Nancy Drew: Ghost of Thornton Hall
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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: Ghost of Thornton Hall is the 28th title in the Nancy Drew point-and-click adventure series from Her Interactive. Nancy Drew is a great role model in that she demonstrates integrity, intelligence, tenacity, and fearlessness. There are two levels of difficulty, and younger kids might need a parent's help to solve some of the puzzles, which can't be skipped. There's a lot of reading required. Nancy can be hurt by falling objects, which causes the screen to go black; but there's a second chance option so you can always try again.
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What’s It About?
In NANCY DREW: GHOST OF THORNTON HALL, players assume the role of teenage investigator Nancy Drew. As Nancy, they investigate the disappearance of Jessalyn Thornton, a young lady who vanished during a sleepover at Thornton Hall, her family's abandoned estate that's said to be haunted by ghosts. Nancy interviews members of the star-crossed family and searches the run-down mansion and grounds for clues and evidence. Along the way, players solve various puzzles such as deciphering coded messages and opening sophisticated locks.
Is It Any Good?
The mystery for Nancy to solve is as intriguing as ever, the writing and voice-acting is solid (though a bit cheesy in places), puzzles are challenging, and the atmosphere is suitably creepy. Nancy Drew: Ghost of Thornton Hall debuts two wonderful gameplay additions: an expanded hints system and the ability to fast-forward through dialog. However, after following on the heels of the fantastic science-inspired Nancy Drew: The Deadly Device, Ghost of Thornton Hall seems to be playing it safe by retreading familiar ground with a haunted house theme. Still, if you're a fan of these beautifully constructed interactive mysteries, you won't be disappointed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Civil War spies. What important roles did they play?
Would you rather be rich and unhappy, like most of the Thornton family, or poor and content? Is there a happy medium?
What draws you to mystery games? Do you like all mysteries or only Nancy Drew mysteries?
Game Details
- Platforms: Mac, Windows
- Subjects: Social Studies: cultural understanding, historical figures, history, Science: chemistry, Language & Reading: reading, reading comprehension, Math: patterns, sequences, shapes
- Skills: Communication: asking questions, listening, Thinking & Reasoning: collecting data, investigation, solving puzzles, Self-Direction: work to achieve goals
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Her Interactive
- Release date: May 14, 2013
- Genre: Adventure
- Topics: Book Characters, History, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- ESRB rating: E for Mild Violence
- Last updated: March 16, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
-
Nancy Drew: Legend of the Crystal Skull
Fulfilling mystery has spooky sleuthing & puzzles.
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Nancy Drew: The Deadly Device
Exciting mystery teaches about physics and electricity.
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Nancy Drew: The Phantom of Venice
Great mystery about going undercover in Italy.
For kids who love solving mysteries and puzzles
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