Developed by: Her Interactive | Published By: Dreamcatcher | Played: 10/22/04

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This one does a much better job of immersing the player in the story than previous versions. Starting at the beginning with the kidnapping scene, there are many other instances throughout the game where the drama unfold before you as you play and converse with the characters. The final showdown with the bad guy was much more dramatic than the previous versions.

The characters are much more interesting and enjoyable than the ones in the previous mystery, Treasure In The Royal Tower.

It is amazing how much of an improvement there is between Treasure In The Royal Tower and this one, considering that they were only released three months apart.

This is the first time they decided to use a new method for counting the time. This time there are a select number of Days that will elapse before the game ends. No alarm clocks, no sleeping, more fun.

The format is unique enough in this iteration to say that the Nancy Drew series varies enough from version to version that it is not just the same rehashed thing with different story and characters. Unique enough to say it is not just a carbon copy.

There are some things in the game that are there for you to do, but are not necessary for completing the game. For example, at the end when you can pick up the sledge hammer and try to smash the glass open to free Maya, or reading about how to do magic tricks, or going through the secret passageway between the Men's and Women's dressing rooms.

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Still plagued with the same problems of all Nancy Drews, and almost all adventure games for that matter.

There are many phone numbers written throughout the game that are invalid when you call them.