Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is an open-world detective adventure game that puts you in the shoes of a young Sherlock Holmes, navigating mysteries on a Mediterranean island in the 19th century. As an action-adventure title, it blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and decision-making, where your choices shape the story and Holmes' development. Released in 2021, the game focuses on a prequel narrative, exploring Holmes' early years before he becomes the iconic detective.
Gameplay
The core gameplay revolves around investigation and deduction, with tools like the mind palace allowing you to connect clues and evidence to form conclusions. You explore the open city, gathering information through disguises, eavesdropping on conversations, and examining crime scenes with concentration mode to highlight details. Combat mechanics emphasize non-lethal approaches; you spot enemy vulnerabilities using observation skills and exploit the environment for takedowns, avoiding direct violence to maintain style. Decisions in cases often involve moral choices, such as whether to use brute force or wits, and these affect outcomes and character growth. Your companion Jon provides hints and commentary, adding a layer to puzzle-solving.
Mechanics include pinning evidence to reconstruct events and building cases based on rumors and tags found around the island. The system encourages multiple paths to solutions, rewarding creative thinking over linear progression.
Game Modes
The game is single-player only, with the primary mode being the main story campaign that unfolds across several major cases. These cases form the backbone, involving deep investigations into crimes and personal mysteries tied to Holmes' past.
Beyond the campaign, side content includes optional cases and activities like clearing bandit lairs, which offer combat-focused challenges, and eavesdropping tasks for gathering intel. These side elements provide variety without branching into separate multiplayer or competitive modes.
Story and Setting
Set on the island of Cordona, the narrative explores themes of corruption, tradition, and personal trauma. As young Sherlock returns to his childhood home, you uncover family secrets amid a backdrop of political intrigue and local resistance to outsiders. The story highlights Holmes' arrogance and naivete, with Jon as a mysterious friend influencing your journey.
Choices in dialogues and case resolutions determine multiple endings, reflecting how truth and justice interplay with the island's culture.
Is It Worth Playing?
With a 72% rating on HowLongToBeat and a Fair score on OpenCritic from 86 critics, the game has received mixed to positive feedback, praised for its detective mechanics and emotional depth but noted for occasional bugs and pacing issues. It remains in a stable state without major ongoing updates or seasons since release.
If you enjoy narrative-driven adventures with strong puzzle elements and open exploration, this title offers a fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes lore, making it a solid choice for detective game fans. However, those seeking fast-paced action might find the investigative focus too slow. Overall, it's recommended for players who appreciate thoughtful decision-making and story over constant combat.
