Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One

 Xbox Series X
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 39
  3. Negative: 11 out of 39

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  1. gum11
    Dec 21, 2021
    6
    the story of the main case is very good, but the game play is clunky (especially the combat scenes) and the cases are all pretty easy. I liked the older games of the series much better.
  2. Mindurbidniss
    Mar 15, 2023
    1
    Garbage. This is some of the laziest design you'll see in a game of this type. Also the character design is atrocious. Everyone looks like they shop at forever 21 for some reason... Those are minor issue compared to what passes as combat in this trashterpiece. And the cases, the most important aspect of the game, are all hollow, meaningless experiences. AVOID THIS GAME AT ALL COSTS
  3. Zer0TheHer0
    Jan 28, 2022
    0
    A potentially interesting game ruined by a stupid off-center camera. Devs, put the character in the center of the screen.
  4. TheReviewerXL
    Nov 17, 2021
    8
    Honestly with the latest entry in the Sherlock Holmes series, Frogwares have attempted to create a new take on the character, one that isn’t as lacking as the original that was shown in the games prior, yet one who seems like he’s already mastered all what is needed, still with the games new fresh approach in variety and options, and it’s expansion to existing gameplay mechanics andHonestly with the latest entry in the Sherlock Holmes series, Frogwares have attempted to create a new take on the character, one that isn’t as lacking as the original that was shown in the games prior, yet one who seems like he’s already mastered all what is needed, still with the games new fresh approach in variety and options, and it’s expansion to existing gameplay mechanics and features, the game is able to succeed on becoming the best Sherlock Holmes game that Frogwares has come to made yet, and hopefully if the title preforms well, we’ll be able to receive another entry similar to the title.… Expand
  5. LuckyLuciano
    Nov 17, 2021
    10
    Just my favorite game ever: great story, interesting characters. I feel being a real detective.
  6. ProfRich
    Nov 19, 2021
    0
    Wtf is this? Nothing at all like the older games. This character is barely Sherlock. His 'mate' Jon is not the kind of person Sherlock would hang around with and is incredibly irritating. The voice acting is third rate compared to previous itterations.

    Frogware have LOST THE PLOT!
  7. xCADILLAC1982x
    Nov 28, 2021
    10
    Amazing Graphics. Great Gameplay. Tight Mechanics. Overall one of the BEST Sherlock games so far. You get to see a younger more cocky Sherlock. The Detective Mechanics are fleshed out & refined. A pleasure to play. If you have enjoyed the other Sherlock games, then you will definitely enjoy this entry to the series. If you got the time pick it up & play today!!
  8. GamingCouchSpud
    Dec 26, 2021
    7
    Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is an open-world detective mystery with you playing a young Sherlock Holmes.

    You find yourself returning to your childhood home of Cordona, a 19th century, British occupied Mediterranean island, that I assume is made up. You return there as you learn that they may be more to the death of your mother, than originally thought. Since you are playing a young    Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is an open-world detective mystery with you playing a young Sherlock Holmes.

    You find yourself returning to your childhood home of Cordona, a 19th century, British occupied Mediterranean island, that I assume is made up. You return there as you learn that they may be more to the death of your mother, than originally thought.

    Since you are playing a young Sherlock, you have to accept that the game developers have to try something different, so Sherlock is a fresh faced, slightly brooding type character, and Sherlock even has an imaginary friend type deal, with a person called Jon, a pre-cursor to Watson I would assume. Seems strange that a man of logic would need an imaginary friend to throw ideas at, but like I said, this is a young Sherlock, so I suppose this could be akin to the older Sherlock having a mind palace.

    The main idea of the game is to solve crimes, and if you want, get into slightly pointless fights, all of which can be skipped if you want. However, the fights, if poorly implemented, do help break up the gameplay. While fighting someone you can use your observation skills to help you win the fight, see vulnerabilities, use the surroundings to help you win. It is a nice change to the usual punch, punch, kick, kick style of fightings we sometimes get in open world games.

    The graphics are amazing, and straight away you will be reminded of some of the Assassin's Creed games, sadly the freedom of those games is not available here, and although the game is "open world", you simply cant interact with as much as you might want to. You will however get the expected side quests, (30+), which are always a fun distraction from a main story of which there are 5 main parts.

    There are lots of people to talk to, stories to learn, and locations to explore. And there is plenty of variety in these, that means that things are never too reptitive in nature.

    We do need to talk about a few of the problems with the game, the investigations themselves, it almost seems like you cant really get anything very wrong, there is no real confirmation that you have made a right conclusion, in your case files, you have the documents and recaps, and a nudge in the right direction, but it does seem to be a strange way of doing things in what is a detective game, that you don't properly make wrong decisions.

    And as already mentioned the fight scenes are poorly implemented, they feel like an afterthought, and although they do break up the action, the fact you can completely turn them off, and skip them, kinda makes them a bit pointless in the game.

    The dialog is good, the story is also well written, the side quests are fun, and help give the game some longevity, as if you stick to the main story, the game can be completed pretty quickly. There are hidden coins to collect, which also add an extra element to the game.

    The Good
    The graphics and general presentation of the game is of an exceptional standard, really is glorious to see.

    The Bad
    The fights with bandits are terrible and pointless, and the game pales in comparison to similar open world games with investigative gameplay mechanics, think Batman or any Assassins Creed game.

    Overall
    A decent game in it's own right, but does have a few problems that game testers should have spotted early on.
    The sheer beauty of the game, and the decent storyline carries it further than it should.

    I score Sherlock Holmes Chapter One on Xbox a generous 7/10    … Expand
  9. Kaykat
    Jan 30, 2023
    9
    Absolutely loved this game. Perhaps my favourite game of 2022. 100 percent completed and it took me around 36 hours which is much longer than expected. Only criticism is that that the combat felt out of place and repetitive. Hitman style combat would've worked better imo.
  10. Merro
    Feb 6, 2022
    1
    Crimes and Punishment was the best in the series. This is a generic B grade game.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best Xbox Series X Game of 2021
52
#52 Most Discussed Xbox Series X Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. XBLA Fans
    Feb 23, 2022
    100
    I’ve played a few Sherlock games before and really enjoyed them. Chapter One has exceeded all expectations and made the bar very high for all future installments. It’s one of the best games I played this year! Being in an open world and solving cases is pure bliss. At least for people who like crime and solving cases. Don’t let the price fool you, this is a full game with tons of awesome content. It’s just a bonus that it costs less than the average AAA title. When it’s called Chapter One, it gives the impression there are more installments planned. But because technically it’s more of a prequel of sorts, it very well could be by itself and the name could just represent the timeline. I would be thrilled if there are more chapters, especially with the last scene of the game being so exciting. If there’s any indication this version of Sherlock will continue, count me in.
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  2. Movies Games and Tech
    Feb 14, 2022
    75
    If you love the detective genre, then you will adore the challenge that awaits. With some interesting and bizarre crimes to solve, colourful characters and vivid era-specific imagery, it’s a treat for the senses. However, even with all these positives, it was missing something! I can’t ignore the rinse and repeat character models, the rehash of many scenarios, and the lack of interaction. It left me wanting more, as I could see its potential. Despite its shortcomings, I recommend you to buy it.
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  3. Generación Xbox
    Dec 6, 2021
    87
    Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One brings us a young Sherlock Holmes in an open world adventure that will have you glued to your seat solving mysteries for a long time.
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