The game starts off with a hefty tutorial case that introduces you to the core mechanics of investigation, which include questioning suspects and witnesses, presenting evidence, and examining crime scenes. But these are just mere tools and won’t do the entire work for you, and they only supplement observation, logical thinking, and a healthy dose of intuition that the player must possess to crack bizarre cases that might be aiding the dark powers at work. You cannot make a good detective game without adding different investigative tools and mechanics, which Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened does not shy away from offering to the player. And although it is marred by occasional pacing issues, the game’s story remains a compelling experience. The different backdrops serve to keep the experience fresh, as players are constantly presented with new challenges and mysteries to unravel. This variety in locales imbues the game with a sense of wonder, as each new environment is richly detailed and brimming with atmosphere. Nevertheless, the central narrative was strong enough to keep me invested.Īs for the game’s setting, Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened takes you on an adventure spanning multiple locations from London to Switzerland and even New Orleans. This unevenness in pacing occasionally detracts from the overall experience, as I frequently found myself longing for the return of the cosmic horror elements during these instances. While the portions dealing with the Cthulhu Mythos are consistently gripping, some of the other cases that Holmes investigates can feel tedious in comparison.

The pacing of the story, however, is not without its issues. The rich lore of both the Holmes and Lovecraftian universes have been expertly merged, paying homage to their source material while forging a unique path that expands the boundaries of the detective genre. The elements of cosmic horror that inhabit Lovecraft’s universe are expertly woven into the fabric of the narrative, resulting in an engrossing tale that maintains a sense of dread throughout. So the stakes are raised as the master detective faces his most challenging case yet, which threatens to unravel the very fabric of reality and plunge the world into chaos. As the narrative progresses, Holmes finds himself embroiled in a series of bizarre events that lead him to a dark conspiracy involving a cult seeking to awaken an ancient force of darkness. The story unfolds with a seemingly trivial case – the disappearance of Sherlock’s newspaper – which serves as an introduction to the game’s mechanics.

In our article, we will explore the captivating story, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals that come together to create a truly immersive experience.

The casebook of sherlock holmes