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Sherlock Holmes is a name recognized globally. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887, the eccentric detective has become a cultural icon, inspiring countless adaptations in film, television, and, of course, video games. Ukrainian developer Frogwares, stewards of the Sherlock Holmes game franchise since 2002, has released their latest installment: Sherlock Holmes Chapter One. This game, like previous Frogwares titles, features an original narrative independent of Doyle’s canon. This review, having considered Frogwares’ prior works, Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter and Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments, offers a comparative perspective on this new chapter in the detective’s gaming history. So, don your deerstalker, load your revolver, and join us as we step into the shoes of the world’s greatest detective.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

The Mediterranean Mystery

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One takes us back to 1880, when Sherlock is a brash 21-year-old. The game opens with Holmes returning to Cordona, a fictional Mediterranean island where he and his family lived before moving to England. He’s driven by a deeply personal motive: to investigate his mother’s death, a childhood trauma that profoundly shaped his life. Accompanied by his enigmatic companion, Jon (not Watson), Sherlock uncovers a sinister conspiracy lurking beneath the idyllic island’s surface. Alongside this personal quest, he assists the local police in solving various crimes, honing his skills and gradually becoming the consulting detective we know and admire.

What Makes Chapter One Elementary

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

A True Detective’s Toolkit

Chapter One shines in its multifaceted investigative gameplay. Solving a murder requires meticulously examining crime scenes, analyzing evidence, and scrutinizing suspects. The game goes beyond simple observation, incorporating eavesdropping, disguises for information gathering, and cross-referencing findings with city archives, police records, and newspaper articles. This immersive approach makes players feel like genuine detectives. Frogwares commendably avoids hand-holding, leaving players to deduce their next steps. Finding a clue referencing a decade-old article, for instance, doesn’t trigger a direct objective marker. Instead, players must locate the newspaper office, access their archives, and research the publication date for further information. Even knowing a location doesn’t guarantee easy navigation; players must consult case files for addresses and then cross-reference them with the map.

Justice or Law: The Choice is Yours

Even with sufficient evidence, the game doesn’t explicitly confirm or deny the accuracy of your deductions. The culprit’s identity ultimately depends on Sherlock’s interpretation, allowing for the possibility of wrongful accusations and demonstrating the weight of his decisions. Some cases present morally gray areas, where victims might not be entirely innocent and perpetrators are driven by desperation. Sherlock can choose to uphold the law or bend it, adding a layer of moral complexity to his character. This freedom of choice makes Sherlock more human, his decisions reflecting his own evolving sense of justice.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

Jon: The Enigmatic Confidant

Preceding Sherlock’s Baker Street days, John Watson is absent. Instead, we have Jon, a childhood friend who helps Sherlock reconstruct crime scenes and offers witty banter, adding levity to the often grim investigations. Jon maintains a journal documenting Sherlock’s progress, noting both brilliant deductions and reckless blunders. However, Jon’s true peculiarity lies in his very existence. He interacts with Sherlock, yet others seem oblivious to his presence. He appears and disappears inexplicably. The truth about Jon’s nature is a compelling mystery that unfolds throughout the game, raising questions about Sherlock’s psyche and the nature of their relationship.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

Cordona: A Mediterranean Gem

Departing from London’s familiar backdrop, Frogwares transports Sherlock to Cordona. This visually stunning island, divided into distinct districts, showcases diverse cultural influences and the impact of 19th-century colonialism. Frogwares’ attention to architectural detail, informed by historical research, creates a believable and immersive environment. The varied architecture reflects the island’s history and the socioeconomic differences between its districts.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

Gun-Fu with a Conscience

Chapter One incorporates combat, reflecting Sherlock’s literary proficiency in boxing, Bartitsu, and marksmanship. However, the game emphasizes non-lethal takedowns. Players are encouraged to disable enemies by shooting their armor or environmental hazards before subduing them with hand-to-hand combat. This approach aligns with Sherlock’s role as a detective, not a vigilante, and encourages strategic thinking in combat.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

Customizable Difficulty

Addressing criticisms of previous titles being too easy, Chapter One offers customizable difficulty settings. “Young Detective” provides helpful hints, while “Master of Deduction” removes assistance, challenging veteran players. “Mycroft” allows for granular control over individual gameplay aspects, tailoring the experience to individual preferences.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

Deductions and Drawbacks

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

Technical Hiccups

Despite its engaging gameplay, Chapter One suffers from some technical issues. Texture pop-in, occasional frame rate drops in crowded areas, blurry reflections, and some character model inconsistencies detract from the visual experience. Some gameplay mechanics, like chemical analysis, melee combat, and fast travel, lack clear explanations, requiring players to experiment.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

Conclusion: A Worthy Investigation

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One offers a compelling origin story for the iconic detective. Its engaging investigations, moral choices, and intriguing supporting character elevate the experience. While technical issues and some design oversights slightly diminish the overall polish, the game provides a captivating journey into the making of Sherlock Holmes.