Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

I love how unfinished this game feels

The story is good and interesting and the mind palace stuff was also fun to do, but i just can’t with the controls. Maybe i haven't played enough to get used to them, but for example: after finding all the clues outside the sherlock manor i got stuck for quite a bit because i just didnt know what else to do. The task was to still find all the clues but when i did, the objective didnt change. Turns out you have to get really close to a specific area in the middle of the path to find the reconstruction circle thing. (sorry i havent played in a while, so i dont remember all the names that well) and it got really annoying after a while because i truly just had to run circles in an area to find that specific place. Im not sure if its the same case at the point where im playing, but i have to find the ship guy in the picture, but i just dont know what else to do. I found all the clues in the dock house or wtv and i try asking the people around but they all just reply with “i cant help you with that”. I do really want to finish the game but i just cant get over having to tediously look around the same area just to find nothing. if i am missing something crucial in the mechanics please let…

While I usually do like investigative games, I am rather disappointed having to admit that this installment of Sherlock Holmes feels very bland, and lifeless. Not necessarily due to the cases, no. Some of those come with a good premise, execution, as well as twist sometimes. Mainly the characters, NPCs, and the world feel empty. Static characters, especially in terms of animations and liveliness in dialogue, and variety. For a map of these proportions—which I do think is rather big for an "open-world" detective game, though perhaps not as big as the one in Sinking City, for instance—it should not feel this unmoving. Comparatively, it is like feeling lonely without being alone, if you get what I mean. I also do not like how some of the cases connect, and end up as a crucial factor to proceed through the main case. Of course, I paid attention, and the connections are there but I would have preferred to obtain the clues, information, and whatnot some other way. The Goliath case, for instance, felt very dragged out for what... maybe four "crucial" clues?

The game is more fun than I anticipated. Currently I don't think I'm even halfway through and I'm enjoying every moment. (EDIT: I feel like I should also say this, the only people who will really enjoy this game are those who love Sherlock Holmes and love video games. If its just one or the other you will not like this game) There are few good things and not so good things Sherlock Holmes Chapter One does. As many have said, the game has a good story and is very engaging. The clue system, while leaving much to be desired, is understandable right away. The map is extensive and the disguises are fun. I am honestly surprised just how much game features have been crammed into this AA game. Then there is the theme of historical politics and culture. The game tackles a the historical essence of the Mediterranean fictional city during the downfall of the Ottoman empire and the brief period where British rule took over some areas, and does so pretty well. As a Turk I appreciated the level of detail given to the architecture, clothing, and music. I even caught myself reminiscing of a time that I wasn't even there for. Even if it is under British imperialism, I appreciated the effort. I …

I can't say why I enjoyed this game so much, but I just did. It helps I got it on extreme sale, which it seems to be pretty often. The combat isn't good or fun and I don't particularly like combat anyway, and yet I found myself playing through it even though it's entirely optional. The decision to make this an open world game is entirely baffling, and that world was disorienting and difficult to navigate. And yet, I found myself falling in love with the different neighborhoods. There was no reason for them to go so hard with the stunning graphics and sheer vibrancy of this city, and yet they did. The diversion from the source material, the reduction of Dr Watson to Sherlock's imaginary conscience, the nickname "Sherry" and the babygirlification of Sherlock himself were all equally baffling decisions. And it all worked for me? I love the story? Somehow? I don't even think it was good, I just...liked it. It's been several weeks since I played through it and I keep thinking about it. I think I paid 5 bucks for this a few months ago, and as I write this review it's once again on sale for $4.49. Absolutely worth every penny. Which doesn't say all the much for a game that's suppose…

It’s a great game. The last case and the ending of the main story were particularly stunning and heartbreaking. It features classic detective work and solid combat. Choosing which suspect to accuse of murder was tough, as you're never quite sure if you've made the right decision. I plan to play "Awakened" (the sequel) soon as well