Sherlock Holmes - Chapter One's Ambitious Approach

In the latest installment, Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One takes a big leap in its approach compared to previous games in the series. What's intriguing is its exploration of a lesser-known period in Sherlock Holmes' life – his early 20s. Here, he's not the prodigy often depicted in movies, nor is he the iconic super detective we instantly recognize with his deerstalker hat and pipe. I do not know if Chapter One may be put next to monsters of action-adventure like God of War Ragnarök, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Ghost of Tsushima, or Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, however, it is a tight decision this one. (If you want to find out the best action-adventure games of last year you may see one of our previous articles.) In any case, Chapter One is certainly the best Sherlock Holmes game, no matter how you rank it in comparison with other action-adventure games.

Sherlock's Evolving Mental State

Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One commences with Sherlock arriving at the Mediterranean island of Cordona. Despite once calling this island home, Sherlock's recollection of his time there could be clearer. Despite his brother Mycroft's disapproval, Sherlock has journeyed to Cordona to pay respects at his late mother's grave. However, his stay on the island is brief before he realizes there's more to his mother's death than he previously thought. True to his nature, Sherlock discovers the mystery entangled in his past. The Sherlock we encounter in Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One is both different and reminiscent of the persona depicted by Conan Doyle. At 21 years old, he appears in a formal yet slightly disheveled suit, possessing the expected sharp intellect and sleuthing prowess. His legendary crime-solving abilities—skillful evidence collection, mental reconstruction of events, keen observation, biting wit, adept disguise, and using his 'mind palace' for deductions—are all intact. However, what sets this version of Sherlock apart is his mental state. While always a complex and moody character, this iteration feels incomplete. His visit to Cordona reopens long-healed mental wounds, surprising Sherlock with their reemergence.

Analytical Tools in Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One

Sherlock faces a challenging journey to unravel the truth surrounding his mother's demise. While the game's progression isn't as obvious as those straightforward "help me first" quests, it follows a similar structure. From probing an arson case that unravels into a string of murders to attending a mysterious masquerade ball to uncover a body seemingly linked to an occult ritual, the stories explored here are dark yet captivating. Familiar crime-solving mechanics from previous games like Crimes & Punishments and The Devil’s Daughter make a return. The narrative is also there. It does not have the narrative of a game like, let's say, God of War, nevertheless, it is a story-driven detective thriller featuring the young Sherlock Holmes, so it will certainly have its fans. Sherlock is Sherlock... Every crucial detail is documented in the game's casebook, becoming essential to the investigation. Each piece of evidence is associated with specific icons indicating how Sherlock can utilize them. For instance, a compass symbol suggests a location that needs to be found manually without automatic waypoints. Players must read addresses and pinpoint them on the open-world map. Some evidence requires Sherlock's focused concentration, whether analyzing footprints, tracing a trail, or mentally reconstructing events. The array of tools provided in Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One delivers a genuine sense of slowly unraveling a mystery, one step at a time.

Challenges in a Context-Deficient Mini-Game

Sherlock has some new tools in this game, making the most of the expansive world design. The first one is quite impressive: if Sherlock needs to be sure about a location or a piece of evidence, he can access it in his casebook and ask any NPC in the open world about it. But be warned that you'll hit a dead end if you ask the wrong person. How NPCs respond to him varies based on what he's wearing. Strut around in a police uniform or an expensive suit, and some NPCs will need to be more cooperative and friendly. This aspect has been in the Sherlock Holmes games for a while now, but it's never been executed as well as here. The other new addition, however, is one I could've done without. Sherlock can listen in on conversations, triggering one of my least favorite mini-games from recent years. Phrases pop up on the screen, and you must decide whether to keep the phrase if it seems important or discard it if it seems irrelevant. Every time you play this mini-game, there needs to be more context given about what evidence you're supposed to gather. The phrases seem almost random, making it a complete gamble until you stumble upon the correct one. More often than not, success in this mini-game is more about luck than skillful deduction.

Approaching Challenges in Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One

In Sherlock's encounters with certain adversaries, they come prepared for a brawl, decked out in armor on their arms, legs, and faces. Before attempting to apprehend these foes, Sherlock must shoot off each piece of their protective gear. Fortunately, when he aims his pistol, time slows down, giving him a few moments to spot the armor and find ways to stun his opponents. You might sometimes run in circles, trying to lure an enemy close to a power source or a gas lamp to trigger a Quick Time Event (QTE) by shooting at them. If you want to diversify your gaming experience, consider expanding your collection by purchasing PS5 games. Luckily, the main quest line features only a handful of mandatory fights. Most battles are optional extras or part of side quests. During tougher fights, exhausting all the stun-inducing objects in the environment is common due to the sheer number of enemies converging on you. This often leaves you with one final option – eliminating the enemy or, on another note, exploring new quests. Surprisingly, Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One doesn't forbid this; you can opt for a more lethal approach, but it might result in Jon criticizing you and certain characters reacting differently to you after a skirmish.

Sherlock Holmes Fans' Perspective on Frogwares' Latest Game

Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One has its share of issues, even on the PS5. While wandering through Cordona's streets, you'll notice some significant drops in frame rate, especially in bustling areas. There's also some pop-in, though it's less bothersome due to the world's layout, which limits distant views. When I finished the game, I felt conflicted. As the credits rolled, I wasn't certain how to review it. Like previous Sherlock Holmes games by Frogwares, this ambitious title targets its intended audience squarely. With its shift to an open-world design and more emphasis on combat, there are some new wrinkles, but the fundamental experience remains enjoyable. Here, it's just on a larger and more cohesive scale. Moving from one case to another doesn't feel like the end of a chapter; instead, it's akin to being dropped onto an island filled with engaging puzzle boxes and equipped to solve them all.

Conclusion: Chapter One is the Best Sherlock Holmes Video Game

If you've enjoyed their previous works, exploring this game on the PS5 will offer plenty to appreciate here, especially when you're looking to buy cheap PS5 games. Moreover, like the best mystery-solving games, the most thrilling moments aren't within the game itself. They're those "aha" moments you experience at home, whether lounging on your couch or seated at your desk when everything finally clicks. Admittedly, the combat can feel clumsy, the frame rate might hiccup, and one of the new mini-games only contributes a little to the experience.