned
and attempted to play as a child. I now find it relatively simple compare to
other games in the series. I do love Victorian styles houses so that is a major
plus for this game. The characters are rather dull, except for Abby who is
causing hauntings and faking making contact with ghosts. It is the series first
scary game as you hear noises and see "ghosts" in random scenes. It
is also has a little bit of history learning about the Chinese role in
Victorian houses in San Fran. The puzzles aren't too difficult and I like the
hidden treasure in the house. This is also the first game when Nancy is knocked
out. Overall I saw its ok, I don't find it outstanding.
4. Treasure in A Royal Tower
This is a definite favorite and as been
voted as the best game by Nancy Drew fans for the reason that is a fantastic
game. It involves staying at an old castle in Wisconsin, quirky characters such
as Professor Hotchkiss and the mystery of finding a diamond belonging to Marie Antoinette!
It's one of the series first history type games and it is a definite classic
and favorite along with kind of a shock on the culprit.
5. The Final Scene
This also a favorite game of mine, I love
pretty much everything about this game. The game starts off with an immediate
bang as Nancy's friend Maya is kidnapped! Searching to find Maya and her
kidnapper against the clock of the theater being shut down. The game play is
fantastic and there is a lot of great characterization and plot line in this
game. Plus major twist of Brady Armstrong being half owner of the theater and
not stopping the demolition. Also neat plot line of Harry Houdini being part
owner and finding his will! It's great game.
6. Secret of the Scarlet Hand
This game is not a popular one among fans,
but I quite like it. I read the book although I'll be honest and cannot
remember much about it, but never the less I found this to be a really good
game. I liked all the characters and the puzzles involved. Plus this is the
first time we come in contact with the famous Sonny Joon, who will dance in and
out of future Nancy Drew Games and we will eventually meet and discover his
secrets in game # 30. I also found learning about Mayan artifacts to be
interesting and the plot twist of .... getting hit on the head and losing his
memory and .... suddenly leaving the museum and finding who stole the Pascal
artifact. The phone contacts in this game are great and this is the first time
Nancy is locked in a life or death situation and solves a puzzle to get out.
Fantastic game in my opinion, I'm not sure why so many people dislike it.
7. Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake
This is not one of favorite games. I didn't
not find the characters interesting, nor the game play very interesting. I did
like the cut scenes of the "ghost dogs" attacking the house and I
also like Nancy's discoveries about the gangster and the treasure he left
behind. That plot line is pretty much the only thing that saves this game.
8. The Haunted Carousel
I loved this game the first time I played
it. The accidents were mysterious, there was a lot of great plot with the
different characters in the game and of course the haunted carousel itself was
really interesting concept for a game. More to come.
9. Danger on Deception Island
Not a fan of this game. I like the story
line was interesting, but I was never really a big fan of the game or the
characters in the game.
10. Secret of Shadow Ranch
This was the first Nancy Drew game I
played all the way through. Love it! I'd give it five stars, I like riding
around in the abandoned city, picking veggies for shorty, riding horses and of
course all the plot twists with the various characters is awesome. I also love
the various cut scenes with the ghost horse and the love story between Frances
Huber and Dirk Valentine. I also love how Nancy finds the treasure Dirk left
for Frances. My only down side is that the culprit chasing you challenge gives
me panic attacks lol.
11. Curse of Blackmoor Manor
I really like this game the first time I
played it. I liked all the characters even Linda who you don't see at all
during the game, just how hairy she is. The plot is quite interesting this
time, with Linda being cursed and becoming the creature of Blackmoor manor. I
totally dig it. Also who can't love the parrot!! This also the first time in
the series Nancy goes abroad, to England! This game however is very puzzle
heavy, although they are interesting. A lot of the puzzles had to do with the Pendulum
family history, which is super interesting. I did not enjoy it the second time
I went through it for whatever reason, I think once you've solved the mystery
it is sadly not as enjoyable for this game.
12. Secret of the Old Clock
Love this game! I thought I wouldn't
because of Nancy going back in time to the 1930's but I ended up loving it. The
story is just so endearing. It is also interesting because the game is combo
and alteration of the first four Nancy Drew books. I know I've read the first
two, but I don't think I read the Lilac Inn one so I did know but the plot
twist of Jane being an imposter and Josiah hiding his real will under someone
else's name! I also love the golf challenge, the favors for the people, and
although challenging pretending to read Toppan’s mind. I also enjoyed the bit
of humor with Bess and George on the 1930's phone. I do wish Emily could have
worn something besides that ugly white nightie.
13. Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon
This game is supposed to have the most
puzzles of all the Nancy Drew games, but how can you not love this game? It has
the Hardy boys! And we get to meet the author Charelena Purcell from game
number 10. I also kind of enjoyed the love plot line between Tino and Lori and
the ghost hunter John was a memorable character. The game even has a glimpse of
Jake Hurley's dead wife Camille’s ghost. The only story line is fantastic, I
love how Lori disappears within a few minutes of the game, and the each time
you complete a big puzzle you get to explore new areas of the train. The
overall plot line of being invited about on a train with a big socialite to
figure out what happened to Jake Hurley on his train is so awesome! I also like
how you stop and meet Fatima who has some of Jake Hurley's thing in her store
and finding Jake's hidden mine and what Lori really wanted to find a letter
from Abe Lincoln on the day he died! What a plot twist. I just love literally
everything about this game.
14. Danger by Design
I also really like this game. Nancy
travels to France undercover in order to find out why the designer Minnette is
acting so strangely, one being, why the hell is that bitch wearing a mask 24/7?
All jokes aside I really like this game. I liked the characters in the game,
and I like to old romance between Dieter and Minnette and Heather trying to be
a part of it. I enjoyed the puzzles in this game like the tea puzzle and
finding objects for Minnette and I also like the big sub plot of finding out
about the spy who used to own Minnette's place and find valuable pieces of art
from the war. It was beautifully tragic. I also like the final scene with
Minnette and finding all her secrets. Nancy Drew lives such as exciting life!
15. Creature of Kapu Cave
Not really a fan of this game. It has
interesting points in it and of course the Hardy boys are in it and our hirer
goes missing. More to come.
16. The White Wolf of Icicle Creek
I rate this game in the middle, Nancy Drew
in Canada, aye? I like being doing the maid duties and playing snowballs with
Freddie. I also kind enjoy cooking meals. Also love being able to call
mystico!! Funny extra in the game. I liked the sub plot of having Tino make
from game 13 and I love the wolf Isis! I love that puzzles where you control
Isis. The bomber plot line is ok, I found the actual characters in this game as
bland. And the final chase with Yanni at the end stresses me out.
17. Legend of the Crystal Skull
I like this game, not sure a lot of people
do. Although some people think Ned's friend Henry is the hottest male Nancy
Drew character and that he should hook up with Mel from game 21. Anyway I find
the whole game interesting. This is the first time when you can switch from
Nancy and play as Bess which her parts of are quite fun! I like her messing
with the shop owner, to talking with Dr. Buford and of course sneaking into
(and failing) at the Jolly Rogers Meeting, which is such an interesting sub plot.
I like learning all the about the Whisperer skull and Dr. Bolet's death. And of
course its just so much fun playing with all of Dr. Bolet's pets, the alligator
really helped us at the end. My dislikes include getting so lost in the grave
yard, getting attacked by the spider and I don't like how you can't stop Renee
the first time you have to die first.
18. Phantom of Venice
I've just recently beaten this game again,
definitely liked it although I think its pretty challenging. I liked most of
the characters although Helena is ugly. I also found the whole locket sub plot
to be annoying, but there are so many exciting elements in this game! I love
that Nancy is working under cover for the FBI of Italy and she gets to spy on
Fango and plant tracking devices. I also like how everything in the crime rig
is so encrypted. And of course there is the awesomeness of the steak out,
stealing a valuable diamond and tracking the pigeon. Also it is kind of funny
that you have to be a striper and dance for money if you run out. I loved
playing scopa with Enrico. The puzzles I disliked in particular are how you had
to re do the lock puzzle every time you want to Fango's office, the mosaic
puzzle with Colin (too many tiles) and the drain puzzle in the safe house.
Overall a pretty thrilling game!
19. Haunting of Castle Malloy
This is the game I am currently replaying,
I do enjoy it a lot. I like all the characters and I love the castle in Ireland
although it is super creepy. I enjoy mixing drinks, although I suck at
difference detective. The game starts of really exciting with a
"banshee" running across Nancy's car making her drive into a ditch.
Also you can kind of see Nancy, as you guide her around the castle grounds.
Also who doesn't love flying jetpacks!!! The main sub plots of finding Matt and
smaller sub plot of finding out about Brendan Malloy and his daughter Fiona is
super interesting. I also like the love triangle and how there isn't really a villain
this game. By the way I'm dreading the end game puzzle.
20. Ransom of Seven Ships
I'm not a fan of this game, its kind of not
their best game. I do like seeing Bess and George for the first time although I
like how they look in the modern games better. I also like that the character
Johnny ended up being Dwayne Powers from game #2 and that he made sure the
island was deserted and tricked Nancy and her friends into coming out there and
kidnapping Bess. However, it was a very puzzle heavy game and it was obvious
who the culprit was because there was only one character you could talk to in
the game...
21. Warnings of Waverly Academy
Ok, I love this game too death! Not only
did I go to an all girls private school like the girls in the game, but also
when I first played the game I was in high school and I could totally relate. I
love the black cat reference to Rita Hallowell, the school's founder and all
the Edgar Allen Poe references! I love Poe, and the hidden treasure in the
school in an unpublished manuscript by Poe (I totally nerded out) I also like
the liked all the characters in the game. I loved the plot twist of Rachel, actually
being a twin! I love all the gossip sub plots and I love all the puzzles in
this game. It is just an amazing game for sure!!!
22. Trail of the Twister
Need to replay.... I remember not being a
huge fan of this game. The tornado element is pretty awesome, however I did not
like most of the characters except Pa, who I felt terrible for, he is so sweet!
The car chase wasn't bad against the big tornado, not safe Nancy!
23. Shadow at the Water's Edge
Another amazing game, this game is by far
the scariest Nancy Drew game in my opinion. I love Nancy being in Japan. I
really liked all the characters and doing calligraphy with Taki. Also I love
Suki and learning the mystery behind the ghost of Kasumi. Obviously the mirror
scene is super scary! I also loved Yumi and the creepy scene in her apartment
and being almost drowned by Kasumi. I love the Bento puzzle and the puzzle with
Yumi's pictures and travelling on the subway. Also the phone contacts in this
game are great. I like the sub plot of Bess and Logan and I love talking to
Savannah Woodham. I also love Yumi's fashion program and Suki! My only dislikes
are the all puzzles Rentaro gives you and that the family is so angry all the
time. Otherwise love this game!
24. The Captive Curse
I liked this game the first time I played
it, and I still like it but I'm mad at it right now. My mac version was glitch
and I can't progress in the game because one of the legend pages is it not
where it is supposed to be. However I like all the characters in this game. I
also really the games like Raid and monster are super fun. The monster is
pretty scary and puzzles are mildly hard. The overall plot of the game is
great, and I find humor in the phone call "Monster on Castle
Grounds". I also Nancy is in Germany (wish I score free trips places like
Nancy) I also like feeding Renate cake.
25. Alibi in Ashes
Love this game, everything about it. I
love switching between George, Bess, Nancy and Ned. This game is so exciting
with Nancy being accused of arson! Nancy gets arrested and put in jail and then
you have to build a case against Nancy. I like Alexi and the weirdness of Nancy
begging her boyfriend to date another woman. I like how you can distract
Brenda, and what is a Nancy Drew game without hidden passageways? Finding tunnels
under River Heights and learning Brenda's secrets. I obviously detest Toni and
Brenda but this game pretty much has no dull moment. You even get to use fingerprint
samples and all kinds of fun stuff. Great game, love it!
26. Tomb of the Lost Queen
I like this game, not as much as I've
loved/liked the last three but this is a good game. I love learning about Nefertiti
and Nancy is in Egypt translating hieroglyphs!!! I like all the characters,
even Lilly although she is super annoying sometimes. The game as cool aspects
such as sandstorms and learning more about Sonny Joon. Obviously all the false
tombs and Jon being attacked as well as Dylan make the game super exciting. I
also like talking to Professor Hotchkiss again from game #4. I don't love, love
the game because some of the puzzles were super hard for me to solve. But I do
like how Nancy jumps from columns!
27. The Deadly Device
This is also a pretty awesome game, and
another murder! We haven't had a murder since game #1. I love the opening
segment of the game where we are basically face timing Victor and the quality
is outstanding it just shows you how far the Nancy Drew games have come. I also
like all the characters, and finding out secrets about all the characters. The
puzzles in this game are interesting and challenging. I really hated the
geometric challenge. I did like learning about Telsa and the finding Nico's
secret study and building fare day cage and learning who the true murderer is.
I totally didn't see Victor being the killer after he hired us! I also like the
re appearance of Deirdre Shannon from game 25, she is just too funny. Great
game.
28. Ghost of Thornton Hall
Ok, I love this game! I love the family
aspect and learning about how the Thornton family rose to power during the
civil war and the blood on the family's hand. Also the story of Charlotte Thornton
and finding Harper and seeing Charlotte’s ghost is super scary. I also like the
phone call conservations with Addison and Savannah from game #23. Also the main
mystery of Jessalyn's disappearance and the sub plot of Colton's cheating is
crazy! Everything about the plot is amazing! Some puzzles are hard, and I'm not
a fan of the multiple endings where you can choose not to save people and the
ending is basically pointless because Nancy has regrets and you feel bad about
yourself.
29. The Silent Spy
Ok, this is also a pretty amazing game. I
mean hello! Nancy's mom wasn't really killed in a car accident, she was spy
stopping a biological attack on Scotland! I mean come on this game is
fantastic, we get to glide across hotel rooms, peek on a spy, find a secret
formula, stop a biological attack by terrorist organization, and learn the
truth about Nancy's mom. The characters are awesome and we get to meet Samantha
Quick from game 18 whose real name is Zoe. The puzzles are challenging and so
many exciting events happen, it’s an intense game, definitely one of herinteractive's
best.
30. The Shattered Medallion
This is the latest Nancy Drew game. Nancy
travels to New Zeeland with George and Bess to complete on Pacific Run, a survivor
type reality TV show. Someone injures George, and the big mystery is what is
Sonny Joon doing? The challenges are fun and a bit frustrating. There is almost
no character development and I don't like any the characters except Sonny. It
was definitely an adventure game, however I was bit disappointed after the
Silent Spy.
