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Shadow at the Water's Edge
A review by Songlily
Mode:
Senior Detective
Plot & Ending
You as Nancy Drew find your Japanese vacation interrupted by a haunting chain
of events. Soon, you're embroiled in a mystery of ghostly proportions, and it's up to you
to dig through family secrets and save the Ryokan Hiei! The plot is similar to that of
other ND games, but it doesn't feel stale [partially because it doesn't entirely turn into
a treasure hunt]. The ending, which is rather drawn out, requires some thinking, but is
a bit anti-climatic. Better than some, however. [And there are two possible endings!]
Scare Factor
SAW is probably the scariest game since CUR, beating out the screaming
banshee of HAU. There are jump moments, suspenseful stretches, general creepiness,
and the return of random events happening while you're asleep. Thank you, HER!
But because of the scare factor, I would not recommend this game to our youngest sleuths.
Setting, Graphics, & Music
The Ryokan is gorgeous, the most complete single setting we've had in a long time.
There are also three other locations you can visit via subway, so that you don't feel
so isolated. I never felt the rush and busyness I expect from a Japanese city,
but the Ryokan is appropriately soothing and zen-like. Graphics are improved over
the last few games, especially character graphics. And the music--wow. At times, it
reminded me of the original SCK, which in my opinion has some of the best music of
the series. Other tunes are reminiscent of J-Pop. It's a great balance of creepy and peppy.
Time & Transportation
Once again, your phone is equipped with an alarm clock, and you are the master of
your time. It's nice to be able to speed the game forward when necessary.
Unfortunately, the game happens entirely at night, but it's not as dreary as CRY.
To travel from place to place, there's the handy-dandy subway, but there's the added
twist of finding the right route the first time you visit each location. Very well done.
Gameplay & Challenge
SAW is fairly sequential and at times painfully so. In the middle there's sort of a jumble
of tasks that you can do, interspersed with optional puzzles, but at times I found
myself wandering around and around and around until I figured out the one thing I needed
to do next. But that also is the sign of a challenging game. For me, SAW was the
perfect difficulty level: not so hard that I needed hints, but hard enough to keep
me thinking...well, hard.
Characters & Phone Friends
HER really delivered in the character category. We have been asking for more interaction,
more in-depth conversations, and SAW provides. All four suspects have distinct personalities
and deep secrets, and you as the nosy detective get to pry 'til your heart's content.
I wasn't too satisfied with the culprit, but with the exception of the ending, the
characters have my full approval. There's also quite a bit of interaction with Bess and
George on the phone, as well as a new phone friend you acquire in-game, and all
three help you out with the case.
Exploring & Snooping
Thanks again, HER! They really do listen to us, and it shows. After getting minimal
snooping and exploration in TOT, we asked for more, and SAW delivers. My inventory was
perpetually full, I had multiple keys to multiple rooms I shouldn't be in, and I was obliged
to set my alarm in order to do some late-night snooping. Now that's the stuff!
Puzzles, Games & Activities
So here's the thing: you probably have heard horror stories about giant nonograms and
huge sudoku puzzles if you've nosed around this board much at all. Well, yes, SAW
has some logic-heavy puzzles that are just not everyone's cup of tea. Personally, I
loved them. But they are not the only activities in the game, so if you're not a fan
of logic-intensive puzzles, you'll find some activities and puzzles that are right up
your alley, too. [But if logic puzzles like sudoku are your thing, you'll be glad to know they
are an optional activity throughout, the puzzler's alternative to a mini-game, perhaps.
Also good practice for when they're required in the game--I highly recommend you
take advantage.] There is one tedious mini-game that is unfortunately required; though
it's addicting, it also feels a bit time-wasting. I don't think this is one you'll be re-loading
SAW to play when you're bored at home. Overall, I was satisfied with the number and
variety of puzzles and games. Not as many as RAN, but enough to feel like a true ND game.
And I'll take extra exploring over a few puzzles any day :)
Value
In sum, I highly recommend SAW to ND gamers. I would not recommend it
to younger sleuths or new sleuths; I think MHM, TRT, DDI, or perhaps CLK would be
a better starter game [though MHM is also high on the creep-o-meter]. It's a fairly difficult
game, it can be lengthy depending on how many optional puzzles you choose to complete,
and it's rich in Japanese cultural history. In short, SAW offers everything we
asked for in a game, with very few exceptions. Thanks, HER.
9.5/10
A review by Songlily
Mode:
Senior Detective
Plot & Ending
You as Nancy Drew find your Japanese vacation interrupted by a haunting chain
of events. Soon, you're embroiled in a mystery of ghostly proportions, and it's up to you
to dig through family secrets and save the Ryokan Hiei! The plot is similar to that of
other ND games, but it doesn't feel stale [partially because it doesn't entirely turn into
a treasure hunt]. The ending, which is rather drawn out, requires some thinking, but is
a bit anti-climatic. Better than some, however. [And there are two possible endings!]
Scare Factor
SAW is probably the scariest game since CUR, beating out the screaming
banshee of HAU. There are jump moments, suspenseful stretches, general creepiness,
and the return of random events happening while you're asleep. Thank you, HER!
But because of the scare factor, I would not recommend this game to our youngest sleuths.
Setting, Graphics, & Music
The Ryokan is gorgeous, the most complete single setting we've had in a long time.
There are also three other locations you can visit via subway, so that you don't feel
so isolated. I never felt the rush and busyness I expect from a Japanese city,
but the Ryokan is appropriately soothing and zen-like. Graphics are improved over
the last few games, especially character graphics. And the music--wow. At times, it
reminded me of the original SCK, which in my opinion has some of the best music of
the series. Other tunes are reminiscent of J-Pop. It's a great balance of creepy and peppy.
Time & Transportation
Once again, your phone is equipped with an alarm clock, and you are the master of
your time. It's nice to be able to speed the game forward when necessary.
Unfortunately, the game happens entirely at night, but it's not as dreary as CRY.
To travel from place to place, there's the handy-dandy subway, but there's the added
twist of finding the right route the first time you visit each location. Very well done.
Gameplay & Challenge
SAW is fairly sequential and at times painfully so. In the middle there's sort of a jumble
of tasks that you can do, interspersed with optional puzzles, but at times I found
myself wandering around and around and around until I figured out the one thing I needed
to do next. But that also is the sign of a challenging game. For me, SAW was the
perfect difficulty level: not so hard that I needed hints, but hard enough to keep
me thinking...well, hard.
Characters & Phone Friends
HER really delivered in the character category. We have been asking for more interaction,
more in-depth conversations, and SAW provides. All four suspects have distinct personalities
and deep secrets, and you as the nosy detective get to pry 'til your heart's content.
I wasn't too satisfied with the culprit, but with the exception of the ending, the
characters have my full approval. There's also quite a bit of interaction with Bess and
George on the phone, as well as a new phone friend you acquire in-game, and all
three help you out with the case.
Exploring & Snooping
Thanks again, HER! They really do listen to us, and it shows. After getting minimal
snooping and exploration in TOT, we asked for more, and SAW delivers. My inventory was
perpetually full, I had multiple keys to multiple rooms I shouldn't be in, and I was obliged
to set my alarm in order to do some late-night snooping. Now that's the stuff!
Puzzles, Games & Activities
So here's the thing: you probably have heard horror stories about giant nonograms and
huge sudoku puzzles if you've nosed around this board much at all. Well, yes, SAW
has some logic-heavy puzzles that are just not everyone's cup of tea. Personally, I
loved them. But they are not the only activities in the game, so if you're not a fan
of logic-intensive puzzles, you'll find some activities and puzzles that are right up
your alley, too. [But if logic puzzles like sudoku are your thing, you'll be glad to know they
are an optional activity throughout, the puzzler's alternative to a mini-game, perhaps.
Also good practice for when they're required in the game--I highly recommend you
take advantage.] There is one tedious mini-game that is unfortunately required; though
it's addicting, it also feels a bit time-wasting. I don't think this is one you'll be re-loading
SAW to play when you're bored at home. Overall, I was satisfied with the number and
variety of puzzles and games. Not as many as RAN, but enough to feel like a true ND game.
And I'll take extra exploring over a few puzzles any day :)
Value
In sum, I highly recommend SAW to ND gamers. I would not recommend it
to younger sleuths or new sleuths; I think MHM, TRT, DDI, or perhaps CLK would be
a better starter game [though MHM is also high on the creep-o-meter]. It's a fairly difficult
game, it can be lengthy depending on how many optional puzzles you choose to complete,
and it's rich in Japanese cultural history. In short, SAW offers everything we
asked for in a game, with very few exceptions. Thanks, HER.
9.5/10
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