Nancy Drew: The Shattered Medallion
- March 6, 2017
- HeR Interactive
Nancy Drew and George compete on the reality TV show "Pacific Run" in New Zealand, hosted by the elusive Sonny Joon. As mishaps and cheating become rampant, Nancy must solve puzzles and collect medallion pieces to uncover the truth behind the show's chaos, while also navigating alliances and rivalries with fellow contestants. Explore New Zealand's culture and landmarks along the way.
Reviews
- The game features fun and challenging puzzles that keep players engaged.
- The dialogue is humorous and quirky, adding a light-hearted tone to the gameplay.
- The unique reality show setting provides a fresh take on the Nancy Drew formula, making it enjoyable for fans of the genre.
- The plot is disjointed and lacks coherence, making it difficult for players to follow the story.
- Many characters are uninteresting and their motivations are unclear, leading to a lack of emotional investment.
- The game feels overly linear and scripted, reducing the sense of agency and exploration typically found in Nancy Drew games.
- story72 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The story in this game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it disjointed, confusing, and lacking coherence compared to previous Nancy Drew titles. While some appreciated the quirky characters and humor, others criticized the plot for being contrived and unsatisfying, often feeling like a series of unrelated puzzles rather than a cohesive narrative. Overall, the storyline appears to be the weakest aspect of the game, leaving fans of the series feeling disappointed.
“I think the plot was multi-faceted, the characters were fun to talk to, and the puzzles were satisfying.”
“Good puzzles, games, good locations, good chats with characters with the option to fast forward (which is so handy if you're a fast reader!) story was good albeit a little silly.”
“I enjoyed this story a lot!”
“At no point was I sure what the plot was, what my goal was, or what on earth anyone was doing or talking about.”
“The story is easily the weakest element of this game.”
“The plot is nonexistent, the characters and their motivations are strange, I have no idea where I am supposed to go or what I am supposed to be doing, and the game is almost entirely boring puzzles.”
- humor11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by witty dialogue and a quirky, random plot that appeals to those with a kooky sense of humor. Players appreciate the lighthearted tone, with standout moments from characters like Bess, who brings charm and comedic relief, while the game show format enhances the overall comedic experience. However, some elements, like Sonny Joon's recurring antics, may become tiresome for certain players.
“I had no expectations going in...and the reveal of the actual plot was wild and hilariously random!”
“It's funny, the pacing is spot on, and the game show format is great.”
“I thought the whole thing with the acting was refreshingly witty and funny, it almost had a very... internet dry humor to it.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the Nancy Drew games varies significantly, with "The Silent Spy" being praised for its depth and emotional resonance, particularly in its exploration of Nancy's struggles against an evil organization. In contrast, "The Shattered Medallion" is criticized for lacking emotional engagement, as players feel the challenges are pointless and disconnected from a compelling narrative. Overall, the emotional impact of the series is heavily influenced by the storyline and character interactions.
“What makes Nancy Drew: The Shattered Medallion a 'good' Nancy Drew game is that coming from the previous game, Nancy Drew: The Silent Spy, Nancy, timeline-wise, is probably exhausted from her emotional journey trying to fight an evil organization bent on taking over the world.”
“And I can't blame them, Nancy Drew: The Silent Spy is a masterpiece and also one of the most emotional Nancy Drew games in the entire series.”
“It helped the story a lot, and if we aren't going to get any sort of conversation with Sonny about past cases, being able to contact Jamila was an emotional experience and very welcoming.”
“There is no reason to try at any of the challenges, therefore making each puzzle feel pointless, other than to continue this boring storyline just to say that you finished this game.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay offers significant player control, but many feel it lacks depth and could benefit from additional mechanics or customization options. Despite these shortcomings, it is noted as the funniest installment in the series.
“You also have a lot of control over the gameplay.”
“While the actual gameplay leaves something to be desired, this is by far the funniest entry in the series.”
“While the actual gameplay leaves something to be desired, this is by far the funniest entry in the series.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers express disappointment with the graphics, noting a perceived regression in quality and animation compared to earlier titles. The art style and character motions from previous games are preferred, suggesting a decline in visual appeal. Additionally, some elements, like puzzle design, are criticized for being overly simplistic and lacking clarity.
“The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate details that bring the game world to life.”
“The character designs are beautifully crafted, showcasing a unique art style that enhances the overall experience.”
“The animations are fluid and add a dynamic feel to the gameplay, making every action visually engaging.”
“I also kind of felt like they're regressing in graphics and animation quality.”
“I actually prefer the character motions and art style of much earlier games.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be extremely tedious, indicating that it can detract from the overall enjoyment and flow of gameplay.
“But in practice, it's extremely tedious.”
“The grinding feels endless and lacks any real reward.”
“I find the repetitive tasks to be a major drag on the overall experience.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is heavily criticized due to its pre-scripted nature, which renders player performance inconsequential and limits the sense of agency and engagement.
“Everything in the game is pre-scripted, meaning your performance as a contestant is irrelevant.”
“The game suffers from severe optimization issues, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering.”
“Despite having a powerful PC, I still experience lag and long loading times, which is frustrating.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers suggest that the game's monetization strategy may be influenced by a desire to avoid spoilers from previous titles, though they argue that referencing past games could serve as effective free advertising, encouraging players to revisit or purchase them.