Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill

HeR Interactive

Industry	Video games
Products	Nancy Drew adventure games

Secrets Can Kill marks the first installment in the Nancy Drew point-and-click adventure game franchise, introduced in 1998 by HeR Interactive. Players step into the shoes of the amateur detective Nancy Drew, unraveling mysteries by questioning suspects, solving puzzles, and uncovering clues. The title showcases pre-rendered 3D settings combined with 2D animated character models. It provides three difficulty tiers—Junior, Senior, and Master detective—that vary in puzzle challenge and hint availability but maintain a consistent storyline. The plot draws loose inspiration from the 1986 novel Secrets Can Kill.

A Remastered version with enhanced features was launched on August 24, 2010, shortly after the original edition ceased distribution on August 1, 2010.

Plot

Nancy Drew pauses her academic studies to spend time with her Aunt Eloise in Florida. When Jake Rogers, a student at her aunt’s school, is found murdered, Nancy enrolls undercover as a new pupil to solve the case. Jake had been coercing several individuals by recording their illicit actions on video:

• Hal Tanaka plagiarized an essay to obtain a scholarship; Jake compelled him to complete his assignments.
• Connie Watson secretly entered a men's judo competition for cash prizes; Jake blackmailed her into dating him.
• Hulk Sanchez stole steroids to stay on the football team; Jake made him his subordinate.
• Daryl Gray, son of a financially ruined ex-senator, engaged in drug trafficking; Jake demanded a share from him.
• Mitch Dillon operated the drug network; Jake attempted to extort him.

Nancy uncovers that Mitch is responsible for Jake’s murder. With assistance from Daryl and Connie, she arranges for Mitch’s capture. Following this resolution, Nancy travels to New York City to pursue further investigations, setting the stage for the sequel.

Characters

• Nancy Drew – An 18-year-old amateur sleuth and the only character controlled by players.
• Daryl Gray – Student council president and part-time cook; affluent and well-liked but potentially untrustworthy.
• Connie Watson – A tough female student harboring secrets; frequently seen in the Student Lounge.
• Hal Tanaka – Japanese exchange student aiming for a medical scholarship.
• Hector "Hulk" Sanchez – Driven football player seeking a college athletic scholarship.
• Mitch Dillon – Suspicious school boiler room worker involved in illegal dealings.

Cast

• Nancy Drew – Voiced by Lani Minella
• Hal Tanaka – Voiced by John Truong
• Hector 'Hulk' Sanchez – Voiced by Rick Calvert
• Daryl Gray – Voiced by Bill Corkery
• Mitch Dillon – Voiced by Kenton Leach
• Connie Watson – Voiced by Donna Rowry

Release

Secrets Can Kill was designed to appeal primarily to young female gamers at an early stage of the mystery game market.

Reception

In North America, it sold 28,050 copies in 2001, with its rerelease moving an additional 41,455 units in 2003. By August 2006, U.S. sales were estimated between 100,000 and 300,000 copies. The full Nancy Drew series exceeded half a million sales by early 2003 and reached over 2.1 million computer game sales in the U.S. by 2006. Edge magazine described Nancy Drew as a "powerful franchise."

Critical opinions varied; The Washington Post criticized its character complexity while Adventure Gamers awarded it two stars. The New York Times referred to it as the "Un-Barbie of computer games." Conversely, the Sun Sentinel highlighted its engaging atmosphere, and original author Millie Benson praised its authentic representation of Nancy Drew’s essence.

Remake

Originally withdrawn on August 1, 2010 due to issues with compatibility, Secrets Can Kill was subsequently enhanced and reissued on August 24, 2010 by Her Interactive. This updated edition included additional endings and incorporated pre-rendered 3D character models.

The enhanced release was met with positive acclaim, notably earning a five-star evaluation from Common Sense Media.

External links

• Toledo Blade
• The Nation