Available on: PC, Playstation 3, Xbox 360
Version tested: Xbox 360
We're always looking for new and different ways to experience
the stories and characters that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created that
aren't mutually exclusive to the BBC interpretation of the
characters. One medium that has always fascinated us is that of
videogames, perhaps the most advanced form of narrative engagement
that currently exists. So we're pleased that Holmes continues to
make an appearance in interactive form thanks to Frogwares and
Focus Homes Interactive, in this, the sixth title in their ongoing
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series.
In this twitch reliant, console dominated time it's very easy to
forget the simpler games of the past, where Adventure games were
the biggest selling titles in the world. Point and click classics
such as Kings Quest from Sierra and The Secret of Monkey Island
from Lucasfilm Games (later LucasArts) formed part of this golden
age (and also show this reviewer's age) but are also great examples
of titles that were reliant mostly on mental prowess, as well as
brilliant writing and narrative. With the growth of 3D
graphics in videogames, the dominance of the Adventure game began
to die out, and now it's arguably a relatively niche genre in
gaming. It's a pleasure then to see The Testament of Sherlock
Holmes arrive on major formats in the last month, showing that
there's still life left for games that require you to think to
progress.
Taking a robust 3D game engine that allows play from both first
and third person perspectives, and bolting that to the traditional
point and click interface and inventory management system, the
title is an evolved version of the Adventure game rather than
anything revolutionary. The interface itself highlights elements of
investigation in the world with a magnifying glass icon, and a
click of the action button provides either a vocal expression of
disinterest, a 2D close up that can be manipulated further, or a
challenging and possibly time consuming puzzle. After a relatively
simple introductory stage (an interactive video version is available to try out here) the tutorial gloves
come off, and we're thrown head first into a dark narrative that
sets out to undermine the friendship between Holmes and Watson and
possibly tarnish the reputation of the former forever. It's a
fascinating plot, set after the majority of the canon stories, that
takes those incarnations of the characters in new directions while
offering some fascinating (and perhaps slightly and unintentionally
unfortunate) parallels to original narrative events we're familiar
with in BBC Sherlock itself. To say anymore would be spoil the
pleasure of experiencing it unfolding. Visually the game draws most
obvious inspiration from the Granada interpretation of the stories,
the character models and voice work of Holmes and Watson in
particular bearing resemblance to Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwick.
For the majority of the game you are in control of Holmes himself,
with control amusingly switching to Watson in the early stages
purely to go and fetch items and information inside 221b as Holmes
can't be bothered to move from his worktable.
The game has a minimum playtime of around twelve hours, with
your mileage likely to vary on how easily you manage to solve some
of the puzzles. These are widely varied but structured on a
recurring pattern of investigation and elimination, and include
chemical testing, lock-picking, code breaking and even an autopsy.
Once enough evidence in a case section has been collected you can
begin to form the final solution using a 'Deduction Board' inside
Watson's notebook, selecting and analysing events and evidence to
come to the final conclusion. The central section allows a more
freeform, non-linear nature, with three branches of the
investigation that can be tackled in any order - including a trip
around a slightly open world section of Whitechapel whose winding
back streets can be thoroughly explored- as well as varying the
game by adding some additional play styles. Most eye-catching is
the chance to take control of Toby, the bloodhound enlisted by
Holmes in The Sign of the Four, and navigate around a dank dockyard
with the great detective on your heels (paws?). Later, as
Holmes' actions become more questionable you begin to assume
greater control over Watson, coming to a sequence where switching
between the pair is unlocked as an essential mechanic to solve the
case immediately at hand.
A degree of investment in the plot is essential as well, as it's
probably not an easy game to put down to and return to after a long
absence - a good memory is often needed to link objects together to
come to logical conclusions, as you would expect from a product
that has 'Sherlock Holmes' in its title. In terms of the actual
play style, this is a gentler and more thoughtful game that
circumvents any peril or action, with no 'game over' or restarts
necessary if you are careful. It intentionally lacks any urgency
but makes up for it fully through the numerous challenging and
varied puzzles that punctuate its runtime, making it rather
relaxing to play. The interface also works wonderfully on a
gamepad. It must be noted that despite a lack of violent play there
is very much the visual appearance of the aftermath of violent
events, with plenty of gruesomely abused corpses and lashing of
blood around crime scenes rendered in stark detail, fully earning
the mature age ratings found on the box.
There are some very minor criticisms - this is very clearly not
a top flight game title, with visuals, animation and some of the
voice over from minor characters lacking the degree of polish you'd
see from a more expensively funded developer, with the scenes that
book end the narrative involving a group of children being perhaps
the best example of this. Some minor clipping bugs also occurred
during our play through, with Holmes and Watson infrequently
becoming trapped while trying to open a door, forcing them to
rigidly pirouette on the spot until hammering on every controller
button freed them. There are also possible questions
surrounding value - the RRP of the console versions in particular
are perhaps slightly over priced for a title you can complete once
with no need ever to return, with all honours (PC), Trophies (PS3)
or Achievements (X360) easily obtainable from a single play through
if you thoroughly explore the world. And while not a problem, it's
also worth noting this is the first console game we've encountered
that is entirely dependent on manual saving, as a quicksave feature
is not present.
These are all very minor quibbles however when it comes down to
the product itself, which is engaging and highly enjoyable from
start to finish. Sat in a lounge playing this game on a console is
very much a change of pace from the usual videogame fare that
lights up our televisions. It's pleasurably thought provoking and
challenging for the duration, with a distinct sense of achievement
come the close. It's also a valid continuation of these characters
past the point Conan Doyle left them, with a resolution you likely
won't see coming. If you are looking for a videogame that requires
mental agility over the speed of physical reactions, the twisting
narrative and fiendish puzzles of The Testament of Sherlock Holmes
should be right up your alley.
For information on where to buy, behind the scenes materials,
downloads and even more, visit the official The Testament of Sherlock Holmes
website.