It is obvious that modern games become very similar to interactive books. While it is hard to create an innovative gameplay, most game developers are paying more attention to the addictive storyline. And The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes is a perfect example of such approach.

Based on a simple hide-and-seek gameplay, The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes is revealing to us the new chapters about the all-time greatest detective. In each chapter you have to investigate a crime. Find evidences, solve puzzles and use the famous deductive method to catch the offender.

There are few similar tasks to be done to investigate the case. First of all, you have to compare two pictures of a crime scene - one is taken before the event and the other is a current view. The difference between these pictures can help you to find evidences that helps to make up a list of suspects. Then you have to find additional clues by examining the crime scene. And finally you need to complete a simple mini-game to exclude the innocents from the list.

When you pick up an item like a locked box or a broken jewel, you may be asked to complete a short puzzle. There are 2 or 3 different puzzles in each chapter. They are unique and you will never play the same one again. (The image below is a tip on how to place the hanks of rope in the box to complete the mini-game).

The storyline is very smooth. And you don’t have to keep in mind the numerous suspects like in Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile. You can hear the dialogs between Sherlock and doctor Watson that helps you to follow the story. You also can read the testimonial evidences on some clues. Or you can skip all of it if you want.

My favorite feature in this game is the magnifying glass. You can activate it by clicking a right mouse button. It is really helpful when you have to examine the places with many scattered items. And it is especially useful to find small objects.

Now lets come to a bad part of this fabulous game. I have downloaded a copy today from Big Fish Games and successfully played it until it comes to a mini-game with two pictures of a gun (see the screenshot below). The game asked me to find the differences between the guns. But, unfortunately, I was unable to mark the differences - when I clicked anywhere except the “Solve Later” button, nothing was happened. Even the “clicking” sound haven’t played. What a disappointing bug for such a great game! I hope they will fix it soon.

Anyway, The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes is a great hidden objects game. One of many that are based on the interesting story instead of innovative tricks in the gameplay. Being the admirer of sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I love the game and it’s new stories about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Once the nasty bug that I described above will be fixed, this game will be #1 in my wish list.

Filed under: Game Reviews