Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is an action-adventure mystery game that places players in the role of a young Sherlock Holmes investigating cases on the Mediterranean island of Cordona. The experience centers on deduction and exploration in a single-player format, with the Season Pass extending the core story through additional quests released over time.
Gameplay
The core loop involves traveling across an open island environment to locate clues at crime scenes and other locations. Players examine objects, interview characters, and connect evidence in the mind palace system to form logical deductions that advance the investigation. This process allows multiple paths through cases, as different combinations of clues can lead to varying conclusions.
Exploration forms a major part of the experience, with districts that open progressively and areas that require specific disguises for access. Optional bandit lairs scattered throughout the island provide side challenges separate from the main cases. Combat encounters appear during certain sequences but include an option to skip them entirely after an initial tutorial, shifting focus back to investigative elements.
Game Modes
The game operates entirely in single-player mode with no multiplayer components. The primary structure consists of a series of interconnected cases that form the main narrative, supported by free exploration of the island. Side activities such as bandit lairs serve as optional diversions that do not impact the central story progression.
Season Pass content adds new quests that integrate into this framework. These include the Saints and Sinners quest available from launch, along with Mycroft's Pride, M for Mystery, and Beyond A Joke as further expansions that introduce additional investigations.
Story and Setting
The narrative follows young Sherlock as he returns to his family home on Cordona after his mother's death. Cases unfold across the island's varied districts, blending personal backstory with standalone mysteries. The setting emphasizes atmospheric locations that support clue gathering and character interactions without relying on linear level design.
Additional quests from the Season Pass expand on these elements by introducing new investigations that tie into the existing world and characters, extending the overall length of the experience for those who purchase the pass.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception highlights strong detective mechanics and engaging case resolutions as the standout features, while noting that the open-world elements and combat sequences receive more mixed feedback. The game suits players who enjoy methodical investigation and deduction over action-focused gameplay.
The Season Pass provides extra quests that build directly on the base experience, making it relevant for those seeking additional content after completing the main cases. Availability on PC supports straightforward access, and the option to skip combat allows customization of the play style to emphasize puzzle-solving. Those drawn to mystery adventures with flexible investigation paths will find the most value here, particularly if the Season Pass aligns with interest in extended story content.
