Wouldn't it be fun if HER Interactive got their sh*t together and do a remaster of Midnight in Salem so this (hopfully) one game can actually fit in with the rest of the series
I have such a love for the classic era because they seem to be the most fun to replay for me. They give me so much nostalgia and I don’t have to sit through a million really really difficult puzzles.
The classic games will always be my favorite. I think the thing that makes them my favorite is the plot, similar to you, but also the fact that the puzzles are doable. I think in some of the later games it becomes too convoluted why you need to do certain puzzles or where the information to solve them is. The early games give you the tools to naturally solve puzzles as you are ready for them. I also feel the classical games did a better job immersing you in the world. For example, exploring the ranch house in Shadow Ranch at the beginning exposes you to information about horses, a picture of Frances Humber, etc. which makes you feel like you are naturally stumbling on the mystery, versus being forced down a particular path in some of the later games. It was hard to feel invested in the plots of some of the later games because I felt I was being told "here is the mystery" versus exploring areas and asking questions because I was curious about them.
Totally agree!! Exploration > Exposition in my opinion as well! Which is something the modern games tend to fall into quite a bit. Thanks for the lovely comment!
No kidding, I blame the internet. For the first several games, you couldn't count on your average household to have an internet connection -- especially not one a kid would just have access to whenever they wanted. So those games certainly required a pen and paper, but they didn't expect you to go look anything up. Toward the end of the Classic games, they drew puzzles out longer, but you could still do them _fairly_ easily without outside help. It seems like they felt like they had more room to frustrate the player, because if it got too annoying, we now had the ability to look it up. I don't really play the later games, but from what I have played and watched playthroughs of, it seems like the puzzles are now designed with the expectation that you're going to use a walkthrough, which I think is a shame.
I have recently discovered your channel and have been completely obsessed since! I have been watching your videos every day while working. No one in my personal life understands my love for ND so we are like buddies from afar lol. Your description of HER’s downfall and likeliness to never return made me even more heartbroken 😩 I think the classical era is my favorite. Although I love the features and animation in newer games I think the stories were more complete and fulfilling back then.
@@WizardKittenYT I never would have believed it possible that one single person would not only destroy the series but also treat the loyal fanbase like so much $hit under her shoe.
This is so interesting! I always felt like the dream catcher games (the first five) were their own era. A lot darker, and dealing straight up with murder and death threats and kidnapping. After SSH And onward, the series felt more kid friendly. And the puzzles and gameplay got better too, IMO. ^_^ This channel gives me LIFE
I feel very validated in a way by this video. I haven't played most of the ND games from the modern era because I couldn't seem to follow the plot or understand the character interactions! I thought it was just me for a very long time. I've been playing the games since I was 8 in 2005 so they hold lots of nostalgia for me. I have such a strong emotional connection to the early games and I was wondering if I couldn't connect the newer games because they weren't nostalgic for me but I see now that this isn't the case. I really appreciate this analysis! I now don't feel bad for not connection emotionally to any new game. Also I feel like with the modern era, I had lots more trouble figure out what my next steps were in the mystery. I feel like I had to look up the solutions a lot and that's no fun! Anyways, great video as usual. Also I find it so interesting how the renaissance era would have a hit immediately followed by a miss. We had ransom of the 7 ships then warnings at waverly academy, and then trail of the twister. Kind of weird! But it makes sense based on what you said about them trying to experiment.
I'm so glad the video connected with you!! I also totally agree that it was easier to get lost in the modern games...the number of times that I couldn't progress because I couldn't find a random object...too many XD Thanks for the lovely comment!
I feel similarly! Vindication!! lol I also wondered if it was me and the games just didn't hold enough nostalgia. But like you said, the style just wasn't what we came to expect/love about the Nancy Drew series as the company's values changed!
My first game was Crystal Skull, so the Renaissance era has all the nostalgia. I also love complicated puzzles and thus really enjoy the modern games. I appreciate the classical era for setting the stage for future games, but find the settings boring and puzzles too easy. (Curse of Blackmoor Manor and Scarlet Hand are the two exceptions - both top 10 games for me!)
your distain and sass for MID really come through on this video. lol. Love it. Also, there are hints and clues that HeR is making game 34. Also my favorite era is classic, but one of my top fives is in the renascence era and one is in the modern. I love all the games, even MID (but that comes from appreciating that HeR took a HUGE risk and didn't let their financial complications stop them from making a new game. Was it a bad game? yes. But sad chapters are what makes the novel even better.
I can understand that perspective, for sure! And yeah, there are technically hints per say, but I personally prefer more concrete information before getting my hopes up :) that's just me though! Very cool to hear where your favorite games end up!
i would love for nancy to have a campground mystery with cabins, tents, fireplaces, camp staff, kayaking or hiking. maybe there is a missing person, or hidden treasure. i love the classical era very much deep down and i feel like a more rustic setting like ghost dogs of moon lake or danger on deception island would be awesome
For me 4/5 my favourite games come from Renaissance era. That's why I can't say it's not the best for me. This is the era that has the most "misses" for me too. But the proportion of games I love to games I hate in this era is the most positive. For the second place I would say Classical era. Because I started my journey in it. I think my first ever was either DOGS or CLOCK. I even have them on CD. And the third one would be Modern era. It really sells me on voice acting and gray morale of characters. But mysteries themselves? Kinda suck. P.S. In this house we don't talk about MID.
I LOVE how you classified/defined each of these eras. It makes so much sense, and I love your investigation into the background of staff and what their intent may have been during each era. I can picture the staff meetings hitting many similar points that you bring up. Like going from Classic to Renaissance "We have a lot of award-winning games under our belt and a great fan base. How do we take Nancy Drew to the next level?" (And the conclusion being to take her around the world and have longer mysteries) My favorite era is the Classic! And if they ever did make new games I'd love for them to have the art/animation of the modern era, as well as the delving into heavier topics/more well-rounded characters. But, I'd really love for the mystery to have a satisfying conclusions like the Classic era, as opposed to all of these open-ended ones. And I'd really want for the writers to knock off the post-modern approach where everyone speaks in non-sequiturs and is so "LOL R@NDOM!" And I know I chewed your ear off on Patreon about changes to Nancy herself and how I wished she made a return to the sharp, confident, well-traveled sassy detective from the Classic era and less of the dense, insensitive and often tactless version we see in the Renaissance & Modern era. So yeah, all in all, the updates in art & depth from the Modern era, paired with the focus seen in the Classic era (in story, conclusion & puzzles lending to the plot) would be my ideal fusion!!
I totally see what you're saying!! That would be such an ideal game, especially since each era does have its high points, so taking the best parts of each era would be so satisfying! And I loved hearing your thoughts about Nancy's personality changes and totally agree that Classical Era Nancy is stellar!
It makes me feel like I'm a part of a secret society when I use the 3-letter abbreviations for the games hehe I was whomped in the face when I saw the temple of SSH again The classical era is absolutely my heart I agree that the Renaissance era was the "growing pains" period
You have really lovely voice. Regarding the games, I love most of them because they are very atmospheric, especially the old ones. I hope the series continues, but who knows. Thank you for all the videos. 😁
Quality content per usual! I'm definitely a fan of the Classical Era. The plots, the music, and the locations will always hold a very nostalgic and special place in my heart.
@@WizardKittenYT I know that most People don't like The Creature of Kapu Cave but I do Yes I guess that Most People probably found it kind of boring but I like The Relaxing Music in it
Classic era for me ! I love a good storyline and exploring more than anything. I also love puzzles I can figure out without looking up the answers . Wish they continued with this era .
Thank you for making this video! I loved hearing your analysis! I think about Nancy Drew "eras" whenever I play the games. For me personally, I place games 11-13 in the Renaissance era. The character animations seem more fluid than previous games. Also, I sorta incorporate advertising strategies into the eras. I remember game 12 coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Nancy Drew, which seems like a very Renaissance-y advertising move to me. Lastly, if I could propose a sub-era of Classical, I consider games 1-3 to be the "Rookie" era. HER is clearly hashing out character animations, dialog strategies, and puzzles in those 3 games. There is a stark difference in polish between #3 MHM and #4 TRT. I think HER really hit their Classical stride with TRT and FIN! Anyway, thanks for reading this novel :)
Loved reading your thoughts on the eras! I can totally see your point for the transition games in between eras, they definitely have overlap in characteristics for sure!
Really love the modern age games, still certain ones i thoroughly dislike in that era but it definitely has some of my all time favorite games, the Renaissance/ classic Era will always have a special place in my heart and still have some of my fave games as well (the Ren Era is what hooked me into the games how could I not love a majority of them?) And I agree with your analysis on it all, this was really well done even with such a heartbreaking ending....
I have 2 first games. The first game I was introduced to was Haunted Mansion as I watched my older sister play. The first game I ever played was Shadow Ranch. So I'm good with anything from classics through Renaissance.
Wonderful analysis! I had always categorized the games in my mind but wasn't able to voice it but you did this perfectly. Although my favorite games are spread throughout the different eras, I would say that my favorite era is renaissance. Unlike a lot of fans, my first game wasn't in the classical era but was white wolf of icicle creek so I think I tend to gravitate toward those games for nostalgic reasons. I also like the diversity of these games taking place all over. Plus I'm always a sucker for the old "nancy goes on vacation and stumbles across a mystery" It took me a lot of time to warm up to the classical era because I didnt start with the clunky graphics and lack of a task list. Although there are a lot of games I really love in the modern era, like ghost of Thornton hall. I agree that many of them tried too hard to have a gritty plot and ended up making everything confusing and unnecessary. This is my main gripe with the Silent Spy. Although I like the idea of learning about Nancy's mother, i would have preferred that she wasn't a spy and perhaps her death was suspicious and new evidence turned up so Nancy went to scotland to investigate. And then we would have had more game play exploring scotland and Nancy's relationship with her mother, as well as solving a murder/death cold case instead of this long, exhausting plot about spies and terrorist groups and forgettable characters. Also I agree, post modern should be apocalyptic, much more appropriate for the disaster of MID
Loved reading your thoughts!! Definitely agree about SPY, I've always wished that's how the story was done as well. So cool that the Renaissance Era is your favorite, lots to love there!
Very well thought out, and I'd agree with your categories of the various eras. I haven't played every ND game (I've played 22, and watched playthroughs of others), but for me the classic era is undoubtably the best. I like the feel of them and they have a good balance of story, pacing, atmosphere, and puzzles that weren't too tedious and difficult. Even though the graphics weren't good compared to now, that's part of the charm. Naturally, there were ones I did not personally like (such Secret of the Old Clock and Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake), but the games from the Classic Era were the ones that most consistently came together well. I did start out with those, too, so I'm sure that also plays at part in it for me! After the Classic Era, games started becoming much more hit and miss. Danger by Design and White Wolf of Icicle Creek are particularly weak (as is Castle Malloy from what I've seen), with poor story elements and pacing issues. Shadow at the Water's Edge, however, is one of the best games in the series, in my opinion. The atmosphere and story are really well done. This is also the first game, I think, that went into much more emotionally deep material, which really added to it. My main critique of it is there are way too many difficult and tedious puzzles. The Captive's Curse is another good one - I felt it actually captured (no pun intended) the feel of a more classic game, while also continuing to explore deeper themes. Unfortunately, after this, the games really started going downhill. I played Tomb of the Lost Queen and the Deadly Device once and never wanted to play them again. I was also not a fan of Ghost of Thornton Hall. While I do enjoy some spookiness in ND games (like Message in a Haunted Mansion or Shadow at Water's Edge), this game leaned so far into it, I would actually consider it legitimate horror. That's not what I really look for in a ND game, personally. Silent Spy started out amazing, but got so bogged down with puzzles it pretty much ruined it. I didn't play any of the other games after that one. Anyway, this was a long comment. I would agree with you, that the Classic Era had a good formula and consequently generally more solid games. I think when people try to "innovate" they make the mistake of changing what isn't broken. If they stuck with strong stories and characters, good pacing, great atmosphere, and not too many crazy puzzles, they could play around with other things (like deeper stories and subjects) while keeping the games generally solid. Enjoyed the video!
From the breakdown you have of the 4 eras my favorite is the one you labeled Classical. However, when I think of eras of the games I tend to break them down a little more. I've been trying to think of what my eras would be and the only ones I know I would group together for sure are games #1-#5 as the Classics/Originals, games #6-13 as the next round, and game #33 is definitely the start of a new era. Other than that I'm not quite sure exactly how I would divide them up. I suppose it might be something like this: #1-5 - Classics/Originals #6-13 - The 2nd Era #14-#20ish -The 3rd Era #21ish-#26ish - The 4th Era #27ish-#32 - The Modern Era #33-? - The Post-Modern Era The Classics/Originals were the Dreamcatcher games and had a strong focus on a specific mystery and the characters, were darker/more mature, had very few puzzles, were relatively easy, and very heavily borrowed from the Nancy Drew book series. The 2nd era focused on mystery, characters/character development, had a lot more puzzles than the originals (but the puzzles were integrated into the mystery/plot), tended to be lighter/more kid-friendly than the earlier games, had a decent amount of chores/chore runs, and were more difficult than the first five games. They also borrowed heavily from the books. The 3rd era focused a lot on location and often integrated the location into the mystery, tended to be puzzle-heavy and chore-heavy, and tended to have subplots in addition to the main mystery. This is the era when they stopped following the books so closely and started making pretty much every game completely different than the book upon which it is supposedly based. I also noticed that most of the games in this era have pretty far-fetched endings. The 4th era also focused on location and tended to be puzzle-heavy or chore-heavy, but didn't have such crazy endings as in the previous era. Many have a focus on the characters' relationships with each other, emotions, and insightful dialogue. Little to no resemblance to the books. The Modern era is extremely puzzle-heavy (although not as chore-heavy as the previous few eras), with many puzzles feeling like they are there just for a puzzle to exist instead of being a part of the mystery or the story. There is a focus on quirky characters with humorous dialogue and on unpleasant characters with intimidating or snotty dialogue. Many have open-ended solutions to some aspect of the game that it leaves to the player to decide. Little to no resemblance to the books. I will reserve judgment for the Post-modern era until there are more games. In my list of eras, my favorite is the second one (games #6-#13) because I love all of the games in that group.
This was such an interesting video!! My first game was Danger on Deception Island, and I’m still so drawn to the games in the classical era. I hadn’t really given much thought as to why before watching this video, but it 100% makes sense. I love the story and the characters set up in the classical era and playing them again is like rereading a book that I love!
I think the Classic Era's mysteries are just so much more well delivered. Since I played the more modern games first, I don't have a nostalgia bias on this one. The puzzles in the first dozen or so games are just more realistic and contexualised, while also being original. The later games rip each other off and some puzzles feel totally out of place. I adore the whole franchise but the older games are by far superior in my opinion and always will be.
I’d never given it a lot of thought but I can see how the games really do fit into specific eras - they are marked by very different focuses. I wonder if HER hadn’t decided to go a different direction after the classical era if we would have continued to see more solid games instead of the inconsistency that came with the Renaissance era. I know SHA and CUR are fan favorites and TRN is thought of by many as the best game in the series. It seems like they were really polishing that format. I think a lot of fan favorites are from the Classical era but then we also got such incredible story telling in the modern era with SAW and GTH. All this to say - even through the changing styles there are gems that really shine. It makes me so sad that HER went in such another direction before MID and that, for all we know, new ND games to the caliber of any of the previous eras are a pipe dream. It does make me grateful we have 32 games we can play and replay (#33 does not exist lol). Also, this video got me hyped to play through all the games again! Thanks for making my Wednesday! 💜
Aw yay!! So glad you liked the video! You bring up so many interesting thoughts about how things could have been different, it's so interesting to think about! And I definitely agree that the Renaissance and Modern Eras still have some incredible gems in them...perhaps it's about finding the right balance! Thanks so much for the comment!
The thing is… I can’t pick one because I have the games I love and hate the most in each era. Like the Classic one has dogs and danger on deception island are one of my favorite game but then we have pretty weak and bumpy first 4 games. The Renaissance has weird stuff like Danger by Design or Capu Cave but also has Skull, Shadow and Waverly. The modern era has absolutely stunning Sea of Darkness and Thornton but also Medallion…
Can we applaud how great this video is? Caitlyn, this was so informative and fun, effortlessly great content! I have learned so much more about the games' & company's history more than I did since I've heard of it maybe 11 years ago. As for what my favorite era was, I couldn't choose either! Just like you my (technically) first game as a 10/11 yr old was The Final Scene via the Big Fish site's 30-min trial lol. I think it was also the game I first really finished when I finally got it few yrs later so basically I'm also used to the early graphics. Now I do often get bothered by its aged and clunky animation, but honestly? I found that there's something mystically charming with the Classic Era of ND games. There's just something about it... nostalgia, maybe? For the ND's Renaissance, I think its where we got to know more about the girl detective & more background info about her outside mysteries. It also introduced us to some bizarre, difficult & b*tchy (yet i found them entertaining) characters _cough_ some girls of WAC. I have to admit I haven't played all of the games in this era- i only ever played DAN, WAC (my fave) and then SAW. That's not to say i haven't seen walkthroughs or read/watch what ppl said of some of the unplayed games though. But tbh, most of them I haven't played just for the basic reason that I wasn't interested in it, oopsie. To end the renaissance era on a positive note, I think the interface did truly got better especially the near end of it. It even got better in the Modern Era. Excellent graphics, expressive character animation and the location visuals were just stunning. We even got a better knowledge of the lore of the games' main characters including Nancy's family & friends. We got to finally be in River Heights! Stories got deeper and some mysteries even darker. My only downside of that era was that some puzzles were too hard for me- I might be just too dumb for them lmao. If I had to give my honest opinion about the only game in the post-modern era or as Caitlyn calls it "The Apocalyptic Era" it would only further extend my already long comment. So in the shortest way possible, I thought it was awful, disappointing, and a shame. No other words. My only ever positive thought about it is that i really really love that they still continued how we know our Nancy & the relationship with her circle. I love that they continued canon Ned, Bess, George, Deirdre, Carson & the Hardy Boys. I'm thankful that it has the same voice as with the old Deirdre and Ned (right?). Basically nothing really change character and canon-wise. We didn't have to restart getting to know a new Nancy and her friends. I'm sorry this is long. This is what happens when I get a chance to pour my thoughts out of a niche no one i know (except my sister) knows about lmao. And everyone feels the same page in the comments too so here i am. 😳 Lastly, to Caitlyn, has anyone told you that you sound quite like Bess in the games? lol
I'm so glad you liked the video!! I loved reading all of your thoughts on the different eras and totally agree! And yes, I have been told that I sound like Bess, which is amazing 😁 I'll take it!
I question whether or not Blue Moon Canyon belongs in Group 1. If the distinguishing fact about those games is that they're shorter and have fewer puzzles, there's a reason for that. Except for Secrets Can Kill, the first dozen games all came on a single CD. There's less game because there's less room for one. Starting with Blue Moon, they went to two CD's, which meant more gameplay. They got another upgrade with Captive Curse, the first game to come out on a DVD.
I get that! There are fellow detectives who separate DDI through TRN and make them their own era, The Golden Age. For me, while the length and puzzle density is a factor, the classical "feel" of the stories is more what I'm going after when defining them. The more linear structure, the historical plotline, and the heavier focus on story make it feel a lot more like a Classic than a Renaissance one for me personally.
Honestly, idk if I can pick an era because all of them, minus MID, have games and aspects that greatly appeal to me and others that really fall flat. I did a tiermaker recently and in my highest tier I have 7 games, 3 of which are classic, 2 renaissance, and 2 modern. I think that says a lot about each era having their high points and strong suits. That being said, I do think the classic era was most consistent, overall. My DREAM is that they would remaster the classic era games to have the design of the latest games (excluding MID, obviously). Can you imagine TRT with SEA's graphics and exploration value? Even some of the earlier renaissance games would massively benefit (let's make Jane look like a real and healthy child?). Considering where we are now, it'll never happen, but a girl can dream... And honestly when the modern era writing concepts worked, they REALLY worked. Thornton Hall and Sea of Darkness are top tier games for me. In those instances it was because the underlying story made sense for that kind of storytelling, you know? Like for a game about a haunting, it 100% works to have messy, complicated characters and no neat resolution -- that just plays into the haunted aspects of that story. It feels more like a novel than a computer game, where you have to dig a little deeper to figure out some of the story elements and motivations. But then you get games like the Shattered Medallion where it's like... why are we speaking like this on a gameshow, possibly the most linear story one can dream up?
I feel exactly the same way!! GTH and SEA are both in my top 5 as well and for exactly the same reason. When a story is SUPPOSED to be complicated and unclear but in a very purposeful way, then it can work beautifully.
Interesting what you said about Nick Blahunka becoming a main writer in the modern era. I think I started noticing a change in dialogue around Shadow at the Waters Edge where Nancy would have more back and forth with the suspects and characters felt like they started to ramble and you could not get a STRAIGHT ANSWER from them. Ex. Nancy: So what can you tell me about Jenny Sue? Billy Bob: She’s friendly but there’s something strange about her. Nancy: What do you mean strange. Billy Bob: When you work as long in this field as I do you pick up on all matter of strange occurrences. Have you given any thought to the magnitude that the human psyche can achieve when put through all matter of rigorous activities and rules one must follow to achieve that ability to pick up on such occurrences. Me: Huh?
👏👏👏 this must have taken so much time and effort! I think you’re spot on with the assumptions about detectives’ favorite eras. I definitely think that first taste of ND creates a nostalgia and an expectation that can only be satisfied with a game from the same era. Only place I differ is there is a small transition period between classical and renaissance. DDI to TRN seem too complex for the classical era but definitely not Renaissance yet in my opinion.
I find it so interesting that you broke off the first era at _Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon,_ because I bought every game up through that title, then stopped. The next one didn't look especially interesting to me, so I returned to replaying the first baker's dozen. I've even bought _Alibi in Ashes_ and _The Silent Spy_ since, and I only finished half of _Alibi_ and never actually started _Spy._
Thanks for explaining how you classify each era of the ND series. I'm one of those people who just separates the games based on how the UI looks, but I can definitely see how the games were shifting focus prior to these milestones. It's almost as if the UI updates occurred a few games after these shifts, in order to make the new eras more noticeable. It seems like a lot of our favorite games were released during the Renaissance era - I know mine was (DAN) - yet I still want to say that the Classical era is the best. If the series hadn't started off on such solid ground, then it probably wouldn't have lasted for so long.
I believe there is some sort of mid-era between Classic and Renaissance. Russian community calls it "the golden middle" - Shadow Ranch, Blackmoor, Secret of Old Clock and Last Train. (10-13). I will call it the Middle Era from now on, or the Mids. Before I start, I must say - in ND games, just as in any p&c game, there are two types of gameplay. Action or Order based and puzzle based. Action based games rely on triggers, the item combinations, dialogue, exploration. The great examples are Stay tuned for Danger and the Haunted Carousel - there are almost no puzzles to be solved, classicaly speaking. In such games you figure out WHAT you have to do, you can easily memorise what to do next or where to go in order to proceed. Puzzle based games rely on well go figure - direct puzzles, mini-games, complex tasks. In such games you figure out HOW do you do stuff, you CAN'T memorise all the answers. That being said, the Middle Era games are VERY different from other classic games. Classics usually focus more on the story, not the puzzles or challanges, again, heavily action based. However the Mids connect the puzzles and the story TOGETHER. Like the puzzles are PART of the story and vice versa. While latter games will shove more and more puzzles and previous games again don't actually have much puzzles, the Mids kinda balance the shit out. Like think about it. In those games puzzles feel as if they are a part of something BIG and IMPORTANT. It's not some silly distraction, there is a purpose for a puzzle to exist. These puzzles are designed to PROTECT something we are looking for, being quite literally placed by some long ago dead person. And while being amazing at its story, those games are VERY puzzle based, like shit, I WISH I could remember how to solve this alchemy puzzle, or how to place those dolls, or how to solve this board game thingy, or how to feed the horses correctly. Such moments - puzzle heavy, but story based - are a KEY to replayability! Like in the Labyrinth there are SO MANY pointless puzzles, that aren't even going to be mentioned in the story, hell, they are here just to stall you bc you have to open the door or some shit.
Loved reading your thoughts on this!! Also, love the end though about LIE, I so agree! XD Puzzles that are part of the plot are easily my most favorite puzzles and I definitely agree that they add a lot to replayability! Thanks for the comment!
@@WizardKittenYT I actually adore the way you communicate to your fans and audience! (Looking at you, Her Interactive) Thank YOU for your amazing content ;)
I'm not that particular with how I view the eras. For me a new era is when the interface changed. Lol Which since we've had 4 different interfaces(5 if you count MID. Which I don't really), it still kinda matches up. We have the "big block" era where you only have a small screen if the actual environment. The "scroll" era. The view of the game grew a lot, there were a few simple buttons, but although all the games interfaces allow you to scroll through the conversations, this one stands out the most with me just holding the scroll bar and moving it. And it would be really finicky sometimes. Nevertheless, I liked the interface overall. Then we have the "minimal popup" era. Takes minimal space but everything is a popup. Then the "tan" era. The first one to take what was usually blue or whatever color worked best with the game to tan.
well for me i would say the classic era of the nancy drew games because basically i personally came from that period of time seeing that it was when i grew up as a teenager in both middle school and junior high and high school
For me, the classical era is DEFINITELY the best! But that might be because that's where I began. Danger on Deception Island will always have a special place in my heart because it was my very first game, followed by The Haunted Carousel, The Final Scene, Treasure in the Royal Tower, Secret of Shadow Ranch, and Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon. LOVE all of those games! The Renaissance era was kind of "meh" for me, though I do have a few favorites from that time frame: White Wolf of Icicle Creek, Warnings at Waverly Academy, and Shadow at the Water's Edge. The modern era I thought was slightly better, my favorites being Alibi in Ashes, The Deadly Device, Ghost of Thornton Hall, and Sea of Darkness. As for the post modern era...sigh. You know, I would be a lot happier if I knew that HER was making more games and working to improve on Midnight in Salem. I would be willing to shrug it off and be like "okay, not the best game, but... they're starting something new, and each game will likely get better and better." Not so, however, as I sincerely doubt that HER will ever produce another game. At this rate, I wish they'd hand the rights to Nancy Drew over to someone else, someone who would actually give us new games with some level of consistency. It just makes me so sad, because I've loved these games since I was 12 and always eagerly awaited the next release even into my mid 20s. Now in my 30s, I still play them, and want more than anything for there to be more. I've tried playing similar games like Miss Clue, but the quality just isn't on par with Nancy Drew. At least I have 32 great games to replay, I suppose. Anyway, sorry for the book. I love your videos, they make me so happy!
Great detailed analysis of the eras! I generally divided the eras into their interfaces/navigational mechanisms, so that subdivides the number of eras for me. I so agree with you about the modern era' stories and plots being lost in the games. Like, there are so many puzzles, you lose focus of what the mystery should be about. "Apocalyptic Era", lol! Savage! But deservingly so! Part of me wants a 34th Nancy Drew game, but part of me doesn't if it's gonna be just like Midnight in Salem again.
I feel the same way! I don't want another Nancy Drew game if it's just going to be bad...for me personally, no game is better than forcing a really disappointing game!
@@WizardKittenYT they really are I think what really makes them Stand Out is that the game is are a complete first-person experience but through the feminine ones of Nancy Drew that's what makes it great you're getting to play an adventure game
For me, I started with Alibi in Ashes. My top 5 games have 2 classic, Danger on Deception Island and Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon, 0 renaissance, and 3 modern, Trail of the Twister, Alibi in Ashes, and Sea of Darkness. The first renaissance game that appears on my ranked games list appears in 13th, Shadow at the Water's Edge. For me, my bottom five games are all bad for different reasons, including difficulty, confusion, or story telling/progression. These include (Midnight in Salem is NOT included in my ranking) 2 classic, The Final Scene and Curse of Blackmoor Manor (ik controversial), 2 renaissance, Creature of Kapu Cave and Ransom of the Seven Ships, and 1 modern, Shattered Medallion. Personally, I like how the modern games have a larger world to interact with, but I dislike how they squander the opportunity to enrich us with even more story. I think one of the few things the renaissance era (and the end of the classics era too) did well is puzzle management. There usually were adequate amounts of puzzles, and most weren't just busy work. I'm less a fan of an overwhelming amount of puzzles all at one, like the last half hour of Labyrinth of Lies. An ending puzzle or two is good, but more than that loses the energy. The natural flow of how the player feels during the game is so important too. Going after the culprit, only to get stopped by some puzzles that really have no explanation, like Tomb of the Lost Queen, ruins that adrenaline and energy you have while playing. Overall, picking one era or set of games as the best or worse is difficult and varies. Personally, if I can't get myself through a game without a walkthrough, it's going towards the bottom of my rankings, despite setting or characters or stories, like Curse of Blackmoor Manor for me. I know that Trail of the Twister isn't a terribly popular game, but I like it for having unique puzzles and some of the best characters. I know there are plot holes and people wish there were more tornadoes, I agree! But I like the gradual progression through a game where puzzle are meant to enhance you explain something important. I have so many factors that influence my rankings, environment, story, puzzle difficulty, whether I like talking to characters, do I understand what I'm doing or not. Picking a "best era" is simply not possible because there are so many stars and flops in each that counter the others out.
I know what you mean, especially since each era has its own wonderful, lovable features! I consider Trail of the Twister to be in the Renaissance Era (it's #22, right before Shadow at the Water's Edge) and it does have a lot of the Renaissance Era characteristics. But yes, picking a best era is a very tricky business! That's why I said at the end of the video too that it isn't really possible because it varies so much from player to player! Thanks so much for the comment!
To be honest, I think I'd consider CAP to be more part of the renaissance era than the modern era--it fits into that theme in the renaissance era of traveling to exotic/exciting places, and I don't think the plot is as "provocative" as some of the ones in the modern era. I think ASH is the clear start of the modern era, IMO--it was kind of released as that "special 25th game" if I remember, and was the true start of the very unique/controversial plots, with Nancy herself getting arrested in her hometown, and it seems like the graphics and such were significantly updated there as well. I think TMB could possibly even be considered the start of the modern era if you take into account purely the interface of the game (and subsequent differences), because the change in interface/style was what made DAN the start of the renaissance era (plus TMB was the first one released in 2012, after a short gap in games after ASH). I definitely don't consider CAP to be the start of the modern era, though--nothing about it screams "this is the start of a new era!" to me. I'm wondering what made you decide CAP was the onset of the modern era rather than being the tail-end of the renaissance era?
I can see that! CAP is the start for me for two reasons: the graphics are much closer to the Modern Era as a whole and two (more importantly) I do think the plot is purposefully written to be very "thought provoking." What is the monster? How has it survived through the centuries? Why does it target young women? What does it all mean? It's very obtuse compared to most of the Renaissance games, at least in my opinion!
I actually haven't read any Hardy Boys, but I've read all of the original ND books! I collect antique editions. Favorite live action mystery show has to be Sherlock! I'm a big Holmes fan and I love Benedict Cumberbatch!
Even though this isn't an official era, the span of games I liked the most was 9-19. Although there are some good games after 19, they are sparse and most didn't interest me. I also love 1-8, but the series really picked up starting with deception island in my opinion.
If you ask them directly, they will say that yes, they are working on another Nancy Drew game. However, no specific information at all (date, topic, expected development time, etc.) has been released and it is incredibly likely that any game that did come would be almost entirely outsourced.
interesting theory but if I may add that I that the classical era of the nancy drew games that would actually of have been from 1998 to 2004 and the modern era of the nancy drew games would be more likely to be 2005 to 2010 and the rennisaunce period of the nancy drew game would have been 2010 to 2015
well each to his or her own opinion but your talking to a her interactive game asset and of i was saying is that the word renaissance actually means rebirth as in the rebirth of the nancy drew games and take it from somebody that also knows about the nancy drew games
While the modern has my favorite game of all time (GOTH). I think they all have their own charm. (Minus the obvious). The current leadership of HI oddly enough reminds me of the WWE. Constant layoffs, terrible current quality, deals to wipe over controversies. I don't want to stop supporting HER, but I don't want my dreams crushed again. I honestly do find some things to enjoy about MIS. But compared to the games that got me into the series. This isn't the HI I grew up with. No more contests to get into games, no more fan interaction, and no more Lani Minella. Though, I feel if we got Tara Strong or Grey DeLisle on the phone. We could have the Nancy of our childhoods back.
Ugh, I so agree and find myself stuck in the same thought process. Would obviously love a new Nancy Drew game, but not if it's going to be soul crushing :(
@@WizardKittenYT Though I do wish I could create my own Nancy Drew games. Or like an interactive FanFiction. That'd be something cool for the fandom to do.
@@rem.in.wonderland4513 it would be amazing! I think we have no shortage of stories, but the programming and environments is what might be tricky. Would be so down for that group project though, haha!
Though I have the most nostalgia for the classical era, the Renaissance era is my favorite. I feel like subjectively, it has the best mix of both good story, locations, and puzzles. All eras are strong though!
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Wouldn't it be fun if HER Interactive got their sh*t together and do a remaster of Midnight in Salem so this (hopfully) one game can actually fit in with the rest of the series
That would be pretty wonderful! I have a hard time hoping when it comes to HER at this point...but that would be nice!
The classical era has the best story lines, use of items around you, and those graphic blow midnight in salem out of the water!
I have such a love for the classic era because they seem to be the most fun to replay for me. They give me so much nostalgia and I don’t have to sit through a million really really difficult puzzles.
Same here!! The replay value of the classics is so high!!
The classic games will always be my favorite. I think the thing that makes them my favorite is the plot, similar to you, but also the fact that the puzzles are doable. I think in some of the later games it becomes too convoluted why you need to do certain puzzles or where the information to solve them is. The early games give you the tools to naturally solve puzzles as you are ready for them. I also feel the classical games did a better job immersing you in the world. For example, exploring the ranch house in Shadow Ranch at the beginning exposes you to information about horses, a picture of Frances Humber, etc. which makes you feel like you are naturally stumbling on the mystery, versus being forced down a particular path in some of the later games. It was hard to feel invested in the plots of some of the later games because I felt I was being told "here is the mystery" versus exploring areas and asking questions because I was curious about them.
Totally agree!! Exploration > Exposition in my opinion as well! Which is something the modern games tend to fall into quite a bit. Thanks for the lovely comment!
No kidding, I blame the internet. For the first several games, you couldn't count on your average household to have an internet connection -- especially not one a kid would just have access to whenever they wanted. So those games certainly required a pen and paper, but they didn't expect you to go look anything up. Toward the end of the Classic games, they drew puzzles out longer, but you could still do them _fairly_ easily without outside help. It seems like they felt like they had more room to frustrate the player, because if it got too annoying, we now had the ability to look it up.
I don't really play the later games, but from what I have played and watched playthroughs of, it seems like the puzzles are now designed with the expectation that you're going to use a walkthrough, which I think is a shame.
I have recently discovered your channel and have been completely obsessed since! I have been watching your videos every day while working. No one in my personal life understands my love for ND so we are like buddies from afar lol.
Your description of HER’s downfall and likeliness to never return made me even more heartbroken 😩 I think the classical era is my favorite. Although I love the features and animation in newer games I think the stories were more complete and fulfilling back then.
Aw yay! ND buddies from afar for sure! So glad you're enjoying the videos! Also loved hearing your thoughts on where your favorite games fall!
@@WizardKittenYT Secret of The Scarlet Hand is The First Long Game that They made
Midnight in Salem literally crushed my spirit. I used to get soooo hype each time a new game came out
Same!! So sad :(
@@WizardKittenYT I never would have believed it possible that one single person would not only destroy the series but also treat the loyal fanbase like so much $hit under her shoe.
@@marianapgar4409 I know what you mean 😓
This is so interesting! I always felt like the dream catcher games (the first five) were their own era. A lot darker, and dealing straight up with murder and death threats and kidnapping. After SSH And onward, the series felt more kid friendly. And the puzzles and gameplay got better too, IMO. ^_^
This channel gives me LIFE
Aw yay!! I'm so glad you liked it! Totally see what you mean about the earliest games being super dark! They are certainly intense!
I feel very validated in a way by this video. I haven't played most of the ND games from the modern era because I couldn't seem to follow the plot or understand the character interactions! I thought it was just me for a very long time. I've been playing the games since I was 8 in 2005 so they hold lots of nostalgia for me. I have such a strong emotional connection to the early games and I was wondering if I couldn't connect the newer games because they weren't nostalgic for me but I see now that this isn't the case. I really appreciate this analysis! I now don't feel bad for not connection emotionally to any new game. Also I feel like with the modern era, I had lots more trouble figure out what my next steps were in the mystery. I feel like I had to look up the solutions a lot and that's no fun! Anyways, great video as usual.
Also I find it so interesting how the renaissance era would have a hit immediately followed by a miss. We had ransom of the 7 ships then warnings at waverly academy, and then trail of the twister. Kind of weird! But it makes sense based on what you said about them trying to experiment.
I'm so glad the video connected with you!! I also totally agree that it was easier to get lost in the modern games...the number of times that I couldn't progress because I couldn't find a random object...too many XD Thanks for the lovely comment!
I feel similarly! Vindication!! lol I also wondered if it was me and the games just didn't hold enough nostalgia. But like you said, the style just wasn't what we came to expect/love about the Nancy Drew series as the company's values changed!
My first game was Crystal Skull, so the Renaissance era has all the nostalgia. I also love complicated puzzles and thus really enjoy the modern games. I appreciate the classical era for setting the stage for future games, but find the settings boring and puzzles too easy. (Curse of Blackmoor Manor and Scarlet Hand are the two exceptions - both top 10 games for me!)
Yes!! Makes so much sense!
your distain and sass for MID really come through on this video. lol. Love it. Also, there are hints and clues that HeR is making game 34. Also my favorite era is classic, but one of my top fives is in the renascence era and one is in the modern. I love all the games, even MID (but that comes from appreciating that HeR took a HUGE risk and didn't let their financial complications stop them from making a new game. Was it a bad game? yes. But sad chapters are what makes the novel even better.
I can understand that perspective, for sure! And yeah, there are technically hints per say, but I personally prefer more concrete information before getting my hopes up :) that's just me though! Very cool to hear where your favorite games end up!
i would love for nancy to have a campground mystery with cabins, tents, fireplaces, camp staff, kayaking or hiking. maybe there is a missing person, or hidden treasure. i love the classical era very much deep down and i feel like a more rustic setting like ghost dogs of moon lake or danger on deception island would be awesome
Oh gosh I would love that too! Outdoorsy settings like that are so fun!
i love every single classical game with one of my top favs being secret of shadow ranch
For me 4/5 my favourite games come from Renaissance era. That's why I can't say it's not the best for me. This is the era that has the most "misses" for me too. But the proportion of games I love to games I hate in this era is the most positive. For the second place I would say Classical era. Because I started my journey in it. I think my first ever was either DOGS or CLOCK. I even have them on CD. And the third one would be Modern era. It really sells me on voice acting and gray morale of characters. But mysteries themselves? Kinda suck.
P.S. In this house we don't talk about MID.
Hehe, we don't talk about MID in my house either! XD So cool to hear your breakdown on where your favorite games end up!!
I LOVE how you classified/defined each of these eras. It makes so much sense, and I love your investigation into the background of staff and what their intent may have been during each era. I can picture the staff meetings hitting many similar points that you bring up. Like going from Classic to Renaissance "We have a lot of award-winning games under our belt and a great fan base. How do we take Nancy Drew to the next level?" (And the conclusion being to take her around the world and have longer mysteries)
My favorite era is the Classic! And if they ever did make new games I'd love for them to have the art/animation of the modern era, as well as the delving into heavier topics/more well-rounded characters. But, I'd really love for the mystery to have a satisfying conclusions like the Classic era, as opposed to all of these open-ended ones. And I'd really want for the writers to knock off the post-modern approach where everyone speaks in non-sequiturs and is so "LOL R@NDOM!" And I know I chewed your ear off on Patreon about changes to Nancy herself and how I wished she made a return to the sharp, confident, well-traveled sassy detective from the Classic era and less of the dense, insensitive and often tactless version we see in the Renaissance & Modern era.
So yeah, all in all, the updates in art & depth from the Modern era, paired with the focus seen in the Classic era (in story, conclusion & puzzles lending to the plot) would be my ideal fusion!!
I totally see what you're saying!! That would be such an ideal game, especially since each era does have its high points, so taking the best parts of each era would be so satisfying! And I loved hearing your thoughts about Nancy's personality changes and totally agree that Classical Era Nancy is stellar!
It makes me feel like I'm a part of a secret society when I use the 3-letter abbreviations for the games hehe
I was whomped in the face when I saw the temple of SSH again
The classical era is absolutely my heart
I agree that the Renaissance era was the "growing pains" period
You have really lovely voice. Regarding the games, I love most of them because they are very atmospheric, especially the old ones. I hope the series continues, but who knows. Thank you for all the videos. 😁
Aw, thank you so much, that is so kind of you to say! The atmospheres are definitely one of my favorite parts of the games too! :D
Quality content per usual! I'm definitely a fan of the Classical Era. The plots, the music, and the locations will always hold a very nostalgic and special place in my heart.
Aww, thank you!! That Classical Era really is something special :D
@@WizardKittenYT I know that most People don't like The Creature of Kapu Cave but I do Yes I guess that Most People probably found it kind of boring but I like The Relaxing Music in it
Classic era for me ! I love a good storyline and exploring more than anything. I also love puzzles I can figure out without looking up the answers . Wish they continued with this era .
Yeah, the classical era is where it's at for story lovers, for sure! 😊
Thank you for making this video! I loved hearing your analysis! I think about Nancy Drew "eras" whenever I play the games. For me personally, I place games 11-13 in the Renaissance era. The character animations seem more fluid than previous games. Also, I sorta incorporate advertising strategies into the eras. I remember game 12 coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Nancy Drew, which seems like a very Renaissance-y advertising move to me. Lastly, if I could propose a sub-era of Classical, I consider games 1-3 to be the "Rookie" era. HER is clearly hashing out character animations, dialog strategies, and puzzles in those 3 games. There is a stark difference in polish between #3 MHM and #4 TRT. I think HER really hit their Classical stride with TRT and FIN! Anyway, thanks for reading this novel :)
Loved reading your thoughts on the eras! I can totally see your point for the transition games in between eras, they definitely have overlap in characteristics for sure!
I think CLK is one of my favorite classics! And of course TRT.
Really love the modern age games, still certain ones i thoroughly dislike in that era but it definitely has some of my all time favorite games, the Renaissance/ classic Era will always have a special place in my heart and still have some of my fave games as well (the Ren Era is what hooked me into the games how could I not love a majority of them?) And I agree with your analysis on it all, this was really well done even with such a heartbreaking ending....
So glad you liked the video even with the sad ending!! Very cool to hear where your games all fall too!
I have 2 first games.
The first game I was introduced to was Haunted Mansion as I watched my older sister play.
The first game I ever played was Shadow Ranch.
So I'm good with anything from classics through Renaissance.
Love that!!
Wonderful analysis! I had always categorized the games in my mind but wasn't able to voice it but you did this perfectly. Although my favorite games are spread throughout the different eras, I would say that my favorite era is renaissance. Unlike a lot of fans, my first game wasn't in the classical era but was white wolf of icicle creek so I think I tend to gravitate toward those games for nostalgic reasons. I also like the diversity of these games taking place all over. Plus I'm always a sucker for the old "nancy goes on vacation and stumbles across a mystery" It took me a lot of time to warm up to the classical era because I didnt start with the clunky graphics and lack of a task list. Although there are a lot of games I really love in the modern era, like ghost of Thornton hall. I agree that many of them tried too hard to have a gritty plot and ended up making everything confusing and unnecessary. This is my main gripe with the Silent Spy. Although I like the idea of learning about Nancy's mother, i would have preferred that she wasn't a spy and perhaps her death was suspicious and new evidence turned up so Nancy went to scotland to investigate. And then we would have had more game play exploring scotland and Nancy's relationship with her mother, as well as solving a murder/death cold case instead of this long, exhausting plot about spies and terrorist groups and forgettable characters. Also I agree, post modern should be apocalyptic, much more appropriate for the disaster of MID
Loved reading your thoughts!! Definitely agree about SPY, I've always wished that's how the story was done as well. So cool that the Renaissance Era is your favorite, lots to love there!
Very well thought out, and I'd agree with your categories of the various eras. I haven't played every ND game (I've played 22, and watched playthroughs of others), but for me the classic era is undoubtably the best. I like the feel of them and they have a good balance of story, pacing, atmosphere, and puzzles that weren't too tedious and difficult. Even though the graphics weren't good compared to now, that's part of the charm. Naturally, there were ones I did not personally like (such Secret of the Old Clock and Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake), but the games from the Classic Era were the ones that most consistently came together well. I did start out with those, too, so I'm sure that also plays at part in it for me!
After the Classic Era, games started becoming much more hit and miss. Danger by Design and White Wolf of Icicle Creek are particularly weak (as is Castle Malloy from what I've seen), with poor story elements and pacing issues. Shadow at the Water's Edge, however, is one of the best games in the series, in my opinion. The atmosphere and story are really well done. This is also the first game, I think, that went into much more emotionally deep material, which really added to it. My main critique of it is there are way too many difficult and tedious puzzles.
The Captive's Curse is another good one - I felt it actually captured (no pun intended) the feel of a more classic game, while also continuing to explore deeper themes. Unfortunately, after this, the games really started going downhill. I played Tomb of the Lost Queen and the Deadly Device once and never wanted to play them again. I was also not a fan of Ghost of Thornton Hall. While I do enjoy some spookiness in ND games (like Message in a Haunted Mansion or Shadow at Water's Edge), this game leaned so far into it, I would actually consider it legitimate horror. That's not what I really look for in a ND game, personally. Silent Spy started out amazing, but got so bogged down with puzzles it pretty much ruined it. I didn't play any of the other games after that one.
Anyway, this was a long comment. I would agree with you, that the Classic Era had a good formula and consequently generally more solid games. I think when people try to "innovate" they make the mistake of changing what isn't broken. If they stuck with strong stories and characters, good pacing, great atmosphere, and not too many crazy puzzles, they could play around with other things (like deeper stories and subjects) while keeping the games generally solid.
Enjoyed the video!
From the breakdown you have of the 4 eras my favorite is the one you labeled Classical.
However, when I think of eras of the games I tend to break them down a little more. I've been trying to think of what my eras would be and the only ones I know I would group together for sure are games #1-#5 as the Classics/Originals, games #6-13 as the next round, and game #33 is definitely the start of a new era. Other than that I'm not quite sure exactly how I would divide them up. I suppose it might be something like this:
#1-5 - Classics/Originals
#6-13 - The 2nd Era
#14-#20ish -The 3rd Era
#21ish-#26ish - The 4th Era
#27ish-#32 - The Modern Era
#33-? - The Post-Modern Era
The Classics/Originals were the Dreamcatcher games and had a strong focus on a specific mystery and the characters, were darker/more mature, had very few puzzles, were relatively easy, and very heavily borrowed from the Nancy Drew book series.
The 2nd era focused on mystery, characters/character development, had a lot more puzzles than the originals (but the puzzles were integrated into the mystery/plot), tended to be lighter/more kid-friendly than the earlier games, had a decent amount of chores/chore runs, and were more difficult than the first five games. They also borrowed heavily from the books.
The 3rd era focused a lot on location and often integrated the location into the mystery, tended to be puzzle-heavy and chore-heavy, and tended to have subplots in addition to the main mystery. This is the era when they stopped following the books so closely and started making pretty much every game completely different than the book upon which it is supposedly based. I also noticed that most of the games in this era have pretty far-fetched endings.
The 4th era also focused on location and tended to be puzzle-heavy or chore-heavy, but didn't have such crazy endings as in the previous era. Many have a focus on the characters' relationships with each other, emotions, and insightful dialogue. Little to no resemblance to the books.
The Modern era is extremely puzzle-heavy (although not as chore-heavy as the previous few eras), with many puzzles feeling like they are there just for a puzzle to exist instead of being a part of the mystery or the story. There is a focus on quirky characters with humorous dialogue and on unpleasant characters with intimidating or snotty dialogue. Many have open-ended solutions to some aspect of the game that it leaves to the player to decide. Little to no resemblance to the books.
I will reserve judgment for the Post-modern era until there are more games.
In my list of eras, my favorite is the second one (games #6-#13) because I love all of the games in that group.
Loved reading your ideas about the "sub-eras" within each category! Great thoughts!
This was such an interesting video!! My first game was Danger on Deception Island, and I’m still so drawn to the games in the classical era. I hadn’t really given much thought as to why before watching this video, but it 100% makes sense. I love the story and the characters set up in the classical era and playing them again is like rereading a book that I love!
So glad you liked the video! I feel the exact same way about the classics, it's so much like reading a book!
I think the Classic Era's mysteries are just so much more well delivered. Since I played the more modern games first, I don't have a nostalgia bias on this one. The puzzles in the first dozen or so games are just more realistic and contexualised, while also being original. The later games rip each other off and some puzzles feel totally out of place. I adore the whole franchise but the older games are by far superior in my opinion and always will be.
Totally agree!!
I’d never given it a lot of thought but I can see how the games really do fit into specific eras - they are marked by very different focuses. I wonder if HER hadn’t decided to go a different direction after the classical era if we would have continued to see more solid games instead of the inconsistency that came with the Renaissance era. I know SHA and CUR are fan favorites and TRN is thought of by many as the best game in the series. It seems like they were really polishing that format. I think a lot of fan favorites are from the Classical era but then we also got such incredible story telling in the modern era with SAW and GTH.
All this to say - even through the changing styles there are gems that really shine. It makes me so sad that HER went in such another direction before MID and that, for all we know, new ND games to the caliber of any of the previous eras are a pipe dream. It does make me grateful we have 32 games we can play and replay (#33 does not exist lol).
Also, this video got me hyped to play through all the games again! Thanks for making my Wednesday! 💜
Aw yay!! So glad you liked the video! You bring up so many interesting thoughts about how things could have been different, it's so interesting to think about! And I definitely agree that the Renaissance and Modern Eras still have some incredible gems in them...perhaps it's about finding the right balance! Thanks so much for the comment!
The thing is… I can’t pick one because I have the games I love and hate the most in each era.
Like the Classic one has dogs and danger on deception island are one of my favorite game but then we have pretty weak and bumpy first 4 games.
The Renaissance has weird stuff like Danger by Design or Capu Cave but also has Skull, Shadow and Waverly.
The modern era has absolutely stunning Sea of Darkness and Thornton but also Medallion…
Can we applaud how great this video is? Caitlyn, this was so informative and fun, effortlessly great content! I have learned so much more about the games' & company's history more than I did since I've heard of it maybe 11 years ago.
As for what my favorite era was, I couldn't choose either! Just like you my (technically) first game as a 10/11 yr old was The Final Scene via the Big Fish site's 30-min trial lol. I think it was also the game I first really finished when I finally got it few yrs later so basically I'm also used to the early graphics. Now I do often get bothered by its aged and clunky animation, but honestly? I found that there's something mystically charming with the Classic Era of ND games. There's just something about it... nostalgia, maybe? For the ND's Renaissance, I think its where we got to know more about the girl detective & more background info about her outside mysteries. It also introduced us to some bizarre, difficult & b*tchy (yet i found them entertaining) characters _cough_ some girls of WAC. I have to admit I haven't played all of the games in this era- i only ever played DAN, WAC (my fave) and then SAW. That's not to say i haven't seen walkthroughs or read/watch what ppl said of some of the unplayed games though. But tbh, most of them I haven't played just for the basic reason that I wasn't interested in it, oopsie. To end the renaissance era on a positive note, I think the interface did truly got better especially the near end of it. It even got better in the Modern Era. Excellent graphics, expressive character animation and the location visuals were just stunning. We even got a better knowledge of the lore of the games' main characters including Nancy's family & friends. We got to finally be in River Heights! Stories got deeper and some mysteries even darker. My only downside of that era was that some puzzles were too hard for me- I might be just too dumb for them lmao.
If I had to give my honest opinion about the only game in the post-modern era or as Caitlyn calls it "The Apocalyptic Era" it would only further extend my already long comment. So in the shortest way possible, I thought it was awful, disappointing, and a shame. No other words. My only ever positive thought about it is that i really really love that they still continued how we know our Nancy & the relationship with her circle. I love that they continued canon Ned, Bess, George, Deirdre, Carson & the Hardy Boys. I'm thankful that it has the same voice as with the old Deirdre and Ned (right?). Basically nothing really change character and canon-wise. We didn't have to restart getting to know a new Nancy and her friends.
I'm sorry this is long. This is what happens when I get a chance to pour my thoughts out of a niche no one i know (except my sister) knows about lmao. And everyone feels the same page in the comments too so here i am. 😳 Lastly, to Caitlyn, has anyone told you that you sound quite like Bess in the games? lol
I'm so glad you liked the video!! I loved reading all of your thoughts on the different eras and totally agree! And yes, I have been told that I sound like Bess, which is amazing 😁 I'll take it!
@@WizardKittenYT Shadow at The Water's Edge should be nick named Sawe. Saw is A Horror Movie Series with way too many Sequels
YAY!!! I’ve been SO looking forward to this video!
Yay!! I hope you enjoy!!
Just became a patron :) I always watch your uploads and excited for what’s to come!
I question whether or not Blue Moon Canyon belongs in Group 1. If the distinguishing fact about those games is that they're shorter and have fewer puzzles, there's a reason for that. Except for Secrets Can Kill, the first dozen games all came on a single CD. There's less game because there's less room for one. Starting with Blue Moon, they went to two CD's, which meant more gameplay. They got another upgrade with Captive Curse, the first game to come out on a DVD.
I get that! There are fellow detectives who separate DDI through TRN and make them their own era, The Golden Age. For me, while the length and puzzle density is a factor, the classical "feel" of the stories is more what I'm going after when defining them. The more linear structure, the historical plotline, and the heavier focus on story make it feel a lot more like a Classic than a Renaissance one for me personally.
And white wolf coming out on Wii 😂
Honestly, idk if I can pick an era because all of them, minus MID, have games and aspects that greatly appeal to me and others that really fall flat. I did a tiermaker recently and in my highest tier I have 7 games, 3 of which are classic, 2 renaissance, and 2 modern. I think that says a lot about each era having their high points and strong suits. That being said, I do think the classic era was most consistent, overall. My DREAM is that they would remaster the classic era games to have the design of the latest games (excluding MID, obviously). Can you imagine TRT with SEA's graphics and exploration value? Even some of the earlier renaissance games would massively benefit (let's make Jane look like a real and healthy child?). Considering where we are now, it'll never happen, but a girl can dream...
And honestly when the modern era writing concepts worked, they REALLY worked. Thornton Hall and Sea of Darkness are top tier games for me. In those instances it was because the underlying story made sense for that kind of storytelling, you know? Like for a game about a haunting, it 100% works to have messy, complicated characters and no neat resolution -- that just plays into the haunted aspects of that story. It feels more like a novel than a computer game, where you have to dig a little deeper to figure out some of the story elements and motivations. But then you get games like the Shattered Medallion where it's like... why are we speaking like this on a gameshow, possibly the most linear story one can dream up?
I feel exactly the same way!! GTH and SEA are both in my top 5 as well and for exactly the same reason. When a story is SUPPOSED to be complicated and unclear but in a very purposeful way, then it can work beautifully.
I am a Renaissance era guy. It's when I got into the series
That's awesome! Lots to love about that era!
Interesting what you said about Nick Blahunka becoming a main writer in the modern era. I think I started noticing a change in dialogue around Shadow at the Waters Edge where Nancy would have more back and forth with the suspects and characters felt like they started to ramble and you could not get a STRAIGHT ANSWER from them.
Ex.
Nancy: So what can you tell me about Jenny Sue?
Billy Bob: She’s friendly but there’s something strange about her.
Nancy: What do you mean strange.
Billy Bob: When you work as long in this field as I do you pick up on all matter of strange occurrences. Have you given any thought to the magnitude that the human psyche can achieve when put through all matter of rigorous activities and rules one must follow to achieve that ability to pick up on such occurrences.
Me: Huh?
Lol, exactly 😅
👏👏👏 this must have taken so much time and effort! I think you’re spot on with the assumptions about detectives’ favorite eras. I definitely think that first taste of ND creates a nostalgia and an expectation that can only be satisfied with a game from the same era. Only place I differ is there is a small transition period between classical and renaissance. DDI to TRN seem too complex for the classical era but definitely not Renaissance yet in my opinion.
Yeah, that is such an interesting bridge of games!! And they're so good too!
I find it so interesting that you broke off the first era at _Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon,_ because I bought every game up through that title, then stopped. The next one didn't look especially interesting to me, so I returned to replaying the first baker's dozen. I've even bought _Alibi in Ashes_ and _The Silent Spy_ since, and I only finished half of _Alibi_ and never actually started _Spy._
Oh my gosh, that is interesting!
Thanks for explaining how you classify each era of the ND series. I'm one of those people who just separates the games based on how the UI looks, but I can definitely see how the games were shifting focus prior to these milestones. It's almost as if the UI updates occurred a few games after these shifts, in order to make the new eras more noticeable.
It seems like a lot of our favorite games were released during the Renaissance era - I know mine was (DAN) - yet I still want to say that the Classical era is the best. If the series hadn't started off on such solid ground, then it probably wouldn't have lasted for so long.
It is super interesting how closely the UI changes mirror the era changes! I've always thought that was cool as well!
Classical all the way! 🙌
What you said at 5:42 is all that I needed to make my decision 😁
Haha, excellent!! Same for me! :D
I believe there is some sort of mid-era between Classic and Renaissance. Russian community calls it "the golden middle" - Shadow Ranch, Blackmoor, Secret of Old Clock and Last Train. (10-13). I will call it the Middle Era from now on, or the Mids.
Before I start, I must say - in ND games, just as in any p&c game, there are two types of gameplay. Action or Order based and puzzle based. Action based games rely on triggers, the item combinations, dialogue, exploration. The great examples are Stay tuned for Danger and the Haunted Carousel - there are almost no puzzles to be solved, classicaly speaking. In such games you figure out WHAT you have to do, you can easily memorise what to do next or where to go in order to proceed. Puzzle based games rely on well go figure - direct puzzles, mini-games, complex tasks. In such games you figure out HOW do you do stuff, you CAN'T memorise all the answers.
That being said, the Middle Era games are VERY different from other classic games. Classics usually focus more on the story, not the puzzles or challanges, again, heavily action based. However the Mids connect the puzzles and the story TOGETHER. Like the puzzles are PART of the story and vice versa. While latter games will shove more and more puzzles and previous games again don't actually have much puzzles, the Mids kinda balance the shit out.
Like think about it. In those games puzzles feel as if they are a part of something BIG and IMPORTANT. It's not some silly distraction, there is a purpose for a puzzle to exist. These puzzles are designed to PROTECT something we are looking for, being quite literally placed by some long ago dead person. And while being amazing at its story, those games are VERY puzzle based, like shit, I WISH I could remember how to solve this alchemy puzzle, or how to place those dolls, or how to solve this board game thingy, or how to feed the horses correctly. Such moments - puzzle heavy, but story based - are a KEY to replayability!
Like in the Labyrinth there are SO MANY pointless puzzles, that aren't even going to be mentioned in the story, hell, they are here just to stall you bc you have to open the door or some shit.
Loved reading your thoughts on this!! Also, love the end though about LIE, I so agree! XD Puzzles that are part of the plot are easily my most favorite puzzles and I definitely agree that they add a lot to replayability! Thanks for the comment!
@@WizardKittenYT I actually adore the way you communicate to your fans and audience! (Looking at you, Her Interactive)
Thank YOU for your amazing content ;)
I totally agree about the Middle Era. Great games in that section.
I'm not that particular with how I view the eras. For me a new era is when the interface changed. Lol Which since we've had 4 different interfaces(5 if you count MID. Which I don't really), it still kinda matches up. We have the "big block" era where you only have a small screen if the actual environment. The "scroll" era. The view of the game grew a lot, there were a few simple buttons, but although all the games interfaces allow you to scroll through the conversations, this one stands out the most with me just holding the scroll bar and moving it. And it would be really finicky sometimes. Nevertheless, I liked the interface overall. Then we have the "minimal popup" era. Takes minimal space but everything is a popup. Then the "tan" era. The first one to take what was usually blue or whatever color worked best with the game to tan.
well for me i would say the classic era of the nancy drew games because basically i personally came from that period of time seeing that it was when i grew up as a teenager in both middle school and junior high and high school
For sure! That plays a big role!!
For me, the classical era is DEFINITELY the best! But that might be because that's where I began. Danger on Deception Island will always have a special place in my heart because it was my very first game, followed by The Haunted Carousel, The Final Scene, Treasure in the Royal Tower, Secret of Shadow Ranch, and Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon. LOVE all of those games!
The Renaissance era was kind of "meh" for me, though I do have a few favorites from that time frame: White Wolf of Icicle Creek, Warnings at Waverly Academy, and Shadow at the Water's Edge. The modern era I thought was slightly better, my favorites being Alibi in Ashes, The Deadly Device, Ghost of Thornton Hall, and Sea of Darkness.
As for the post modern era...sigh. You know, I would be a lot happier if I knew that HER was making more games and working to improve on Midnight in Salem. I would be willing to shrug it off and be like "okay, not the best game, but... they're starting something new, and each game will likely get better and better." Not so, however, as I sincerely doubt that HER will ever produce another game. At this rate, I wish they'd hand the rights to Nancy Drew over to someone else, someone who would actually give us new games with some level of consistency. It just makes me so sad, because I've loved these games since I was 12 and always eagerly awaited the next release even into my mid 20s. Now in my 30s, I still play them, and want more than anything for there to be more. I've tried playing similar games like Miss Clue, but the quality just isn't on par with Nancy Drew. At least I have 32 great games to replay, I suppose. Anyway, sorry for the book. I love your videos, they make me so happy!
I loved reading your thoughts on each era!! We have so many favorites in common!
Another amazing video! ♡ thanks so much Caitlyn.
So glad you liked!
Great detailed analysis of the eras! I generally divided the eras into their interfaces/navigational mechanisms, so that subdivides the number of eras for me.
I so agree with you about the modern era' stories and plots being lost in the games. Like, there are so many puzzles, you lose focus of what the mystery should be about.
"Apocalyptic Era", lol! Savage! But deservingly so!
Part of me wants a 34th Nancy Drew game, but part of me doesn't if it's gonna be just like Midnight in Salem again.
I feel the same way! I don't want another Nancy Drew game if it's just going to be bad...for me personally, no game is better than forcing a really disappointing game!
Black Moore was my first Nancy Drew so it's my favorite but I love all but midnight in salmume and ransome of the 7 ships
I totally agree, ultimately all of the games are truly spectacular and unique!
@@WizardKittenYT they really are I think what really makes them Stand Out is that the game is are a complete first-person experience but through the feminine ones of Nancy Drew that's what makes it great you're getting to play an adventure game
@@photofreak56 I agree!! It's just not a perspective that gets to be explored a lot, so it's so nice to have :)
For me, I started with Alibi in Ashes. My top 5 games have 2 classic, Danger on Deception Island and Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon, 0 renaissance, and 3 modern, Trail of the Twister, Alibi in Ashes, and Sea of Darkness. The first renaissance game that appears on my ranked games list appears in 13th, Shadow at the Water's Edge. For me, my bottom five games are all bad for different reasons, including difficulty, confusion, or story telling/progression. These include (Midnight in Salem is NOT included in my ranking) 2 classic, The Final Scene and Curse of Blackmoor Manor (ik controversial), 2 renaissance, Creature of Kapu Cave and Ransom of the Seven Ships, and 1 modern, Shattered Medallion. Personally, I like how the modern games have a larger world to interact with, but I dislike how they squander the opportunity to enrich us with even more story. I think one of the few things the renaissance era (and the end of the classics era too) did well is puzzle management. There usually were adequate amounts of puzzles, and most weren't just busy work. I'm less a fan of an overwhelming amount of puzzles all at one, like the last half hour of Labyrinth of Lies. An ending puzzle or two is good, but more than that loses the energy. The natural flow of how the player feels during the game is so important too. Going after the culprit, only to get stopped by some puzzles that really have no explanation, like Tomb of the Lost Queen, ruins that adrenaline and energy you have while playing. Overall, picking one era or set of games as the best or worse is difficult and varies. Personally, if I can't get myself through a game without a walkthrough, it's going towards the bottom of my rankings, despite setting or characters or stories, like Curse of Blackmoor Manor for me. I know that Trail of the Twister isn't a terribly popular game, but I like it for having unique puzzles and some of the best characters. I know there are plot holes and people wish there were more tornadoes, I agree! But I like the gradual progression through a game where puzzle are meant to enhance you explain something important. I have so many factors that influence my rankings, environment, story, puzzle difficulty, whether I like talking to characters, do I understand what I'm doing or not. Picking a "best era" is simply not possible because there are so many stars and flops in each that counter the others out.
I know what you mean, especially since each era has its own wonderful, lovable features! I consider Trail of the Twister to be in the Renaissance Era (it's #22, right before Shadow at the Water's Edge) and it does have a lot of the Renaissance Era characteristics. But yes, picking a best era is a very tricky business! That's why I said at the end of the video too that it isn't really possible because it varies so much from player to player! Thanks so much for the comment!
To be honest, I think I'd consider CAP to be more part of the renaissance era than the modern era--it fits into that theme in the renaissance era of traveling to exotic/exciting places, and I don't think the plot is as "provocative" as some of the ones in the modern era. I think ASH is the clear start of the modern era, IMO--it was kind of released as that "special 25th game" if I remember, and was the true start of the very unique/controversial plots, with Nancy herself getting arrested in her hometown, and it seems like the graphics and such were significantly updated there as well. I think TMB could possibly even be considered the start of the modern era if you take into account purely the interface of the game (and subsequent differences), because the change in interface/style was what made DAN the start of the renaissance era (plus TMB was the first one released in 2012, after a short gap in games after ASH). I definitely don't consider CAP to be the start of the modern era, though--nothing about it screams "this is the start of a new era!" to me. I'm wondering what made you decide CAP was the onset of the modern era rather than being the tail-end of the renaissance era?
I can see that! CAP is the start for me for two reasons: the graphics are much closer to the Modern Era as a whole and two (more importantly) I do think the plot is purposefully written to be very "thought provoking." What is the monster? How has it survived through the centuries? Why does it target young women? What does it all mean? It's very obtuse compared to most of the Renaissance games, at least in my opinion!
I felt that shadow ranch was super long…even though its from the classical era. Does anyone else feel that way too or just me?
I could see it sometimes feeling on the longer side since the day switches only trigger with certain events and at certain times!
I kind of want to float in idea by you maybe you could compare the game to the book its based off of and decide which is better
Ooh love that idea! Especially for the classic ones like SHA or CLK!
@@WizardKittenYT how many hardy boys books and nancy drew books have you read also whats your favorite live action mystery show
I actually haven't read any Hardy Boys, but I've read all of the original ND books! I collect antique editions. Favorite live action mystery show has to be Sherlock! I'm a big Holmes fan and I love Benedict Cumberbatch!
@@WizardKittenYT Have you seen midsomer murders the whole series is here on youtube
I haven't, sounds cool though!
for me silent spy was the last good game.
My fav era has to be 2007-2013
Makes sense since my first game was legend of the crystal skull
So many great games in that time period!
Even though this isn't an official era, the span of games I liked the most was 9-19. Although there are some good games after 19, they are sparse and most didn't interest me. I also love 1-8, but the series really picked up starting with deception island in my opinion.
I could totally see that! A mix of the Golden Age classics and early Renaissance games, many of which, I agree, are quite wonderful!
I’d call the postmodern era the flop era 😂😂
100% 😂
do Her Interctive say that they will do a another nancy drew game?
34 ?
If you ask them directly, they will say that yes, they are working on another Nancy Drew game. However, no specific information at all (date, topic, expected development time, etc.) has been released and it is incredibly likely that any game that did come would be almost entirely outsourced.
interesting theory but if I may add that I that the classical era of the nancy drew games that would actually of have been from 1998 to 2004 and the modern era of the nancy drew games would be more likely to be 2005 to 2010 and the rennisaunce period of the nancy drew game would have been 2010 to 2015
Sure! If that works for you, that's great! I have no definitive breakdowns for a subjective theory, just opinions.
well each to his or her own opinion but your talking to a her interactive game asset and of i was saying is that the word renaissance actually means rebirth as in the rebirth of the nancy drew games and take it from somebody that also knows about the nancy drew games
@@wdmassey1734 Please, do tell us more.
@@WizardKittenYT Midnight In Salem fells like it's mocking The rest of The Games and Any thing Else of Nancy Drew
@@WizardKittenYT Her Interactive has sadly become A Ghost of its former Self I hope that can change but it probably won't
While the modern has my favorite game of all time (GOTH). I think they all have their own charm. (Minus the obvious). The current leadership of HI oddly enough reminds me of the WWE. Constant layoffs, terrible current quality, deals to wipe over controversies. I don't want to stop supporting HER, but I don't want my dreams crushed again. I honestly do find some things to enjoy about MIS. But compared to the games that got me into the series. This isn't the HI I grew up with. No more contests to get into games, no more fan interaction, and no more Lani Minella. Though, I feel if we got Tara Strong or Grey DeLisle on the phone. We could have the Nancy of our childhoods back.
Ugh, I so agree and find myself stuck in the same thought process. Would obviously love a new Nancy Drew game, but not if it's going to be soul crushing :(
@@WizardKittenYT Though I do wish I could create my own Nancy Drew games. Or like an interactive FanFiction. That'd be something cool for the fandom to do.
@@rem.in.wonderland4513 it would be amazing! I think we have no shortage of stories, but the programming and environments is what might be tricky. Would be so down for that group project though, haha!
Though I have the most nostalgia for the classical era, the Renaissance era is my favorite. I feel like subjectively, it has the best mix of both good story, locations, and puzzles. All eras are strong though!
Totally agree, each era has its own unique strengths to celebrate!