Online shopping from a great selection at Toys & Games Store. Nancy Drew 27: The Deadly Device by MaGtRo. Nancy Drew 28: Ghost of Thornton Hall by MaGtRo. Nancy Drew 29: The Silent Spy by MaGtRo. Nancy Drew 30: The Shattered Medallion by MaGtRo. Nancy Drew 31: Labyrinth of Lies by MaGtRo. Nancy Drew 32: Sea of Darkness by MaGtRo. Nancy Drew 33: Midnight in Salem by NDLVR. Nautilus, The Mystery of. Join Nancy Drew and hone your detective skills with HeR Interactive's award-winning mystery games. Shop games, merchandise, and join our community today! Nancy Drew: Midnight in Salem Nancy Drew unexpectedly finds herself in Salem, Massachusetts investigating an arson on the Hathorne estate. The Hathorne House was originally constructed by Judge John Hathorne, inquisitor of the infamous Salem witch trials and the final home to 102-year-old Frances Tuttle, his last direct descendant.
#1 White Wolf of Icicle Creek (2007)
White Wolf of Icicle Creek is a clear winner in terms of the most difficult Nancy Drew game.
Firstly, this game has a lot of puzzles which rely on some element to luck: the skating pond puzzle, the fish competition, Tino’s survey (some of the suspects won’t even give the answers you need, regardless of how much you prod them), the Fox and Geese game etc. These puzzles are definitely doable but it’s really luck of the draw whether they take five minutes or upwards of an hour to complete. If you’re unlucky, a game that takes three or four solid hours may drag out for five or six.
Putting aside the puzzles though, this game is also challenging for the fact that it’s the only game in the series which has so many barriers to actual mystery-solving: Nancy has to be at the lodge to make breakfast, lunch and dinner otherwise she’ll get fired, Nancy can’t go outside the lodge for too long or she’ll freeze to death etc. I actually had to restart this game because I saved my game whilst wandering in the wilderness without any heat packs. The mere fact that it’s impossible for the player to spend more than five minutes trying to solve the mystery before being called back to the lodge increases this game’s difficulty tenfold.
#2 The Haunting of Castle Malloy (2008)
I’ve played a lot of Nancy Drew games on repeat and have finished them easily, but this is the one game which I’ve never been able to complete a second playthrough.
I mentioned it in my review of this game but the puzzles in The Haunting of Castle Malloy are ridiculously tough, principally because they don’t seem to follow any kind of logic. Even now I still can’t figure out the runes puzzle without a walkthrough because, even if I follow the instructions the game provides perfectly, the solution always ends up being something completely different. A lot of this game’s puzzles, therefore, just feel like guesswork, making the mystery very difficult to solve unless you’re either using a walkthrough or have the patience to exhaust all the puzzle’s possible solutions.
The ending puzzle, as well, is one of the most demanding puzzles I’ve ever experienced in the series. Instead of requiring logic or quick-thinking, it relies heavily on one having a steady enough hand (and a reliable enough mouse) to collect all the chemical formulas. I’ve heard of players being unable to complete this game because of this puzzle and, thus, I believe The Haunting of Castle Malloy is an apt choice to be ranked number two on this list.
#3 The Deadly Device (2012)
I’ve always considered myself to be fairly decent at mathematics and science but this game was obviously designed for someone with a little more knowledge – or, at least, a greater attention span – than I had.
The amount of information this game expects you to read through and remember is astounding. I know this game is based in a lab – and hence, equations and formulas were inevitably going to form part of the puzzles – but I found having to memorise and recall so many formulas exhausting. Despite the puzzles actually becoming easier as the game progressed (as they’re all similar and, therefore, you know what to expect), I was conditioned by this point to expect the puzzles to be difficult – and thus, I did find them consistently difficult.
Nevertheless, I’m ranking The Deadly Device third on this list because the puzzles, whilst requiring one to read through and interpret a lot of information, are – at least – logical and don’t rely on luck, as the above two games do. Therefore, if you make note of all the formulas and learn how to use them, the puzzles are certainly feasible.
#4 Shadow at Water’s Edge (2010)
Shadow at Water’s Edge is only dream for someone who loves a good logic puzzle.
Almost all of Shadow at Water’s Edge puzzles are logic or mathematics based, which can pose trouble to those who are not quite so gifted at these kinds of puzzles. Even I, who generally has a preference to these kinds of puzzles, struggled with the number of sudoku and nomogram puzzles. (The last nomogram puzzles, especially, takes so much time and requires so much attention that I’ve often had to start over once or twice to solve it). It certainly doesn’t help that this game has a lot of suspenseful moments, often brilliantly preceding a timed puzzle; can anyone be expected to solve the crystal lock puzzle when the inn’s ghost is trying to kill you?
I can’t rank this game much higher though because, like the game below, most of these puzzles are fairly easy to complete on repeat; as they’re logic based, once you know the rules, completing them is relatively straight-forward. (Especially as – fortunately – a lot of this game’s scariness is due to how unpredictable the hauntings are; once you know when the ghost is going to appear, it’s a lot harder to be fazed by it, making the timed puzzles a lot easier).
#5 The Curse of Blackmoor Manor (2004)
I remember struggling over this game so much when I was young. This game has so many puzzles and, in truth, it’s very overwhelming in the beginning, walking into the manor and seeing that almost every room has multiple puzzles that require solving.
In terms of the actual difficulty of the puzzles though, most of them – in hindsight – aren’t really all that complex or difficult to solve; however, they do require recalling small bits of information that most players are likely to skim over during their first viewing. (I remember struggling for almost an hour to figure out how to open the box in Nancy’s room until I realised most of the puzzles were linked to the coats of arms in the main hallway).
As a result, this game becomes a lot easier on subsequent playthroughs as players can recall where to find the information to solve each of the puzzles. Nevertheless, I feel The Curse of Blackmoor Manor does deserve a place on this list; the puzzles’ clues are ingeniously placed and do require a good eye.
To see more rankings, check out my rankings of the Nancy Drew games, from worst to best:
And, to find out the scariest Nancy Drew game, click here.
My Favourite Nancy Drew Games – Top 10 List!
Top 10 Best Nancy Drew Games – Full Version PC Games
One of the longest running mystery detective games for PC. Has been the crime-solving computer games based on the Nancy Drew books.
The Nancy Drew stories feature the teen sleuth Nancy. And have been going since the 1930′s.
Her ever enquiring mind and resourceful nature has led her to many intriguing investigations and entertaining detective adventures!
Since 1998, PC (and also some console, Mac and mobile) games have been created based on many of the Nancy Drew books. Currently there are over 30 games for the PC!
So from this long running and popular detective PC game series. This is our favourite top 10 best Nancy Drew games list. With full versions available to download for PC online. All links included below. Don’t forget to let us know which are your fave Nancy Drew games too. By leaving a comment below.
Top 10 Best Nancy Drew Games – Full Version Download Games for PC
If you’re interested in the books that these top 10 Nancy Drew games are based on, see my Nancy Drew Books Adapted into PC Adventure Games List.
Free Nancy Drew Games Online Full Version
10. The Silent Spy
Read our review.
The 29th installment in the Nancy Drew PC game series.
Release date: October 2013.
In this top Nancy Drew game, you will learn intriguing new insights into Nancy’s past. As she travels to Scotland to investigate what actually happened to her mother. This Nancy Drew game blends a beautiful story. That reveals secrets that Nancy Drew fans will love. As well as challenging point-&-click investigative game play. That will satisfy mystery and detective game fans too!
Get Nancy Drew The Silent Spy
Nancy Drew The Silent Spy is available on:
- Amazon US for: PC and Mac Download.
- Amazon UK for: PC and Mac on DVD.
9. Lights, Camera, Curses
Best Nancy Drew Games #9 Lights Camera Curses
The first part in the Nancy Drew Dossier PC game series.
Release date: December 2008.
Unlike the main Nancy Drew computer series. This is an interactive hidden object mystery game (iHOG).
And so is a little more relaxing in gameplay. Though no less fun!
You can play a Lights, Camera, Curses demo for free online. See our review for more details.
Get Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses
Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses is available on:
- Amazon US for: PC Download.
- Amazon UK for: PC Download.
8. Ghost of Thornton Hall
#28 in the Nancy Drew PC game series. Read our review.
Release date: May 2013.
Help Nancy Drew crack the case of two unsolved murder mysteries. That are separated by a decade. In a haunted Southern mansion! You’ll need to keep your nerve. As there’ll by some awkward witnesses. Spooky locations to search for clues. And persistent ghostly interventions. All trying to stop you getting to the truth!
Get Nancy Drew Ghost of Thornton Hall
Nancy Drew Ghost of Thornton Hall is available on:
- Amazon US for: PC and Mac DVD.
- Amazon UK for: PC Download.
7. Curse of Blackmoor Manor
Top 10 Nancy Drew Games #7 Curse of Blackmoor Manor
#11 in the Nancy Drew PC game series. Read our review.
Release date: October 2004.
Travel to England. In Nancy’s first international case. And investigate what lies behind the supernatural curse. Set in an haunted English mansion!
Get Nancy Drew Curse of Blackmoor Manor
Nancy Drew Curse of Blackmoor Manor is available on:
- Amazon US for: PC DVD or Download.
- Amazon UK for: PC Download.
6. Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake
The 7th part in the Nancy Drew PC game series. Read our review.
Release date: November 2002.
Solve the mystery behind the ‘Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake’. As you are challenged to uncover the truth behind the myth. Of a notorious gangster. Who’s legend still lingers in this once tranquil lakeside location!
Get Nancy Drew Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake
Nancy Drew Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake is available on:
- Amazon US for: PC DVD or Download.
- Amazon UK: PC DVD or PC Download.
5. Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon
Top 10 Nancy Drew Games #5 Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon
#13 installment in the Nancy Drew PC game series. Read our review.
Release date: September 2005.
The Hardy Boys have invited you on a train ride. The event is hosted by a beautiful socialite. Who has invited the leading crime investigators of the age. To solve the mystery of the Blue Moon Canyon.
Get Nancy Drew Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon
Nancy Drew Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon is available on:
- Amazon US for: PC DVD.
- Amazon UK for: PC Download.
4. Treasure in the Royal Tower
Best 10 Nancy Drew Games #4 Treasure in the Royal Tower
Read our review.
Number 4 in the Nancy Drew computer game series.
Release date: June 2001.
The 4th game in our top 10 Nancy Drew games list. Is this cool point-and-click PC game. With a mysterious castle, royal legends and hidden treasure!
Get Nancy Drew Treasure in the Royal Tower
Nancy Drew Treasure in the Royal Tower is available on:
- Amazon US for: PC DVD.
- Amazon UK for: Nancy Drew #4 and #5 Games Bundle..
3. Message in a Haunted Mansion
Top 10 Nancy Drew Games #3 Message in a Haunted Mansion
Read our review.
The 3rd installment in the Nancy Drew computer game series.
Release date: November 2000.
Solve the case of missing treasure. Whilst helping a friend to restore a beautiful Victorian mansion. With cool cryptic puzzles and brain-teasers to solve!
Get Nancy Drew Message in a Haunted Mansion
Nancy Drew Message in a Haunted Mansion is available on:
- Amazon US for: PC DVD.
- Amazon UK for: PC DVD.
2. Danger on Deception Island
Best Nancy Drew Games #2 Danger on Deception Island
Read our review.
The 9th installment in the Nancy Drew desktop game series.
Release date: October 2003.
Join Nancy on a whale-watching excursion. And find yourself plunged into a new mystery case!
Get Nancy Drew Danger on Deception Island
Nancy Drew Danger on Deception Island is available on:
- Amazon US for: PC DVD.
- Amazon UK: PC DVD or PC Download.
1. Phantom of Venice
Nancy Drew Games Free Download
Read our review.
#18 part in the Nancy Drew PC game series.
Release date: July 2008.
Help the Venice police solve the case of stolen treasures. Go undercover, shadow suspects and search for clues. In a thrilling Nancy Drew mystery adventure!
Get Nancy Drew Phantom of Venice
Nancy Drew Phantom of Venice is available on:
- Amazon US for: PC DVD or Download.
- Amazon UK for: PC Download.
More Nancy Drew Games
For a full list of all the Nancy Drew games. Check out my other game review blog: Nancy Drew Game Series List in Order. With details of all the PC and Mac Nancy Drew download games, listed in order of release!
Nancy Drew Games Free
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Nancy Drew Books Adapted into PC Adventure Games.