I have an extra layer of love for Danger on Deception island because I've lived near Seattle since I was about three. Her is actually based in Bellevue which is a 15 min drive from Seattle! I think they had a lot of fun making it because it was the environment they were most used to and I can definitely feel it when I play :) I really miss the love that was put into the classic era games that sort of dissolved in some modern era games :/
Agree on so many of these! The more I think about it, the more I appreciate Alibi in Ashes. Like, it's extremely far-fetched (Nancy would never get arrested like that) and you have to suspend belief quite a lot in that regard, but overall, it really is a very cozy and comforting game. Also, can I just say I find it extremely refreshing to see that the majority of people in Nancy's hometown don't really like her all that much? We've come to revere Nancy, and it seems crazy to us that no one would like her, but it makes sense. Here's this spoiled goody two shoes local girl who gets to travel the world solving mysteries all day! I don't know, I just love it so much. Your channel is amazing. I'm subscribed!
So disappointed you didn't add Ransom of Seven Ships and the Creature of Kapu Cave on this list, with their beautiful landscapes. KIDDING!! Can't beat Danger on Deception Island for relaxing atmosphere. And the music is PERFECTION. Also have to agree with Message and Waverly. The first snowfall in that game is something special. Good work, Kitten.
This was such an awesome idea!! Comfort and immersion in a cultural setting is one of my favourite parts of playing these games. For me, White Wolf and Castle Malloy are my top "atmosphere" games. For all of the things Castle Malloy does wrong, it still has one of the most beautiful and immersive/comforting settings in the whole series, so much so that it's actually one of my favourites for those despite the puzzles, scare factor, and -SPOILER ALERT- The hilarious premise of an old lady on a jetpack for the mystery.
That's not necessarily a bad thing, though! I feel like there was definitely a shift in the series at some point when HerInteractive realized that their fanbase consisted of all types of people, not just nine-year-old girls.
I think the most comforting game is always going to be the first one(s) you played as a kid. Back in ye olden days, the internet wasn't as big of a thing as it is now, so it wasn't like I could just go online and get hints when I was stuck. So I spent ages as a kid wandering around in Deception Island and Haunted Mansion. Those locations, to me, always have that feeling you get when you go somewhere you spent a lot of time as a child. That being said, the music in Deception Island is super relaxing, which I didn't really appreciate until you pointed it out.
Treasure in the royal tower always relaxes me and makes me remember my childhood when I played with my older sister. I haven't seen her for years due to travel restrictions in recent times and also due to crazy work obligations/college. We still reminisce on those times and hope that when we finally due link up (hopefully this year), we can play together in person as adults now :D
@Luna Carminis Aww, I relate to this so much! TRT was my first game and it has that same comfort and nostalgia. Just a suggestion: if you (or your sister) have the game on your computer, you can play together through Zoom! It’s obviously not the same as playing in person, but I’ve found it’s still a super fun way to connect with my Nancy Drew friends long-distance. You can even share control of your screen so the other person can take a turn playing!! Either way, I hope you get your opportunity to spend meaningful time together soon. 🤗
As a fellow Minnesotan there's something that feels so homey about Deception Island. I know it takes place in the Pacific Northwest but there's something about the grey sky, the rocky beaches, the lighthouse, and the tiny cafe that just sends me straight to the north shore. Although, as someone from the southwest prairies of MN I'd guess Twister would be the "home game" since expansive prairie grasses, farmlands, and tornados/severe thunderstorms are what I personally grew up with. However, Twister would definitely never make it into a "cozy" list.
This is definitely a needed video right now. Been super stressed, as my last year of college is coming up (and I'm graduating a year early), so reality is starting to hit. Especially because I didn't have my first year because of covid, and so I'm only having two years on campus. Feels too soon to be graduating! Anyway, thanks for all you do. Your videos and livestreams always provide a sense of comfort.
I’ve been so stressed lately and have been replaying some of my favorites lately so this video is great timing! My first one I always replay is Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon!
Agree with you on all points for TRT, MHM, and especially SSR. Secret of Shadow Ranch is my favorite game and the confidence I feel is definitely a big reason why. Plus I was really into horses when I was younger so it was so much fun. The soundtrack is awesome too. There's one piece that even though it's clearly electric guitars playing I just picture a cowboy with a harmonica 😅🐴🔍
Great video idea! Your video on mental health in the games is one of my favorites too and I liked how you expanded on that one. Your list is very similar to mine, although I would exclude your first two games because I get frustrated by the lack of a task list. White wolf is probably number 1 for me, the sounds especially are super calming, like the crunching snow and quiet of the outdoors, the crackling fire and the sounds of heavy blankets rustling when you make the beds. Even the sound of moving the fox and geese tiles. For my list I would add the haunted carousel. Similar to the isolated vibe from ghost dogs, I love walking around an empty theme park and getting to explore places that a normal park visitor wouldn't be allowed to.
Love your video, and your voice! I also agree on soo many of these, the classic games are some of the best i've ever played and they never fail to soothe me
Perfect video idea for the current times! My fave comfort games are definitely Shadow Ranch and Sea of Darkness. I guess it's a combo of familiarity/nostalgia, atmosphere, music and being engrossed in the story. It's funny, considering Shadow Ranch is such a "warm" game and Sea of Darkness is such a "cold" game.
For me, CLK, VEN, SHA, TRT, DED, WAV, ICE, and TRN are my best comfort games-I like the brighter, happier, easier games (not necessarily older or shorter games). Also the ones with happier or catchier soundtracks.
Chef’s Kiss🤌🏼!!! Your Nancy Drew & Mental Health video is also one of my favorites. This video builds on that. Escaping into a Nancy Drew game is always great way to ease my anxiety. Treasure in a Royal Tower and White Wolf are my favorites to escape into for some coziness!! Loved this video 💕
Caitlyn, your videos are so comforting to listen to! My list is identical to yours, except for MHM-I first played it when I was 7, so I was sufficiently terrified of it for years. I still jump at the hauntings to this day, even though I know they’re coming, haha! If I were to replace that spot, I might choose The Haunted Carousel as it was the second game I played, and the subplot with Miles gives a sense of closure/healing that is satisfying. A runner up might be Secret of the Old Clock, but it’s mainly for the music-reminds me of spending time with my grandmother, who always had 1930s band music playing in her car. 🤗
I noticed how a good chunk of these are from the classical era of games. They really are some of the most comforting locations, but pairing that with nostalgia makes for a truly relaxing experience. I agree with your picks, but for me I’d add Blackmoor Manor. I know it’s a tense game with some hefty scare factor, but I love how much we get to explore and get to know the location. I just love Blackmoor Manor so much; the gothic and mythological influence coupled with the rich jewel tones being me so much joy!
Loved this video! My favorite game is Ghost of Thornton Hall, but it’s definitely not a good game to play when you’re stressed. Last Train is my go to cozy game.
This list is perfection 🙌🏼 we have similar tastes: swap out MHM for CRY and that would be my list. Atmosphere plays a big part and I just need those thunderstorm vibes so much. Its weirdly comforting to me lol. I think another thing that makes a game comforting or not is how confident you are with the puzzles, so that can be very subjective.
Now, here's a thought in a similar vein. In how many games is it impossible for Nancy to actually die? Or at least in which games is it most difficult to get Nancy killed? Some are very easy. In Bill Malloy Castle, Arglefumph's walkthrough has him getting killed several dozen times trying to solve the chemicals puzzle. Others are hard, if not impossible. In Haunted Carousel, the whole theme of the Second Chances is "You're fired!", and I don't remember if there are any that involve Nancy dying. Same with Shadow Ranch, getting thrown off the ranch is the recurring theme. But I think you can die from the snake bite, at least. Deception Island is odd. When Nancy gets hit by the falling rock, she's only wounded and off the case, even though such a hit would surely be fatal. So there it looks like they're trying to avoid killing her, but you can die if you kayak out of the safe zone. Some of the later games are vague and just say "You have made a fatal error", even though what ended the game might not literally be fatal to Nancy, only to her chances of solving case. (For instance, in Tomb of the Lost Queen, I think you can make a "Fatal Error" if Lily catches you going through her things, even though she obviously doesn't kill Nancy). So, how about it? In how many games is it impossible for Nancy to die? What are the 10 most difficult games to die in, and vice versa?
It's so amazing you can make videos like this whilst doing livestreams! I totally agree with your list, but would swap out last train with Old Clock. I love Old Clock and the 1930s era gives me the fuzzies. I do love Last Train but wouldn't call it one of my comfort games.
The problem with a list like this is that I think there's a tendency to just take one's favorite games, and choose from those. Since we already know what the favorites are, it's semi-superfluous. I'd argue that Secret of the Old Clock, and Ransom of the Seven Ships (neither of which you particularly care for), are both extremely relaxing. In Old Clock, knocking around town delivering telegrams to characters from famous books and old TV shows, is extremely light-hearted. And in Ransom, you can drive around an island, go sailing, and play games with monkeys. If you want to take it easy, and unwind, those are better than some of the ones you named. Waverly, for example, is a great game, but too puzzle heavy to really relax with.
Kicking back and playing a classic ND game is always a great way to relax. I'm gonna have to disagree with you on ICE though. The daily cooking and cleaning in that game always stresses me out, personally. Maybe it's a little too realistic! :)
Thank you for putting out such great ND content! I’m always impressed by how much effort you put into your videos, especially the analysis videos. I’m terms of the personality assessments you’ve done, have you ever completed the StrengthFinder assessment? I wonder what Nancy’s top five strengths are.
MHM was always too scary for me. I could only play it if I had one of my kitties with me (purrs defeat ghosts donchaknow). I'd replace it with SCK, since it's nostalgic, not mentally taxing, and great if you only have an hour or so to play at that moment. Any game that I can recite every line from and tell you everything that makes your glass turn red automatically counts as comforting as well, due to the inherent comfort of extreme familiarity.
