TL;DR
Embark on a chilling investigation with Sherlock Holmes and Watson in The Awakened, a remake that updates a classic Eldritch horror tale with stunning graphics and revised gameplay. Experience the early days of their partnership as they unravel a sinister cult across iconic locations, while the developers at Frogwares, working under immense adversity, have woven in subtle Ukrainian touches. The game shines with its atmospheric detail and convincing voice acting, though the intricate deduction system might initially leave you scratching your head. Despite some minor exploration limitations, the narrative is packed with surprises. Ready to dive into a case that will test even the sharpest minds? Read our full review to see if this adventure is for you.
In Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened, players join the iconic detective Holmes and his companion Watson on a thrilling adventure spanning London, the Alps, and New Orleans, as they investigate an Eldritch cult. Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened is a remake of the original title, which was released in 2007. While the core narrative remains largely intact, the remake features comprehensively updated graphics, gameplay mechanics, and a revised ending. Players will experience a young Holmes forging his partnership with Watson during their first case together, resulting in Watson’s expanded role compared to the original game.
Having not played the 2007 original, I cannot provide a detailed comparison of all the specific changes. My awareness of the remake status only emerged during the research phase. Developed by Frogwares, based in Ukraine, Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened was produced under exceptionally challenging circumstances. The game incorporates subtle nods to Ukraine, notably the option to dress Holmes and Watson in traditional Ukrainian attire.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened boasts impressive graphics, rich with detail. The developers have successfully recreated the atmosphere of turn-of-the-century London. The voice acting is convincing, and the sound design is well-executed. As previously noted, the narrative foundation remains consistent with the original, though the ending has been reworked.
Testing was conducted on an Xbox Series S, where I observed consistent performance. I have not evaluated the Switch version; however, it is conceivable that the console’s lower processing power may present challenges in rendering the visually dense environments.
The core game mechanics – movement and environmental interaction – are intuitive. As in the source material, Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened features Holmes’s “Mind Palace,” where players connect clues and deduce conclusions. Initially, the system’s intricacies and the multiple interwoven threads can be challenging to grasp. A more comprehensive tutorial would have been beneficial to fully understand the connections and the process, mitigating some initial frustration.
The explorable areas within the city and other locations felt somewhat constrained, creating a slightly claustrophobic sensation. While exploration is permitted, it is often impeded by obstacles such as carts, boxes, and non-player characters.
In conclusion, I recommend Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened as an engaging and entertaining game, offering numerous narrative surprises.
Frogwares provided a review code for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence editorial objectivity.
