Nancy Drew: Alibi in Ashes
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Nancy Drew: Alibi in Ashes is a mystery game about the famous literary detective, Nancy Drew. Unlike previous Nancy Drew games, in this one you spend much of your time playing as Nancy's friends, since Nancy is in jail charged with arson. Players can explore the game at two levels of difficulty, as Senior or Junior Detective. No matter which mode is selected, though, puzzles are challenging and can't be skipped. If a fatal mistake is made that causes the game to end, players can restore the game from the moment before making a bad decision.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What’s It About?
In NANCY DREW: ALIBI IN ASHES, Nancy returns to her hometown of River Heights and finds herself under arrest for arson after a mysterious fire destroys the old town hall. With Nancy in jail, it’s up to her friends George, Bess, and Ned to investigate the mystery on her behalf by interviewing suspects and gathering evidence to help clear Nancy’s name. Players switch between controlling each of the four characters, and must decide how to use each person’s unique personality traits effectively.
Is It Any Good?
Nancy Drew: Alibi in Ashes effectively shakes up the formula of past Nancy Drew mysteries. With Nancy confined to a police station, players spend most of the game switching between her three friends while Nancy coordinates the investigation on her cellphone. The setting – Nancy’s quaint hometown – isn’t as exotic as the settings of some of the other games, but it’s still fun to explore Nancy’s childhood haunts (including her home and the famous desk that players see at the start of every Nancy Drew game). And like previous games, Alibi in Ashes is full of challenging puzzles, interesting characters, and a compelling mystery to solve.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it might be like to live in a small town where everyone knows everyone else. Do you think that would be a good thing or a bad thing?
Families can also talk about fire safety, since this game’s purpose is to solve a crime of arson. Do you know what to do if you ever find yourself caught in a smoking building?
What do you like about playing mystery games? What are your favorites?
Game Details
- Platform: Windows
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, reading, Math: patterns
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: analyzing evidence, collecting data, solving puzzles, Communication: asking questions, listening, Collaboration: teamwork
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Her Interactive
- Release date: October 20, 2011
- Genre: Girl
- ESRB rating: E for Mild Violence
- Last updated: August 29, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
-
Nancy Drew: The Haunted Carousel
Loads of fun to play.
-
Nancy Drew: The White Wolf of Icicle Creek
A "chilling" mystery of sabotage for tweens & up.
-
Nancy Drew: Danger by Design
It's no mystery -- this Nancy Drew is a winner!
-
Nancy Drew: Secret of the Old Clock
Drive Nancy Drew's car to solve a mystery!
-
Nancy Drew: Legend of the Crystal Skull
Fulfilling mystery has spooky sleuthing & puzzles.
-
Nancy Drew: The Phantom of Venice
Great mystery about going undercover in Italy.
For kids who love mysteries and puzzles
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate