Secrets Can Kill (SCK)-November 23, 1998
A crime has been committed at the local high school and it’s up to you as Nancy Drew to crack the case! Look carefully in every nook and cranny for almost 200 hidden clues. Interrogate suspects and solve over 75 cryptic codes and puzzles to weed out possible suspects. Question everything to uncover the truth and catch a cunning criminal.
"This is the orignal SCK not to be confused with the 2010 remaster. This SCK most notably differs from the rest of the series in that it uses 2D animated graphics instead of 3D. Tonally has quite a bit in common with the Nancy Drew Files book series and is on of only a few games that invole Nancy investigaing a death/murder. HeR Interactive no longer sells this title but you can find a copy if you know where to look."
Stay Tuned for Danger (STFD)- November 13, 1999
TV actress Mattie Jensen needs your help; an unknown enemy is threatening her co-star. As Nancy Drew, you'll pose as an extra on a television set filled with clues and plot twists. Look everywhere for evidence to unravel a web of lies surrounding the suspects. Interview and interact with 3D characters, solve over 100 puzzles and crack hidden codes to discover the truth before the final curtain call.
"STFD is a pretty bizarre game- for a few different reasons. The game quite literally contains the theme from Halloween. There's also the case of a website for a long-distance sex toy using the 3D models of Rick and Lillian in it's product photos. The whole game can be a bizarre and disjointed experience which is likely why many fans got their start with Message in a Haunted Mansion instead of this one. STFD has gone the way of the orignal SCK and is no longer being sold by HeR but like SCK you can find a copy if you know where to look."
Message in a Haunted Mansion (MHM)- November 23, 2000
In "Message in a Haunted Mansion," Nancy Drew is invited by a friend to San Francisco to assist in the renovation of a Victorian mansion. Mysterious accidents keep throwing the renovations off schedule. Is it unsettled spirits at work? Or is there something more sinister going on? In a house full of trapdoors and secret tunnels finding the answer won't be easy.
"The "two lesbians buy a Victorian mansion in San Fransisco" game. I don't have many thoughts about this one except this is the only time in the whole series that Hannah actually picks up the phone when you call home. Every other game that lets you call Hannah has your call sent directly to the awnser machine- she's screening my calls and it's breaking my heart."
Treasure in the Royal Tower (TRT)- June 21, 2001
Nancy's ski vacation in an old castle has been interrupted by a fierce blizzard! Snowbound inside the castle, Nancy learns of an elaborate plot devised by Marie Antoinette over 200 years ago to hide a royal treasure. Nancy begins to uncover the rich history of the lodge, and some mysterious events, all leading to the hidden treasure. When Nancy is around, there is much more to the story than first appears!
"Oh, it's TRT! Most notable for the first apparence of fan favorite Professor Hotchiss and the presence of the world's dumbest diamond thief. In my own opinion the atmosphere of this game is impeccable- it's like you can feel the cold. Most Nancy games fall under the "locked room" style of mystery- taking place in one fixed location with a set of suspects you're trapped with- but TRT really communicates that feeling of isolation in a wonderful way."
The Final Scene (FIN)- November 1, 2001
Nancy travels to St. Louis to visit her old friend Maya and attend the premier of a new blockbuster movie, “Vanishing Destiny,” at the Royal Palladium Theater. The historic theater is scheduled for demolition in just 3 days and Maya is covering the controversial story. But when Maya is kidnapped just before her big interview with the movie’s leading man, Brady Armstrong, Nancy’s night out at the movies turns into a nightmare.
"So FIN is great, like really great, I love it. But the fandom is right is right, this game is cursed and evil- but in a good way. This game produces some of the most real panic and terror in the whole series. The way no one listens to Nancy had me feeling CRAZY! Like everyone in this game is practicing the three tennants of gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss. In my opinion this game has some the strongest character work in the whole series (which is saying something) there's not a single character in this game I don't have a strong opinion of. This one is a must play and I would recommend it as an introduction to the series even above more fan favorite games like CUR."
Secret of the Scarlet Hand (SCK)- August 12, 2002
Between cases, Nancy Drew has taken an internship as Deputy Curator at the Beech Hill Museum in Washington, D.C. Nancy soon discovers she will be doing more than learning about ancient Maya artifacts—there have been a series of thefts and the only clue left behind in a mysterious scarlet handprint!
"N/A"
Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake (DOG)
- Nov 9, 2002
A friend’s frantic note sends you on the trail of a mysterious pack of dogs whose glowing eyes and mournful howls threaten to chase you away forever. Local residents say that the dogs have come back from the grave to protect the secrets of their master. Are the ghostly legends true, or is there a flesh-and-blood explanation for the haunting howls? You must solve the mystery before the hounds catch your scent!
"Stunning, incredible, wonderful, iconic- DOG is a fan favorite for a REASON! In writing about these games I'm finding myself repeating "amazing atmosphere" quite often but can you blame me? These games are incredible at capturing certain atmospeheres and aesthetics and DOG is no exception. The fall vibes of this game are incredible! This game really nails the "backstory" plot element that these games love- making Mickey Malone a fan favorite character. This game also scared me half to death as a kid (if the dogs don't get you Red Knott will)."
The Haunted Carousel (CAR)- August 22, 2003
You are invited to the Jersey shore to investigate a series of mishaps at the Captain’s Cove Amusement Park. First, the lead horse was stolen from the carousel. Then the roller coaster suddenly lost power, resulting in a serious accident. Now the merry-go-round is mysteriously starting up in the middle of the night. Will you be able to unravel the mysterious happenings surrounding this beautiful antique carousel in Nancy Drew: The Haunted Carousel?
"This one is my favorite of all the games. Is it the best game? No. In fact comparatively CAR isn't very interesting and not very cohesive. But it's my favorite game because I have questionable taste. I love the asmusment park setting and how much time Nancy spends in her hotel room (I like bland, almost domestic settings, I guess). I'm also a sucker for cheap and cheesy marine themeing. I would decorate my entire apartment like a cheap seafood restraunt if I could- alas my partner does not share my taste in interior decorating. But don't get me wrong- it's a good game! There are fun characters here- Elliot Chen, and Joy Trent are two of my favorite characters out of all the games. Also, Joy/Nancy is a godtier ship *send tweet*."
Danger on Deception Island (DDI)- October 3, 2003
George’s friend, Katie Firestone, invites you to Deception Island for a whale-watching excursion, the sleuth arrives to find Katie’s tour boat heavily vandalized. A threatening note warns Katie to “stop meddling.” Apparently, Snake Horse Harbor is divided over an orphaned orca whale that recently appeared in the channel and has apparently decided to stay. What was a simple vandalism case begins to unfold into something more mysterious and sinister. Can Nancy find the culprit, or will she be too late to “Save the Whales?”
"Iconic, beautiful, inspiring! The ocean is involved so of course I love it! In this game you can get arrested for picking the wrong crabs off the beach! Amazing! One of the first instances of stealth gameplay- it's Metal Gear Nancy! Remember to put on your bike helmet! Whales rule!"
The Secret of Shadow Ranch (SHA)- August 30, 2004
Ropin’, ridin’ and revenge. A ranch vacation takes a terrifying turn when a ghostly horse appears in this mystery game. Is it driven by the vengeful commands of its long-dead master, Dirk Valentine? Or is a living villain behind the ranch’s string of bad luck? It’s up to you to figure out who’s wearing the black hat before your investigation is ambushed!
"The most painfully romantic game in the series. If I know anything about the Clue Crew it's that they love them some Dirk Valentine. This is the game that birthed us Dave Gregory stans who each cried out in agony when they could not tell the handsome cowboy "No, in fact, I do not have a steady back home." Let us not forget about Shorty, a man that could be just as prolific as Big Island Mike if he were just a touch less off putting. This is a MUST PLAY.
Curse of Blackmoor Manor (CUR)- October 5, 2004
All is not well in Blackmoor Manor, a fourteenth century English mansion haunted by a tragic past. You embark on your first international adventure to visit Linda Penvellyn, your neighbor’s daughter and newlywed wife of a British diplomat. A mysterious malady keeps Linda hidden behind thick bed curtains. Is she hiding from something or someone, or is a more menacing threat stalking her?
"I'm not the best person to talk to about CUR. You see as a child I only owned the DVD game version of this game. Surely, you remember DVD menu games? This was that, it was slow and inefficient but the family computer wouldn't run ICE so this was all I had. The game operated like an NES game with no save states meaning you recieved a special password to use to return to the spot where you left off. Well, I was very bad at writing those passwords down. I also never knew how to quit so I just kept restarting the game, over and over and over and over- I've probably seen the opening scene of this game more than anyone else on the planet. The constant restarting combined with the sluggish pace of navigating this game on a DVD player is a recipe for madness. Just looking at this game now makes me feel a little sick- something that's aggrevated by some of the manor's interoir dectorating choices. My personal experience aside, the Pevellyn family has captured the imagnation of many members of the Clue Crew. CUR is a fan favorite with some truly iconic characters."
Secret of the Old Clock (CLK)
- July 12, 2005
It’s 1930 and Nancy Drew is asked to visit Emily Crandall, in Titusville, a girl whom Nancy knows only through a mutual friend. She and her mother had been counting on the generosity of their kindly but strange neighbor, Josiah Crowley, to leave them part of his estate to support the inn they own. But in his will, everything was left to Richard Topham, his ESP teacher. A contested will, a suffering girl, suspicious psychics — can Nancy solve the mystery before time runs out?
N/A
Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon (TRN)
- September 15, 2005
The Hardy Boys have invited you on a train ride out West hosted by beautiful and prominent socialite, Lori Girard. Lori has gathered the greatest minds in mystery to solve a century-old secret and the haunted train is their best clue. The luxurious train once belonged to Jake Hurley, who set out long ago to find the mother lode during mining mania. Years later, Jake’s train was found in Blue Moon Canyon with the engineer slumped over in the car – dead. Jake had mysteriously vanished… Climb aboard, as Nancy Drew, and see if you can uncover the truth at the end of the line.
"According to a poll I ran on my blog TRN is one of the most loved games in the entire series.
Danger by Design (DAN)
- July 24, 2006
You, as Nancy Drew, intern undercover in a prestigious fashion design studio in Paris. The lead designer, Minette, hasn’t quite been herself lately. She hides behind a white mask and often throws tantrums, even firing several employees. Mysterious threats arrive at the old windmill studio and other troubles lurk in the underbelly of the City of Lights. Can you help Minette release her latest clothing line on time? Or will your sleuthing abroad meet an unfashionable end?
[thoughts]
Creature of the Kapu Cave (CRE)
- October 1, 2006
"You go to Hawaii to serve as a research assistant to Dr. Quigley Kim. A devastating scourge is destroying the pineapple crop causing residents to whisper that a local research compound has awoken the legendary Kane ‘Okala. Upon arriving, Nancy discovers the camp ravaged and Dr. Kim missing. Coincidentally, the Hardy Boys are also on the Island to complete a top-secret mission, but it’s up to Nancy to uncover this intricate web of mysteries."
[thoughts]
The White Wolf of Icicle Creek (ICE)
- June 7, 2007
Nancy Drew travels to the Canadian Rockies to investigate the Icicle Creek Lodge. Chantal, the owner of the lodge has asked her to uncover the culprit behind a recent string of suspicious accidents. A wolf also appears at the site of accidents and then mysteriously disappears when the police arrive. As Nancy makes her way to the lodge, an explosion rocks the night. A wolf howls mournfully in the distance. Nancy has barely set foot on the premises and already trouble is afoot! Can Nancy solve this mystery before all the guests leave and Chantal is left out in the cold?
[thoughts]
Legend of the Crystal Skull
- October 8, 2007
The Search is on for an Unearthly Artifact in New Orleans! Bruno Bolet was the proud owner of the “Whisperer,” a crystal skull rumored to protect its holder from almost any cause of death – except murder. When Bruno passed away, his nephew Henry came to wrap up his affairs, but he couldn’t find the skull among the clutter of the creepy Bolet manor. You’ll need to team up with Nancy’s best friend Bess Marvin to find this mystical artifact before it falls into the wrong hands!
[thoughts]
The Phantom of Venice
- July 11, 2008
Infiltrate a Carnevale of Criminals in Italy! Somewhere beyond the bright piazzas and open markets of the Venice Carnevale lurks a masked thief. Despite months of investigations, the Italian police remain helpless as stolen treasures vanish in the night. That’s why the authorities asked you, as detective Nancy Drew, to join the case to infiltrate a dangerous crime syndicate and catch this phantom thief before he or she destroys the heart of Venice!
[thoughts]
Haunting of Castle Malloy (HAU)
- October 16, 2008
Unveil a Ghostly Legend and Find a Vanished Groom! Touted as the most romantic event to grace the ruined halls of Ireland’s Castle Malloy, the Simmons-Mallory wedding was supposed to be a fairytale beginning, but now the groom is missing! Did a banshee crash the wedding or is this a case of cold feet? Can you, as Nancy Drew, unravel the knot of scattered clues and scary superstitions? You’ll need to catch more than a bridal bouquet to make this a happily ever after!
[thoughts]
[title]
- July 14, 2009
Dive into Danger to Rescue Bess from Kidnappers! Your friend Bess Marvin is kidnapped and the only chance you have to save her is by solving a 300-year-old Bahamian mystery! Dangerous waters keep treasure hunters from exploring the reefs around Dread Isle, but this remote island might hide the riches of El Toro’s lost fleet! Can you, as Nancy Drew, track down the treasure before time runs out?
Executed for blackface crimes
Warnings at Waverly Academy (WAC)
- October 13, 2009
Enroll in a School Plagued by Suspicions and Lies! You, as Nancy Drew, are undercover at a prestigious girls’ boarding school to discover the culprit behind threatening notes and dangerous accidents aimed at its valedictorian candidates! Is there a secret someone wants to protect or are the girls playing games to scare away the competition – permanently? Solve the mystery before the threats turn deadly and you’re expelled!
[thoughts]
Trail of the Twister
- June 29, 2010
Apprehend a Saboteur Stirring up Turbulent Trouble! $100,000,000 is at stake in this competition to discover a formula to predict tornado touchdowns. But when equipment starts failing and crew members are injured, you as Nancy Drew, must join the team to keep them in the competition. Is it just bad luck that’s plaguing the storm chasers or is someone sabotaging their chances of winning in the action adventure.
[thoughts]
Shadow at the Water's Edge
- October 19, 2010
Traditional Japanese family ryokans (inns) are charming places, but a vengeful ghost is terrifying you and other unsuspecting guests. Is there a shadowy specter haunting the placid inn or is something far more sinister driving away business?
[thoughts]
The Captive Curse (CAP)
- June 28, 2011
Nancy’s off to Germany to investigate mysterious sightings of a creature that’s been terrorizing the community of a remote Bavarian castle. Local legend tells of a creature that marauded the area centuries ago, wreaking havoc and ultimately causing the death of a young woman before disappearing without a trace. Can you, as Nancy Drew, unmask the creature before you suffer the same terrible fate?
[thoughts]
Alibi in Ashes (ASH)
- October 18, 2011
A local contest turns into an arson scene and now deceit smolders among the charred ruins of the River Heights Town Hall. Police have several suspects, but well-placed incriminating evidence and poisonous local gossip compelled authorities to make only one arrest: Nancy Drew. Can you, as the teenage detective and her closest friends, catch the real arsonist and extinguish the accusations among the embers?
[thoughts]
Tomb of the Lost Queen (TMB)
- May 8, 2012
Egyptologists and archaeologists are abuzz about recent discoveries by a university dig team, but suspicious accidents left the group isolated and leaderless. Is a curse burying their progress or is someone sabotaging their success? Find out as you assume the role of Nancy Drew and uncover the lost secrets buried within the Tomb of the Lost Queen!
[thoughts]
The Deadly Device (DED)
- October 23, 2012
Danger and Suspicion in a High-Tech Lab! Fear lingers in a remote laboratory after a physicist’s suspicious demise. A police investigation resulted in nothing except a case as cold as the secretive personalities and steel walls that enshroud a top-secret Tesla-inspired facility. That’s why the lab owner asked you, as detective Nancy Drew, to expose the terrifying truth about The Deadly Device!
[thoughts]
Ghost of Thornton Hall (GTH)
- May 14, 2013
Jessalyn Thornton’s fateful sleepover at the abandoned Thornton estate was supposed to be a pre-wedding celebration, but the fun ended when she disappeared. While her family searches for clues, others refuse to speak about the estate’s dark past. Did something supernatural happen to Jessalyn, or is someone in Thornton Hall holding something besides family secrets?
[thoughts]
The Silent Spy (SPY)
- October 22, 2013
[des]
Nearly a decade ago Agent Kate Drew left home to neutralize a biochemical weapon in Scotland. While her assignment was a success, Kate died in a car accident; or so we were told. Now the echoes of a similar plot reverberate and it’s up to you, as detective Nancy Drew, to thwart the sleeper cell and expose the truth about your mother’s tragic demise.
The Shattered Medallion
- May 20, 2014
No One is Immune to Sudden Death on this Reality TV Show! Ever since the Secret of the Scarlet Hand, the eccentric Sonny Joon always seemed a step ahead of Nancy Drew. That changes when Nancy and George travel to New Zealand and compete in the hit reality TV contest, Pacific Run. Sonny runs the show, but it’s spiraling out of control. Are the mishaps the result of cheating competitors or something beyond this world? Win big to uncover the truth!
thots
Labyrinth of Lies (LIE)
- October 14, 2014
A museum curator hires you to assist with the most anticipated event of the year, but artifacts from the exhibit are mysteriously disappearing. Are these mishaps connected to the amphitheater’s upcoming performance? Or is an unseen villain pulling strings behind the scenes? Uncover the truth and recover the missing artifacts from the Labyrinth of Lies!
[thoughts]
Sea of Darkness (SEA)
- May 19, 2015
The celebrated ship “Heerlijkheid,” is usually the centerpiece of an Icelandic town’s local festival. Now that its captain has disappeared, the renovated vessel has become an eerie distraction. Did Captain Magnus sail away with a legendary treasure, or was he carried off into the night? Take the helm as detective Nancy Drew and set a course for the Sea of Darkness!
[thoughts]
Midnight in Salem (MID)
- December 3, 2019
Nancy Drew unexpectedly finds herself in Salem, Massachusetts investigating an arson on the Hathorne estate. The Hathorne House was originally constructed by Judge John Hathorne, inquisitor of the infamous Salem witch trials and the final home to 102-year-old Frances Tuttle, his last direct descendant. When Tuttle passed away, the estate became city property and while the mayor was seeking a manager to oversee the estate the home burst into flames. The ongoing investigation has turned up little evidence but concerned citizens have accused Mei Parry of arson and are pressuring the police to arrest the secretive teenager. As Nancy races to uncover the truth behind the arson, she discovers connections to the house’s past with the Salem trials and finds herself drawn into a struggle with supernatural events that she simply can’t explain. Nancy’s convictions are put to the test. Are the ghosts real? Has Salem’s dark history come to life, or is there someone else to blame? Time is short, and Nancy must find the answers before the clock strikes midnight.
[thoughts]