It's All Nancy's Fault

I stayed up way too late the other night. I was caught up playing the newest (and by far, the creepiest) Nancy Drew computer game Shadow at the Water’s Edge. I admit I am completely addicted to these games! There are currently 23 titles in the series and I own them all. This particular adventure takes place in a haunted Japanese inn. Is the place really haunted or is someone trying to close the place down for their own evil purposes? I’d keep telling myself stuff like: I’ll go to bed as soon as Nancy gets someone to translate that mysterious Japanese news article that nobody wants to talk about. You know, the one Nancy found hiding behind the backing of the haunted painting that fell off the wall and nearly scared Nancy (and me) to death. But by the time I’d have that one figured out some new mystery would have surfaced. How can I possibly go to sleep before I know what the ghostly voice on the EVP recorder said? But Nancy can’t get to the recorder’s docking station to finally play the recording because someone is standing right next to it who might overhear. It goes on and on—which is exactly why it is so much fun. And why I didn’t get to sleep until after midnight.

I love when that happens.

The best part of these games is the different ways they can end—really abruptly. Like if you pull the emergency break while a train is in motion and get Nancy knocked out cold. Or if you accidentally burn your hotel to the ground by forgetting to unplug the iron before you leave. Or my personal favorite—getting caught breaking into somebody’s office or apartment while looking for clues. In Phantom of Venice Nancy actually has to hide in a cabinet to avoid getting caught and if you don't get her in there quick enough--it is game over.

So for those of you who need a little more mystery in your lives, you really should try one of these games—just not right before bedtime. All Nancy Drew games are not created equal though, so here is a list of some of my favorite adventures.

Shadow at the Water’s Edge (Don’t look in the bathroom mirror—trust me on this one)

Curse of Blackmoor Manor (Also very scary)

Phantom of Venice (Nancy’s not-so-secret admirer had me laughing)

Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon (The Hardy Boys are in this adventure)

Legend of the Crystal Skull (Don’t tap on the creepy jar in the curiosity shop too much.)

Danger on Deception Island (Always check the expiration date on your mayonnaise.)

Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy’s first adventure)

Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake (Ghost dogs with glowing eyes—what’s not to love?)

Message in a Haunted Mansion (Did I mention that I like the scary ones?)

The Final Scene

Secret of Shadow Ranch (virtual horseback riding!)

You’ve got to try at least one!