A new Sherlock Holmes game from Ukrainian developer Frogwares looks to be a modern reimagining of the original, released in 2007. This time around, it’s been rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine.
The Awakened features modern graphics and animations, an expanded storyline, numerous side quests, and new mechanics including a unique insanity system. The game also takes you to a haunting psych ward in Switzerland, the perilous Louisiana wetlands and more.
Gameplay
Frogwares, the Ukrainian studio behind the Sherlock Holmes series of games, recently released a new gameplay trailer for its upcoming release, Sherlock Holmes The Awakened. The video is a must-watch for fans of the classic detective, as it showcases the game’s dark and gritty setting and hints at some of its gameplay mechanics.
In Sherlock Holmes The Awakened, you’ll take on the role of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson as they travel across the globe, investigating a series of crimes connected to a nefarious Elder god worshipping cult. The story will be set across four locations and eight main cases.
Aside from the crime solving, you’ll also need to help Sherlock regain his sanity as his mental state deteriorates and he becomes increasingly erratic. This will require you to step out of your comfort zone and use the imagination to find clues and theories that might connect.
Graphics
The Awakened is a reimagining of the 2008 game, rebuilt from the ground up using Unreal Engine 4. This version offers modern graphics and animations, an expanded storyline, new mechanics and side quests.
It also adds a Lovecraftian twist, with Holmes and Watson attempting to solve a series of disappearances that are linked to a dark cult worshipping an ancient god. Featuring a compelling and engrossing narrative, this reworking of the original is an excellent choice for fans of both the Holmes and Lovecraft mythos.
While the game does present some minor irritants, it’s a far cry from tedious pixel hunting, as it often allows players to scan backdrops for key objects. This is especially true when it comes to items such as desks or shelves, which can sometimes be zoomed in on by either character’s eyes.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack to Sherlock Holmes The Awakened combines classic sound effects with modern electronic music. It features more than 50 tracks and is available in MP3 320 kbps.
Sherlock Holmes The Awakened is the third game in Frogwares’ Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series. It follows an original plotline as Sherlock and Watson investigate a series of strange disappearances related to the Cthulhu Mythos.
During the course of the story, you play as both characters from a first-person or third-person perspective, using Holmes’ abductive reasoning to find clues and evidence hidden in a variety of locations. You must also interrogate people and use their information to solve puzzles.
The game is set in three locations – London, a haunting Swiss psych ward and the perilous Louisiana wetlands. Its immersive environments are alternately terrifying and exhilarating to explore.
Story
The storyline of Sherlock Holmes The Awakened is an original one that follows a series of mysterious disappearances, which appear to be connected to a dark cult dedicated to the Cthulhu Mythos. Using the latest technology, you and your trusted companion will investigate the truth behind these abductions.
The cult is led by an unhinged Dr. Gygax, who has been performing dangerous experiments on helpless victims, and is awaiting the return of ‘The One’.
As you begin your investigation, you’ll come across a sacrificial altar, a statue of a tentacled sea monster and other strange artifacts. Your goal is to discover the truth of these events and prevent an even greater horror from being unleashed.
Frogwares’ previous Sherlock Holmes games were primarily based around the detective’s abilities, but in this case, they’ve used modern graphics and gameplay to give you a Lovecraftian-themed experience that’s both enlightening and terrifying. The game features mind-bending insanity puzzles that will get you to question your reality and a clever deduction board which reflects the deterioration of Sherlock’s mental state.
