Nancy Drew Shadow at the Waters Edge

SCORE: 85

Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge is the twenty-third game in the series from Her Interactive. Nancy has to solve a mystery in a traditional family ryokan. What is a ryokan you ask? It is essentially an inn. Nancy has to solve the mystery of what is driving away business. Is it a vengeful ghost or something far worse? Mystery fans will enjoy this PC/MAC game.

I do not think it is possible for anyone in the video game industry to dislike Japan. There is something about that country, their culture, and their history that has interested gamers for decades. Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge allows us to learn a little bit about the Japanese culture. Maybe just maybe we Americans are a little guilty about dropping the bomb and coming close to destroying this culture.

Her Interactive continues to improve their craft. Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge looks fantastic. The level of visual realism is amazing. The computer characters are looking more realistic with every game. The robotic cat was a really nice touch. Families need to be aware of the E10+ ESRB rating for Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge. There is some violence in this mystery game.

The voice acting in Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge is top notch. I was in an area by myself and someone came around to see who I was talking to. The voice acting is that realistic. The accents are fantastic as well as certain characters attempts at English. All of these little details set the mood for this game. Speaking of mood, the music fits the theme and carries Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge places I could have never expected.

Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge contains some fun little mini games, and there are two difficulty settings. After that though there are few reasons to replay Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge. This game is like a mystery novel. Once it has been solved it needs to sit for a few years before going through it again. Otherwise there is no challenge. If you have an interest in mysteries (especially foreign ones), then you will find your money well spent on Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge.

The controls in Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge are easy to use. I love that little rotating icon that moves me around the room very efficiently. Some of the mini games are harder than others. I appreciate the culture of origami, and calligraphy. My problem is I am not very good at either of them. Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge is generally forgiving of players mistakes, and lets players erase mistakes without having to start over.

Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge deals with issues like ghosts, so make sure your children are mature enough. I would hate for your kids to have nightmares after playing this game. Some may scoff at that notion, but I know of children who have had nightmares from seeing far less. Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge allows Nancy Drew to go to another country and that spices up the franchise. And yes I know she has traveled in previous games. Nancy Drew Shadow at the Water's Edge hits the right notes for the intended audience.
- Yolanda

Graphics: 80%
Sound: 92%
Replay/Extras: 82%
Gameplay: 90%
Family Friendly Factor: 80%
System: Personal Computer/MAC
Publisher: Her Interactive
Rating: 'E10+' for Everyone 10+
{Mild Violence}

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