Hello, everyone! It’s Mediaman with another entry in my Nancy Drew Retrospective. I know I said in my “Sea of Darkness” review that I was finished, but since I’m between projects at the moment, I figured I might as well go back and rank the titles in this series that I think are the best.
For this list, I’ll be selecting titles from any of the 32 titles in the main series. But first, let’s look at some honorable mentions. Secrets Can Kill Remastered: While it’s not the best game in the series, it’s definitely a vast improvement over the original.
Nancy Drew is a popular, female sleuth that was created in 1930. Now, she's popular for her book series, television series, movie, and video game series. Secret of the Old Clock: What list of the best Nancy Drew games would be complete without the mystery that started the career of one of literature’s most famous detectives? In this version of the book, we see that mystery-solving is just something that fell into her lap and continued to do when she was finished with this one.
Maybe someday, Her Interactive will follow suit with Stay Tuned for Danger. Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses!: If I were including titles from the Dossier games, I’d pick this one because the setting is a little more interesting and the epilogue includes everybody. Let’s call it #11. Shadow at the Water’s Edge: Not a bad game, but it was kind of long. Besides, one of these games does the horror thing a little better, in my opinion. Labyrinth of Lies: Great villain, great crime, but unfortunately, not much else. Ransom of the Seven Ships: Personally, I liked this one, but it’s definitely love-it-or-hate-it, and that sort of thing has no place on a “Best of” list.
Now that that’s taken care of, on with the countdown! #10.) The Deadly Device: As enjoyable as these games can be, calling them mysteries is usually a little generous. This title, however, has a mystery that’s intriguing, flowing, and unpredictable. In addition to a pleasant setting and enjoyable characters, you also get some food for thought when it comes to being a modern-day scientist. Plus, Her Interactive shows their trademark research skills when it comes to the details of electrical engineering. It’s not every day that the Nancy Drew games feel like real mysteries.
But this time around, the developers did all they could to make one. #9.) Danger By Design: Next on our list is a game that was a real visual treat.
Although Nancy ends up working for a talented yet eccentric fashion designer, she still gets to explore the city most girls dream about: Paris, France. Plus, you learn a lot about its history via the mystery’s second objective. Although the puzzles can be difficult at times, it’s good-looking enough to play through to the end. And even though some characters are left out of the epilogue, I guess at the end of the day, it wasn’t that important. Besides, this is the only mystery to feature a BOSS BATTLE! (A puzzle boss, technically, but still) All in all, it’s a game that shouldn’t be missed.
#8.) Sea of Darkness: Lani Minella’s run as Nancy Drew comes to an emotionally satisfying conclusion in this adventure. With the majestic frozen north as the backdrop, Nancy must reunite a loving couple by uncovering a ship’s history while working out problems in her own relationship.
This mystery is actually pretty emotional when you stop and think about it. And love seems to be the one that stands above all others. This isn’t the first time Nancy and Ned’s relationship was examined, but it was definitely the best. Hearing Nancy say “I love you” to Ned and the speech that follows gets me every time.
Although the puzzles here are among the toughest in the series, there are just some moments that make it a worthy entry. #7.) Warnings At Waverly Academy: Some people may argue that Nancy Drew is a “girls only” character. And to that I say “HA”! Just because a character seems to be geared towards a specific demographic doesn’t mean they can’t be enjoyed by everyone. And Nancy is one of the best examples of a character who isn’t tied down to gender stereotypes. And this trend seems to be followed in this game as well. Given a setting like an all-girl school, the temptation to let the suspects fall into little categories was very strong.
But thankfully, Her Interactive never lets their characters be complete slaves to their supposed “roles”. With an pleasant setting, enjoyable characters, terrific music, and moderate puzzles, Warnings At Waverly Academy is one mystery worthy for all players. #6.) Secret of the Old Clock: What list of the best Nancy Drew games would be complete without the mystery that started the career of one of literature’s most famous detectives? In this version of the book, we see that mystery-solving is just something that fell into her lap and continued to do when she was finished with this one. It also doesn’t hurt that everything in this game-the characters, the puzzles, the music-are all made to fit the setting. While it might be Nancy’s curiosity that motivates her to investigate a mystery, her determination and resourcefulness is what keeps her going until she’s solved it.
And all this translates into a fun game that any fan can enjoy. #5.) The Phantom of Venice: Even if this wasn’t my personal favorite, it would still be a fun game to play. Between the phantom thief sneaking around the city and the band of criminals he’s helping, there’s mystery and intrigue around every corner. And even though technically Nancy isn’t a spy, she certainly does a lot of things that one would do.
Planting trackers, watching suspects, even going undercover as a supposed thief to gain a criminal’s trust; all of this makes this mystery a work of art. Fitting for one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
And that makes it more than worthy of the #5 spot. #4.) Alibi in Ashes: Over the course of the series, Nancy has been just about everywhere in the world. So, a game that takes place in her often overlooked hometown of River Heights is certainly noteworthy. Nancy has become so renowned that River Heights has a mystery-themed contest every year in her honor.
But when things go horribly wrong, the whole town turns their back on Nancy, and it’s up to Nancy, Bess and George, and for the first time Nancy’s boyfriend, Ned, to work together to clear her name. River Heights has everything you could ever want in a hometown and more.
And since each suspect has a “history” with Nancy, the culprit is a little bit harder to spot, and the mystery is a little more interesting. So, I’m placing it here at #4. #3.) Ghost of Thornton Hall: I chose this one over Shadow at the Water’s Edge not just because it’s scarier, but also because the story is a little bit better. From the moment you arrive on Blackrock Isle, it becomes fairly obvious that something terrible has happened. And indeed, something has, and the Thornton family has been suffering ever since. From the dilapidated buildings to the withered plants and trees, every corner of this place oozes dread, and it’s up to you find the supposed ghost’s latest victim.
What I really like about this mystery is the way it switches objectives toward the end. I won’t dare spoil, but I will say that by then, you’ll do anything to see it through. The sheer effort put in to make this tale compelling is what makes it worthy of this list. #2.) The Silent Spy: You know you’re good at what you do when the very next entry in your series is better than the previous one. In what may very well be Nancy’s most emotionally-driven case, we finally find out what happened to her mother. While I personally enjoyed Phantom for its glamorous look at spy life, I have to give credit to this game for showing one of the harshest truths about spy craft: nobody is truly safe. As Nancy delves deeper and deeper into her mom’s final case, we get well-timed flashbacks that show Kate Drew’s struggles to keep her old life a secret and to keep her family safe and happy.
With a pleasant setting, nuanced characters, and a well-paced plot, The Silent Spy is one game worthy of any fan’s collection. So, at this point, you must be wondering “what Nancy Drew game could possibly top this one”? Well, let me start off by saying that I’d like to officially retract something I said way back in my review of Danger on Deception Island.
This is the game you should play to see if the Nancy Drew games are for you. And without further ado, the #1 best Nancy Drew game is #1.) Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon: This isn’t the most fun game.
It doesn’t have the best villain. In fact, it’s not even the best written.
But if looking for a good introduction to Nancy Drew as a whole, then you just hit the jackpot. It has a classic mystery setup with a few clever twists, the puzzles are challenging without being too hard, and it’s pretty much the only title with a three-act structure. Although it has some weaker moments, like with the writing and the culprit, its simpler gameplay and fun setting will make you want to keep going until the end. With an interesting setting, diverse characters, and a brilliantly-paced plot, this title is hands down the best Nancy Drew game ever. Well, that’s my list! Did I get your favorite? How do you think I did with the choosing for this list?
Feel free to let me know in the comments. Next time, we’ll be looking at the flip-side of this list: The Top 10 Worst (By Default) Nancy Drew Games.
The Slumber Party Secret (1994) The Lost Locket (1994) The Secret Santa (1994) Bad Day for Ballet (1995) The Soccer Shoe Clue (1995) The Ice Cream Scoop (1995) Trouble at Camp Treehouse (1995) The Best Detective (1995) The Thanksgiving Surprise (1995) Not Nice on Ice (1996) The Pen Pal Puzzle (1996) The Puppy Problem (1996) The Wedding Gift Goof (1996) Funny Face Fight (1996) The Crazy Key Clue (1996) The Ski Slope Mystery (1997) Whose Pet is Best? (1997) The Stolen Unicorn (1997) The Lemonade Raid (1997) Hannah's Secret (1997) Princess on Parade (1997) The Clue in the Glue (1998) Alien in the Classroom (1998) The Hidden Treasures (1998) Dare at the Fair (1998) The Lucky Horseshoes (1998) Trouble Takes the Cake (1998) Thrill on the Hill (1998) Lights! (1999) It's No Joke! New Lives, New Loves (1995) On Her Own (1995) Don't Look Back (1995) Tell Me the Truth (1995) Secret Rules (1996) It's Your Move (1996) False Friends (1996) Getting Closer (1996) Broken Promises (1996) Party Weekend (1996) In the Name of Love (1996) Just the Two of Us (1996) Campus Exposures (1996) Hard to Get (1996) Loving and Losing (1996) Going Home (1996) New Beginnings (1997) Keeping Secrets (1997) Love On-Line (1997) Jealous Feelings (1997) Love and Betrayal (1997) In and Out of Love (1997) Otherwise Engaged (1997) In the Spotlight (1997) Snowbound (1998).
Without a Trace (2004) A Race Against Time (2004) False Notes (2004) High Risk (2004) Lights, Camera. (2004) Action! (2004) The Stolen Relic (2004) The Scarlet Macaw Scandal (2004) Secret of the Spa (2005) Uncivil Acts (2005) Riverboat Ruse (2005) Stop the Clock (2005) Trade Wind Danger (2005) Bad Times, Big Crimes (2005) Framed (2005) Dangerous Plays (2006) En Garde (2006) Pit of Vipers (2006) The Orchid Thief (2006) Getting Burned (2006) Close Encounters (2006) Dressed to Steal (2007) Troubled Waters (2007) Murder on the Set (2007) Trails of Treachery (2007) Fishing for Clues (2007) Intruder (2007) Mardi Gras Masquerade (2008) The Stolen Bones (2008).
Sleepover Sleuths (2006) Scream for Ice Cream (2006) Pony Problems (2006) The Cinderella Ballet Mystery (2006) The Case of the Sneaky Snowman (2006) The Fashion Disaster (2007) The Circus Scare (2007) Lights, Camera. (2007) The Halloween Hoax (2007) Ticked Trouble (2007) Ski School Sneak (2007) Valentine's Day Secret (2007) Chick-Napped! The Demon of River Heights (2005) Writ in Stone (2005) The Haunted Dollhouse (2005) The Girl Who Wasn't There (2006) The Fake Heir (2006) Mr. Cheeters is Missing (2006) The Charmed Bracelet (2006) Global Warning (2007) Ghost in the Machinery (2007) The Disoriented Express (2007) Monkey-Wrench Blues (2007) Dress Reversal (2008) Doggone Town (2008) Sleight of Dan (2008) Tiger Counter (2008) What Goes Up. (2008) Night of the Living Chatchke (2009) City Under the Basement (2009) Cliff Hanger (2009) High School Musical Mystery (2010) The Lost Verse: High School Musical Mystery II (2010). Written under the pen-name of Carolyn Keene, the Nancy Drew series has become an industry unto itself that’s enjoyed immense popularity throughout the course of the twentieth century. Having been produced by a number of writers, all lending their own take on the story, Carolyn Keene has survived as the pseudonym used for them all.
Deriving from a company responsible for other titles such as the ‘Dana Girls’ mysteries, the Stratmeyer Syndicate also created the ‘Hardy Boys’ mysteries too, ensuring their status as an institution within modern literature. Set around the investigations of one Nancy Drew, it tells of her cases as an eighteen year old detective in the making who uses her wits to help her get. Strong-willed, she has become an independently minded female who’s been seen as a positive role model over the years. With the books being vast and numerous, this American girl who resides in the fictional town of River Heights.
Having inspired a large amount of work to come out of this franchise, this series has left behind an all important legacy. With a film that came out in 2007, along with other adaptations for the cinema and television beforehand as well, it’s managed to inspire readers of all ages. Video-games have also been produced based on the series, another factor that will ensure this franchise is cherished for generations to come. The Hidden Staircase Initially published in 1930, this was to be the follow up to the first in the ever popular long-running series of Nancy Drew novels, as it carried on from where the last left off. Continuing with the same characters before, it sets up a new adventure for the eponymous teenage-girl detective, as she looks to using her investigative skills to assist her. Providing the tone that the series was going to become famous for overall, it manages to establish the atmosphere and general style for what’s to come. Using her expert powers of deduction, Nancy Drew is an inquisitive girl that’s always able to get to the bottom of a case, whatever that might be and regardless of where it may lead her.
With insight and intelligence, she has become regarded as an almost mythical heroes for young girls to look up to, and this book is no exception to that. Although aspects of this early entry into the series may be somewhat dated by today’s standards, it still holds up as a classic example of show what Nancy Drew does best. There are then the other characters that orbit her and her various mysteries, all working together to help accommodate her and help her in her quests. People such as her classmates and her boyfriend all wait in her shadow as works to uncover all the different mysteries and right the many wrongs that come her way. With suspense and intrigue waiting round every corner as well, nothing hides from her ever watchful gaze, as she goes about leaving no stone unturned. Setting the tone with page-turning suspense, this book works well to set the style of what’s to come, as it launched the franchise for many years to come. Providing readers with a darkened mystery, along with small elements of horror along the way, it manages to convey a somewhat creepy style, whilst not being to frightening for younger readers.
This is what the Nancy Drew series has become famous for throughout its long-run taking place throughout much of the twentieth century, leading to it being the institution it has become today. Looking to investigate an old stone mansion, Nancy Drew is called by her friend Helen Corning to examine the on-goings within the so-called haunted mansion of Twin-Elms. Then she also finds that her father is supposedly under threat, which she goes to warn him once he returns home, as he then tells her of another missing person. This all then leads Nancy back to the mansion as she looks to discover what’s really going on there and who is causing all these disappearances and threats. Will she be able to find out what’s really going on, or will she be too late leaving the secret buried forever with no way of discovering the truth?
What will become of Nancy Drew as she faces her greatest challenge putting her skills to the test whilst discovering the hidden staircase? The Bungalow Mystery Third in the series, this was originally published in 1930 as the follow up to the last Nancy Drew mystery, carrying directly on with more from the teenage sleuth. Now a lot more confident in both style and tone, the authors behind this series had a far better handling of the direction it was headed in and where it was going. With a much better grasp of Nancy Drew as a character as well, she appears far more fully rounded here, as well as being a lot more three dimensional than before. Once again attempting to help a friend of hers she’s drawn this time to a deserted bungalow, as she looks to assist them whilst getting them out of the difficulty they’re in. Using both her wits and her bravery to get by, she utilizes her skills as best she can to help her find the truth behind what’s really going on at the bungalow. Will she be able to learn the truth, or will it be too late?
What is the reality behind the bungalow mystery? The Nancy Drew Series Heralded by many feminists as a strong female role-model, Nancy Drew has had an extremely positive influence on her young readers over the years. Producing films in the late 1930s and recently as well in 2007, its eponymous character has an enduring appeal, which is also reflected in its video-game titles as well.
All this goes to show how far the character has come and, whilst she may have undergone a lot of transformations to keep her in fashion with the times, she’s ostensibly remained the same heart. Seen as somewhat an almost mythic hero, she uses her intelligence to help her, and this is something that will surely continue for many years yet. » » Nancy Drew.