Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

*Sherlock Holmes Chapter One*, developed and self-published by Frogwares, serves as an origin story for the famed detective, marking the ninth Sherlock Holmes game from the studio. Released in November 2021 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a PlayStation 4 version following in April 2022, the game presents a younger, more naive, and arrogant Sherlock on the cusp of adulthood. Set in 1880, the narrative follows the 21-year-old Holmes as he returns to the fictional Mediterranean island of Cordona, his childhood home, ten years after the death of his mother, Violet. Accompanied by his enigmatic best friend, Jon (distinct from the later John Watson), Sherlock initially intends to visit his mother's grave but soon finds himself investigating the true circumstances surrounding her death, which he previously believed was due to tuberculosis. Cordona itself is presented as a vibrant, 19th-century island paradise that harbors darker secrets beneath its idyllic surface, including rampant crime and political corruption. The islanders often adhere strongly to tradition and view outsiders with suspicion, adding complexity to Sherlock's investigations. The game pioneers an open-world format for the series, allowing players to freely explore the island, uncovering clues, rumors, and side quests. This freedom extends to the investigation process, which involves collecting evidence, interviewing suspects and witnesses, and utilizing disguises to gain access or information. A key mechanic requires players to "pin" relevant evidence in their casebook to guide conversations or focus Sherlock's concentration skills. The core gameplay loop relies heavily on deduction and observation. Players utilize Sherlock's abilities to examine crime scenes, analyze people for telling details, and reconstruct events. Gathered clues are synthesized in the "Mind Palace," a returning feature where players connect evidence to form conclusions. Significantly, the game allows players to reach different verdicts based on their interpretation of the clues, potentially accusing an innocent person without causing a game over; the consequences of these choices are reflected subtly, such as through newspaper articles. This design emphasizes player agency, as decisions shape the kind of person Sherlock becomes. Combat is included but presented as optional and distinct from traditional shooters. Frogwares revamped the combat system based on feedback from their previous title, *The Sinking City*, aiming for a more puzzle-like experience focused on Sherlock's agility and intellect, using the environment and non-lethal takedowns rather than brute force. Players can even skip combat sequences entirely or adjust their difficulty independently from the investigation difficulty. Bandit Lairs offer optional combat challenges for rewards. *Sherlock Holmes Chapter One* received mixed to positive reviews. Critics often praised the engaging detective gameplay, intricate investigations, compelling story exploring themes like mental health and trauma, and the overall atmosphere. However, the open-world aspect drew some criticism for feeling empty or underdeveloped, and the combat was frequently cited as repetitive or dull. Technical issues, such as frame rate problems, particularly on consoles and less powerful PCs, were also noted. Despite these criticisms, many considered it one of Frogwares' best Sherlock Holmes entries, lauded for its immersive detective experience and focus on character development. The game serves as a direct prequel to the 2023 remake of *Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened*.