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Parents' Guide to

Nancy Drew: Midnight in Salem

By Claire Crossman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Slow-burn mystery is clunky, but educational.

Game Windows , Mac 2019
Cover of Midnight in Salem game. A silhouette of a woman is placed in front of a dark forest, with the face of a ghostly woman placed in front.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • A statue of a woman from the 1600s is in the middle of a museum. The game text reads: "Nancy: The figure of a Puritan woman accused of being a witch."
  • A woman in a purple mystical robe stands in a town square. The game text reads: "Olivia: Good. Because I've already spoken with them."
  • Two men and two women, early 20's, sit around a breakfast table.
  • Two men search a dark tunnel.
  • An old house is on fire. Half is completed demolished.

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What’s It About?

After a four-year hiatus, amateur sleuth Nancy Drew returns in NANCY DREW: MIDNIGHT IN SALEM to uncover a town arsonist who is responsible for a historical house fire. The game takes place in Salem, Massachusetts and heavily focuses on the historical and modern-day ramifications of the Salem Witch Trials that occurred in the 1600s. Nancy is tasked with clearing the name of an accused friend, while also searching for a stolen historical artifact. She navigates the legal system and social conflict, while learning how the Witch Trials continue to affect the same town in present day.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Despite the updates meant for a newer audience, issues with controls and ease-of-play keep it from being an adventurous game for all. Multiple changes have been made to Nancy Drew: Midnight in Salem to make it feel consistent with previous games, but some of these changes (Nancy's voice actress, checklist and notebook usage, user interface, etc.) may frustrate some players. The classic click-and-point navigational system is "updated" to adjust to modern demands in PC gaming, but the result is clunky and frustrating to utilize. While environmental graphics are significantly improved, character graphics feel outdated, and the timing in the voice acting is awkwardly paced. Due to the upgrade in graphics, players may need an entirely different platform to successfully run the game, or may need to run it on the lowest-quality graphic setting. At times, the plot is slow and difficult to follow. This latest installment in one of the first computer game series geared toward young girls is a disappointment for many.

Despite these setbacks, Midnight in Salem succeeds in its detailed historical accuracy, paying respect to the many men, women, and children who were wrongfully accused and executed during the Salem Witch Trials. The Hardy Boys are prominently featured in the game – a frequently-requested addition by fans. Dialogue, technology, and lingo are updated to fit a modern generation of players. The music, environment, and sound effects help create a haunting atmosphere that brings Salem directly to the player's world. While tech issues are present, the game's dedication to seeking historical justice and educating young players on an important event in American history helps the mystery thrive.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how several characters in Midnight in Salem are wrongfully accused. How should you respond if you are accused of something you didn't do?

  • History's longtime persecution of women is featured prominently, but how has the mistreatment of women lessened since the 1600s? How has it persisted?

  • Honesty and coming forward for wrongdoings are rewarded in this game, so how can we become better people by owning up to our actions?

Game Details

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