It starts out slowly, with questions about a monk’s death – suicide or murder? Leonardo, a monk known for his wisdom in both secular and religious matters is sent to investigate the matter. Leonardo comes fettered with a young novice, Bruno, who he often refers to as, “My toothache”. Bruno is the questioning voice to the main character. The game starts slowly, with only one murder which occurs off stage. This gives you time to explore the Abby, go into all of the buildings and grounds, and talk to all of the monks. While the characters are drawn in a simple cartoon style, the story and environment feel very realistic – and so you get to experience what most of us haven’t – the inner workings of an abbey. Soon it becomes apparent the mystery is centered in the library – where only the head and assistant librarians are allowed in – not even Leonardo is given access.

Each monk becomes a unique character, conveyed by how they are drawn and the excellent voice acting. Some you dislike, some you get to be quite fond of, but all are suspects. Leonardo questions, searches, observes, gathers, constructs with little Bruno following closely behind. The tempo of the drama increases and there are more murders before the final scene. I must admit that I was puzzled until the end.

This is a complex story, with characters that are skillfully and quickly developed. Seventeen different voice actors are used which added greatly to the richness of the story. The Crimson Cow credits were heavily populated by German and Spanish names which most likely accounted for the authentic feel of the game.

Fun Factor: Engrossing
Female Factor: In an abbey?
Player Friendly: Manual gives pictures of all the monks so you can keep track.

Reviewed by: Editor – 08/08

With over 20,000 questions in eight categorizes – art, books, entertainment, fashion, games, places and people, science and sports, how come I got two of the same questions in three tries of the game? Maybe it was in Family Mode, where there is no choice of category but you are expected to meet a certain number of correct answers within a set time. I played with it set at 12 year old and the questions were noticeably simpler than mine. If you have a Mii profile it uses that avatar, otherwise you play as guest. To get additional time you can dance, shake or wave the remote. The remote keeps on urging you to do one of the time-extending actions in such a loud voice that it was impossible to think. And there didn’t seem to be any way to shut it up.

Friends mode is really where the game comes into it’s own. It’s a party game, played with four remotes. Players take turns spinning the wheel to select the category for the round. Players “buzz-in” to be the first to answer the question. The wheel is a nice touch with the sound effects and the ability “nudge” it to get your desired category. But the most fun were the reactions of the Mii avatars – particularly if you have made them to resemble yourself. There is game potential here.

Fun Factor: The categories are uninspiring.

Reviewed by: Editor – 12/07

It’s hard to place Midnight Play into a category. It’s a bit like being immersed in a Zen experience. Screens dripping in tomato red and poison green unfold and its mesmerizing tempo captures you. It almost runs itself with scant input by you. The amusing Czech-like carnival drawings from the children’s picture book by Keveta Pacovska come alive and create an entirely new experience.

The music is a masterful addition. Every image has a sound attached to it – a reed flute, a harp, a calliope, paper rustling, circus music, percussive sticks and drums. A cat’s whiskers provide an opportunity to experiment with four part harmony. Drummers fall out of the sky for you to coordinate and orchestrate.

The paths are so random that even after playing the ‘game’ you are constantly surprised as to where you are and how you arrived there. Of course, you can hit the space bar if you want to change the scene to get to your favorite part – but it’s still random.

There is little input required. For young children, simply moving a mouse without clicking will produce changes. This may not hold the attention of hyper active button clicking pre-teens but for adults – it is a wonderful tranquil place to go to and revisit. Grownups will want to own it as an art piece.

This is probably one of the best Nancy Drew mysteries – and I have reviewed them all. It takes you off to Japan for a foreign adventure – not unlike The Phantom of Venice where, besides solving the mystery – you enjoy the ambience of a foreign land. But this is so much more. The game submerges you into Japanese culture at every turn, from the attitudes of the characters, the crafts, the ambience of the city, mythology, the famed subway system, a pachinko parlor, food and a stay at a ryokan offering heated pools, beautiful gardens and even her futon turned down in the evening. The plot has Nancy in Japan as an English tutor and staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, which has a ghost problem – denied by the staff. The game is chock full of puzzles, many more complex and difficult than the usual Nancy Drew. However, all involve Japanese culture and in solving them you are also learning. Most can be done at your leisure but a few will not let you proceed until solved. The animation is decidedly more realistic, and the voice acting is spot on. The game has more of an adult feel about it and I hope this new direction is maintained. Having stayed at a ryokan I can vouch for the authenticity of the environments – except that Nancy forgets to remove her shoes when entering the ryokan.

Fun Factor: Engaging – lots to do, see and solve.
Female Factor: ‘Ray for Nancy
Player Friendly: A real manual would help the player – even a walktrhough would be nice.