Appetizer

Super short post:

Demo!

OhboyOhboyOhboyOhboyOhboyOhboyOhboy! You should totally totally play it. For realsies. Disappointment, you will have none. :)

Right, right. Puzzles and fun tomorrow. Cheerio!

- Novel -

Content Galore

Have you seen this? [this]

S' pretty hilarious IMO. The schemes of these guys... I love 'em. Oh hey, speaking of which, tomorrow you're going to be very, very happy. I promise. Cause you know there's not been enough to hype our projects. I swear we're just cranking out goodies this day. It's a bit like owning a candy factory, let me tell ya. Our offerings are consistent, sure, but there also absolutely fabulous. Make no mistake, we love this part of the gig.

Case in point.

- Pic of the Week -

- That's dedication, no? -

See you on side B.

- Novel -

iDon't Know

So while I'm waaaay stoked about the new project, details are a little sparse in my neck of the woods. I hear cheers from that half the office every so often (insert "greener grass" aphorism). But there's still a lot of mystery surrounding it. Perfect for an avid Nancy Drew fan, huh? Maybe I can snoop out some photos or secret documents. Now that would make for an exciting day!

The reception on the boards has been pretty good. We're never sure just how well received any of our odd-ball schemes will be. We just keep trying to make the best Nancy Drew experience for everyone and hoping for the best. Eh, it does teach you that Nancy Drew, timeless as she is, isn't afraid to take that leap to emerging technology. And I'm glad that HI is part of that process.

So I guess the hint for a hint was a little too much. The puzzle has been vanquished. Congrats to everyone for helping out. Check out the solving steps below.

- Puzzle 72 Answer -
Follow these easy steps to solving:
1. [ Cut the numbers into vertical columns ]
2. Use the clue to determine [ the amount of up or down movement ] which is random.
3. Now apply step two to step one; the [ 1st column moves 0 ]. Next up, the [ 2nd column moves up 3 ]... [ 3rd column moves down 1, 4th column moves down 3, the 5th column doesn't move, 6th column moves down 3, 7th column shifts up 1, the 8th column goes up 3, the 9th column moves down 4, the 10th column moves down 3 ]
4. Scour the newly formed [ configuration ] and you'll spot the answer.
[ The Curse of Blackmoor Manor ]

--

Super sweet. I'm completely thrilled that you all managed to work it out. I really liked this one. Okay-dokey, looks like I'm done for the day. We'll cross paths again around the same-ish time tomorrow, yeah?

- Novel -

Say What?

If you haven't been over to the homepage today, I suggest you make a trip. We've released some rather exciting news today. You know how we love a good surprise, so hopefully this one has blown your socks off. I mean, it's Nancy, but on-the-go, how much cooler could it get. Most importantly... (cause I know this came up last time we ran a new series) you'll still be seeing your favorite sleuth on PC twice a year. But hey, we've also got this sweet side-gig, if you know what I'm saying.

Give it a gander.

We've had our eye on this prize for some time now. And I know everyone is just pleased as punch that the cat is out of the bag. I guess that's all I can say right now... besides I've met my idiom quota for the day.

- Novel -

P.S. Puzzle help tomorrow... think like Otis.

[72] Pzzle

Here it is, the next puzzle. This one promises to be quite the brain-buster. See for yourself.

- Puzzle 72 -

Hint: 0313031343

--

Ok... Go!

- Novel -

Back to the Asics

Boy oh boy! The meetings this week have been vibrant and entertaining. (re:BBQ post) But that's not all. Next week is going to be a big one as well. New SAW content will be showing up. Plus we've probably got something or other to announce. You know us, we're all secrets and mystery (it is our business after all.) In fact I think we've been tossing around this idea of "Her Interactive - The Mystery Makers." I'll put my seal of approval on that. It definitely has the kind of ring my ears enjoy... alliteration aside. It's been gracing the newsletters since sometime back, and maybe we haven't gotten it tattooed on the business cards just yet, but I like the concept. Making mystery, crafting crime, selling suspense; yup, we do that.

In other news, we're trying to keep pace with everything. The launch is bearing down on us fast; pre-orders sit waiting to be fulfilled (begin shipping in just over two or so weeks!) I'm thinking I need some one here just to help me remember where I misplaced my "To-Do" list. Ah well, with Fall officially rung in, I guess we can't help but begin feeling a bit "too cozy." Which I suppose is the perfect time to shake things up, yeah?

- Novel -

Party Plans

So yesterday we had a bit of a party... It was a celebration for all three launches this year (TOT, SCKR, and SAW; if you're keeping track.) We haven't had much time to focus on cutting loose, ya know with all the back to back releases. So official "launch parties" have been in seriously short supply. It was much needed. Lemme just say this... we had BBQ. Yeah it's true and it was awesome. Take a peek.

- Pic of the Week -

If only there was "smell-o-vision"...
--

So that's been our week so far. That and leftover cake! What more could you want!

- Novel -

The Reach of Teaching

I was reading some interesting articles about video games being used as teaching tools in schools. Apparently there are some classes being taught about game design in a Junior High setting! I think that's fantastic. Games can be a great medium to convey a variety of subjects. Some modern games instill philosophical tenants, political commentary, or even scientific facts into their games.

If you've played any of ours (and I totally know you have) then you've probably learned more than your fair share of random trivia. Say... the Italian language, Marie Antoinette, Shakespeare, or even entomology. There's tons to pick up on, so maybe you'll find one of our games in your syllabus next semester. :P Now that would be epic!

What were you most surprised to learn in a Nancy Drew game?

Also the weekend puzzle has been solved, congrats! Check out the steps below to see how it all worked out.

- Puzzle 71 Answer -
The first step in solving this puzzle is knowing that [ the symbols are letters ].
To determine each symbol's meaning, the clue suggests [ that there is a rotation occuring (clockwise) ]
In the puzzle, only [ 1/4 of each letter is shown ] at a given time. The first symbol is [ the top left of an "R" ] which means the next one [ shows the bottom-left ( of an "E" ]. Continue on in this fashion until you've deciphered them all [no anagrams here!]
The final outcome is:
[ Rentaro loves Miwako ]
--

Oooooh, a little romance. Yup, SAW's got the whole gamut of plot. Still for some, the promise romantic plots can also add a twinge of terror. No wonder we keep saying it's our scariest one yet.

Arrivederci

-Novel -

Extent of what we SAW

So there will be [is] a brand new newsletter! Yup, your inboxes are about to get a friendly visit from the SAW-fairy... if you're beyond waiting till the end of day, I suppose you could click here. (Don't say I never did nuthin' for ya.) ;)

Also I'm sure that by now you know all about the spooky "Paranormal Tours" site we launched in preparation for SAW... starring none other than John Grey! That's right, the ghost hunter from TRN has taken a tour of the famous SAW ryokan. There's a whole bunch of content to discover.

And I suppose lastly, I've got some competition in the blog business. It seems that Yumi Shimizu (Bento-maker and fashionista extraordinaire) has decided to run her own super fantastic daily blog. You should definitely give it a read, she's got some spunk!

Other than that, it's a good soft Monday. Maybe this week will follow suit. See ya later!

- Novel -

P.S. Did you pre-order SAW yet? Cause today you can!

Weekend Puzzle

Hey! Hey! Hey!

The eagerly awaited puzzle of the week is now here. Check it out!

- Puzzle 71 -

Think clockwise!
--

Good luck and have an awesome weekend.

- Novel -

Games! Games! Games!

I’m sure by now you’ve seen… and played the brand new minigame! Yeah, it is as they say in the business, “the Bee’s Knees.” IMHO the best part is the Free Play mode, cause making up your own crazy outfits is like a bajillion times better. In fact, you should send us your favorite combinations! That would be totally ‘ab-fab’ … if you catch my drift. Here’s my current incarnation:

“With trimmings too!”
Plus, if you couldn’t already guess, you get to play this minigame in Shadow at the Water’s Edge! It’s a pretty sweet puzzle/feature we added to this game, but you’ll have to wait and see how it all comes together. For now, fashionistas, enjoy the small sampling!

Speaking of which, Pre-orders start next Monday, September 20th! So get ready. I know we’ve already talked your ear off about the cool extra content in the Special Edition, but feel free to review. ^.~

You know the drill, show up tomorrow and you’ll be rewarded with the sweet agony of a mental workout! That’s right, it’s puzzle time all over again. Bring your thinking caps. :P
- Novel -

Not Window Dressing

So we've got something special lined up for Thursday (tomorrow.) It is often the news nexus of our week. And though you may hazard a guess, I can guarantee that it isn't the aforementioned (yesterday) newsletter. I will hint that it is something you're simply going to love. Maybe I left a clue around here somewheres...

On to more important events. Like say, pictures! *snap*

- Pic of the Week -

Flowers definitely brighten up the office.
--

Yeah, so every so often the office gets some flowers. Maybe as a 'thanks' or just a hello. Regardless, we're always ecstatic to be adored. Also, sometimes you don't have to stop to smell the roses, sometimes they come and find you. ^.^

So yeah, tomorrow, stop by... oh, and dress for success. ^.~

- Novel -

The Rest of the Week

Monday held some excellent news. I mean we've got real dates for Shadow at the Water's Edge . Now comes the hard part... waiting. Of course we'll give you all sorts of interesting content to keep you preoccupied till then.

Speaking of which, maybe there's a newsletter in your future. Of course, there's no telling what kind of information you can find inside. I'm guessing even more spoilers, and probably a refresher on dates. Maybe a surprise or two as well. You know the score. ^.~

So the puzzle has been solved. I think it might be a little tricky for me to explain, so I'm going to cheat a little and link to "methods of solving"

- Puzzle 70 Answer -

This puzzle is called a [ nonogram ]. Steps for solving this kind of puzzle can be found here. Just be sure to watch out for the typo... For this particular one, when you've completed it, you may notice [ a picture ] forming.

--

We can discuss the meaning of that answer very soon. But, today is wrapped up, join me tomorrow for something not altogether different.

- Novel -

What We SAW

So maybe you've noticed some of the late-breaking news we posted on Facebook, or perhaps you caught it on the Shadow at the Water's Edge product page. Regardless, we've now got a definitive pre-order date for Nancy's next case; quote for quote. "Pre-Orders begin September 20th!" That's right, you can begin to pre-order in just one week. Granted I'm sure you also noticed the October 19th launch date, right? That's like just-barely-slightly-close-to one month away. No sweat... I've got the patience... I think... *bites lip*

Anywho, I know the 'Powers That Be', would love for me to do a little extra sales pitch here and mention the totally sweet bonus goodies you get for pre-ordering your copy. I'm inclined to agree, given the amount of awesome contained there-in. Check out the list below:

* Additional Tricks for Suki
* Extra outfits for your cellphone avatars
* An Extra Metagame Award
* Two minigames to play on Nancy's cellphone
* Additional Outtakes

I've got to say, that's quite the haul. If you were on the fence before, I'm thinking this should just about push you right over. It looks like tomorrow could turn out to be a slow news day... comparatively. I'll just have to wrangle up something to compete. ^.~

In puzzle news; you've all managed to complete this one, despite a slight numerical error in the design. We'll have the whole 'sha-bang' on that tomorrow. Catch ya then.

- Novel -

Weekend Puzzle 70

Puzzle Time! Here's the latest weekend puzzle, good luck!

- Puzzle 70 -

(click image to enlarge)

--

Cya next week. ^.^

- Novel -

The First to See

I know there's a usual dance that the blog takes, with steps chosen by the days of the week. But we've had a bit of a buzz around here and it may have knocked me slightly off queue. Still, there's been some fires that needed dealing with. And I'll borrow an excuse from there.

I'm guessing you are more than primed to hear about Shadow at the Water's Edge, and I don't blame ya. Well, I've got good news... there's a trailer for that! Yup. Finally the first, of what I can assume is many, vids for the next Nancy Drew case. Beautiful scenery, yes. Spooky, definitely. I can't wait for the next installment.

SAW is on its final polishing phase. Which comes with about a million hurdles. As commented yesterday, most of the office is knee-deep in mystery, ensuring only the best is shipped. This is our mission, our duty, and our passion. :P


Looking for more mystery? Fret not and return tomorrow with an open head and a brave heart; for a nefarious puzzle awaits!

- Novel -

Countdowns

So Shadow at the Water's Edge is running right into crunch time. I've seen no less than half the office doing test passes and giving momentary "yelps" of fright. It is too fantastic. But one thing is certain... we're nearing the launch of another Nancy Drew mystery.

I know, I know. No date has been given for this latest and greatest of cases. But I'm more than certain tomorrow will bring at least one or two new SAW surprises. Let's just hope one is a release date. ^.~


Good work to everyone who helped solve this puzzle. It was tricky, but you all managed to knock it out. Check out the solving steps below.

- Puzzle 69 Answer -

So solving last week's tricky puzzle requires you to start by
[ creating a 5x5 grid ]. Next you'll need to place the [ alphabet in the grid (excluding Z) ] Now take a look at the image, you have to [ overlay the lines on the grid ]. Write down the [ letter where each angle lies ]. Do this for each [ shape ] and you'll end up with the following:
-
A I D E Y W S
A Y N R
A L M
A E T W R N
A C G V
-
Unscramble the clues and you get
[ Warnings at Waverly Academy ]

--

Cya tomorrow!

- Novel -

Recording Panel

So yesterday was Labor Day and they graciously gave me some time off. I spent a great deal of my weekend attending the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX). It's an annual Gaming/Gamer event, with plenty of opportunities to learn some new industry tricks and see the latest and greatest fellow developers have to offer.

If you recall in years past, I tend to twitter from the floor, but this year I was busy being the principle note-taker for all of the panel discussions HI attended. It definitely wasn't all easy-breezy-lemon-peezy (particularly in the "Legal Issues in Video Games" panel), but I did get the opportunity to hear all about "Building Better Online Communities (that's for you) and some killer intel on "Girls and Gaming." (that one's for both of us) All and all, I'd have to say it was a pretty rocking experience with lots of good wisdom. Anytime you get to hang out in the thick of gamer-culture, you know it's gonna be a pretty chill time. ^.~

By the way, I just have to say, Holy cow! Someone solved the puzzle! It was a major piece of work and mad props to all the sleuths who stepped up and completed it. We'll do all the solution steps in a big post tomorrow.

- Novel -

Weekend Puzzle (Remix)

So it looks like there's still soo much work to be done on last week's puzzle that we're going to revisit it. Below you'll find the original puzzle along with a new hint to help you solve this tricky brain-teaser.

- Weekend Puzzle 69 (Re-visit) -

This puzzle is coming to you 5/5. So buckle down with your pens and papers, you won't be catching any Zzzz's for a long while.

Hint 1:
To solve this tricky puzzle, you’ll need to use the shapes on a special grid

Hint 2:
In search of clues, the compass points.
To find the answer, search the joints.
Then combine the hints you will find.
And soon the secret comes to mind.

--

Good luck!

- Novel -

Sleuth On

Hey everyone,

Today I brought my two best friends into HER with me to work on super special secret project, which I can’t tell you about due to its super secret nature. However, we’ve yet to move past the brainstorm portion the task.

Otherwise, I’m sorry to report that today will be my last blog entry. Next week I go back to school and you guys will go back to reading the delightful words of Novel every day. I’ve had a really amazing summer here at HI and I’ve loved writing the blog (both last year and this year) for such amazing fans. Make sure you guys keep using your sleuthing powers for good!

Laterz.

-Summmahhh Sleuth

September is Here!

As you may or may not have realized at this point in the day, it’s now September! For almost all youngins like myself, September marks the beginning of a new school year which isn’t necessarily the best news. Buuuutt, September is, and should be recognized for, all it’s other attributes. Firstly, soon there will be crunchy leaves on the ground to step on (my favorite fall treat). Secondly, it’s now only the month before the month that SAW comes out. Thirdly, September is the first month that it becomes acceptable to drink hot chocolate and apple cider again, in preparation for the cold months ahead (okay if you live in Florida that doesn’t so much apply to you).

In fact, September is such a great month that it has a multitude of monthly holidays that are associated with it. Some of my favorite of the whole year in fact, check it out:

Classical Music Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

Fall Hat Month

International Square Dancing Month

National Blueberry Popsicle Month

National Courtesy Month

National Piano Month

Better Breakfast Month

Chicken Month

Baby Safety Month

Little League Month

Honey Month

Self Improvement Month

I don’t know about you guys, but Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day (also the most important!) so I fully plan to spend my September improving my morning feast. All of these holidays are super important…okay so maybe not all of them… but it’s fun to celebrate things that that don’t matter! I say go crazy with hat shopping this month or in the spirit of self improvement (month) spend a day trying to make your own blueberry popsicles and honey. Enjoy!

-Summer