Nancy Drew: Labyrinth of Lies - Review

Nancy Drew: Labyrinth of Lies
Rating: E - Everyone

Nancy is hired by Melina, the curator of the Phidias Cultural Center – Greek Museum, ostensibly to find out why the Museum can't keep its staff. Too easy for Nancy. The game soon morphs into more than a personnel problem. Melina is away, searching for missing jewelry and she asks Nancy to check on the provenance of items in the museum. To me that means – forgery.

The situation is complicated further by being linked with an elaborate production of Persephone to celebrate the museum's new exhibit. The theater includes numerous sets depicting various states of Hades – all being able to be lifted from the basement onto the stage. These complications alone – account for many of Nancy's puzzles.

The location is bounded by the museum and the stage complex – there are no forays into greater Greece. But the game is and heavily into Greek mythology, history, art and architecture.

Nancy's connection to the curator is through the phone – the people she does have physical contact with are the theater group – sort of a motley collection of actors in Greek costumes. We have Xenai directing and playing the lead character, Gregor is Hermes the narrator/chorus, Niobe plays Demeter, Persepone's mother and goddess of growing things and finally Thanos as Hades who looks and acts the part. Everyone knows – the snake gets the best lines.

In the absence of Melina, the curator, Nancy is tasked with running the museum - and here is the most enjoyable part. She must learn about Greek history, mythology. art and architecture – mostly thorough books scattered about and this the basis of a large number of puzzles. Others involve mechanical manipulation, colors, codes. The seat request problem reminds me of the logical puzzles in the Zoombinis, an early children's logic game - also fun. As with all Nancy Drew games – you cannot take two steps in the story without having to solve a puzzle – which can diminish the flow of the story. Also – the game could have had a better title – "Vacation in Hades"?

If you are new to Nancy Drew games – it is a point and click adventure. You are offered two modes of play, Amateur or Master Sleuth. Amateur provides hints and a task list showing what still needs to be done - a subtle assist in itself. I wonder why it took Her Interactive so long to get into the Greek scene – it is so rich in stories, places, characters. Plenty to to see here – worth another adventure.


Fun Factor: Puzzles are varaied and stay close to the story
Female Factor: No really strong females except for our Nancy
Player Friendly: No problem - hints if you wish

Reviewed by: Editor - Dec/14

  • Nancy Drew: Labyrinth of Lies
  • © Her Interactive
  • Platform(s): W7 Vista XP OSX
  • Game Site: http://herinteractive.com/