Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective casts you in the role of the world’s greatest fictional detective alongside Dr. Watson, blending traditional point-and-click adventure mechanics with a deep simulation of investigative work. Players navigate a stylized map of Victorian London, visiting crime scenes, interviewing suspects and witnesses, and poring over period newspapers to uncover clues. Rather than relying on item puzzles and inventory juggling, the game emphasizes real detective methodology: observation, deduction and logical reasoning.

The title offers three distinct cases—The Mummy’s Curse, The Mystified Murderess and The Tin Soldier—each with its own atmosphere and investigative challenges. In The Mummy’s Curse, you’ll unravel a seemingly supernatural threat. In The Mystified Murderess, you must determine a woman’s complicity amid memory loss. In The Tin Soldier, the twists of military history hide a murderer’s identity. This variety keeps the core loop fresh, forcing you to adjust your approach and cross-reference new evidence as you progress case by case.

Once you feel ready, you present your collected evidence and deductions before a judge. This climactic trial sequence requires you to synthesize every clue you’ve gathered—if the judge deems your logic sound, the case is solved. Incorrect or incomplete arguments will lead to unsatisfactory endings, encouraging players to revisit locations, re-interview suspects and double-check their reasoning. This system rewards meticulous note-taking and careful cross-examination, simulating the true tension of detective work.

Graphics

For a mid-1990s CD-ROM release, the game’s multimedia presentation was groundbreaking. Windowed video segments introduce each case and punctuate key interrogations with live actors portraying Holmes, Watson and various suspects. While the video quality appears grainy by modern standards, it lends an authentic, theatrical flair to each scene, making you feel as if you’re stepping onto a Victorian movie set.

The core gameplay screens consist of detailed period illustrations and text-based records—newspaper clippings, police dossiers and location sketches. The interface is clean and functional, placing document windows side by side so you can compare statements, newspaper reports and personal notes at a glance. The muted color palette and ornate Victorian typography reinforce the historical ambiance.

Though the graphics lack high-resolution polish, they excel in atmosphere. Grainy sepia photographs of crime scenes and the expressive performances in the FMV sequences combine to evoke turn-of-the-century London. Fans of retro multimedia titles will appreciate this game’s pioneering approach, while modern players may find its charm in the analog authenticity and period detail.

Story

Each of the three investigative cases delivers a unique narrative with twists that feel both unpredictable and rooted in period realism. The Mummy’s Curse weaves exotic funerary lore into a grisly mystery. The Mystified Murderess delves into questions of guilt and repressed memory, keeping you guessing about motive and manipulation. The Tin Soldier explores themes of honor, betrayal and past secrets, revealing how an old general’s history can lead to deadly consequences.

The writing captures the essence of Arthur Conan Doyle’s prose without directly quoting it, giving Holmes and Watson distinct personalities. Holmes’s keen intellect and occasional arrogance contrast nicely with Watson’s empathy and methodical nature. Their dialogue with suspects and with each other brings the cases to life, turning every interview into a small dramatic set-piece.

The non-linear structure encourages multiple playthroughs, as you learn to solve cases using fewer clues or in a different order. Players who relish detective fiction will find satisfaction in unearthing every hidden motive, while those new to the genre will appreciate how the game gradually ramps up the complexity of each investigation.

Overall Experience

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective remains a singular experience for those seeking a cerebral, slow-burn mystery rather than action or puzzle-heavy gameplay. The emphasis on note-taking, cross-referencing documents and logical deduction immerses you in the role of Holmes, making every new clue feel like a small victory. The city map and casebook system foster a sense of discovery as you piece together timelines and alibis.

That said, modern players may need time to acclimate to the game’s interface and leisurely pacing. There are no fail-states beyond presenting incomplete evidence, but the lack of hand-holding can be daunting. If you’re accustomed to in-game tutorials or glowing quest markers, the analog nature of this title may feel opaque at first—but persevering reveals a deeply rewarding investigative rhythm.

Ultimately, Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective stands as a landmark in interactive fiction and early multimedia gaming. Its realistic approach to detective work, combined with live-action sequences and richly textured case files, offers a compelling window into Victorian sleuthing. For fans of classical mysteries and those craving a thoughtful, methodical game, it remains an unforgettable journey through London’s fog-shrouded streets.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10