Nancy Drew: Treasure in the Royal Tower (PC)
<I>Nancy Drew: Treasure in the Royal Tower</I> is a captivating game--the fourth adventure in the Nancy Drew series from Her Interactive finds Nancy on holiday at an old ski lodge. But, as usual, trouble is afoot. The library has been vandalised and a violent storm means that everyone has been snowed in. You must play as Nancy to unravel the mystery.<p> Similar to the other Nancy Drew adventures, you get to step into Nancy's shoes and explore the old lodge to uncover clues through objects you pick up along the way and conversations with the other guests. Things heat up when Nancy learns that the lodge contains an old tower that has been sealed off. You quickly learn that the tower was brought over from France, and was Marie Antoinette's hiding place in her final months before her beheading during the French Revolution. Could Marie's famed treasure be hidden in the tower? Is that why the library was vandalised? And why is everyone acting so suspiciously?<p> This game gives young girls an outstanding female role model, the likes of which haven't been encountered in any other kids' games to date. Playing in senior detective mode is challenging--even for adults. It moves quickly and is satisfying enough to keep anyone playing for long stretches. <p> Other outstanding things about <I>Treasure in the Royal Tower</I> include gorgeously designed backgrounds and 3-D environments, smooth gameplay, interesting and amusing characters and the ability to use the Second Chance feature to go back before you made a fatal mistake. If you're stuck you can ask the knowledgeable audience on the message board of the Her Interactive Web site for hints or clues that might help you out of a jam. --<I>Ara Jane Olufson</I>
