Sherlock Holmes Chapter One
Genres: Mystery, Story Rich, Atmospheric, Adventure
Release Date: 15-11-2021
Developer: Frogwares
Our verdict
7/10
- Difficulty: Easy
- Players: 1
- Playtime: 25–35 h
Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is Frogwares' open-world detective game about a 21-year-old Sherlock returning to the Mediterranean island of Cordona, where his mother died. You investigate cases across the city by examining scenes, building deductions in a Mind Palace, disguising yourself to question suspects, and choosing which conclusion to accept. It suits solo players who want a long investigation game with a big city to roam.
Steam reviews are mostly positive (about 75% of 1,720). Fans call the cases interesting and enjoy the atmosphere, the city and the young Sherlock with his imaginary companion Jon. Some say Frogwares focused well on story and case design.
The negative reviews are numerous and specific. Combat is poorly designed, many hours go to travelling between the same few locations, and several cases are too easy, with little penalty for wrong deductions. Longtime fans of Crimes and Punishments found it a step down. Expect 25 hours or more. Detective fans will find good cases inside, but buy it on sale and turn combat to its lowest setting.
Pros
- Mind Palace deductions where you pick the conclusion
- Disguises and evidence work across a large island city
- Young Sherlock and his companion Jon are well written
Cons
- Clunky combat feels tacked on
- Lots of travel back and forth between the same places
- Little penalty for wrong deductions, so many cases feel easy
About
As Sherlock, your legacy is written by the decisions you make in this open world detective adventure. Deception, violence, and deduction are just a few resources in your arsenal—your mysterious companion and sounding board, Jon, is another.
Whether you choose brute force to solve problems or stay one step ahead of your enemies by using your wits to spot vulnerabilities, you decide what each situation demands as you hone your investigative skills. It’s time to confront your past so you can become the legend you’re destined to be.KEY PILLARS
The Man Before: As a cavalier young Sherlock on the precipice of adulthood, you’ll earn your reputation in a way no game or story has explored before. We’ve never seen the youthful arrogance and naiveté of the man before the legend—now you’re living it.
Global Investigation: You never know where your next clue will come from. Explore and exploit the entire city in your pursuit of truth, using clues, rumors, disguises, tags, and pinned evidence to build a solid case within your mind palace.
And Stay Down: Weapons might help you in a pinch, but there’s something to be said for style—and you have it in spades. Spot enemy vulnerabilities with your brilliant observation skills, or exploit the environment to take someone down while keeping your own hands clean.
A Different Jon: Before John Watson, there was a different Jon - your best and only friend. But who is he, really?
A Darkening Tide: Set in the 19th century, the vibrant island in the Mediterranean promises anything but paradise. Political corruption and crime run rampant while the islanders cling to tradition and eschew outsiders, making your job even more difficult.
Truth and Lies: There are two sides to every story, and the proud islanders have their own ideas about truth and justice. It’s up to you to decide whether uncovering the truth will do more harm than good—and how that will shape the man you’ll become.
