Nancy Drew: Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon
- October 10, 2009
- HeR Interactive
- 7h median play time
Get on SteamIn Nancy Drew: Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon, players explore a mysterious train and its intriguing passengers while solving puzzles and uncovering secrets. As amateur detective Nancy Drew, they'll navigate complex situations, using their wits and observational skills to crack the case. Set in a stunning Southwestern landscape, this engaging adventure game combines suspenseful storytelling with enriching, realistic environments.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Engaging story with interesting twists and a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to fans of the series.
- Challenging yet enjoyable puzzles that are well-integrated into the storyline, making them feel relevant and rewarding.
- The inclusion of the Hardy Boys adds a fun dynamic, and the train setting provides a unique and immersive experience.
- The game can feel short and somewhat linear, with limited locations to explore, leading to repetitive backtracking.
- Some character interactions and motivations are weak or annoying, detracting from the overall experience.
- The ending may feel lackluster or predictable, leaving some players wanting more from the resolution of the mystery.
- story194 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally engaging, featuring intriguing characters and a mix of mystery, romance, and historical elements, though some reviewers found it predictable or lacking depth compared to other titles in the series. While the plot includes interesting twists and connections, it also suffers from some logistical inconsistencies and a lackluster ending that left some players wanting more. Overall, the narrative is complemented by well-integrated puzzles that enhance the gameplay experience, making it enjoyable for fans of the genre.
“It has an engaging story, characters, and puzzles, and a search for treasure that makes sense within the context of said story, which isn't something that can be said of some of these games.”
“The story is unique and interesting, and there's a good balance of traditional mystery/puzzle solving as well as navigating the characters' relationships with each other.”
“The story line is good, it all makes sense, and there is a nice little twist at the end that no one could have expected.”
“Considering Nancy isn't alone on this mission, it makes no sense as to why the culprit did what that person did at the end.”
“The logistics of this plot are unbelievable at points, too, like the machinery on the train that Jake Hurley built in the 19th century.”
“The story wasn't worth the buildup ultimately... wish this team wrote a better ending because this is getting repetitive.”
- atmosphere24 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for being cozy, creepy, and richly antique, effectively enhancing the overall experience. Players appreciate the well-crafted settings, particularly the train environment, which complements the engaging story and characters. While some games may lean more towards spookiness, the atmosphere remains solid and enjoyable across various titles.
“The puzzles are great, the atmosphere is cozy, creepy, and deliciously antique.”
“I have always loved trains as settings for a mystery, and Last Train captures the atmosphere perfectly.”
“Fortunately, the artwork and overall atmosphere of the train is really well done - so I never really found this aspect of the game tiring.”
“Even though this game isn't really attempting to be scary when compared to Castle Malloy or Blackmoor Manor, the atmosphere is still very solid.”
“Fortunately, the artwork and overall atmosphere of the train is really well done, so I never really found this aspect of the game tiring.”
- grinding24 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 92 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience. While some puzzles are cleverly designed and engaging, the repetitive back-and-forth movement on the train and certain tedious controls can detract from the enjoyment, especially in the latter parts of the game. Many appreciate the balance of challenge without excessive tedium, but some feel that the pacing slows down significantly, leading to frustration.
“It became tedious to have to go from one end of the train to the other, but the story was well thought out and for the most part the characters had interesting backstories.”
“I enjoyed playing this during the first half of the game, but it became very slow and tedious with all the puzzles loaded into the final hours.”
“For example, I loved the atmosphere of Castle Malloy, but the puzzles were mostly obtuse and extremely tedious (I'm looking at you, chemical puzzle).”
- gameplay24 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its clever puzzle design and enjoyable mechanics, providing a relaxing yet challenging experience. While the story may be somewhat predictable, the engaging puzzles and unique setting compensate for this, making it a rewarding experience for players. Overall, the game offers a solid 5-7 hours of gameplay that is both accessible and satisfying, especially for fans of the Nancy Drew series.
“Great puzzles, pleasant gameplay, great plotline!”
“The puzzle design was very clever, and the mechanics within the game were not tedious or repetitive, which certain Nancy titles can be prone to.”
“As for the gameplay, most of the puzzles are challenging, but possible and often rewarding so long as you take time and think things through, (and consult a guide when you can’t).”
“The story was a little predictable and not as solid as some other titles may be, but the gameplay made up for this for me.”
“Like the other Nancy Drew games, most of the gameplay involves progression puzzles with some vague idea of how to solve them.”
“About 5-7 hours of gameplay if you're familiar with the Nancy Drew games.”
- graphics20 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered outdated, reflecting its 2005 release, but many players appreciate the old-school aesthetic and the quality of the artwork, particularly the atmosphere of the train. While not groundbreaking, the visuals are deemed charming and fitting for the game's style, with some reviewers noting that they stand the test of time despite their limitations. Overall, the graphics may not impress by modern standards, but they complement the engaging story and characters.
“Fortunately, the artwork and overall atmosphere of the train is really well done - so I never really found this aspect of the game tiring.”
“Love the graphics, the train is super cool.”
“Great quality, and graphics.”
“The graphics aren't great, but I will give that a pass for being such an old game.”
“Of course, the graphics are nothing to brag about.”
“Just be forewarned that its graphics have not aged very well.”
- music18 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised as a masterpiece, enhancing the overall experience with its beautiful and adventurous themes. Many reviewers highlight the soundtrack as one of the best aspects, noting its perfect fit with the game's setting and story. However, there are some criticisms regarding certain tracks feeling less impactful compared to the series' usual standards.
“A masterpiece, until the very end with the great music played at the credits.”
“Unforgettable characters, great music, and a cool setting are just some of the reasons this game is great.”
“The first is the music which felt pretty half-hearted by ND standards, and the second is the cast.”
“The music is original and has a theme I can only describe as adventurous.”
- humor14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with characters like Charleena and Tino providing a mix of deadpan wit and comedic incompetence that enhances the experience. Players enjoy the charming dialogue and exaggerated character traits, particularly noting the hilarity of Lori Girard's ditzy persona. Overall, the humor complements the engaging story and challenging puzzles, making for a delightful and entertaining adventure.
“The dialogue and characters are still charming and funny, and the train is jam-packed with puzzles that give the mystery a lot of momentum as you steadily uncover clues.”
“Charleena is delightfully deadpan and snarky, while Tino manages to be both irritating and hilariously incompetent at the same time.”
“Lori Girard is definitely a highlight, especially with her ditzy personality and funny dialogue.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users report that the game runs smoothly on older hardware, such as a 2011 Asus PC, with no performance issues noted, particularly when background applications are minimized. Overall, the optimization appears to be effective for lower-end systems.
“It should run smoothly, especially when nothing else is running in the background.”
“No performance issues (2011 Asus PC).”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers consistently praise the character development, highlighting it as a strong aspect of the game's narrative. The characters are well-crafted and contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment of the story and setting.
“I really liked the story, character development, and what a fun location.”
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