Though the older games, much like the even older books, are products of their times, they must still be held accountable to the (belatedly) changing standards of today.Įven when the “Nancy Drew” games limit themselves to American destinations, their way of solving mysteries can still be problematic.
#WHICH NANCY DREW GAME SHOULD I PLAY SERIES#
The original book series that introduced the world to the character of “Nancy Drew” has come under criticism in recent years for “racial and social stereotyping,” something the books themselves now acknowledge in publisher’s notes. Given the source material, racism in the “Nancy Drew” games should come as no surprise. While the games try to be respectful of different cultures, there’s no avoiding the white saviorism of Nancy’s success where locals have failed. Other games find Nancy swooping in to solve mysteries in Hawaii for native residents in Cairo for British excavations of an Egyptian tomb and, in the Māori culture of New Zealand. It also put all of its eggs in one basket, so to speak. Instead, these games should appeal to both female and male players who are interested in puzzle-driven narratives.īy focusing on this one game series, Her Interactive was able to enhance the design of the Nancy Drew games, improving the user interface and hinting system to ensure a cohesive and polished experience. “Nancy Drew” games are not only for women, however, as no video game is limited to one gender. This company has focused on developing games designed for girl gamers, featuring women protagonists and offering an alternative to the testosterone-driven, triple-A titles typically seen. The “Nancy Drew” video games are a creation of the production company Her Interactive. If the “Nancy Drew” video game series offers a unique and popular experience, why hasn’t there been a new installment in years? The answer to that mystery lies with the company that created these games. Such representation, especially in the realm of gaming, is incredibly important and immediately appealing to her fans. As a teenage detective, her in-game battles mirror the real-life battles that many real-life women face in school or in the workplace. Nancy is a smart, independent and yes, fully-clothed female protagonist in an era dominated by male leads or the male gaze. Perhaps the most important aspect of these games concerns the central character. The combination of narrative-driven gameplay and intricate puzzles has attracted a steady user base for these games. They also provide opportunities to play with puzzles, testing players’ problem solving and logic. The “Nancy Drew” video games allow players to be detectives, bringing them into intricate narratives of intrigue.