- Drew Beausoleil

It’s Elementary Dear Watson, Elementary.

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments is fantastic! There’s no point in holding back there are so many things Sherlock Holmes: C&P gets right, this game is well worth your inspection. Holmes is asked to help with various crime scenes that detective Lestrade cannot solve. The crimes are interestingly done and with such high level of extensive detail and planning you know that each crime had the time and care from the developer Frogwares, as they planed each of the crimes scenes perfectly.

You arrive at the crime in question with sometimes very little to go on but as you wander about searching for clues to uncover, each step will bring you closer to your next clue and in return will present you a lead to go off of. It’s a process in uncovering each crime, but in a good way. Nothing feels tacked on or gimmicky. Sherlock has a sixth sense something similar to a lot of games lately ie. Batman’s detective mode from the Arkham games. As you begin to uncover your clues and inspect the crime scene you begin to see all the detail that the Frogwares have worked so hard on to make everything believable within each setting. When done inspecting the bloody mess with only a few clues to go off of you are able to profile certain suspects for further questioning. Again, the attention to detail as you profile the suspect in question is incredible. Their eye's, facial expressions right down to their open pours bring everything one step closer to a believable world.

After inspecting the crime scene Sherlock has to sometimes return home to dissect clues further that are presented in a mini game. Not to worry though, these mini games all fall into the experience respectively, they play a role that only make sense for Sherlock Holmes to proceed further with his investigation. They don't feel like an afterthought to prolong the gaming experience, the developers have once again thought out the mini games to fit exceptionally well throughout the story.

One of the most interesting aspects of the game is how you go about piecing the crime scene together. After you have profiled your subjects, questioned each of them and inspected the crime scene itself, you can then begin to string your theory together within the game in an area they call the Deduction. Choosing how you feel the crime played out feels satisfying. Was the suspect innocent in your questing or do you feel they were guilty? All of this is played out in a spider-web like string which will bring you to your final conclusion of each crime. It is such an intriguing way to solve the crimes and easily one of my favorite parts of the games as well.

However, all good crimes will have their snags. The biggest snag would be Watson himself. Watson presents a lackluster AI companion to tag along with Sherlock that should offer clues or helpful insight, instead, he wonders about the environment and often prevents you from proceeding through doorways and is often of no help at all. I sometimes felt the controls were a bit clunky at times. Sherlock would walk cumbersomely at times and may hit the odd invisible wall. There is also a limited conversation to be had once you've talked with the AI. It will then become an instant repeat of a one liner, never to hear something different come from the people within the area. Though the environment looks great they often feel underpopulated and empty.

Overall the game is great! It was nice to play something other than a shooter (today's more standard genre). If you're looking for a change in pace and want to use your wits I would definitely recommend picking up Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments.