Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill

Nancy Drew stories have been favorites of girls since the turn of the century. It is only logical that these time tested stories find their way to the turn of the next century in this new format. Her Interactive is dedicated to creating software specifically for girls in the early teen years. Where boys find plenty of games, girls are often left with nothing which appeals to them. With the demise of Purple Moon, I was thrilled to see another company giving it a try.

Our heroine finds herself in the midst of yet another mystery, while visiting her aunt in California. A student has been murdered at the local high school. Nancy's reputation proceeds her, and she has been asked to help out on the case.

There is nothing gruesome here, but it does involve a murder mystery. There is also one scene where if you don't act just right your career as a teen detective is 'blown sky high' so to speak. Nothing gory is shown, and you get a second chance to 'come back to life' just minutes before your fatal mistake.

As Nancy travels around town, she will be collecting clues, talking to suspects, and discovering that there is much more to this mystery than meets the eye. The victim had many secrets, and so apparently does this quiet little high school community!

The game plays much like any other role-play game. As you find items, you will keep them in Nancy's inventory for future possible uses. You never know what will come in handy later.

Along the way, Nancy will find hidden messages, clues in odd places, and interactive puzzles. This is not merely a 'walk around and talk to people' adventure. The discussions are an important aspect, but your daughters will be learning to take notes, remember important clues, use their deductive reasoning skills and more.

Although my ten-year-old found the program a bit tough, most pre-teens who have played role-play games in the past will feel right at home. For those girls, like my daughter, who find this genre new, they may need a bit of instructional help from a parent or older sibling. Once they are on their way, there is nothing that would be too difficult for a pre-teen girl. Because Nancy is portrayed as a much older girl (as in the books,) this program will also appeal to older teens who are sick of 'shoot-em-up' adventures. This will keep them occupied for many days.

Grading for Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill Educational Value: 3 1/2 Entertainment Value: 4 1/2 Replay Value: 4 Ages: 10

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