Common Sense Media Review
By Erin Bell
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great haunted house mystery with challenging puzzles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Nancy Drew: Ghost of Thornton Hall
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 : Language & Reading : reading , reading comprehension , Math : patterns , sequences , shapes , Science : chemistry , Social Studies : cultural understanding , historical figures , history
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : asking questions , collecting data , investigation , solving puzzles , Self-Direction : work to achieve goals , Communication : listening
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Her Interactive
- Release date : May 14, 2013
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Book Characters , History , Fantasy
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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