Nancy Drew®: Curse of Blackmoor Manor Reviews

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Nancy Drew: The Curse of Blackmoor Manor really stands out above the rest. Easily in my top 5 favorite HER Nancy Drew games, Blackmoor Manor is one of the spookiest mysteries in the series. An old family lineage, the threat of the Beast of Blackmoor, the looming worry that curses lie around every corner; this game really sets an intriguing scene. Nancy Drew is in England for this mystery, staying in a centuries old mansion. The mansion alone is wonderful. Deep colors, lots of decor, intricate patterns, and whimsy detailing each room. The dark secret passages are fun and honestly a bit terrifying. They feel larger than the manor itself, winding deep under ground. The characters are well thought out, and the long family history of the manor really makes things feel alive with ancient energy. Even the long-dead ancestors of this family feel tangible and real as Nancy unravels the secrets of the manor. Anyone is a suspect in this installment, and the ending just might shock you! This game is one of the most difficult games in the series, even on junior level. The lack of a detailed task list and hints can really stump players, particularly younger ones. There are puzzles galore in this installment, each crafted carefully and if you miss reading a book or article, it could prove to be difficult. I think if this game came out a bit later, the newer cell phone and updated journal feature of the later games would really help this one along. Cons: I absolutely abhor the parrot that is supposed to give you hints in this game. You have to make it snack cakes constantly or it won't talk to you. Sadly, there are clues and puzzles that rely on this birds expertise. It's a clever addition to the story, but the voice drives me batty! Likewise, I really hated having to constantly play games with Jane to get glow sticks to explore the tunnels. The "Jane destroyed all the flashlights so you have to use glow sticks" excuse is weak. It is mundane and monotonous. Especially since it is the same game you are required to play over and over again despite Jane having a trunk of assorted games. In conclusion, this game really feels like a labor of love in a way some of the other titles just don't stand up against. I will come back to play this one again. Make sure to bring your own pen and paper to take lots of detailed notes to help you solve this case!

Easily one of the best entries in the Nancy Drew series. The setting is dark and garish and beautiful, and I loved the historical plot. It's one of the darkest games by far, with scary dark hallways, jumpscares and.. hints of animal cruelty and psychological torture?? I love this game.