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Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments
Item: Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresAdventure, Third Person Perspective, Crime, Puzzle and Logic, Mystery, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableSep 29, 2014

PlatformXbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperFrogwares

Overview

Crimes & Punishments lets you become the greatest detective of all time, Sherlock Holmes! Solve six high-profile, gripping and varied cases: murders, disappearances, spectacular thefts and sensational cases will sometimes take you to the realms of the fantastic in this stunning game of investigation in the fine tradition of the Conan Doyle novels. Crimes & Punishments offers you a large degree of freedom to make moral choices that go beyond merely seeing that justice is done: your decisions have a real influence on the game both in terms of your character’s reputation and the consequences that arise in a realistic and sometimes unexpected way. Will you listen to your moral sense, or will you impartially enforce justice?

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its immersive mechanics, high production values, and compelling mysteries. Pure Xbox, Hardcore Gamer, ZTGD, ActionTrip, COGconnected, Digitally Downloaded, Gamers' Temple, GamingTrend, God is a Geek, PlayStation Universe, Polygon, The Digital Fix, TheSixthAxis, VideoGamer, Hey Poor Player, and Pure Nintendo all highlight the game's engaging and well-crafted cases, with fascinating mysteries, unexpected twists, and enjoyable 'Eureka' moments. They appreciate the game's ability to capture the essence of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short stories and novels, providing a brilliant mystery-solving experience. The game's faithful portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, its immersive and thoughtful atmosphere, and the ability for players to make moral choices and pass judgement based on their investigation are also commended. However, there are some criticisms regarding the lack of narrative cohesion and character development in the game. Eurogamer, IGN, Game Informer, Metro GameCentral, and Nintendo Life all mention that the cases in the game are standalone stories with little long-term consequence for choices and no overarching narrative. They feel that the lack of connection between the cases reduces their impact and prevents a grand denouement. While the game successfully emulates a short story anthology, the narrative is sometimes disjointed. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the game's story remains positive. In conclusion, the Story of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments is generally well-received by critics for its compelling and immersive mysteries. The game successfully captures the essence of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works and provides an engaging mystery-solving experience. Critics appreciate the game's immersive mechanics, high production values, and the ability for players to make moral choices and pass judgement based on their investigation. However, there are some criticisms regarding the lack of narrative cohesion and character development. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics is that the game offers a satisfying and entertaining experience for fans of Sherlock Holmes and detective games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise the Story of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments for its immersive mechanics, compelling mysteries, and faithful portrayal of the iconic detective. While some criticize its lack of narrative cohesion and character development, overall sentiment is positive for its engaging gameplay and captivating mysteries.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its variety of gameplay elements, including dialogue choices, crime scene investigation, and mini-games. Pure Xbox, Eurogamer, and ActionTrip all highlight the satisfying experience of interrogating witnesses, searching for clues, and solving puzzles. They appreciate the immersive and innovative gameplay mechanics, which allow players to piece together clues and make deductions to solve cases. The ability to interpret evidence in different ways and the inclusion of multiple possible conclusions to each case, as mentioned by ZTGD, adds depth and replayability to the gameplay. Additionally, the deduction mechanic, as praised by Game Informer and Digitally Downloaded, is well-designed and allows for significant impact on the investigation. The inclusion of unique mechanics, such as different vision options and observational moments, mentioned by Hey Poor Player, also enhances the gameplay experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments. Hardcore Gamer and COGconnected mention clunkiness and arbitrary-feeling mechanics that hold the game back. EGM points out that some puzzles are unintuitive in regards to their controls, and Game Over Online mentions clunky controls and long loading screens. Gaming Age describes the gameplay as slow-paced and finicky, with puzzles that are not enjoyable. Additionally, COGconnected criticizes the game for being simplistic and linear, with clues and hints telling players exactly where to find everything, and for the ability to skip through challenging sections. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments offers a satisfying and immersive gameplay experience. The game effectively utilizes Holmes' skills and offers dynamic sequences that require thorough investigation and player choice, as noted by Game Informer. The variety of tools, mini-games, and gameplay mechanics, such as the deduction mechanic, add variation and depth to the traditional point-and-click gameplay, as mentioned by PlayStation Universe and Polygon. While there are some criticisms regarding clunkiness, arbitrary-feeling mechanics, and unintuitive controls, the positive aspects of the gameplay, such as the innovative ideas, freedom of choice, and ability to interpret evidence in different ways, outweigh the negatives. The game's unique mechanics and attention to detail in detective work, as highlighted by critics like Hey Poor Player and Nintendo Life, contribute to the overall positive reception of the gameplay in Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics generally praise the gameplay of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments for its variety of elements like interrogation, crime scene investigation, and deduction mechanics. They appreciate the immersive gameplay and innovative mechanics that allow players to piece together clues and solve cases. However, some critics mention clunkiness, unintuitive controls, and a simplistic feel. Overall, the game offers a satisfying and immersive experience with unique mechanics that enhance the traditional detective gameplay.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In terms of the graphics and visual design of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments, the majority of critics had positive opinions. Many praised the level of detail and intricate rendering of the environments, particularly in depicting Victorian-era London. Critics such as PC Gamer and COGconnected commended the stunning visuals and the careful attention to recreating the historical setting. IGN also praised the game's graphics and detailed character rendering, while Digital Spy highlighted the impressive visuals with rich environments and detailed facial features and expressions on characters. Additionally, critics like Pure Nintendo and Nintendo Life specifically noted the superb detail and crisp graphics, especially on the Nintendo Switch. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the graphics and visual design of the game. Several critics, such as Pure Xbox and Game Over Online, pointed out issues with character animations and movements, describing them as stiff and stilted. The Digital Fix and EGM also mentioned that the graphics were not the most impressive, with EGM stating that they were not the prettiest even on the new generation of consoles. Starbit further highlighted performance problems in crowded scenes, resulting in slow and tedious gameplay, and issues with character interactions and facial expressions. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments has impressive graphics and visual design, particularly in terms of the level of detail in the environments and character rendering. The game's depiction of Victorian-era London and the attention to historical accuracy were widely praised. However, there were some criticisms regarding stiff character animations, occasional technical issues, and limitations in character interactions and facial expressions. Despite these drawbacks, the positive aspects of the graphics and visual design outweigh the negatives, making for an overall visually appealing experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics mostly laud the detailed graphics and historical accuracy of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments, praising the depiction of Victorian London. However, some criticize stiff character animations and technical issues, though the overall visual design remains impressive.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments are varied. Some critics praise the voice acting and sound design, while others have mixed opinions. Pure Xbox mentions that the voice acting can feel stiff and soulless, while Hardcore Gamer states that the game has appropriate music and a well-created audio environment. IGN and ZTGD both highlight the well-done voice acting, with IGN mentioning that it suits the style and time period of the game, and ZTGD specifically enjoying Sherlock's quirky and slightly condescending tone. COGconnected adds that the music helps create atmosphere, tension, and enhances the overall experience of the game. The Digital Fix notes that the sound and voice acting are suitably styled from the 1800s period. These positive opinions indicate that the game's sound design and music contribute positively to the immersive experience. However, there are also critics who express negative opinions about the sound design and voice acting. PC Gamer mentions that while the voice acting is decent, it lacks empathy for the main character. Critical Hit states that the vocal performances range from spot on to spotty, suggesting inconsistency in the voice acting quality. EGM and Metro GameCentral both criticize the voice acting, with EGM mentioning that it feels distant and disconnected, and Metro GameCentral describing it as mediocre. These negative opinions highlight areas where the sound design and voice acting may fall short in delivering a fully immersive experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the Sound Design and Music of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments. While some critics praise the voice acting and sound design, others have reservations. The positive opinions from critics such as COGconnected, The Digital Fix, and ZTGD indicate that the game's music and sound design successfully contribute to the atmosphere and immersion. However, the negative opinions expressed by PC Gamer, Critical Hit, EGM, and Metro GameCentral suggest areas where improvements could be made. It is worth noting that some critics, such as IGN and Digitally Downloaded, have differing opinions within their own reviews, highlighting the subjective nature of evaluating sound design and voice acting. Ultimately, players may have varying experiences and preferences when it comes to the sound design and music of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments. Some praise the voice acting and music for enhancing the immersive experience, while others criticize it for lacking empathy and consistency. Positive reviews point out well-done voice acting and atmospheric music, while negative feedback mentions distant and mediocre voice performances. Overall, the consensus is divided, with some critics highlighting strengths and others pointing out areas for improvement in creating a fully immersive experience for players.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments has received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics, such as IGN and ZTGD, praised the voice acting, stating that it is well done and suits the style and time period of the game. The voice work for Sherlock Holmes, in particular, is described as enjoyable, with a quirky and slightly condescending tone. Additionally, ActionTrip commends the spot-on vocal performances for Holmes and Watson, capturing their eccentric personalities. These positive reviews highlight the successful portrayal of the characters and the authenticity brought by the variety of English accents. However, there are also critics who have expressed negative opinions about the voice acting in the game. Pure Xbox and Eurogamer both criticize the stiffness and soullessness of the voice acting. Eurogamer further mentions that the dialogue feels staid and the interaction with other characters is stilted. PC Gamer adds that while the voice acting is decent, it lacks empathy for the main character. God is a Geek also mentions that the majority of the voice work is poor and leads to irritating characters. These negative reviews highlight issues with the delivery and emotional depth of the performances, which can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments is mixed. While some critics appreciate the well-suited and enjoyable performances, others find them lacking in emotion and connection to the characters. The Digital Fix and TheSixthAxis both mention inconsistent voice performances, further emphasizing the varied reception. It is worth noting that Polygon stands out by praising the voice performances as the best in the series, suggesting that there may be differing opinions on the quality of the voice acting within the Sherlock Holmes franchise. Ultimately, the mixed reviews indicate that the voice acting in the game is a subjective aspect that may appeal to some players while leaving others wanting more depth and emotion in the performances.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments. Some praise it for suiting the game's style and characters, while others criticize it for lacking emotion and connection. Positive reviews highlight the authenticity of English accents, while negative reviews point out stiffness and soullessness. Ultimately, opinions vary, with some finding the voices enjoyable and fitting, and others deeming them lacking in depth.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on PC, there are mixed opinions among the critics. Eurogamer notes that there are irritatingly frequent pauses for loading, which can disrupt the gameplay experience. PC Gamer mentions that high-resolution textures and cluttered levels may cause performance issues on weaker PCs. However, ZTGD states that the game's technical performance is generally stable, with only occasional artifacting and jumping in smaller shadows. Overall, it seems that the technical performance on PC is decent, but players with lower-end PCs may experience some performance issues. On the PlayStation 4, the critics unanimously point out several negative aspects of the technical performance. COGconnected mentions frequent load times and clunky controls, especially when navigating tight spaces with Watson. Critical Hit describes the controls as erratic and mentions a deluge of loading screens. Digital Spy notes frame-rate issues and lengthy loading screens, while Digitally Downloaded finds the long load times frustrating and immersion-breaking. God is a Geek highlights frequent frame rate drops, texture pop, and tearing. Metro GameCentral mentions technical issues, including lengthy loading times and slowdowns. PlayStation Universe mentions frequent loading screens and sluggish animation of Holmes. The Digital Fix also points out the frustration caused by long loading screens. The SixthAxis simply states that the gameplay is clunky. Overall, the critics' opinions on the technical performance on PS4 are largely negative, with issues such as long loading times, clunky controls, frame rate drops, and animation problems. For the Nintendo Switch version, there are fewer critics' opinions available. Nintendo Life mentions that the game runs at a locked 30fps and looks impressive. However, they also note that loading sequences are lengthy and frequent, which negatively impacts the game's stability. Pure Nintendo echoes this sentiment, mentioning long and frequent load times as a drawback. While the game's performance on the Switch seems to be stable in terms of frame rate, the frequent and lengthy loading times are a common concern among the critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments is lacking, particularly on the PlayStation 4. Issues such as long loading times, clunky controls, frame rate drops, and animation problems are frequently mentioned. While the PC version seems to have a more stable performance, it is not without its own set of issues, such as frequent pauses for loading and potential performance issues on weaker PCs. The Nintendo Switch version, while running at a locked 30fps, also suffers from lengthy and frequent loading times. It is clear that the technical performance of the game across all platforms leaves much to be desired, with various technical issues hindering the overall experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments. PC version has decent stability but may have issues on weaker PCs. PlayStation 4 version faces numerous problems like long loading times, clunky controls, and frame rate drops. Nintendo Switch version runs smoothly at 30fps but has annoyingly long loading sequences. Overall, technical issues plague the game on all platforms, with PS4 receiving the most criticism.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments are generally positive. Several critics, such as Eurogamer, ZTGD, ActionTrip, Gamers' Temple, and Slant Magazine, highlight the game's multiple outcomes, moral choices, and branching paths, which allow for replayability and exploration of different solutions and conclusions. The ability to make different choices and see the percentage of players who made the same choices, as mentioned by Eurogamer, adds an interesting dynamic to the replay value. The game's self-contained cases, mentioned by PC Gamer and The Digital Fix, also contribute to the replayability, as players can replay parts of a case or rewind to make different conclusions. The interplay between Sherlock and Watson, mentioned by Digitally Downloaded, adds depth to the cases and enhances the overall replay value. However, there are some criticisms regarding the replay value of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments. Critical Hit mentions that while players can replay their final point of the finger and its resultant moral choice, there is little genuine consequence to the moral choices. Metro GameCentral points out that the lack of connection between the cases reduces the replay value, as there is no overarching narrative or progression. The existence of a real answer, as mentioned by Polygon, also diminishes the power of the game's structural choices. Overall, the critics' consensus is that Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments offers replay value through its multiple outcomes, moral choices, and branching paths. The game's ability to explore different solutions and conclusions, as well as the interplay between Sherlock and Watson, adds depth and interest to the gameplay experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the lack of genuine consequences to the moral choices and the lack of connection between the cases. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with the majority of critics acknowledging the replay value provided by the game's mechanics and storytelling.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise the replay value of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments for its multiple outcomes, moral choices, and branching paths that allow for exploration of different solutions. However, some critics note the lack of genuine consequences to moral choices and the disconnected nature of the cases. Overall, the game offers depth and interest through its gameplay mechanics and storytelling, making it worth revisiting despite its flaws.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments receives a generally positive reception from the critics, with several aspects of the game being praised. The game's gameplay mechanics, intriguing investigations, and high production values are highlighted as its strengths. Pure Xbox commends the game for its thought-through aspects and considers it one of the better Sherlock Holmes and investigation-style games. PC Gamer describes it as the best Sherlock Holmes game yet, with compelling cases and beautiful world-building. ZTGD states that the game is a must-play for series fans and a great choice for anyone looking for a deeper take on the detective genre, expanding on what was enjoyable about its predecessor. ActionTrip also highly recommends the game for fans of Sherlock Holmes and mystery games, praising its brilliant deductions and engaging gameplay. However, there are some criticisms raised by the critics. Eurogamer mentions the lack of character development and lacklustre supporting players, resulting in a feeling of detachment from the game. IGN criticizes the lack of an overarching mystery and limited replayability, which may hinder the game's long-term appeal. COGconnected points out clunky controls, frequent load times, and the ability to skip challenging sections as setbacks to an otherwise enjoyable game. Gamers' Temple suggests that the game lacks difficulty and feels more like a show than a challenging experience, desiring more brain exercise and negative effects for solving cases incorrectly. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments is a solid and enjoyable game, particularly for fans of Sherlock Holmes and the detective genre. The game successfully captures the essence of Sherlock Holmes with its challenging mysteries and deductive gameplay, as noted by The Digital Fix. The game's intriguing investigations, compelling cases, and engaging gameplay mechanics are highlighted as its strengths. However, some critics mention issues such as lack of character development, limited replayability, and technical problems. Despite these criticisms, the game is generally recommended and considered a step forward in the sleuthing genre, as mentioned by VideoGamer. It is praised for its authenticity, charm, and uniqueness, making it a safe bet for Sherlock Holmes fans, according to Pure Nintendo.

TL;DR

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments is praised for its engaging gameplay, intriguing investigations, and high production values, making it a top choice for fans of the detective genre. Critics laud the game for capturing the essence of Sherlock Holmes with challenging mysteries and deductive gameplay. However, some reviewers point out issues like lack of character development, limited replayability, and technical problems. Despite these criticisms, the game is generally recommended as a solid and enjoyable experience that advances the sleuthing genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

111 reviews found

ZTGD

Oct 1, 2014