Nancy Drew Computer Game: Probably Not a First-Person Shooter

July 25, 2005

For the most part, I've given up hope of ever having time to play computer games again. But I have to admit that an announcement like this gets my attention:

Her Interactive Transforms First Nancy Drew Novel into a Windows PC Game Honoring the Series' 75th Anniversary; Nancy Drew: Secret of the Old Clock Hits Store Shelves this Week

Maybe guys weren't supposed to feel this way, but I always enjoyed the old Nancy Drew novels as much as the Hardy Boys, Rick Blaine or Tom Swift. And I'm much more drawn to a computer game that involves solving a puzzle than to one that requires me to pretend I am destroying other life forms.

Today's news release gives some idea of the scenario of "The Secret of the Old Clock":

"The game opens with Nancy driving her classic blue roadster to the Lilac Inn in the sleepy town of Titusville. A mutual friend has suggested that Nancy look in on 17-year-old Emily Crandall who has inherited the inn from her recently deceased mother. After a mere month, Emily is straining to keep up with the management and financial demands of the inn. Nancy is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.

"Players step into the shoes of Nancy Drew as they are challenged to figure out the root of Emily's problems. They can travel around town supporting themselves with part time jobs and casually chatting with Emily and her circle of acquaintances who provide clues. There's the friendly but stressed local banker, the ESP expert who lives near the inn and Emily's guardian, always distracted but constantly around to help.

"For the first time, players will be able to drive around town in Nancy's car with the aid of a map. They will also tie together clues from a myriad of puzzles. In addition, there's a mini-golf game within the game."

Mini-golf, no less! Well, I'm impressed!

User experience? The Web site of publisher Her Interactive does provide some screen shots. This one caught my eye -- a little reminiscent of Myst, perhaps: