#ndfashionmonth

Day 27. Historical Backstory You Think Is Underrated: Shanghaied Sailors (DDI)

There’s about seven simultaneous plots going on in DDI, so I understand how this detail falls by the wayside. But before it became the Hot Kettle, the Royal Flush Saloon was used to press-gang random gents who just came out to have a good time. Whaaaaat? And this was just swept under the rug by everyone on Deception Island? I want to know so much more about this.

Day 26. Soundtrack You Think Is Underrated: Haunting of Castle Malloy (HAU)

I play the Celtic harp (some might call it a lever harp, or a troubador harp, but the fact of the matter is that my teacher was Scottish and I play a lot of Celtic tunes). This, incidentally, might be the only bit of information you need to figure out why I think the music in this game is the best. It’s beyond neat to be hanging out at the Screaming Banshee and hear the background music and think, “Hey, this is the Harvest Reel! I know this song! I can playthis song!”

Day 25. Game You Think Is Underrated: SCK (original)

I guess I’m a sucker for all the old games, and for anything that begins with a murder. Secrets Can Kill (unremastered) is so intense, to the point that you win the game by pointing a gun at the culprit and clicking. Every aspect of this game - 2D models, rhyming clues, gritty realism, blackmail, steroid use, drug running - is so dissonant with the rest of the series, and for me that really sets it apart from the other games. Granted, SCK1 is underrated because it came out ages ago and only functions on dinosaur computers, but I think HER’s first game was a solid debut for our Drewniverse. Go manatees!

Day 24. A Game That Breaks Your Heart: Alibi in Ashes (specifically because of Alexei Markovic)

Alexei, please move out of this town. Go literally anywhere else. It’s time.

(also: someone please explain Carson’s age in relation to Alexei’s plot, I still don’t understand.)

Day 23. Favorite Cutscene: Getting Jake Hurley’s machine to work (TRN)

As I’ve mentioned, the improbable gem refraction seen in this puzzle is near and dear to me, probably because I grew up on books like The Diamond in the Window. Operating this magical steampunk machine is one of the highlights of TRN (which is my favorite game anyway). The six icons from the clues are represented in the earrings, shirt, pendant, ring, bracelet, and shoes. The scarf and bag represent the rainbow lights and the map they illuminate. (The other bracelet is just because I thought it looked cool.)

Day 22. Favorite Treasure: The Royal Palladium Theater (FIN)

I guess the “ends the game when you find it” treasure in this game is the deed signed by Harry Houdini… but that document is just a symbol of the actual treasure, which is the game location itself. This outfit includes several representations of the theater’s history as a home to magicians: a card suit bracelet, a magic wand, necklace, and a rabbit on the purse (”And for my next trick, I will pull money out of this rabbit!”). The theater’s decor is represented by the red velvet dress and the tassel earrings - though there’s sadly nothing capable of recreating Louisa Falcone’s lovely plaster work.

Day 21. Favorite Wickford Candy: Moon Chunk

I imagine Moon Chunk as a sweet and very cheesy scone. Like a chèvre or something.

Day 20. Favorite Ice Cream at Scoop: Peanut Butter Chunk (ASH)

Huge fan of that peanut butter and chocolate combination. Ideal recipe for this would be chocolate ice cream, Reece’s Cups, and gobs of peanut butter.

Day 19. Game with the Best Food: Boar’s Head Pub (CUR)

Boar’s Head Pub, this is Tommy! Except for getting the necessary Pinky and Perky, I ordered Nancy a delicious Dog’s Eye every day. They were all Robin Hood. (I have no idea why Tommy decided to use Cockney rhyming slang on the phone, but I also don’t mind in the slightest.)

Day 18. Inspired by an Object (anything you want): Annunaki Device (MED)

This is one of the coolest-looking treasures, even though there are a lot of really confusing questions about it. Where did this weird multipart star wheel come from? Is it Annunaki? Did Sonny’s grandfather make it? Who knows?! It looks really neat, though, and I’m a sucker for both Sonny Joon and stars, so here we are.

Day 17. Location You Want A Game Set In: South Africa

My premise for this game is that the South African Olympic women’s soccer team (or men’s, I’m flexible on this point) has been experiencing sabotages, and Nancy is called in to investigate. We definitely need more games that aren’t set in the Western world, and we haven’t had any focused on sports! I feel like this would be a good addition to the series. HER, call me, we’ll talk ;)