Nancy Drew: Stay Tuned for Danger

Stay Tuned for Danger

Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Predecessor	Secrets Can Kill
Founded	November 13, 1999 (1999-11-13)
Founder	HeR Interactive
Defunct	2011 (2011)
Fate	Discontinued in 2011; re-released in 2016
Headquarters	United States
Area served	North America
Products	Stay Tuned for Danger (video game)
Owner	HeR Interactive

Stay Tuned for Danger represents the second entry in the Nancy Drew point-and-click adventure game franchise, developed by HeR Interactive and distributed by DreamCatcher. Originally launched on November 13, 1999, the title was discontinued in 2011 but saw a re-release in 2016 after the developer transitioned to a new gaming platform.

Players take on the perspective of amateur detective Nancy Drew, engaging in mystery-solving through interrogating suspects, deciphering puzzles, and gathering clues. This sequel expands upon its predecessor, Secrets Can Kill, by offering extended gameplay and introducing pre-rendered 3D character models. It includes three selectable difficulty settings—Junior, Senior, and Master detective modes—each differing in puzzle complexity and hint availability while maintaining a consistent storyline. The narrative is loosely adapted from the 1987 novel of the same title.

Plot

Nancy Drew receives an invitation to New York City to stay with Mattie Jensen, a renowned soap opera actress who requests Nancy’s help investigating threatening messages directed at her co-star, Rick Arlen. Every individual involved has a potential reason for targeting Rick:

• Millie Strathorn, owner of Worldwide Broadcasting (WWB) Studios, blurs the line between fiction and reality; she resents Rick’s character and has submitted storylines intending to eliminate him, although none were implemented.
• Mattie Jensen previously dated Rick before he left her for Lillian; she later became involved with her agent, Dwayne Powers.
• Lillian Weiss had a brief romantic relationship with Rick and suspects he used her to advance his career; she initially sent hostile threats but began investigating as the threats intensified.
• William Pappas feared that Rick’s departure would damage show ratings and was upset over Rick breaching his contract.
• Dwayne Powers harbored jealousy over Rick’s success and Mattie’s residual feelings for him.
• Rick Arlen sought to transition into Hollywood films but was plagued by rumors concerning his reputation and contractual disputes.

Following several near-lethal events on set and behind the scenes, Nancy discovers security footage revealing Dwayne Powers remaining at the studio after hours. During a confrontation with Lillian, the power unexpectedly fails, exposing Dwayne as responsible for the threats. Nancy contacts security personnel, resulting in Dwayne’s apprehension. Subsequently, Lillian advances to directing roles while Rick and Mattie marry.

Development

According to the Toledo Blade, development of the game was underway as of April 3, 1999.

Characters

• Nancy Drew – An eighteen-year-old amateur investigator from River Heights and the only playable protagonist.
• Mattie Jensen – A soap opera actress renting Aunt Eloise’s apartment; co-star alongside Rick Arlen on Light of Our Love; represented by agent Dwayne Powers; formerly romantically involved with Rick.
• Rick Arlen – Mattie’s co-star aiming to break his contract to pursue film opportunities; known for multiple failed relationships and receiving numerous death threats.
• Dwayne Powers – Ex-actor turned talent agent connected to both Mattie and Rick; potentially motivated by envy.
• Millie Strathorn – Quirky owner of WWB Studios and prop master who confuses reality with fiction; has attempted to eliminate Rick’s character from the show.
• Lillian Weiss – Director of Light of Our Love; one of Rick’s former romantic partners harboring bitterness.
• William "Bill" Pappas – Experienced producer displeased with Rick violating his contract.
• Owen W. Spayder – Enigmatic stagehand frequently present during incidents; recently hired by the Dwayne Powers Agency.
• Ralph Guardino – Security guard employed at WWB Studios.

Cast

• Nancy Drew / Millie Strathorn - Voiced by Lani Minella
• Mattie Jensen - Performed by Moriah Seebold Angeline
• Rick Arlen - Portrayed by Ryan Drummond
• Dwayne Powers / Ralph Guardino - Voiced by Bob Heath
• Lillian Weiss - Played by J'eral Fontaine
• Owen W. Spayder - Performed by Roger Jensen
• Ned Nickerson - Voiced by Ryan Campbell
• Bess Marvin - Portrayed by Katie Denny
• George Fayne - Played by Lindsey Newman
• William Pappas - Performed by Frank Martin

Release

Stay Tuned for Danger was originally withdrawn from distribution on November 17, 2011, primarily due to compatibility issues with newer sound cards. Although HeR Interactive has not revealed any plans to produce a remastered edition of this title, they have released an updated version of Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill. In 2016, the company made the original game available once again through digital download, including guidance on how to ensure it functions properly on current Windows operating systems.

Reception

In North America, Stay Tuned for Danger sold 20,826 copies in 2001, with an additional 47,179 units sold following its jewel case re-release in 2003. By August 2006, total U.S. sales had reached between 100,000 and 300,000 copies. The entire Nancy Drew adventure game series had achieved sales of 500,000 units in North America by early 2003 and expanded to 2.1 million copies sold in the United States by 2006. The publication Edge acknowledged the Nancy Drew franchise as a significant and influential brand.

The New Straits Times highlighted the game's "voyeuristic appeal" while critiquing some of its puzzles as "forced." In spring 2000, Stay Tuned for Danger received a "Gold" rating from the Parents' Choice Award program.

External links

• Official site (archived)