The Characters of The Deadly Device

There is too much excitement to mention and fit all in today's blog title, so I chose the most important and fitting. XD

Today we sent out a newsletter covering all of today's updates (which I'm about to mention anyway). If you haven't yet, you can subscribe to our newsletters here. 

There is still a sale going on for The Captive Curse (digital only) using promo code BAVARIA12 to get 50% off of your purchase. (Sale ends Monday, October 1st, at 11:59PM PST). It's a great game to get in time for Halloween.

Speaking of Halloween and the festive season, our new announcement today is the new contest going on! Pre-order The Deadly Device on or before October 16th to become automatically entered to win a Nancy Drew costume! How cool is it to dress up as Nancy Drew? (Or if you are a guy, maybe the Hardy boys?)

 

If you have already pre-ordered The Deadly Device, you have already been entered, so no worries! ;)

Most importantly, I uploaded a new video today! I am talking to you about the characters from, you guessed it, The Deadly Device. It's only from my perspective, and I promise I won't give any spoilers away. And be sure to subscribe to our channel so that you'll get sent a note saying we've uploaded a new video. Enjoy!

I did not forget about the weekend puzzle. It's here. (~_^)
~Little Jackalope~

Passwords and Technology

I've talked often about keys and locks...but not so much about passwords. Passwords are simply codes of words, characters, numbers, shapes or colors presented in the right order at the right time to gain access to a new location or gain new information. At least, that's my quick definition...

In my viewpoint, passwords are primarily meant to protect something. Only those who are "in the know" may gain access to the valuables. One example is in Legend of the Crystal Skull, where, as Bess, you must provide the password in the right outfit to gain access to a secret group of people, seen here:

Bess had to know several things: What to dress up as, where the location was, what group she was trying to gain access to, when to meet, and most importantly: know the password.

Technology today requires passwords to protect your information, and are also used to protect valuable items. Our store has the ability to save customer's information so it's quick and easy to make another purchase without filling everything out all over again. This information is password protected, and only the company and you know the password. It's protected, just like a safe that you provide the secret combination.

Speaking of passwords and codes...we are celebrating the kickoff of Bavaria's Oktoberfest by offering The Captive Curse on sale for 50% off (digital only) until the end of October 1st, 2012. You must use the password code BAVARIA12 to gain access to this awesome deal. If you don't have this German-themed game, I would highly recommend it, it's high on my list of favorite games!

Also, Happy 21st Birthday Mike!

~Little Jackalope~

Sneaking Secrets

I can't even tell you all the secrets that we hold here in the Her Interactive office! There are sooo many amazing tidbits... but I must behave myself while I attempt to clue you in on what's going on without spoiling anything too early. *Breathe* Ok, here goes:

We have something new coming up, and we might announce it this Friday...but it involved me doing some "searching" and putting some "pieces" together to make one whole "unit" of which is helpful for this "season". That is all I shall say until later. So keep an eye open for what we are "updating". Oh, and just a head's up...you will want to have Pre-ordered (or will soon be pre-ordering) The Deadly Device for this. ;)

Another secret:  I've seen the Adventure Matters Contest top secret list of potential locations that Nancy should visit in ND#30. *Gasp* And it's an amazing list, trust me, we have been paying close attention to every one's thoughts and comments and ideas that have come in via email, posted on Facebook, and most importantly, the Game Suggestions forum on our Message Boards. Even my favorite choice is on that list! (If you want to learn more about this contest, visit our web page here.)

Not-so-secret revealed: I will be discussing the characters of The Deadly Device (without giving away too many spoilers) in the next Blog Video on YouTube. ;)

That is all. My lips are sealed. You will not budge another word from me. Not even about the sale we are going to have soon.


Ooops.

~Little Jackalope~

Funny Captions

Congrats to Marissa S. for her winning entry to the Facebook Caption Contest this last weekend! This was her caption:

"Wha....Wha...what?! They told me I was going to be on the cover! Who's this guy?!" 

She will be receiving The Deadly Device strategy guide when it releases, along with a Nancy Drew Ultimate Fan Journal as her prize. (You can also purchase this journal in our merchandise store here.)
I wanted to highlight several other great entries to this contest that just made me laugh:

Sarah B. -- "But, but, my shiny bonus edition stickers aren't on these!"
Amber R. -- "Okay...who drew mustaches on these???"
Cassie B. -- "I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE! Gosh I am good at these puzzles."
Carrie S. -- "See guys? Difference Detective isn't -that- hard!"
Ashlea M. -- "OMIGOSH! This guy has more lightening bolts than this one!"
Anita B. -- "OMG! We printed them upside down!"
Addie A. -- "Aww man!! There should have been this much width between his hands!"
Amber O. -- "Who was more shocked at the cover art, Nicola Tesla or Little Jackalope?"
Marissa S. -- "I've been staring at this sheet too long, I think I'm starting to see double!"

Yep, we have funny and creative fans! XD Thanks to everyone who participated! Stay tuned for the next Facebook Caption Contest.

~Little Jackalope~

New Things, Old Things...

I've been reading a lot of comments here, on Facebook and on the Message Boards. It got me thinking about the excitement for The Deadly Device. I notice several fans are really excited, while others are still hesitant.

Many of us, and yes I include myself on this, really appreciate the nostalgia of the older games, the older UI (User Interface), and the older style of story telling. Adapting to new changes and welcoming new mysteries can be a challenge at times, but we only mean to make things better (more accessible, easier to learn, easier to navigate, and so on). Although there is no perfect formula to fit all of our games, we aim to make each individual game perfect to its own story, in its own way.

I noticed one comment in particular from a player who said that The Deadly Device appears to be trying to capture the essence of the older games. (I can promise you this: our design team spends hours reading, meeting, testing, and bouncing back thoughts and ideas to make this true, not just for The Deadly Device, but for all upcoming games). We want to make being Nancy more fun, the puzzles rewarding and meaningful, the story rich, the characters interesting, and the environments beautiful and fun to explore.

But I will leave it up to you to decide where this game ranks on your list. In my opinion, this one is a very fun one to play! We shall see! I'm very eager to hear your thoughts, so be sure to pre-order your copy of the game and write your spoiler-free review once you have finished it. Are you ready for a new game?

Speaking of "new", it looks like many sleuths solved the weekend puzzle. This [Pigpen or Masonic] cipher decodes to this message: [New Awards], meaning the end-game awards...but...I think I've said too much already. I'll stop writing now... XD

And happy sweet 16th birthday, Lexie!

~Little Jackalope~

Weekend Puzzle #168

The weekend has arrived! Besides the puzzle below, we have another exciting activity for you to participate in: The Facebook Caption Contest! Once again, we have a new picture up on our Facebook page (yeah, I kinda got tricked into this photo, haha!). Head over and post your bestest, most creative or funny caption for a chance to win a Digital Strategy Guide for The Deadly Device, along with a Nancy Drew Ultimate Fan Journal to accompany it.

Onward to the puzzle I call "get-insider-clues-to-the-next-game-from-solving-the-puzzle Puzzle". Or we can go by its nickname: The Weekend Puzzle.

Enjoy!
~Little Jackalope~

Voice Auditions ND#28

Today we held voice auditions for a few characters that need to be cast for ND#28. And of course, after snooping around to learn about when this was going to happen, I had to sign up. Although I'm no real actor, I really wanted to try again.

Instead of having the visitors come up to the office, we directed them to a conference room downstairs, can you tell we like giving directions? XD

When it was my time to go in, I followed the paper trail to the room where our writer was and signed myself in. After asking him a gazillion questions (sorry, can't let out too much info!), we starting recording as I read off my lines. Check out the Script or "Sides" as they are called:

It was so much fun to read for these characters, I had to pretend to be someone else, think about how they would talk, and sound and what emotion and emphasis they put on their words. It was great!

Then I was asked to do another character. "Wait...another character? One that was not mentioned on the Sides?" I thought. Yep! Our writer told me just a little about this third character, and he would ask me questions.

I had to improvise my entire lines in response. o.O (Meaning I had to come up with this character in my head and answer questions for real!) Actually, I think this was even more fun than reading. I got to make up a character in my mind and bring her to life! It was soooo much fun!

I think that no matter who the final voices are in the next game, it will get a chance at being on my top five favorites list. Why? Because from what I've learned, (and it may be too early to say), it's amazing!

I suggest pre-ordering The Deadly Device...because remember: at the end of the game, you get to watch the preview trailer to ND#28. (Regular copies will also get to see it, so no worries!)

~Little Jackalope~

Ahoy ye matteys!

Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day! If you are missing the game Ransom of the Seven Ships from your collection, you are in luck. Today we are having a sale for this title: Get 50% off the digital download, today only! Check out the image we posted on Facebook for the promo code to use.

I found a fun picture of Coucou to use for that Facebook picture, and added the appropriate caption:

I remember seeing Coucou for the first time, and thought "Coucou is so much more fun to watch than Loulou, who just sat there in her cage in Curse of Blackmoor Manor". Did you know that Coucou and Loulou were brought to life by Lani, who does the voice of Nancy Drew? Now that's talent!

Head's up! We are having a caption contest on Facebook tomorrow! Come back then to post your most creative caption for a chance to win a prize. ;)
~Little Jackalope~

Video Blog #01: The Deadly Device Pre-Orders

Today I posted my first video blog on our YouTube Channel, under the new playlist "Amateur Sleuth Blog". It's also available in HD, which you can watch as an option. This video is me pretty much giving you the low-down on this week's news. Check it out!

Also, check out the new poll on the right of this page -->
~Little Jackalope~

The Deadly Device Trailer!

For those who solved the last weekend puzzle correctly by matching up the left list items with the right (and then [adding up the pairs' numbers to get a letter] to get your end answer) you would have known early that we were going to release the official trailer today for The Deadly Device! If you are curious on the final solution, here it is:

[[11] Key + [9] Lock = 20 or T
[7] Nikola + [11] Tesla = 18 or R
[1] Deadly + [0] Device = 1 or A
[5] Magnifying + [4] Glass = 9 or I
[4] Ryan + [8] Kilpatrick = 12 or L
[1] Mason + [4] Quinto = 5 or E
[8] Victor + [10] Lossett = 18 or R
[10] Aggregation + [3] Puzzle Game = 13 or M
[8] October +[7] 23 = 15 or O
[4] September +[10] 17 = 14 or N
[2] Mechanical + [2] Pigeon = 4 or D
[0] High Tech + [1] Lab = 1 or A
[13] Electrifying + [12] Coil = 25 or Y]

Now check out the official trailer!

Psst! Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can stay updated on all of our video uploads...like the first official Amateur Sleuth Blog video coming real, real soon! ;)

Oh, and Happy 14th Birthday, Natalie!

~Little Jackalope~

Weekend Puzzle #167

Aaaaahhh! We some some exciting news that we've been itching to announce!! First of all, we have the cover art from The Deadly Device up in our Merchandise store, you know what looks really? A few of us in the office really like the look of "Electrify" (the image without the background of Niko getting zapped) on the silver water bottle. Here are a few awesome samples of what you can design in the Merchandise Store:

Also, we have a great contest! Everyone who pre-orders The Deadly Device, starting September 17th will get the BONUS Edition when the game releases, as well as be entered automatically for a chance to select Nancy Drew's #30th adventure location! Learn more about the contest here! This is the first time that we leave the decision up to a fan to select Nancy's visiting location. How awesome is that?! So tell me, where do YOU want Nancy to solve a case?

On to the weekend puzzle! This one reveals something important we are planning for The Deadly Device next week. ;)

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!
~Little Jackalope~

DED: Going for Gold

Last week the leads of the company gathered together in the conference room behind closed doors to each declare ceremoniously by speech and writing that from their perspective, The Deadly Device is FINAL!

Each lead confirms their portion of the game is complete and meets our standards and satisfaction, and then they each sign their name on paper, which goes onto record. The art is complete, the puzzles are working, the story and logic are all in order, the bugs have been fixed, and we are good to go!

The final game build is then burned onto a DVD, and it is titled "Gold Master", (we also have "silver" version). These discs are very important, as one of them represents our main game. All copies of The Deadly Device are burned from a single game build, the final one. The Gold Master and Silver discs are then moved to a hard briefcase which requires a combination code, and then that briefcase is placed in a safe with a different combination, this safe is hidden someplace behind a locked door (but this door is often left open because someone works in there). They are well-protected discs, and even I do not know the combinations...it's a secret to a few elite people here.

But you don't have to worry about these discs! All you have to think about is your own copy of The Deadly Device! Pre-orders begin on Monday, and I'm currently reviewing the extra content for the BONUS Edition, which everyone who pre-orders will receive. This is the sticker that will go on the physical boxes:

I think tomorrow is a grand day to reveal vital information, wouldn't you agree? ;) Stay tuned for the weekend puzzle!

~Little Jackalope~

Preparing for DED Pre-Orders

Ah yes, today we were busying away with preparing for when The Deadly Device pre-orders start! (Which is Monday, ahh!) We are preparing a contest, contest images, a newsletter, images for our web site and one or two for our social media channels, and other little behind-the-scenes things.

Oh my! I nearly forgot! I need to make a note to myself to mention the bonus content of the Bonus Edition. *Note to self: Everyone who pre-orders will be getting this Bonus Edition and we need to make sure we say those little extras.* There, done.

So we released the new character on The Deadly Device page! Under Character Profiles when you scroll down you can see Niko Jovic. Yesterday I mentioned that he may appear familiar, and that is because the box cover illustration features him being electrocuted. Yikes. Also, I was reading some of your comments on the Message Board about your suspicions of this character, and actually, while several of you guessed correctly, one person in particular hit it on the spot! I will not say who, though, I'll leave the rest as a surprise. I'm sure I will discuss it in a future blog post. ;)

~Little Jackalope~

The Deadly Device Characters!!

The characters of The Deadly Device have been revealed! Read more about each one on the Character Profiles page now!

Check out the new weekly poll to the right. So tell me, which character are you most looking forward to speaking with in the game? Do any of them strike you as the suspicious type? Who do you think was the murderer? Oh this is exciting! I will say this: one of the characters I nearly promised myself I would not like, but it turns out that person is my second favorite character in this game,  and is such a funny person, but doesn't come across that way at all...

Guess what? We have a secret character we have not yet added! And you get to be the first to get a sneak peek! Does he look familiar to you? ;) His profile will likely be up tomorrow.

As for the trailer, our artist has been working hard at editing all the pieces together to tell the right story in an exciting way. I LOVE the music he is using from the game! Stay tuned this week, and I might give away the trailer release date. *Might*. (~.^)

Only a few hours left to use the promo code B2S2012 to get 25% off a digital game!
~Little Jackalope~

A Week Before Pre-Orders!

We only have a week left before you can pre-order The Deadly Device! And based on the poll results to the right, 62% of voters are planning on pre-ordering, 5% said "no" to pre-ordering, while 32% say they will wait for the store release. 319 votes over the course of the week, and tomorrow I shall post a new poll. Perhaps it will be about the .... wait, I shouldn't say right up front. You'll have to come back tomorrow to read the question and take part in the new poll. ;)

Weekend puzzle solved! That was an easy one, I suppose XD. It was simply an anagram, so all you had to do was unscramble each word. Here is each word...did you you correctly unscramble all of them?

[Stay][tuned][on][Tuesday][for][character][screenshots][and][brief][descriptions]!

Yep, that is what we have been up to lately, preparing them for the red carpet presentation. Speaking of presentation, if you want to be notified when these will be up, follow us on our social media channels (see links to the top right of the blog) or stay tuned for the announcement on our home page.

Oh! Last minute shout out: Our Back to School sale ends tomorrow! Hurry to order a digital game and get 25% off

With all of our busyness this last week, I nearly forgot to share with you our fan "Hardy Boy's Biggest Fan"'s picture he sent in!

Check it out! These are salt and pepper shakers..how peculiar... Look familiar? ;)

~Little Jackalope~

Weekend Puzzle #166

It's Friday! You know what that means? Another chance to learn more about what secret projects we are working...and extra tidbits about our upcoming game: The Deadly Device!

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

~Click to view it as a larger image~

Don't forget! The Back to School Sale is still going on! Use promo code B2S2012 at checkout to get 25% off a digital game download.
~Little Jackalope~

A Little Pizzaz

If you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube, you might have noticed that we have updated our "look" to reflect The Deadly Device. TEAL is back!! I love this color scheme...

Does it look dangerous? Electrifying? Intriguing? I think it's a nice change. :) Plus, it's really fun to celebrate the upcoming game this way.

Wow! Lots of feedback from you all about the potential Video Blog! Thanks everyone for the support! In case you were worried, I would not stop writing this blog on account of that. The video might replace two blog posts a month...but that would be it. Ok...I suppose I shall begin to gather information and pictures and doodling... lots of doodling... XD

Puzzle tomorrow! Solve it to learn more about what we are up to next!
~Little Jackalope~

Hmm...Videos? I think yes!

Today I've been working on collecting video clips and screenshots from The Deadly Device. These shots of me playing the game and interacting with the characters will be used for the official trailer that will be put together by one of our fantastic artists. Our Writer and Designer provided the narration by Nancy and offered a helpful VO (voice-over) selection from the game to use. Our Marketing Director helped provide the script, so next it goes to our artist who will study the script and pieces together the visuals and music.

Hey! Have you noticed? On the right I added a poll question! I think it would be fun to have a new poll each week, starting on Tuesdays or so, 'cause I'm curious to hear your thoughts and opinions. ;) Check it out on the right of the blog! --->

Also, I had a thought. Our summer intern, Phoenix, inspired this idea. You know how she had a Video Blog on our YouTube Channel? I'm thinking it might fun to give it a try; it would be kind of like how I write this blog, but in video form, and I would announce everything that's been going on... and talk briefly about Nancy Drew stuff...and there would be more pictures... Your thoughts? :-/

~Little Jackalope~

Screenshots Tuesday!

We've had a long, relaxing weekend, and today we return to the office with several things to share! There is a lot to cover today, so let me make it simple:

• Back to school sale! Get 25% all digital games using promo code B2S2012 at checkout! (Sale ends Tuesday, September 11, 2012.)
• We had a newsletter go out just a few moments ago, to view it and subscribe to receive future newsletters, click here.
• DED Cover art desktop and mobile wallpapers are available to download here.
• The Deadly Device screenshots are live! Click here to check them out now!

For those of you who solved the weekend puzzle, you knew ahead of time that we were going to release these today. Here's the solution to the puzzle:

Find the missing characters' names:
[Colin Baxter, Tony Scallari, Louis, Kyler, Leela Yadav, Gilbert, Ethel, Andy, Ollie, Corey, Hotchkiss, Connie Watson, Yumi, John Grey, Shorty, Renate, Simone, Jeff Akers].

Then take out each letter that is replaced by a number, and re-order the names' letters to get this sentence: [Screenshots Tuesday]. Voila! Congrats!

Also, happy belated birthday to Rachel N.!
Hope you had a great birthday!

~Little Jackalope~