Why The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog?

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most unexpected entries in the long-running Sonic franchise. Rather than focusing on speed, platforming, or action, this game takes the form of a visual novel-style mystery. At first glance, the idea of a “murder mystery” starring Sonic the Hedgehog might seem strange—especially given the series’ typically lighthearted tone—but the game leans fully into its premise and delivers a surprisingly charming and engaging experience.

The story begins aboard a train where Sonic and his friends are celebrating a birthday party for Amy Rose. Things quickly take a turn when Sonic is “found dead,” kicking off a playful investigation into what really happened. It’s important to note that the game is not a dark or serious murder story—it’s more of a themed party game within the story itself, which keeps the tone fun and appropriate for all ages.

You play as a new, original character who works on the train and becomes involved in solving the mystery. This perspective works well, as it allows both longtime fans and newcomers to engage with the story without needing deep knowledge of the Sonic universe. Throughout the game, you’ll interact with familiar characters like Tails, Knuckles the Echidna, and others, gathering clues and piecing together what happened.

Gameplay is primarily centered around dialogue choices, exploration, and light puzzle-solving. Players move between train cars, examine objects, and question characters to uncover inconsistencies in their stories. There are also short “thinking” mini-games that add a bit of interactivity beyond just reading text. These segments are simple but effective, helping to break up the pacing and keep players engaged.

One of the game’s biggest strengths is its writing. The dialogue is witty, self-aware, and full of personality. Each character feels true to their established traits while also being given moments to shine in a new context. The humor lands well, often poking fun at both mystery tropes and Sonic’s own history. It’s clear that a lot of care went into making the story enjoyable rather than just a gimmick.

Visually, the game features expressive 2D character art and clean, colorful environments. While it doesn’t aim for cutting-edge graphics, the art style suits the visual novel format perfectly. The soundtrack is another highlight, offering upbeat and atmospheric tracks that enhance the mystery without ever feeling too intense.

However, the game does have some limitations. It’s relatively short, with most players able to complete it in just a few hours. While this makes it accessible and easy to finish, it may leave some players wanting more depth or additional content. Replay value is also somewhat limited, as the story is mostly linear with only minor variations based on player choices.

Additionally, players who aren’t fans of visual novels or text-heavy games may find the gameplay a bit slow. There’s very little action, and much of the experience involves reading and making occasional decisions. While the mini-games help, they don’t dramatically change the overall pace.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-player on PC/Steam.

Pros

• Unique and creative concept for a Sonic game
• Strong writing with humor and personality
• Engaging mystery that keeps players curious
• Fun interactions with well-known characters
• Accessible for both fans and newcomers

Cons

• Short overall length
• Limited replay value
• Minimal gameplay beyond dialogue and simple puzzles
• May not appeal to players who prefer action-heavy games

Summary

Overall, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is a delightful surprise that shows how flexible the Sonic franchise can be. By stepping away from traditional gameplay and embracing a narrative-driven format, it offers something fresh and memorable. While it may not have the depth or longevity of larger titles, its charm, humor, and creativity make it well worth experiencing—especially for fans of Sonic or lighthearted mystery games.

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Why the Midnight Hotel?

Clue Escape: The Midnight Hotel is a cooperative escape room–style board game that reimagines the classic Clue franchise in a more immersive and story-driven format. Rather than competing against one another to solve a mystery first, players work together to uncover secrets, solve puzzles, and unravel a narrative set within the mysterious Midnight Hotel. The game blends deduction, logic, and exploration into a single experience designed to feel like a tabletop escape room, making it a strong choice for fans of mysteries and cooperative games.

One of the most notable differences between The Midnight Hotel and traditional Clue is its emphasis on teamwork. All players share information, discuss theories, and solve puzzles collectively. This cooperative structure creates a more relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, especially for families or groups where competitive play might cause tension. Everyone is invested in the same goal, which encourages communication and collaboration throughout the entire game.

The game unfolds gradually as players progress through the story. Instead of starting with a fully revealed board, the environment builds over time, giving a strong sense of discovery. New areas, clues, and components are introduced as puzzles are solved, which helps maintain excitement and curiosity. This unfolding structure makes the Midnight Hotel feel like a living setting rather than a static board, drawing players deeper into the experience without requiring complex rules.

Puzzle variety is another strength of the game. Challenges involve logic, observation, pattern recognition, and careful reading, rather than relying on a single type of thinking. This variety allows different players to shine at different moments, which is especially rewarding in a group setting. The puzzles are generally approachable, making the game suitable for players who are new to escape room games, while still providing enough challenge to feel satisfying when solutions are found.

Thematically, The Midnight Hotel does an excellent job of maintaining a mysterious tone without becoming frightening or inappropriate for younger players. The atmosphere is suspenseful but family-friendly, making it a good option for teens and adults alike. Fans of Clue will appreciate the familiar characters and mystery elements, while newcomers can enjoy the story without needing prior knowledge of the franchise.

That said, the game is designed as a one-time experience. Once the puzzles are solved and the story is complete, there is little replay value, as the solutions and surprises will already be known. This is a common trait among escape room board games, but it is still an important consideration for buyers who prefer games they can replay multiple times.

Pros and Cons

This game is a lot of fun, here’s some pros and cons:

Pros:

• Cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork and shared problem-solving
• Strong sense of immersion through gradual board and story reveals
• Approachable puzzles suitable for beginners and families
• Varied challenge types that appeal to different thinking styles
• Engaging mystery atmosphere without being scary or intense
• Works well for solo or group play

Cons:

• One-time play experience with very limited replay value
• May feel too easy for experienced escape room enthusiasts

Summary

Overall, Clue Escape: The Midnight Hotel offers an engaging and accessible mystery experience that successfully merges classic Clue themes with modern escape room mechanics. It shines as a shared storytelling adventure and works best when approached as an interactive event rather than a traditional board game. For players looking for a cooperative mystery night with clever puzzles and immersive presentation, it delivers a memorable and enjoyable experience.

If you enjoyed this game, check out some of the others in this series!

• Treachery at Tudor Mansion
• Sabotage on The High Seas
• The World’s Fair

Clue Escape Room Board Game the Midnight Hotel – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

It has the same premise of solving a crime using the same characters, items, and rooms. Only there’s no board, dice, or clue sheets. It’s all done with a deck of cards. You still eliminate the suspects, narrow down the rooms, and discover the weapon by asking questions.

This game is so much faster paced and has a more level playing field. No more getting the short end of the stick with low dice rolls or having to eliminate rooms located on opposite ends of the board. Every turn allows you to ask whatever you want since there’s no need to be in the room.

In my opinion, Clue the Card game boils it down to the essence of what makes Clue so fun. The process of elimination to correctly guess the person, place, and weapon involved in the crime.

Anyone who enjoys playing games with friends or family will enjoy this game. Board games and card games go hand in hand during any gaming session. The Clue Card game isn’t a board game but plays like one. While it is a card game, it isn’t anything like Rummy, Poker, Euchre, Hearts, or many other traditional card games.

Anyone who enjoys the classic Clue board game should try out this game. As mentioned before, it uses the same characters, rooms, and weapons. So it plays similar to the board game.

We tested this game with 3, 4, and 5 players at a table (although it’s only 4 players we still managed to do 5). There are a lot of cards you have to hold at first, so a couple players used card holders.

Clue Card game is almost identical to the Clue board game. Which are also similar to Exit the game, the Nancy Drew games, and many other mystery games.

The main difference is you ask about any two items during your turn. Instead of being required to ask about one person, one weapon, and one room, you can ask about two rooms for example. You aren’t stuck asking about a person or weapon if you already know who and what. Also, you aren’t required to be in a room since there is no board.

In both Clue games, you’re dealt out evidence cards at the beginning. Instead of a pencil and clue sheet to keep track of clues, the Clue Card games uses 15 cards. As clues are gathered, you discard the correlating card (face down) from your deck. Once you have only one room, one person, and one weapon in your hand you’ll know the solution!

The card game is much faster paced since nobody loses out on an accusation by being stuck outside a room. Since people can ask about only two items, you can eliminate clues faster. For example, say someone asks about Mr Green and the revolver. If one of your evidence cards is the revolver, and another player passes a card to the accuser, you’ll know they passed Mr Green.

This situation is possible in the board game, but much more difficult since you have to know who has two out of three cards being guessed. Reducing the guesses from three down to two makes this situation more likely to happen.

Eliminating an item based solely on the result of someone else’s guess definitely is a pro of the card game. It happens during the board game, but it’s exceedingly rare.

The card game goes faster since it isn’t bogged down by rolling dice and deciding where to move. The card game is just making an accusation, finding out if anyone can prove you wrong, and then keep going. It’s a much faster pace overall.

The game is entirely cards. No pencils, paper, items, or board to keep track of or setup. Just distribute the cards, and let the accusations start!

The only con is there are a lot of cards to keep track of. You don’t want to mix your clue cards with your evidence cards. The backs are the same but the evidence cards have a bright evidence banner through the front. Still, keeping track of 15-19 cards isn’t easy.

We did have one round where a card was mixed. It was hilarious. In that case, only one person could actually know the true solution since the other players couldn’t truly narrow it down to one weapon.

Our Clue Card game review gives it 9 out of 10 stars. We really enjoyed this game. Everyone had fun, even the time we mixed a clue card with an evidence card. The rounds were fast paced and everyone won a round or two.

The Clue Card game takes the best of Clue the board game, eliminates the downsides, and adds some new quarks into the game. It truly is everything fun about the classic board game and more!

Clue Card Game Review
brought to you by: David M.

I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.

Why Secret of the Old Clock?

Secret of the Old Clock (also available on Steam) is the 12th game in the Nancy Drew adventure series by Her Interactive, and it takes players back in time to the 1930s. Based on the very first Nancy Drew book published in 1930, the game mixes classic sleuthing with a vintage setting that feels unique within the franchise.

Nancy is called to the quaint town of Titusville to help solve a mystery involving a missing will that could change the fate of several townsfolk. The story captures the charm of early Nancy Drew mysteries, focusing less on sinister crimes and more on small-town secrets, inheritance drama, and community relationships. It feels cozy and nostalgic compared to some of the darker entries in the series.

This game emphasizes old-fashioned detective work—talking to locals, driving around town in Nancy’s roadster, and solving puzzles related to money, errands, and logic challenges. One of the standout features is the ability to drive the car around Titusville, making it feel more open-ended than previous games. However, the gameplay can sometimes feel slower since much of it revolves around completing tasks and mini-jobs (like delivering telegrams) to earn money for gas and other necessities.

The 1930s aesthetic is charming, with retro fashion, cars, and environments that set it apart from other Nancy Drew games. The jazz-influenced soundtrack adds to the vintage feel, and the voice acting brings the characters to life in a warm, small-town atmosphere.

Unlike some of the scarier Nancy Drew titles, Secret of the Old Clock leans into nostalgia and character-driven storytelling. Fans of the books may enjoy how it honors Nancy’s roots, though players looking for danger and high suspense might find it more relaxed than expected.

When it comes to “scary things” this game doesn’t have that. In fact this game is one of the most cute and cozy kind of Nancy Drew game.

You might also like this post: Gift Guide for Nancy Drew Fans

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

This game is only 1-player and it’s for PC/MAC. We’ve been playing together on two computers on the Steam version for this game.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL.

Pros

Charming 1930s atmosphere and story.

Unique driving mechanic with Nancy’s roadster.

Nostalgic tribute to Nancy’s first case.

Relaxed, cozy mystery tone.

Cons

Lacks the suspense and danger of other titles

Task-based gameplay can feel repetitive

Driving errands may slow the pacing for some players

Summary

Secret of the Old Clock is a charming entry in the Nancy Drew series that celebrates the origins of the teen detective. It may not be the most thrilling mystery, but its unique 1930s setting, cozy small-town atmosphere, and emphasis on classic sleuthing make it a memorable game for longtime fans.

Nancy Drew Secret of the Old Clock – Game Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Why Resorting to Danger?

Nancy Drew Dossier: Resorting to Danger! is the second entry in the lighter, casual Nancy Drew Dossier series by Her Interactive. Unlike the mainline Nancy Drew adventures, which focus on point-and-click exploration and longer mysteries, the Dossier games are designed to be quick, fast-paced, and puzzle-driven while still keeping Nancy’s trademark sleuthing charm.

This time, Nancy is undercover at the upscale Redondo Spa and Resort, where a series of bomb threats is disrupting the luxurious atmosphere. While investigating, she crosses paths with quirky employees, rich and eccentric guests, and a mysterious culprit with a dangerous agenda. The plot is campy, full of humor, and plays with the glamorous spa setting in fun, over-the-top ways.

The gameplay is built around “spot-the-object” and matching puzzles rather than traditional point-and-click exploration. Players search scenes for key items and then combine them to advance the story, with mini-games sprinkled throughout to keep things varied. Unlike the main series, this is much faster and more casual—perfect for short play sessions. Choices you make throughout the game can lead to one of several possible endings, giving it replay value.

The game has bright, colorful visuals that lean into the spa theme—lush greenery, sleek pools, and posh décor make it stand out from the more moody tones of other Nancy Drew games. The character designs are exaggerated but memorable. Voice acting adds personality, especially for the spa employees and guests, and the upbeat soundtrack fits the lighthearted mystery vibe.

When it comes to “scary things” this game doesn’t really have that. Of course all ending of Nancy Drew games (even Dossier) can be stressful but not really “scary”.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

This game is only 1-player and it’s for PC/MAC. We’ve been playing together on two computers on the Steam version for this game.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL.

Pros

Multiple endings for replay value.

Fun, quirky spa setting.

Quick, casual gameplay with unique puzzles.

Lighthearted humor and memorable characters.

Cons

Much shorter and easier than main Nancy Drew games.

Less focus on deep mystery solving.

Summary

Nancy Drew Dossier: Resorting to Danger! is a fun detour from the traditional Nancy Drew formula. It’s more casual and quirky, with less challenge than the mainline series but plenty of charm. Players looking for a quick, replayable mystery with humor and flair will enjoy it, though those expecting the depth of the core Nancy Drew adventures may find it a little too light.

Nancy Drew Dossier: Resorting to Danger! Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Why The Letter M?

In Ms. Holmes: The Letter M, the brilliant detective Ms. Holmes is back to investigate a string of mysterious crimes linked by a cryptic calling card—marked only with the letter “M.” The game is a classic detective mystery with high-stakes intrigue, hidden identities, and clues scattered through elegant Victorian settings.

As the story unfolds, Ms. Holmes finds herself entangled in a deeper plot involving revenge, secret societies, and clever riddles, all while trying to outwit a cunning criminal mastermind.

As with most titles in the series and the HOPA genre, gameplay includes:

• Hidden Object scenes (both list-based and interactive)
• Inventory puzzles and key item usage
• A variety of mini-games and logic-based challenges

The game introduces a couple of new puzzle types and improved interactivity in hidden object scenes. Puzzle difficulty is moderate, making the game accessible without feeling too easy. Players familiar with the genre will feel right at home.

One feature fans will appreciate is the smooth pacing of gameplay and story progression. There’s a steady rhythm between puzzle-solving, dialogue, and exploration.

The Letter M continues the series’ tradition of strong visual presentation. Victorian London is rendered with beautiful, hand-painted backdrops, atmospheric lighting, and stylish character designs.

The soundtrack supports the mystery vibe with suspenseful strings and moody piano, and the voice acting is well-done—adding drama to the story without overacting.

The Collector’s Edition includes:

• A bonus chapter that wraps up lingering questions
• Collectibles (like morphing objects and tokens)
• Wallpapers, achievements, and a strategy guide
• These extras help extend gameplay for completionists.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-players on a computer/steam.

Pros

Engaging detective mystery with strong pacing.

High-quality visuals and immersive atmosphere.

Well-designed puzzles with good variety.

Memorable characters and plot twists.

Solid bonus content in the CE version.

Cons

Short playtime (4–5 hours including bonus chapter).

Genre veterans may find puzzles a bit easy.

Some plot elements feel familiar to HOPA fans.

In this game there’s some mild violence. This may be spoilers but within the game someone gets their thumb chopped off. It shows it at the beginning cutscene and during one of the puzzles (also near the beginning but later than the cutscene).

Summary

Overall, Ms. Holmes: The Letter M is another enjoyable chapter in the Ms. Holmes series. With its polished presentation, sharp detective story, and satisfying gameplay loop, it’s a perfect pick for fans of hidden object mysteries or Sherlock-style tales with a clever heroine at the center. Ms. Holmes: The Letter M Is a stylish mystery adventure with satisfying puzzles and great detective flair.

Read my other reviews of the Ms. Holmes series below here:

Ms. Holmes: The Monster of the Baskervilles

Ms. Holmes: 5 Orange Pips

Ms. Holmes: The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual

Ms. Holmes: The Case of the Dancing Men

Ms. Holmes: The Milverton Plot

Ms. Holmes: The Letter M – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Why The Milverton Plot?

Ms. Holmes: The Milverton Plot is the fifth installment in the beloved hidden object puzzle adventure (HOPA) series starring the brilliant detective Ms. Holmes. Drawing inspiration from the classic Sherlock Holmes story “Charles Augustus Milverton,” this chapter blends high-stakes blackmail, danger, and deduction into an immersive investigative experience.

In this thrilling tale, Ms. Holmes is called to stop a notorious blackmailer who is targeting high-profile victims with damaging secrets. As the case deepens, she uncovers a sinister plot with far-reaching consequences. The narrative is packed with twists, cleverly woven dialogue, and a tight, suspenseful pace that keeps you hooked until the final scene.

Staying true to the series formula, this game offers a mix of hidden object scenes, logic puzzles, and inventory-based challenges. The gameplay is smooth and rewarding, with clever clues scattered throughout each area. New mechanics introduced in this title include a case file system that helps track suspects, motives, and evidence—adding a layer of strategy to the mystery-solving.

The art style is elegant and cinematic, with detailed environments that enhance the period setting—from lavish estates to shadowy backstreets. The music underscores the tension without overpowering the scenes, and the voice acting remains solid, giving emotional weight to both heroes and villains.

As with earlier titles, there are collectibles, morphing objects, and bonus content for dedicated players. The bonus chapter extends the plot with a satisfying side mystery that complements the main story.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-players on a computer/steam.

Pros

Gripping and mature mystery narrative.

New gameplay elements add depth.

Beautiful and atmospheric visuals.

Engaging bonus chapter and extras.

Cons

Some hidden object scenes feel overly familiar.

May require backtracking during evidence collection.

Summary

Overall, Ms. Holmes: The Milverton Plot is a strong addition to the series, combining a gripping storyline with inventive gameplay mechanics. With refined visuals, smart puzzles, and a deeper look into criminal psychology, it delivers one of the most mature and compelling cases yet.

Read my other reviews of the Ms. Holmes series below here:

Ms. Holmes: The Monster of the Baskervilles

Ms. Holmes: 5 Orange Pips

Ms. Holmes: The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual

Ms. Holmes: The Case of the Dancing Men

Ms. Holmes: The Milverton Plot – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Why The Case of the Dancing Men?

Ms. Holmes: The Case of the Dancing Men is the fourth entry in the Ms. Holmes hidden object puzzle adventure (HOPA) series. Inspired by the classic Sherlock Holmes tale, this game adds a modern, mysterious spin with clever storytelling, challenging puzzles, and a visually rich world.

In this installment, Ms. Holmes investigates a cryptic case involving a series of mysterious stick figure codes—the “dancing men”—that are linked to a string of crimes. The deeper she digs, the more she uncovers about a secret message system, long-buried secrets, and a powerful conspiracy. The game strikes a satisfying balance between logic-based mystery and dramatic intrigue.

This game continues the strong tradition of point-and-click exploration, hidden object puzzles, and inventory-based problem-solving. The hidden object scenes are detailed and thoughtfully layered, offering engaging variety. The puzzles are particularly satisfying in this entry, with new cipher-based mechanics that reflect the dancing men code theme and add depth to the gameplay.

The game’s visuals are polished, with a Victorian aesthetic blended with mysterious symbols and moody environments. Whether you’re in shadowy libraries or foggy alleyways, the artwork immerses you in the world. The soundtrack is subtle but effective, while the voice acting continues to bring charm and weight to the characters.

As with previous entries, there are collectibles, morphing objects, and achievements to discover. A bonus chapter offers a story involving some of the characters from the main story.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-players on a computer/steam.

Pros

Smart, mystery-driven story with homage to classic Holmes.

Great variety of puzzles, especially cipher-based ones.

Strong visuals and atmospheric design.

Good replay value with extras and bonus chapter.

Cons

Occasional lack of direction during more complex puzzles.

Similar structure to previous games might feel repetitive to series veterans.

Summary

Overall, Ms. Holmes: The Case of the Dancing Men is an engaging addition to the series. It cleverly nods to classic detective fiction while delivering a fresh, puzzle-rich experience. With thoughtful game design and intriguing mystery elements, it stands out as a top-tier HOPA title.

Read my other reviews of the Ms. Holmes series below here:

Ms. Holmes: The Monster of the Baskervilles

Ms. Holmes: 5 Orange Pips

Ms. Holmes: The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual

Ms. Holmes: The Case of the Dancing Men – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Why The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual?

Ms. Holmes: The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual is the third entry in the popular Ms. Holmes hidden object puzzle adventure (HOPA) series. This installment deepens the series’ blend of classic detective work and eerie mystery, offering a darker and more ritualistic tone than previous games.

Ms. Holmes is called upon to investigate the bizarre disappearance of several individuals, all tied to an old Scottish legend and the mysterious McKirk family. As she unravels the clues, she discovers a secret society and a ritual that may have terrifying consequences. The narrative is layered with folklore, suspense, and an escalating sense of urgency that builds to a dramatic conclusion.

Gameplay remains faithful to the HOPA formula with hidden object scenes, puzzle-solving, and inventory-based exploration. The hidden object scenes are visually rich and cleverly designed, while the puzzles range from simple logic tasks to more involved multi-step challenges. New mechanics, like clue linking and timeline puzzles, keep things fresh for returning players.

The game’s artwork is top-notch, with haunting Scottish landscapes, candlelit rituals, and detailed environments. The soundtrack leans into eerie melodies and ambient soundscapes, which enhance the moody atmosphere. Voice acting remains strong and helps anchor the emotional weight of the story.

The game includes collectibles, morphing items, achievements, and a bonus chapter that serves as a satisfying epilogue. The bonus chapter ties up lingering questions while introducing a new layer of intrigue.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-players on a computer/steam.

Pros

Intriguing and immersive storyline with folklore elements.

Creative puzzles and varied hidden object scenes.

Excellent visuals and atmospheric audio.

Strong bonus content and collectibles.

Cons

May be a bit dark for younger or casual players. In this game there’s some mild blood. After getting locked in your room and you come out, before you open the next room’s door you should be prepared for some blood. The other games in this series that we’ve played don’t have any blood though.

Some puzzles may feel complex without clear guidance.

Summary

Overall, Ms. Holmes: The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual is one of the most atmospheric and emotionally engaging entries in the series. With compelling lore, smart puzzles, and beautiful design, it’s a standout HOPA game for fans of detective tales with a supernatural twist. However, near the start of the game does have some blood in it, the rest of the game is still great.

Read my other reviews:

Ms. Holmes: 5 Orange Pips

Ms. Holmes: The Monster of the Baskervilles

Ms. Holmes: The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Why Stay Tuned for Danger?

Nancy Drew: Stay Tuned for Danger is the second game in the long-running Nancy Drew point-and-click mystery series by Her Interactive. Released in 1999, this installment takes players behind the scenes of a TV soap opera plagued by threats and sabotage. Even decades later, it remains a nostalgic favorite for many fans.

In this adventure, Nancy goes undercover at the set of “Light of Our Love” to investigate disturbing threats made against the show’s star, Rick Arlen. As she navigates the glamorous yet cutthroat world of daytime television, Nancy must untangle a web of jealousies, secrets, and grudges to uncover who is behind the escalating danger. The storyline is filled with twists and red herrings, making it a classic whodunit experience.

Following the traditional first-person point-and-click format, players gather clues, solve puzzles, and interrogate a colorful cast of characters. Stay Tuned for Danger features more dialogue-heavy investigation than other Nancy Drew titles, requiring players to pay close attention to character conversations and schedules. Puzzle difficulty varies, and there are a few timed sequences that can add tension. Some puzzles may feel a bit dated today, but they still offer satisfying “aha!” moments.

Considering its late ’90s release, the game’s visuals are simple but effective. Hand-drawn backgrounds provide enough detail to create a convincing TV studio environment. The soundtrack is moody and suspenseful, complementing the mysterious atmosphere, and the voice acting, though a little cheesy at times, adds charm to the overall experience.

Stay Tuned for Danger was one of the few Nancy Drew games that included multiple endings depending on the player’s choices toward the climax. Sadly, due to technical limitations, the game was discontinued and can be tricky to run on modern systems without patches or fan support.

For “scary things” This game doesn’t have that. The ending is a bit stressful, but other than that there’s nothing “scary”.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

This game is only 1-player and it’s for PC/MAC. We’ve been playing together on two computers on the Steam version for this game.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL.

Pros

Strong, twisty mystery plot.

Memorable cast of characters.

Classic Nancy Drew investigative gameplay.

Nostalgic atmosphere.

Cons

Outdated graphics and interface.

Difficult to run on modern computers.

Some puzzles and sequences can be frustrating without careful timing.

Alas, like most Nancy Drew PC games, after you solve the mystery you know who the culprit is. Maybe after a while you could forget the culprit, but we usually remember as soon as we see or talk to them in the game.

Summary

Nancy Drew: Stay Tuned for Danger may show its age, but it’s a solid and suspenseful mystery with engaging characters and a strong investigative feel. It’s a must-play for dedicated Nancy Drew fans and anyone who enjoys classic detective stories.

Nancy Drew: Stay Tuned for Danger – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.