Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

94 of 100 found this review helpful

One of Nancy's first hits.

PostedJanuary 3, 2012

Rescue_helo

fromLondon (UK) - French Alps

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This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy

Current Favorite:

Art of Murder: FBI Confidential

(13)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

The title may lead players to think the Mansion is loaded with ghosts lurking in creepy corners and sinister basements. Not at all. The spookiness is limited to such things as a faint sound or something moving briefly somewhere. There is nothing frightening here and the game is perfectly suitable for younger players..... as well as adults.
Message in a Haunted Mansion is an older game, Nancy's ...Show more

The title may lead players to think the Mansion is loaded with ghosts lurking in creepy corners and sinister basements. Not at all. The spookiness is limited to such things as a faint sound or something moving briefly somewhere. There is nothing frightening here and the game is perfectly suitable for younger players..... as well as adults.
Message in a Haunted Mansion is an older game, Nancy's third investigation actually. It has this lovely old fashioned atmosphere that emanates from those cozy Victorian style houses built early in the century, and the scent of leather and persian carpets.
The graphics convey this old fashioned ambiance quite successfully with a chinese bedroom full of red, tapestries, and antiques, a library with its collection of old books that have sustained the assaults of time, a nicely decorated kitchen, corridors and stairwells.
The action takes place in this closed-up surrounding, from room to room until the conclusion.
Rose, the tenant of this house, wants to convert it into a B & B. Much to her worry, a series of unfortunate events and accidents puts a stop to her plans. Up to Nancy to elucidate the enigma.
Which she actually does with brio, as always.
One thing I like in the Nancy Drew series, and this one is no exception, is how you intereact with the various characters, dialoguing with them, thereby obtaining important clues and some direction and learning a little about the background story of the house and its inhabitants. But in all her conversations, Nancy has to be careful and diplomatic lest Rose might take umbrage and dismiss her. But if something goes awry there is always a "Try Again" in the form of a Second Chance Button.
Inevitably, Nancy has to solve intriguing puzzles; they all are nicely integrated in the storyline, require only common sense, but no puzzle is triggered unless she has gathered all the clues pertaining to it.
These puzzles are classics and based on logic. Nothing far-fetched, nothing out of this world, nothing left to the trial and error method, no place for random. Some are trickier than most, although perfectly solvable, and make you think deeply, others a lot easier.
Details have been pushed quite far to contribute to the rendering of an oldish and semi-eerie atmosphere: floors crack, stairs creak, doors squeak on their hinges; you hear muffled voices, footsteps and rain.
Like in another of her investigations, Nancy can set the time on her clock as certain tasks can only be performed at specific times. Nice feature.
Saying the game is easy would be wrong. It's very challenging, non-linear, and extremely immersive. The story is solid, engrossing with a fair degree of complexity, and a good ending.
Finally, the professionalism of the developers also transpires in the quality of the voice-overs, the well-worded dialogs, and the right sounds at the right moments.
A superb adventure, not overly difficult, ideal as an introduction to the world of Nancy Drew for those who do not know her yet Show less

I recommend this game!

+88points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

41 of 43 found this review helpful

Now This Is "True Drew!"

PostedMay 7, 2012

Sergeij

fromWilliamsport, PA 17701

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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Large File

Current Favorite:

Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion

(29)

Unlike "Shadow at the Water's Edge" which I finished very laboriously, "Message in a Haunted Mansion" was a masterpiece! Instead of big, cumbersome puzzles to solve that have NOTHING to do with the story plot, this gem of a game featured riddles and puzzles that were integral to the game. They were tied directly to the plot. I just wish that the new crew of "Nancy techs" could model their future ...Show more

Unlike "Shadow at the Water's Edge" which I finished very laboriously, "Message in a Haunted Mansion" was a masterpiece! Instead of big, cumbersome puzzles to solve that have NOTHING to do with the story plot, this gem of a game featured riddles and puzzles that were integral to the game. They were tied directly to the plot. I just wish that the new crew of "Nancy techs" could model their future games after this one and not such games as "Shadow," which, to me was a time waster. This was DREW AT ITS BEST! Show less

I recommend this game!

+39points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

31 of 34 found this review helpful

Message in a Haunted Mansion

PostedFebruary 18, 2012

sadcypress

fromChicago, IL

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser

Current Favorite:

House of 1000 Doors: Family Secrets Collector's Edition

(278)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is a beautiful and fascinating game for a person who likes a relaxing pastime to tune out the rest of the world. The music and visuals are excellent. I can't go into details without giving away too much information. In one of the bedrooms, the song playing is so hauntingly beautiful that I've replayed the game many times to reminisce. This game is spellbinding.

I recommend this game!

+28points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 21 found this review helpful

Creepy!!

PostedMay 10, 2012

Mrs_Kim

fromSouth Korea

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Skill Level:Beginner

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Although there are many ND games out there, nothing beats this one in creepiness (well, other than Shadow at Water;s Edge, which has one of the scariest atmosphere in ND games). This one is truly original. I like it that there's seance (and that ND is potrayed dark in that scene), the characters move robotic, and you can't make many conversations with them, but you're basically on your own ...Show more

Although there are many ND games out there, nothing beats this one in creepiness (well, other than Shadow at Water;s Edge, which has one of the scariest atmosphere in ND games). This one is truly original. I like it that there's seance (and that ND is potrayed dark in that scene), the characters move robotic, and you can't make many conversations with them, but you're basically on your own snooping around the house and 'ghosts' pop out from the corner of your eye in many parts of the game. Exciting, and original. Show less

+13points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

16 of 22 found this review helpful

My first Nancy Drew game

PostedMarch 28, 2012

186FleetStreet

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion

(29)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Oh, wow! This was the first Nancy Drew game I ever played, way back at the end of 2001/beginning of 2002, when I got it as a Christmas present. It's definitely in my top 5 games of the series. Definitely a classic.

I recommend this game!

+10points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

6 of 6 found this review helpful

Solid sleuthing

PostedMarch 16, 2013

spenny1

fromWiltshire, UK

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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Nancy Drew: The Phantom of Venice

(23)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Don't be put off by the fact that this is an older game. You soon get used to the screen layout if you haven't played one of these older ones before, and although the navigation can take a little getting used to, I soon forgot I had even thought about it.

I played on senior level, and found the level of challenge just right for me. You still have access to hints through phone calls to your ...Show more

Don't be put off by the fact that this is an older game. You soon get used to the screen layout if you haven't played one of these older ones before, and although the navigation can take a little getting used to, I soon forgot I had even thought about it.

I played on senior level, and found the level of challenge just right for me. You still have access to hints through phone calls to your friends. There are plenty of puzzles, riddles to solve, and clues to find.

I really felt like I was poking around an old house, looking for clues and answers, with the sort of hidden areas I always wanted to find in real life as a child. The eerie sound effects and 'did I see that?' visuals in a couple of places add to the atmosphere. The characters are well done and the story rolls along nicely. You do have a basic journal in the bedroom, but note taking is imperative for solving the riddles, and helps if you get to a point where you need a reminder of what possible actions you could be taking.

All in all, a very enjoyable game, one I'd definitely recommend. Show less

I recommend this game!

+6points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

26 of 39 found this review helpful

LOVE NANCY DREW: MESSAGE IN A HAUNTED MANSION

PostedNovember 27, 2011

Victoria9434

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Family, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

I find this game to be very enjoyable, and not as hard as some of Nancy Drew's other games. I will be buying another game from her very soon.....

I recommend this game!

+13points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

15 of 21 found this review helpful

Love MHM

PostedDecember 31, 2011

the28thfish

fromUpper Montclair, NJ

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

The graphics and sound were advanced for such an early game of the series. Will remain one of my favorite ND games.

I recommend this game!

+9points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

15 of 21 found this review helpful

MHM - earliest game on BigFish

PostedDecember 21, 2011

tuskel

fromUK

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This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Nancy Drew: Shadow at the Water's Edge

(50)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

MHM is the third game in the Nancy Drew series and the first on BigFish. You, as Nancy Drew, have to investigate accidents and bad luck in an old San Francisco mansion. Is it haunted or is someone from the team trying to scare the owners away?

MHM was the second ND game I played, and I found it slightly less challenging than my first, which was CUR (but that is a hard one!) and a bit similar. It ...Show more

MHM is the third game in the Nancy Drew series and the first on BigFish. You, as Nancy Drew, have to investigate accidents and bad luck in an old San Francisco mansion. Is it haunted or is someone from the team trying to scare the owners away?

MHM was the second ND game I played, and I found it slightly less challenging than my first, which was CUR (but that is a hard one!) and a bit similar. It is, obviously, slightly simpler game, however, it does have its moments and the characters and mystery are as good as in any other ND game. If you like Nancy Drew, you will like this one, too.

tuskel,
sincerely Show less

I recommend this game!

+9points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

4 of 4 found this review helpful

I Love Nancy Drew Games

PostedJuly 6, 2016

gamesrgreatfun

fromIndiana

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I have played quite a few Nancy Drew games and I really enjoy the challenge and immersive feeling that I get from them. They are not like any other game I have played and that is a good thing! It is so much fun exploring the different areas to discover the secrets that people are hiding and the secret rooms! I love meeting and talking to the different characters. Some of them are a real hoot! But ...Show more

I have played quite a few Nancy Drew games and I really enjoy the challenge and immersive feeling that I get from them. They are not like any other game I have played and that is a good thing! It is so much fun exploring the different areas to discover the secrets that people are hiding and the secret rooms! I love meeting and talking to the different characters. Some of them are a real hoot! But they all feel like they are real people.

For the first hour or so I was completely lost and had trouble finding my way around the B&B and I was wondering why I wanted to play this game. Then things just started making sense and the action started. It had been awhile since I played a Nancy Drew game and it took me some time to get back in the swing of things and how it works.

For people who have never played a Nancy Drew game--this is not a Hidden Object game. It is an adventure game/ large file game/ point and click game but not a hidden object game. There are no hand-holding techniques such as sparkles, maps, or hint buttons. You are on your own and you must explore the different areas to discover clues as to who the guilty party is and what is happening in the story. Read everything and keep asking questions.

Tips for people new to Nancy Drew games:
1) Talk to everyone and ask all the questions that pop up for your side of the conversation. Don't forget to talk to your phone buddies too. Then keep going back and talk to all of them again.
2) Explore EVERYTHING! If the magnifying glass turns red then there is something more to explore or sometimes use an object from your inventory. (You don't have an extensive inventory in this game and once you use an object you still keep it).
3)Take notes. Yes, you need paper and pencil or at the very least a smart phone with a camera to take pics of anything important that you might need later.
4) If you get stuck then call Bess and George and ask them for a clue about what you are supposed to do next. You will still need to use your brain to figure out the next step but they at least point you in the right direction. If you're still stuck go back and talk to everyone again or explore the areas again--you probably missed something. If you are still seriously stuck then go online and look for a walk-through that gives you directions on how to make it through the game.
5) One of the best parts about the Nancy Drew games is the ability to make mistakes--sometimes even fatal mistakes. The game is much more intense and immersive because of this. You are never sure if what you are about to do will be a good thing or a bad thing. After you try it you sometimes discover that it was indeed a bad thing and you get sent home before you finished your job or sometimes even die! But not to worry, there is a Second Chance button that starts you back at the scene before you made the mistake and gives you a chance to try something different that will hopefully give better results.
6) Save your game. Every hour or so and before you quit playing you need to go to the menu and select the Save Game Button. When you restart the game you need to select Load Game and find the name you gave your game from the list and it will take you immediately to the place that you left off in the game.
7) Relax and have fun. The characters you meet can be funny or serious but they all add to the enjoyment of the game. Show less

I recommend this game!

+4points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion Help Nancy find an ancient treasure! Heres what your review will look like once it’s posted. Click Submit if you’re happy. Your review should appear soon. To make changes, use the Edit or Cancel buttons. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this game! You’ve already shared your thoughts about this game. Thanks for submitting the review below.