Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective – Volume II builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, immersing players in an interactive, video-driven investigation experience. The game’s structure remains familiar: you’re presented with a list of locations, suspects, and clues, and it’s up to you to decide where to go and whom to question. This open-ended approach gives you freedom, but also demands patience and meticulous attention to detail as you piece together evidence from newspaper clippings, witness testimonies, and occasional dead ends.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The video technology, still impressive for 1992, integrates live-action clips seamlessly into the gameplay. You’ll watch as roaming London traffic bustles outside dimly lit taverns, and you can almost feel the chill of fog rolling down Baker Street. Each time you choose a location—be it Scotland Yard, the National Gallery, or the circus grounds—you’re rewarded with fresh dialogue and new faces to interview, making every decision feel meaningful and suspenseful.

Dialogue choices and the order in which you approach leads can drastically affect your investigation. A misplaced assumption might divert you onto a fruitless chase, while a well-timed question can reveal a crucial clue. This structure invites you to channel all your intelligence and detective skills into formulating theories, testing hypotheses, and ultimately solving the three standalone cases that Volume II presents.

Furthermore, the integration of period-accurate primary sources—most notably the London Times—adds depth to your detective work. Scouring articles for subtle hints or corroborating witness statements transforms you into a true consulting detective. While there’s no ticking clock, the sense of urgency comes from your own desire to uncover the murderer before making your final accusation.

Graphics

Graphically, Consulting Detective – Volume II remains firmly rooted in the early ’90s aesthetic, utilizing low-resolution Full Motion Video (FMV) that’s charmingly grainy yet evocative. Each clip feels like a window into Victorian London, complete with cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and smoky pub interiors. Though pixelated by modern standards, the video sequences convey an authentic atmosphere that transports you back in time.

The character portraits and still images accompanying your dossier entries maintain a crisp clarity that contrasts nicely with the FMV. These snapshots effectively capture suspects’ expressions and crime scene details, ensuring you don’t miss subtle visual cues when reviewing your notes. Color palettes range from the muted browns and grays of foggy alleyways to the richer hues of gallery walls and circus tents, enhancing the mood for each case.

Transitions between video segments and text-based investigation screens are smooth, preventing any jarring breaks in immersion. Background sound effects—crowds murmuring in the street, the occasional clip-clop of hooves, and distant train whistles—complement the visuals, making you feel truly embedded in the smoky, gaslit world of Sherlock Holmes.

While you may find the graphics dated compared to today’s high-definition standards, they serve the game’s narrative and investigative focus remarkably well. The slight blur and flicker of the FMV lend an almost documentary feel, reinforcing the impression that you’re examining real events rather than playing a standard mystery game.

Story

Volume II delivers three fully independent cases, each showcasing a different facet of Victorian crime. “The Two Lions” plunges you into the tragic murder of two circus animals, challenging you to unravel the motive behind animal sabotage and financial conspiracy. The horror of the crime scene and eccentric circus performers make this case a compelling test of your deductive powers.

In “The Pilfered Paintings,” you navigate the refined corridors of the National Gallery. Here, art theft meets high society intrigue as priceless canvases vanish without a trace. Suspects range from cunning staff members to art dealers with questionable motives, and every brush stroke of evidence must be scrutinized to pinpoint the true culprit.

Finally, “The Murdered Munitions Magnate” brings a darker, more complex narrative to the table. When a prominent arms manufacturer is found dead, conflicting motives—from political espionage to personal vendettas—flood the investigation. You must sift through red herrings and conflicting testimonies, distinguishing between plausible leads and cunning misdirection.

Across all three stories, the writing retains a sharp wit and period authenticity that fans of Arthur Conan Doyle will appreciate. The cases vary in tone, pacing, and difficulty, ensuring that the game never feels formulaic. Each mystery stands on its own, yet collectively they reinforce the game’s overarching theme: the brilliance and perseverance required to solve London’s most baffling crimes.

Overall Experience

If you enjoyed Consulting Detective Volume I, Volume II offers more of the same immersive detective work—only refined and expanded. The learning curve from the first game carries over, so returning players will immediately feel at home. Newcomers, however, might find the detectives’ tools and Hollywood-style FMV novel and intriguing, even if initially puzzling.

The game’s pacing strikes a careful balance between thorough investigation and narrative momentum. There are no filler puzzles or contrived minigames—every clue you uncover directly contributes to your case file. This unwavering focus on deduction over action cements Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective – Volume II as a compelling title for those who relish intellectual challenges.

Although the FMV graphics are dated by today’s benchmarks, the atmosphere they create remains powerful. The smoky streets of London, the hushed interrogation rooms, and the elegantly furnished mansions all evoke the Golden Age of detective fiction. The period detail is so convincing that you might forget you’re playing a video game and not starring in a crime drama.

In conclusion, Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective – Volume II is a must-have for mystery enthusiasts and fans of interactive storytelling. It may not offer flashy combat or branching decision trees, but its strength lies in pure investigative gameplay, atmospheric presentation, and expertly crafted narratives. Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or stepping into Holmes’s deerstalker for the first time, this title delivers a rich, rewarding experience that stands the test of time.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10