Players Like...

❤ Investigative Gameplay and Puzzle Solving

The game allows players to take on the role of Sherlock Holmes, engaging in meticulous investigation and logical puzzle-solving. Players must carefully examine crime scenes, collect evidence, and then connect various clues in the "mind palace" mechanic to deduce insights and progress the story. Reviewers praise this investigative gameplay as intuitive and engaging, highlighting how it authentically captures the analytical problem-solving that defines the Sherlock Holmes character. The puzzle-solving elements challenge players to think critically without becoming overly frustrating. Reviewers note that the puzzles feel well-designed, requiring players to apply deductive reasoning to uncover the truth.

❤ Linear Narrative Progression

Unlike previous entries, this game opts for a more linear, story-driven approach, dividing the experience into distinct chapters that follow a singular, overarching narrative. Reviewers appreciate how this structure allows the developers to craft a focused, cinematic experience, with the story and characters taking center stage. However, some players express a preference for the more open-ended, investigative nature of prior Sherlock Holmes games, feeling that the linear progression reduces player agency and the sense of being a true detective piecing together a case.

❤ Streamlined Mechanics and Accessibility

The game features a number of refinements aimed at improving accessibility and streamlining the gameplay loop. Reviewers highlight quality-of-life improvements such as the ability to highlight all interactive objects and a more intuitive "pinning" system for managing evidence and dialogue options. These changes are generally viewed positively, making the core investigative and puzzle-solving elements more approachable for players. However, some veteran players express a mild disappointment in the reduced difficulty and complexity compared to earlier entries, feeling that the simplified puzzle design and linear progression remove a degree of challenge and player agency. Overall, the refined mechanics strike a balance between accessibility and depth, catering to both newcomers and long-time fans of the Sherlock Holmes franchise.