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Nancy Drew: Danger by Design

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    It's no mystery -- this Nancy Drew is a winner!

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Challenging puzzles will get brains working.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Nancy Drew can die. In one scene, she must disarm a bomb.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Nancy Drew: Danger by Design was written by Jinny Gudmundsen

Parents need to know that Nancy Drew can mess up and either die or be fired from her job. However, the game has a second-chance button that allows players to reenter the game just before the decision that caused them to lose.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the long-term popularity of Nancy Drew. Why has she stayed so popular? How does she compare with other fictional female heroes -- past or present? Parents may take this opportunity to introduce the original book series to their kids. Families might also want to talk about how many great works of art were hidden during World War II.
Did this review help you decide?

OK for Your Kids to Play?

Do you play it? Review It!

More on Nancy Drew: Danger by Design

What’s the Story?

In DANGER BY DESIGN, the 14th Nancy Drew software mystery, Nancy jets off to Paris to investigate the erratic and bizarre behavior of Minette, an American designer who's been rising quickly in the fashion world. When Nancy arrives, under the cover of being Minette's new assistant, she discovers that Minette has taken to wearing a white mask and never shows her face. Minette has fired numerous assistants, and she's behind schedule on her upcoming spring collection. Nancy also discovers that Minette is receiving threats and there are rumors of historic art treasures hidden in the windmill where Minette works.

Players interview Minette's contacts, run errands for her, explore the parks and underground catacombs of Paris, ride the Metro, and visit cafes. In the process, they encounter many puzzles that need to be solved to move the story forward.

Is It Any Good?

As with all the previous Nancy Drew software mysteries, these visual environments are stunning. But while Her Interactive continues to refine how to create photorealistic environments and characters, they haven't advanced the technology of their gameplay. To move, players click and wait for the computer to advance the scene. This low-tech method of exploration works well in this setting because it allows players the time to determine which objects they want to explore more closely.

Danger by Design is great fun for families, and especially girls, to play together. Younger children can play on the Junior Detective level, with easier puzzles and more hints. Another kid-friendly feature is the "Second Chance" option, which allows you to restart from wherever you fail.

Publisher’s Details

Developer: Her Interactive
Released on: 8/25/2006, Price: $20, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: E

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    my favorite nancy drew game!

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    Great game!

    The graphics were excellent. Although the storyline was very well done, some plot points were a bit confusing and unrealistic (especially the paint bomb puzzle, which is actually remotely related to the game). There were some minor glitches, but they're forgivable. (When you knock on the photo-developing room in Deiter's office, after you've finished with the prints, you'll hear his voice coming from inside even if he's already working at his desk.) But all in all, Danger by Design is a very fun, challenging game. Lots of adventure and puzzles. And also a lot of thinking involved. I had a great time playing this game with my friends.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    great for boys and girls!

    I think this game's amazing and now I'm addicted to them. On one note when I read the review, It says there's a bomb. it's actually a paint bomb, which doesn't cause death, just getting fired. The games are difficult but not impossible, and this one's a star in the series!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0

    This is cool SASHASIMBA123

    http://twitter.com/Sashasimba123 i like the music at the beginning Bebebebebebe bebeebebe dadadadaaaaaaa i like this game the 2nd best and the charectoes rock PLASTIC SURGERY

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0

    This is cool SASHASIMBA123

    http://twitter.com/Sashasimba123 i like the music at the beginning Bebebebebebe bebeebebe dadadadaaaaaaa i like this game the 2nd best and the charectoes rock PLASTIC SURGERY

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