Nancy Drew: Warnings at Waverly Academy

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 250 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Nancy Drew: Warnings at Waverly Academy Game Cover
Starting at $7.49Buy now
Get on Steam

In Nancy Drew: Warnings at Waverly Academy, players go undercover as Nancy Drew to investigate threatening notes and dangerous accidents at a prestigious girls' boarding school. By exploring the campus, interrogating suspects, and solving puzzles, players must uncover the culprit before the threats turn deadly. The game features various high school activities, such as texting, studying, and even running the snack bar.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 250 reviews
story42 positive mentions
grinding4 negative mentions
  • The game features a captivating boarding school setting that incorporates elements of gossip, peer relationships, and drama, making it engaging and relatable.
  • Puzzles are creatively designed and provide a good balance of challenge, with many players enjoying the mini-games and side activities like running the snack shop.
  • The characters are well-developed and memorable, contributing to an intriguing storyline filled with unexpected twists and turns.
  • Some players found the puzzles to be overly simplistic or frustrating, with a few specific tasks being tedious and not well integrated into the main storyline.
  • The game is relatively short and the environment is limited, which may leave some players wanting more exploration and depth.
  • Certain character interactions and dialogue can feel repetitive, leading to a lack of engagement as the game progresses.
  • story86 mentions

    The story in this Nancy Drew game is generally praised for its authenticity, engaging characters, and intriguing plot twists, keeping players invested throughout. While many reviews highlight the enjoyable mix of puzzles and narrative, some critiques mention that certain plot points feel underdeveloped or disconnected. Overall, the game offers a fun and immersive experience, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.

    • “The story and cast of characters are excellent, leading to a gripping game.”
    • “Great story, well-written characters, and fun puzzles.”
    • “The balance of whodunit suspects was well-done from a writing perspective; the ending was unpredictable, and plot twists shook up my expectations many times.”
    • “Great game, but I didn't like the story much and it didn't take long to finish it.”
    • “However, it's definitely not the best of the franchise and the story leaves much to be wished for.”
    • “The backstory was laughably absent, and I finished the game not really knowing what the point of it was.”
  • graphics13 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the improved visuals compared to older titles, while others feel they fall short of capturing the dark, poetic essence of Edgar Allan Poe's work. The overall aesthetic is described as consistent and fitting for the game's themes, though not groundbreaking. While some users find the graphics enjoyable and fitting for the gameplay, others express a preference for more polished visuals.

    • “This game is so fun to play; it gets you straight into the action. The way you can play with the puzzles and the graphics are amazing, along with the little spooky effects.”
    • “The graphics aren't top of the line, but they're improved from the older games.”
    • “The dialogue, the graphics, and the events stay very true to the Nancy Drew series.”
    • “Edgar Allan Poe and his work factor strongly into some of the puzzles and the story, and the game should have reflected his poetic, dark, morose style more in its visuals, music, and overall story.”
    • “The art style and interface for the most part stays so consistent, it's hard to imagine the games weren't just pooped out all at once.”
    • “There are some Nancy Drew games that feature more dated, clumsy graphics and a clunky inventory/clicking system.”
  • gameplay11 mentions

    Gameplay in this title is a mixed bag; while it features unique mechanics like time progression and engaging mini-games, some players find certain puzzles frustrating and the map limited. The hint system is integrated into the narrative, enhancing immersion, but a lack of clear mechanic explanations can detract from the experience. Overall, the game successfully blends nostalgic elements with modern gameplay, offering enjoyable cooperative play and beautiful environments.

    • “If you haven't, then know that there are a few gameplay elements that make this series different from most other games in the genre: time moves in the game, and certain things happen at certain times of the day, or on specific days, and you can set an alarm to skip time; there are always mini games (sometimes puzzles, sometimes arcade sections) for very real-life type chores and such; the in-game hint system feels like just another part of the story, as it's literally just talking to other people; when it comes down to it, it's always about finding out who's lying, and why!”
    • “Perfect blend of puzzles, story, gameplay, and beautiful environments.”
    • “Our teamwork always made the gameplay shorter, but we always had so much fun together!”
    • “Sure, the mechanics and control scheme are the same, but it just feels way off.”
    • “There is also an extreme lack of mechanic explanations.”
    • “When it comes down to it, it's always about finding out who's lying, and why!”
  • music9 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the top-notch voice acting and enjoyable atmosphere, while others find the soundtrack to be forgettable and lacking depth. Notably, the inclusion of classical pieces, such as Bach's cello suite, adds to the ambiance, but some players express disappointment in the music puzzles and feel the overall soundtrack could better reflect the game's themes. Overall, while there are highlights, the music is often seen as a weaker aspect compared to previous entries in the series.

    • “Like most other Nancy Drew games by Her Interactive, Warnings at Waverly Academy has top-notch voice acting, as well as great music, and puzzles that make you actually use your brain.”
    • “It has an enjoyable atmosphere, music, and characters!”
    • “The setting is nicely done and quite pretty, and the music (including some diegetic bits of Bach's Cello Suite) suits it well.”
    • “However, I found the soundtrack bare and the map quite small, especially when compared to the previous entries.”
    • “Negatives - anytime there is a music puzzle, it's going in the negatives section for me.”
    • “The only other notable thing was the cello occasionally present in the otherwise forgettable soundtrack.”
  • humor9 mentions

    The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating the funny dialogue and entertaining character interactions that add depth to the plot. While some found the humor to be a highlight, others felt it was inconsistent, with a few characters not resonating well. Overall, the game balances drama and comedy effectively, creating a fun atmosphere for players who enjoy lighthearted moments amidst the mystery.

    • “I love Nancy Drew games; solving puzzles and more, the dialogue is quite funny.”
    • “It's entertaining and funny if you don't take yourself too seriously.”
    • “Honestly found this game pretty hilarious, dramatic, and fun above all, and those are the best games.”
  • atmosphere7 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its engaging and comfortable environment, featuring well-developed characters and a mix of humor and mystery. While some players appreciate the lighthearted tone and enjoyable music, others express a desire for a darker, more intense atmosphere akin to other titles. Overall, the game strikes a balance between fun and spooky, making it accessible for a wide range of players.

    • “The atmosphere was great, and I liked the different personalities of all the girls.”
    • “Good puzzles, a fun mystery, and a spooky atmosphere.”
    • “It has an enjoyable atmosphere, music, and characters!”
    • “I just find myself wishing the game had been darker with its atmosphere and tone, similar to 'Legend of the Crystal Skull.'”
    • “The atmosphere was much more comfortable than the Nancy Drew games I've watched or demoed (no ghostly jump scares for players who are easily startled), and the minigames were fun in their own right.”
  • grinding5 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be less tedious compared to previous titles, with enjoyable puzzles and a relaxed pacing that emphasizes sleuthing and character interaction. However, some tasks, like taking photos for a student, are noted as tedious and disconnected from the main plot.

    • “The only part I couldn't stand was taking photos for one of the students, which got tedious and had little to do with the plot of the game.”
    • “That being said, I try to find the good in all of them no matter how tedious or simply boring the plot might be.”
    • “Food making is not nearly as tedious as in White Wolf.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game offers notable replayability, particularly for players interested in exploring all conversations, achievements, and the engaging story. Nostalgic elements and challenging puzzles further enhance its replay value, making it appealing for both new and returning players.

    • “There is some replayability if you are going for all the conversations, achievements, story, etc. Overall, I would recommend this game.”
    • “It's got replay value (especially because of Steam achievements!), a good story, challenging puzzles, and so much nostalgia if you grew up with the Nancy Drew games, like I did.”
    • “It also has a lot of replay value, as the story is a strong one.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Reviewers highlight that the game features an engaging backstory and meaningful character development, complemented by a variety of puzzles and mini-games that enhance the overall experience. The immersive nature of the character growth is particularly appreciated, alongside the educational elements presented through the gameplay.

    • “The backstory is interesting, there is actual character development, and there are plenty of puzzles and mini-games.”
    • “I appreciated the achievements and, as always, the immersive character development and educational puzzles.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Nancy Drew: Warnings at Waverly Academy

Similar Games