I have social anxiety disorder. Currently, my therapist is working with me on being able to make phone calls. Making phone calls in the game has actually helped me make phone calls in real life! I don't feel as anxious listening to the dial tone, and it's helpful to be in Nancy's shoes because she has so much confidence. It's a little thing, but it's helped me!
That’s wonderful. I have the same thing with getting the mail. I could go weeks without going to the post office (small, rural town and I could get away with it), so I started ordering things online just to have that incentive. Now I’m ok with that and am working on now opening the mail. I just have this fear that something really bad is going to come. Receiving phone calls are scary for me. I have the voicemail transcript so a quick skim and seeing what’s it about helps to bypass the anxiety that comes from waiting to hear someone relay their message.
Very true! I think I remember not mentioning her specifically because her case seems to be less chronic depression and more situational, especially since other characters remark that she hasn't been her usual self lately. Losing her mother and dealing with the repercussions of her death would be extremely difficult, though. She is a great example, I agree!
Kinda surprised you didn't mention anyone from Stay Tuned for Danger, considering it's cast. You've got Rick Arlan, who is clearly the most narcissistic character in the ND universe, Lillian's anger management issues, and Millie's difficulty distinguishing reality from fiction. While she's just a phone contact, Eustacia Andropov is probably the most clinically depressed character in the series. Unfortunately, her issues only get played for laughs. But overall, good analysis. I don't usually see many ND videos outside of Arglefumph's, so I'm happy to see someone else delving into this world!
Those are all very good points! I definitely should have mentioned Lillian as well since it's documented in game that she works with a therapist. Thank you so much for giving me more to think about and for the comment!! 😊
As someone with treatment-resistant anxiety and depression, these games give me a feeling of safety. They help me feel smart and able to control over my life
This just goes to show how much care was taken to humanize the characters in these games. They become more than just archetypes. It's just one of the many reasons I love these games so much. Thanks for sharing your perspective and the perspectives of others. ❤️❤️❤️
tw: mentions of suicide When I first played Shadow at Water’s Edge, my interpretation was that Kasumi’s death was not an accident, but intentional on her own part, and her family was now having to work through that. Even now, playing it that way brings new depth to how the characters speak of her and their feelings about what happened.
there's a nuance to that possibility. Sure kasumi didn't know where to walk and slipped and drowned but the thought of knowing yumi will traditionally inherit the ryokan and not wanting to cause a rift in their relationship wants them to know she doesn't want them to run the ryokan if they don't want to could have gotten the better of kasumi and didn't know how to deal with it.
I've never made a connection between rewatching/replaying media and feelings of anxiety/comfort, that's really interesting. I definitely tend to rewatch the same movies or replay the same games rather than try new things and sometimes I even feel kinda stressed when I push myself to watch or play something new, even though I'm supposed to just have fun. Thanks for another great video and congratulations of over 500 subscribers! Awesome job!! 😄
I totally get the same feeling! I only recently learned about rewatching and replaying in relation to anxiety, but it makes a lot of sense! Thanks for the comment!! 🤗
I struggle with GAD and OCD as well, and I find myself turning to the Nancy Drew games to find a sense of security. Thank you making this video, :) I really love seeing my favorite video games relate to a real world problem!
@@WizardKittenYT Joseph Hughes Minette and Dwayne Powers definitely take The Cake yum at being totally insane and so does Dr. Malachi Craven and Harper Thornton also are completely insane and terrifying
@@WizardKittenYT Even though They are completely insane You also very bad for Joseph Hughes Dr. Malachi Craven and Harper Thornton but The Games don’t give Us much of any reason to feel sorry for Minette and Dwayne Powers
I have been diagnosed with GAD and Panic disorder, and will echo what others have said; for me playing the same games, watching the same movies/shows is very soothing. Even eating the same foods, wearing the same clothes etc. There is a comfort in knowing what you’re going to get in feeling something. I’ve actually been going back and playing all the older ND games I remember and loved before starting any new ones that seem interesting. Thank you for posting! ♥️
Just found this while on a random Nancy Drew search :) I just wanted to say that you're an excellent essayist! The structure and transitions of your piece is well thought out. You provide context to your examples without dawdling on them. Aside from written content, the audio production on your video is wonderful. Everything is clear and well balanced with the background music, and you have a naturally appealing voice (I could picture you doing radio/podcast work). As someone who also suffers from mental health (social anxiety, OCD) I appreciate your honesty and thank you for opening to share your experiences and how they relate to ND games. For me, ND games hold a lot of nostalgia and heartwarming memories since I always played them with my friends or sister growing up. Playing ND reminds me of a time when I wasn't so afraid about interacting with other people and could simply have fun. Good work on the video, and thanks again for sharing :)
Here’s something I thought about: In “Curse of Blackmore Manor” it’s established that Jane Penvellyn’s parents are divorced. Some people may not know this, but parental divorce can be a traumatic experience for children. Then there’s the fact that she moved far away from a familiar environment, which probably contributed to her trauma. Then there’s the fact that the game briefly notes that her pet recently died. The death of a pet may not be the same as the death of a person, but it’s still a big change for children especially when they’re already dealing with a number of additional stressors. Taking these thoughts into consideration really makes me wonder why none of the adults even considered getting therapy for Jane. A therapist could have helped her develop coping skills to adjust to her new life and maybe even improve her relationship with her stepmother. Sorry for the long comment.
I do the repetitive thing by watching many the same movies and tv shows, but mostly when listening to music. Sometimes I will listen to the same song repeatedly, and it does seem to soothe my anxiety. Watching your videos seems to help too, Caitlyn. This may sound weird to say, but your voice is very positive, uplifting, and soothing, and I look forward to every video you post. 😊 You handled this serious topic really well, Caitlyn. Even though you claim to not be a professional, I feel like you could pull it off. Thanks.
These games do bring such a sense of nostalgia and comfort. I don’t have any on my current laptop, but I still listen to the soundtracks and watch UA-camrs play the games.
Don't forget Gray Cortright! His situation is more abstract than the others though, he stared into the science abyss for so long he fell into a near career breaking depression. It likely would have spiraled out of control without Niko's support. I adore this concept! I knew that I tended to go back to what was comfortable when I was anxious, but I didn't realize how prevalent it was with others who have depression and anxiety.
Really enjoyed the video! It hit me like a ton of bricks when you mentioned how repetitious behavior can be soothing to a person with anxiety. I've had seasons of anxiety that come and go, and I'm starting to realize at the height of anxiety, I watch a TON of Nancy Drew game videos. A lot of the time they help me fall asleep.
I'm so glad you liked the video! YES, repetition is such a great coping strategy for anxiety! I will put on the same movie before bed every night for like a month just for some consistency and background noise. Thanks for the lovely comment!!
I have pretty severe insomnia and can usually only fall asleep watching familiar and relatively light tv shows (like Fraiser). I remember learning my younger sister does the same thing to fall asleep and she calls it her “emotional support tv show”, which I kind of love. I hadn’t thought about it too much, but I started playing these games again at the start of the pandemic when I was getting anxious. Now I think of them as “emotional support video games” :)
I am already a huge fan of video essays and any long-form analysis, so to see somebody analyzing my favorite series of video games is so special! I think you've done a wonderful job in your analysis of ND's portrayal of mental health and offered some interesting takes! The inclusion of the mental health/therapy stigma in The Ghost of Thornton Hall was always so fascinating to me. I'd be interested in hearing your take on how mental health was portrayed in Midnight in Salem, I feel like there's definitely room for discussion! Anyways, thank you for making this video. Looking forward to the next video you make! :))
Thank you for talking about Joseph like this! I’ve seen so many people talk about how he’s crazy or evil, but I’ve always found him to be such a sympathetic and “real” culprit.
The fellow detectives that said ND helped with grief, did they happen to say which games helped? Haunted Carousel, Secret of the Old Clock, and Shadow at the Water's Edge were actually little touchy for me at times, having unexpectedly lost parents in my 20s. Alibi in Ashes is next on my list to play for the first time, which I know deals with Nancy's mom. Maybe that one is the one that was helpful. I've only played 1-24 so far. I guess Henry Bolet is the one that makes the most sense to me. Crying outside his parent's crypt after losing another relative is a real human action, as is the crappy girlfriend. Ned says he's odd and doesn't seem to have any friends so having her is better than nothing to him. And being executor is a humongous pain
I was just talking to my therapist about how these games are so good for my mental health today. I have chronic depression and when I’m in really struggling these games give me a place to escape and take my mind off of my thoughts while also giving me a way to feel like I accomplished something. Plus since I have played them countless times each I know what to expect and that can be really good for my anxiety like others mentioned.
Thank you so much for sharing, Bethany!! 🤗 I relate so much! I should really talk about them with my therapist too, maybe then she can recommend them to other clients 😊
This was great!! I absolutely love how you handled the content of this video, you had a lot of insight to bring to the conversation! I appreciate you bringing other voices in to the conversation as well. I also appreciate that you speak very clearly and deliberately, your videos are very easy for me to understand and follow! I really loved what you had to say about the characters being designed to be flawed and human. I wonder if, from a game design perspective, we haven't had too much mental health discussed with regards to Nancy Drew herself, along with other aspects of her, because we are meant to embody her? That seemed to change when we get to the later games like Silent Spy where Nancy is directly involved and addressed, but I always felt that this almost generalized representation of a spunky, brave person was meant to help players relate to her in their own way? That's how I always saw it, anyway! Great video, again! Looking forward to more! :D
I absolutely loved this video, all your analysis videos are just so well made and professional! I got so excited when I saw the title of this video. I really relate a lot with Colton when he says "Happiness has never come easy to me". I have had depression since I was 13 and this line really speaks to me. I appreciated how you talked about how the games can be therapeutic for those struggling with mental health, I had never really thought about it in that way. I also have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and never made the connection that the games act as a way to combat it. I just always saw the games as a way to take a break from everyday life and the anxieties that always come with it. I have noticed that in my day to day life, if I'm having anxiety about something, I just try to imagine I'm nancy drew who is unafraid of anything and it can really help. Please continue to do these analysis videos!!
I'm so glad you liked the video and I so connect with everything you said! That line that you quoted is one of my favorites as well, it's just so real and true.
@HonkRaccoon I love how realistic and deep the Thornton family was made to be! It's so easy to imagine a real family needing to have these same kinds of discussions with one another!
This was so amazing to watch. I started it and work and realized that I needed to wait till I was home so I could give this video my full attention. The ND games helped me so much when I was living abroad and was honestly kinda depressed from missing home and other stuff. They were a familiar grounding point that reminded me of my childhood. Your Streams for the ND games have also helped me so much through the stress of work and grief of losing my dog. Sending lots of hugs your way. Watching this made me wonder if you would be willing to a video on physical disabilities? Gunnar has his weird fingers buts it's hardly noticeable. From what I can remember there aren't any games featuring characters with prosthetics, visible skin markings like large birthmarks or scars (Other than May in MID), or anyone in a wheelchair. Hope you consider it.
I think you handled this subject really well in the video! Nancy Drew games did a relatively good job. I was actually surprised that even with my own struggles with mental health I never fully realized it with the characters. Of course I identified trauma and OCD in certain characters but I didn't fully stop and think that they are experiencing mental health realted behavior. I've come to realize that so many people struggle with different things in life that it can all sort of blend together if we're not careful and we as a collective whole can easily even if inadvertently shrug off these conditions as amusing (like I think it's odd that there's an option to mess with poor Mason Quinto by moving stuff on his desk which will clearly upset him). I absolutely agree mental health should be talked about more! I also find these games sooo soothing. And a nice healthy educational and overall morally good escape 😊🤗
Again, commenting SUPER late even though I was so excited for this particular video and watched it as soon as it came out! 🤦♀️ You handled this video so well. I love how you asked us to crowdsource thoughts and I also like the way you split this video in two to talk about representation but then also what the games mean to us. Such a thoughtful, deep analysis as usual! I always love your analysis videos! Anyway, thank you, thank you for making this. It's such an important subject!!!
Nancy Drew was my life and childhood. I ate these games up until MIS, which I downright refuse to play. I guess there was some aspect of me that wanted them to be more true to the books. As such, I actually appreciate that they didn't make the main characters have a ton of mental health struggles. Nancy in the books is supposed to be more focused on her propensity to slueth, and also her loyalty and friendships with Bess, George and Ned (didn't really like the cross dip with the Hardy Boys, who I beleive should just have a seperate game) I'd argue that Nancy isn't actually flawless in the games, especially since she gets in an argument with Ned in Captive Curse, and we see the traumatized side of her and Carson in Silent Spy. Them arguing was actually really tough to listen to as an avid Namcy Drew fan. So that being said, Silent Spy was also one of my least favourite games because I felt that it drastically tried to twist the books, on top of the fact that they wrote Hannah Gruen (a character canon to the books) out after the Haunted Mansion. Like.. how dare they throw this non canon character in claiming it's Kate's partner but not even include the housekeeper that is stated explicitly in the book as being thought of and loved as a mom by Nancy? Also, I think Alibi in Ashes bothered me because Officer McGinnis so utterly deviated from his character and relationship to Nancy from the books.. regardless, she does exhibit significant anxiety about being in jail (rightfully so though, and having GAD myself, I recognize there IS a difference) and is likewise upset in Deadly Device when she gets yanked from the case. She also does portray a hardheadedness to comoleting cases and is always clearly upset if she can't answer puzzles, which *could* be a way to cope with the loss of Kate. Or could be her following her dad's lawyering footsteps? So I struggle to say this, because the books delve way less into her traumas tied to her mother and rather her close relationship with Carson, but in the games, she at least exhibits signs of greif. I'm sorry to anyone else who was beyond obsessed, read the books with their mom, watched the TV show and dressed as Nancy for Halloween, because you are probably as frustrated with this dramatized take as I am (I nearly punched my screen the moment she said 'mom?' In the trailor for Silent Spy) 😭 that's just my take, feel free to discuss, delete, or tell me I'm as weird as Harper 😂 you make awesome videos, thank you, and it's making me want to repurchase the games since all I have are defunct disks for several 😂😂😂😂
I so loved reading your thoughts!! I can absolutely understand wanting Nancy's character to be more true to the source material of the books. I enjoyed the books a lot as well and there is something to be said for adapting Nancy's character more faithfully. And yes, Nancy is still reactive in the games, and like you mentioned, she is reactive in very high-stress situations, so not day-to-day, high-level anxiety, but the kind that is very much within the range of typical anxiety. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!!
Both of them are really interesting case studies I think! Both seem to allude to having struggles with their mental health before the game (anxiety and/or depression), but it's hard to suss out completely because of the pressures of their current situation, which would naturally be pretty anxiety inducing. So interesting to think about though!
I love this video! Do you think Scott from TOT has MH troubles as well? It seems he once had a passion for storm chasing, but it just faded away over time...I have depression, so I'm pretty familiar with that feeling. Regardless, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
When I saw the title, I will admit that I was a bit scared because things can easily go wrong and misinformation can easily be spread. But I was pleasantly surprised. Good takes. In the future, if there are more nd games, I’d like for them to be more explicit with what they are representing. Sure they would have to be extra careful with accurately representing them but it would be wonderful to see. I’d like to see a video like this, but with Autistic headcannons. I see a lot of characters that presents autistic tendencies and as someone with Aspergers, I just love it.
I've definitely noticed that as well! And I'm so glad that the video was a pleasant surprise! I agree that more explicit representation would be fantastic 👍
I have thought about doing kind of a comprehensive representation examination video, LGBTQ+, race, religion, disability, etc. We'll see if someday that becomes a reality!
I have social anxiety disorder. Currently, my therapist is working with me on being able to make phone calls. Making phone calls in the game has actually helped me make phone calls in real life! I don't feel as anxious listening to the dial tone, and it's helpful to be in Nancy's shoes because she has so much confidence. It's a little thing, but it's helped me!
That is amazing! I could absolutely see how that would be great practice!
How much progress have you made since?
That’s wonderful. I have the same thing with getting the mail. I could go weeks without going to the post office (small, rural town and I could get away with it), so I started ordering things online just to have that incentive. Now I’m ok with that and am working on now opening the mail. I just have this fear that something really bad is going to come. Receiving phone calls are scary for me. I have the voicemail transcript so a quick skim and seeing what’s it about helps to bypass the anxiety that comes from waiting to hear someone relay their message.
Emily Crandall (Secret of the Old Clock) is another example of someone whom we can infer is struggling with trauma and financial stress
Very true! I think I remember not mentioning her specifically because her case seems to be less chronic depression and more situational, especially since other characters remark that she hasn't been her usual self lately. Losing her mother and dealing with the repercussions of her death would be extremely difficult, though. She is a great example, I agree!
Kinda surprised you didn't mention anyone from Stay Tuned for Danger, considering it's cast. You've got Rick Arlan, who is clearly the most narcissistic character in the ND universe, Lillian's anger management issues, and Millie's difficulty distinguishing reality from fiction.
While she's just a phone contact, Eustacia Andropov is probably the most clinically depressed character in the series. Unfortunately, her issues only get played for laughs.
But overall, good analysis. I don't usually see many ND videos outside of Arglefumph's, so I'm happy to see someone else delving into this world!
Those are all very good points! I definitely should have mentioned Lillian as well since it's documented in game that she works with a therapist. Thank you so much for giving me more to think about and for the comment!! 😊
For me the biggest mental health concern was minette
her anger problems are terrifying.
As someone with treatment-resistant anxiety and depression, these games give me a feeling of safety. They help me feel smart and able to control over my life
I definitely resonate with that, the sense of accomplishment that comes with these can help so much with confidence!
This just goes to show how much care was taken to humanize the characters in these games. They become more than just archetypes. It's just one of the many reasons I love these games so much. Thanks for sharing your perspective and the perspectives of others. ❤️❤️❤️
Absolutely, thank you do much for watching!! I totally agree about these characters having such wonderful depth 🤗
tw: mentions of suicide
When I first played Shadow at Water’s Edge, my interpretation was that Kasumi’s death was not an accident, but intentional on her own part, and her family was now having to work through that. Even now, playing it that way brings new depth to how the characters speak of her and their feelings about what happened.
I have always wondered about that too!!
there's a nuance to that possibility.
Sure kasumi didn't know where to walk and slipped and drowned but the thought of knowing yumi will traditionally inherit the ryokan and not wanting to cause a rift in their relationship wants them to know she doesn't want them to run the ryokan if they don't want to could have gotten the better of kasumi and didn't know how to deal with it.
I've never made a connection between rewatching/replaying media and feelings of anxiety/comfort, that's really interesting. I definitely tend to rewatch the same movies or replay the same games rather than try new things and sometimes I even feel kinda stressed when I push myself to watch or play something new, even though I'm supposed to just have fun. Thanks for another great video and congratulations of over 500 subscribers! Awesome job!! 😄
I totally get the same feeling! I only recently learned about rewatching and replaying in relation to anxiety, but it makes a lot of sense! Thanks for the comment!! 🤗
I struggle with GAD and OCD as well, and I find myself turning to the Nancy Drew games to find a sense of security. Thank you making this video, :) I really love seeing my favorite video games relate to a real world problem!
I'm so glad you liked the video!! I'm really happy that it connects with so many detectives! Thanks for the comment 😊
I love these deep dives into ND! Please make more videos analyzing various aspects of the games :)
Can do!!
@@WizardKittenYT Joseph Hughes Minette and Dwayne Powers definitely take The Cake yum at being totally insane and so does Dr. Malachi Craven and Harper Thornton also are completely insane and terrifying
@@WizardKittenYT I didn’t remember that Sea of Darkness said that Gunner’s last Name
@@WizardKittenYT Victor Losset is also completely insane
@@WizardKittenYT Even though They are completely insane You also very bad for Joseph Hughes Dr. Malachi Craven and Harper Thornton but The Games don’t give Us much of any reason to feel sorry for Minette and Dwayne Powers
I have been diagnosed with GAD and Panic disorder, and will echo what others have said; for me playing the same games, watching the same movies/shows is very soothing. Even eating the same foods, wearing the same clothes etc. There is a comfort in knowing what you’re going to get in feeling something. I’ve actually been going back and playing all the older ND games I remember and loved before starting any new ones that seem interesting. Thank you for posting! ♥️
I'm so glad that part resonated with you! I absolutely agree that the routine and security can be so so comforting. Thanks for the comment!
Just found this while on a random Nancy Drew search :) I just wanted to say that you're an excellent essayist! The structure and transitions of your piece is well thought out. You provide context to your examples without dawdling on them. Aside from written content, the audio production on your video is wonderful. Everything is clear and well balanced with the background music, and you have a naturally appealing voice (I could picture you doing radio/podcast work). As someone who also suffers from mental health (social anxiety, OCD) I appreciate your honesty and thank you for opening to share your experiences and how they relate to ND games. For me, ND games hold a lot of nostalgia and heartwarming memories since I always played them with my friends or sister growing up. Playing ND reminds me of a time when I wasn't so afraid about interacting with other people and could simply have fun. Good work on the video, and thanks again for sharing :)
Aww!! Thank you so much for the wonderful comment! 🤗 that means so much to hear!
Here’s something I thought about: In “Curse of Blackmore Manor” it’s established that Jane Penvellyn’s parents are divorced. Some people may not know this, but parental divorce can be a traumatic experience for children.
Then there’s the fact that she moved far away from a familiar environment, which probably contributed to her trauma. Then there’s the fact that the game briefly notes that her pet recently died. The death of a pet may not be the same as the death of a person, but it’s still a big change for children especially when they’re already dealing with a number of additional stressors.
Taking these thoughts into consideration really makes me wonder why none of the adults even considered getting therapy for Jane. A therapist could have helped her develop coping skills to adjust to her new life and maybe even improve her relationship with her stepmother. Sorry for the long comment.
Such a good point! Yeah, Jane likely does have some trauma she could really get help with!
I do the repetitive thing by watching many the same movies and tv shows, but mostly when listening to music. Sometimes I will listen to the same song repeatedly, and it does seem to soothe my anxiety. Watching your videos seems to help too, Caitlyn. This may sound weird to say, but your voice is very positive, uplifting, and soothing, and I look forward to every video you post. 😊 You handled this serious topic really well, Caitlyn. Even though you claim to not be a professional, I feel like you could pull it off. Thanks.
Awww, I'm so glad to hear that you liked the video!! I frequently listen to the same music repeatedly as well 🤗
These games do bring such a sense of nostalgia and comfort. I don’t have any on my current laptop, but I still listen to the soundtracks and watch UA-camrs play the games.
Don't forget Gray Cortright! His situation is more abstract than the others though, he stared into the science abyss for so long he fell into a near career breaking depression. It likely would have spiraled out of control without Niko's support.
I adore this concept! I knew that I tended to go back to what was comfortable when I was anxious, but I didn't realize how prevalent it was with others who have depression and anxiety.
Yes!! It made me feel so understood to know that others with anxiety do the same thing!
Really enjoyed the video! It hit me like a ton of bricks when you mentioned how repetitious behavior can be soothing to a person with anxiety.
I've had seasons of anxiety that come and go, and I'm starting to realize at the height of anxiety, I watch a TON of Nancy Drew game videos. A lot of the time they help me fall asleep.
I'm so glad you liked the video! YES, repetition is such a great coping strategy for anxiety! I will put on the same movie before bed every night for like a month just for some consistency and background noise. Thanks for the lovely comment!!
I have pretty severe insomnia and can usually only fall asleep watching familiar and relatively light tv shows (like Fraiser). I remember learning my younger sister does the same thing to fall asleep and she calls it her “emotional support tv show”, which I kind of love. I hadn’t thought about it too much, but I started playing these games again at the start of the pandemic when I was getting anxious. Now I think of them as “emotional support video games” :)
I am already a huge fan of video essays and any long-form analysis, so to see somebody analyzing my favorite series of video games is so special! I think you've done a wonderful job in your analysis of ND's portrayal of mental health and offered some interesting takes! The inclusion of the mental health/therapy stigma in The Ghost of Thornton Hall was always so fascinating to me. I'd be interested in hearing your take on how mental health was portrayed in Midnight in Salem, I feel like there's definitely room for discussion! Anyways, thank you for making this video. Looking forward to the next video you make! :))
I'm so happy to hear that you liked this analysis!! I love talking about these games! 😊 thank you so much for the comment!
Thank you for talking about Joseph like this! I’ve seen so many people talk about how he’s crazy or evil, but I’ve always found him to be such a sympathetic and “real” culprit.
He's easily one of my favorite culprits for that exact reason! I just love the depth of his character!
The fellow detectives that said ND helped with grief, did they happen to say which games helped? Haunted Carousel, Secret of the Old Clock, and Shadow at the Water's Edge were actually little touchy for me at times, having unexpectedly lost parents in my 20s. Alibi in Ashes is next on my list to play for the first time, which I know deals with Nancy's mom. Maybe that one is the one that was helpful. I've only played 1-24 so far.
I guess Henry Bolet is the one that makes the most sense to me. Crying outside his parent's crypt after losing another relative is a real human action, as is the crappy girlfriend. Ned says he's odd and doesn't seem to have any friends so having her is better than nothing to him. And being executor is a humongous pain
There weren't really specific mentions, but my guess is that the overall escapism was what helped the most!
@@WizardKittenYT That makes sense. Finished Alibi in Ashes and being able to call dad felt really nice
I am in tears, this is beautiful. Thank you for exploring this aspect of Nancy Drew, :) you are such a treasure.
Awwwww, I'm so so glad you liked it!
I was just talking to my therapist about how these games are so good for my mental health today. I have chronic depression and when I’m in really struggling these games give me a place to escape and take my mind off of my thoughts while also giving me a way to feel like I accomplished something. Plus since I have played them countless times each I know what to expect and that can be really good for my anxiety like others mentioned.
Thank you so much for sharing, Bethany!! 🤗 I relate so much! I should really talk about them with my therapist too, maybe then she can recommend them to other clients 😊
This was great!! I absolutely love how you handled the content of this video, you had a lot of insight to bring to the conversation! I appreciate you bringing other voices in to the conversation as well. I also appreciate that you speak very clearly and deliberately, your videos are very easy for me to understand and follow! I really loved what you had to say about the characters being designed to be flawed and human.
I wonder if, from a game design perspective, we haven't had too much mental health discussed with regards to Nancy Drew herself, along with other aspects of her, because we are meant to embody her? That seemed to change when we get to the later games like Silent Spy where Nancy is directly involved and addressed, but I always felt that this almost generalized representation of a spunky, brave person was meant to help players relate to her in their own way? That's how I always saw it, anyway!
Great video, again! Looking forward to more! :D
Thank you so much, I'm so glad you liked it! Love your thoughts on Nancy and SPY as well!
I absolutely loved this video, all your analysis videos are just so well made and professional! I got so excited when I saw the title of this video. I really relate a lot with Colton when he says "Happiness has never come easy to me". I have had depression since I was 13 and this line really speaks to me.
I appreciated how you talked about how the games can be therapeutic for those struggling with mental health, I had never really thought about it in that way. I also have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and never made the connection that the games act as a way to combat it. I just always saw the games as a way to take a break from everyday life and the anxieties that always come with it. I have noticed that in my day to day life, if I'm having anxiety about something, I just try to imagine I'm nancy drew who is unafraid of anything and it can really help. Please continue to do these analysis videos!!
I'm so glad you liked the video and I so connect with everything you said! That line that you quoted is one of my favorites as well, it's just so real and true.
@HonkRaccoon I love how realistic and deep the Thornton family was made to be! It's so easy to imagine a real family needing to have these same kinds of discussions with one another!
This was so amazing to watch. I started it and work and realized that I needed to wait till I was home so I could give this video my full attention. The ND games helped me so much when I was living abroad and was honestly kinda depressed from missing home and other stuff. They were a familiar grounding point that reminded me of my childhood. Your Streams for the ND games have also helped me so much through the stress of work and grief of losing my dog. Sending lots of hugs your way.
Watching this made me wonder if you would be willing to a video on physical disabilities? Gunnar has his weird fingers buts it's hardly noticeable. From what I can remember there aren't any games featuring characters with prosthetics, visible skin markings like large birthmarks or scars (Other than May in MID), or anyone in a wheelchair. Hope you consider it.
That's a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion! I'm definitely open to doing more videos on representation in the future!
I think you handled this subject really well in the video! Nancy Drew games did a relatively good job. I was actually surprised that even with my own struggles with mental health I never fully realized it with the characters. Of course I identified trauma and OCD in certain characters but I didn't fully stop and think that they are experiencing mental health realted behavior. I've come to realize that so many people struggle with different things in life that it can all sort of blend together if we're not careful and we as a collective whole can easily even if inadvertently shrug off these conditions as amusing (like I think it's odd that there's an option to mess with poor Mason Quinto by moving stuff on his desk which will clearly upset him). I absolutely agree mental health should be talked about more! I also find these games sooo soothing. And a nice healthy educational and overall morally good escape 😊🤗
I so connect with what you said!! I'm really glad you liked the video!
I've come back to this video so many times since you uploaded it--I love it so much.
Awww, I am so glad to hear that!! Thank you!
Again, commenting SUPER late even though I was so excited for this particular video and watched it as soon as it came out! 🤦♀️ You handled this video so well. I love how you asked us to crowdsource thoughts and I also like the way you split this video in two to talk about representation but then also what the games mean to us. Such a thoughtful, deep analysis as usual! I always love your analysis videos! Anyway, thank you, thank you for making this. It's such an important subject!!!
I'm really happy to hear that you liked how it turned out!! 🤗
Hi! Just wanted to say thank you for making this video :-) I’m so glad it got recommended to me
Aw yay!! Of course! Thank you so much for watching! 🤗
Nancy Drew was my life and childhood. I ate these games up until MIS, which I downright refuse to play. I guess there was some aspect of me that wanted them to be more true to the books. As such, I actually appreciate that they didn't make the main characters have a ton of mental health struggles. Nancy in the books is supposed to be more focused on her propensity to slueth, and also her loyalty and friendships with Bess, George and Ned (didn't really like the cross dip with the Hardy Boys, who I beleive should just have a seperate game) I'd argue that Nancy isn't actually flawless in the games, especially since she gets in an argument with Ned in Captive Curse, and we see the traumatized side of her and Carson in Silent Spy. Them arguing was actually really tough to listen to as an avid Namcy Drew fan. So that being said, Silent Spy was also one of my least favourite games because I felt that it drastically tried to twist the books, on top of the fact that they wrote Hannah Gruen (a character canon to the books) out after the Haunted Mansion. Like.. how dare they throw this non canon character in claiming it's Kate's partner but not even include the housekeeper that is stated explicitly in the book as being thought of and loved as a mom by Nancy? Also, I think Alibi in Ashes bothered me because Officer McGinnis so utterly deviated from his character and relationship to Nancy from the books.. regardless, she does exhibit significant anxiety about being in jail (rightfully so though, and having GAD myself, I recognize there IS a difference) and is likewise upset in Deadly Device when she gets yanked from the case. She also does portray a hardheadedness to comoleting cases and is always clearly upset if she can't answer puzzles, which *could* be a way to cope with the loss of Kate. Or could be her following her dad's lawyering footsteps? So I struggle to say this, because the books delve way less into her traumas tied to her mother and rather her close relationship with Carson, but in the games, she at least exhibits signs of greif. I'm sorry to anyone else who was beyond obsessed, read the books with their mom, watched the TV show and dressed as Nancy for Halloween, because you are probably as frustrated with this dramatized take as I am (I nearly punched my screen the moment she said 'mom?' In the trailor for Silent Spy) 😭 that's just my take, feel free to discuss, delete, or tell me I'm as weird as Harper 😂 you make awesome videos, thank you, and it's making me want to repurchase the games since all I have are defunct disks for several 😂😂😂😂
I so loved reading your thoughts!! I can absolutely understand wanting Nancy's character to be more true to the source material of the books. I enjoyed the books a lot as well and there is something to be said for adapting Nancy's character more faithfully. And yes, Nancy is still reactive in the games, and like you mentioned, she is reactive in very high-stress situations, so not day-to-day, high-level anxiety, but the kind that is very much within the range of typical anxiety. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!!
Wow how interesting it is, thank you for making it!
Of course! Thank you so much for watching! I'm glad you liked it!
I really enjoyed this! I’m curious about what you thought about Xenia and Niobe’s anxiety in Labyrinth of Lies.
Both of them are really interesting case studies I think! Both seem to allude to having struggles with their mental health before the game (anxiety and/or depression), but it's hard to suss out completely because of the pressures of their current situation, which would naturally be pretty anxiety inducing. So interesting to think about though!
I’d also throw in Alexi from Alibi in Ashes, he was framed and gaslighted pretty much his whole life until he finally could prove his innocence.
I love this video! Do you think Scott from TOT has MH troubles as well? It seems he once had a passion for storm chasing, but it just faded away over time...I have depression, so I'm pretty familiar with that feeling. Regardless, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
He certainly is another one to consider for sure! His may or may not be situational, but definitely agree about the fading passion!
This was very well done.
Thank you! I'm glad to hear that!
When I saw the title, I will admit that I was a bit scared because things can easily go wrong and misinformation can easily be spread. But I was pleasantly surprised. Good takes.
In the future, if there are more nd games, I’d like for them to be more explicit with what they are representing. Sure they would have to be extra careful with accurately representing them but it would be wonderful to see.
I’d like to see a video like this, but with Autistic headcannons. I see a lot of characters that presents autistic tendencies and as someone with Aspergers, I just love it.
I've definitely noticed that as well! And I'm so glad that the video was a pleasant surprise! I agree that more explicit representation would be fantastic 👍
Surprised the elderly woman from The Haunting of Castle Malloy isn’t on this list. I mean, she was isolated from society for over fifty years.
Do you think you could do a video on the lack of LGBTQ+ representation in the games? I'd love to see your opinions and thoughts on it
I have thought about doing kind of a comprehensive representation examination video, LGBTQ+, race, religion, disability, etc. We'll see if someday that becomes a reality!