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Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express
Item: Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Crime, Puzzle and Logic, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableOct 19, 2023

PlatformXbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperMicroids Studio Lyon

Overview

Step on board the legendary Orient Express and immerse yourself in the most famous detective suit in a race against the clock to unmask the murderer.

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics generally praise the Murder on the Orient Express game for modernizing Agatha Christie's classic story while adding new elements. Positive feedback highlights the engaging narrative, new character Joanna Locke, and refreshed murder mystery plot. However, some critics criticize liberties taken with the original novel and design choices. Overall, the game is well-received for respecting Christie's work and successfully updating the timeless murder mystery.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its ability to modernize the classic story while still maintaining a balance between the original plot and the new additions. Everyeye.it commends the game for adding depth to the narrative with the inclusion of a new character. GameSpew mentions that the story is a twisting murder mystery that keeps the player hooked from start to finish. Push Square describes the story as a timeless classic murder mystery that has been refreshed and updated for this release. Gamers Europe states that the game faithfully follows the story of Agatha Christie's novel and allows players to investigate a murder on the Orient Express. These positive opinions highlight the success of the game in adapting and enhancing the original story. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the story of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express. GameSpot criticizes the game for taking liberties with the original novel and having a tacked-on ending that detracts from the original plot. The Games Machine points out that the game lacks a solid introduction to the modern setting, creating dissonance with the presented story. COGconnected mentions that while the adaptation stays faithful to the story, it takes liberties with plot points and characters. These negative opinions suggest that some aspects of the story may not be well-received by fans of the original book and that certain design choices could have been improved. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express is well-written and respectful of Christie's novel. The game successfully modernizes the classic story while adding new elements and twists. The inclusion of a new character, Joanna Locke, is generally seen as a positive addition that enhances the narrative. The game manages to keep players engaged and hooked throughout the twisting murder mystery. While there are some deviations and changes to the original plot, the majority of critics appreciate the fresh perspective and new life breathed into the story. Despite some negative opinions regarding the tacked-on ending and dissonance with the modern setting, the overall sentiment is that the game successfully adapts and enhances Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express. Some praise its classic point-and-click adventure style, engaging puzzles, and helpful tools for investigation. Others criticize its lack of innovation, repetitive tasks, and shallow mechanics, finding it boring and tedious. While some enjoy the immersive experience, others feel it falls short. Overall, the game offers both strengths and weaknesses, appealing to some but leaving others wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express are quite varied. Some critics, such as Everyeye.it and SpazioGames, appreciate the classic point-and-click adventure gameplay, where players collect clues, explore locations, and solve mysteries. They mention the inclusion of puzzle-solving sessions and investigations, which add depth to the gameplay. GameSpew also praises the game for striking a good balance between giving players freedom and providing guidance, with the use of a notebook to record and organize information. They highlight the inclusion of fun puzzles and the requirement of the player's full attention. Just Adventure also mentions the logical and contextual puzzles in the game, as well as the helpful tools provided, such as a manuscript with information about the characters. These positive aspects of the gameplay contribute to an engaging and immersive experience for players. However, there are also several criticisms regarding the gameplay of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express. GameOver.gr and The Games Machine express disappointment in the lack of innovation and coherence between the main story and the puzzles. They feel that the mechanics are not well-developed and that the tasks can become repetitive and feel like busy work. GameGrin and GameSpot describe the gameplay as lackluster, with easy and dull puzzles, shallow mechanics, and redundant dialogue. They find the game to be boring and tedious. Multiplayer.it and Adventure Gamers also mention that some puzzles and investigations become repetitive over time, which can detract from the overall experience. These negative aspects of the gameplay highlight areas where the game falls short and may not fully engage players. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the gameplay of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express is mixed. While there are positive aspects, such as the classic point-and-click adventure mechanics, engaging puzzles, and the use of tools to aid in the investigation, there are also negative aspects, such as repetitive tasks, lack of innovation, and shallow gameplay mechanics. Some critics, like Everyeye.it and Just Adventure, appreciate the gameplay and find it immersive and enjoyable. However, critics like GameGrin and GameSpot find the gameplay lackluster and tedious. The overall sentiment suggests that while the game has its strengths, it may not fully satisfy all players and may benefit from further refinement and innovation in its mechanics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express. Some praise the detailed environments and accurate 1930s depiction, while others criticize stiff animations and outdated visuals. Positive aspects like unique character designs clash with issues like lack of immersion. Overall, the game's visual design has both strengths and weaknesses, with room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express are quite varied. Some critics, such as Everyeye.it and Four Fat Chicks, praise the game's graphics for their impressive and detailed environments, with GameZone also highlighting the accurate depiction of the 1930s time era. The character designs and costumes are commended by Adventure Gamers, who describe them as unique and perfect for the timeframe. COGconnected also mentions the memorable modernized character designs. These positive aspects contribute to creating an authentic and immersive atmosphere, particularly in the setting of the Orient Express. However, there are several criticisms raised by other critics. GameOver.gr, Multiplayer.it, SpazioGames, The Games Machine, GameGrin, GameSpot, GameWatcher, and Just Adventure all mention various issues with the graphics and visual design. These include stiff animations, unrealistic character behavior, outdated visuals, pixelation in cutscenes, lack of facial expressiveness, and lifeless character animations outside of cutscenes. GameGrin and GameSpot also note sparse set design and a lack of atmosphere, which hampers immersion in the game. The limited game area is mentioned by Gamers Europe as becoming repetitive and claustrophobic. Overall, there is a mixed consensus among the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express. While some critics appreciate the attention to detail in the environments and character designs, others criticize the stiff animations, outdated visuals, and lack of immersion. It is important to note that the positive aspects mentioned by some critics are countered by the negative opinions of others. This indicates that the game's graphics and visual design have both strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in certain areas.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express. Some praise the engaging retro soundtrack and commendable voice acting, while others criticize the poor voice acting choices and lack of depth in character expressions. Overall, the game's sound design receives both positive and negative feedback, with a leaning towards the positive side due to its haunting soundtrack and immersive ambiance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express are varied. Several critics praised the game's soundtrack and its ability to create a retro atmosphere. Everyeye.it commends the engaging soundtrack that uses classical instruments to evoke a sense of mystery. Adventure Gamers also highlights the fitting music that sounds like it belongs in a 1930s movie. Additionally, Eurogamer and GameSpot both mention the commendable voice acting and polished sound design. The voice overs and well-designed central characters, as mentioned by GameOver.gr, also add to the appeal of the game. On the other hand, there are critics who express negative opinions about certain aspects of the sound design and music. Push Square mentions questionable voice acting choices that detract from the overall experience. GameGrin criticizes the poor voice acting, describing it as stilted, monotone, and unnatural. They also mention that the clunky cadence and overacting make intense confrontations hard to listen to. GameWatcher points out that while the game has a subtle musical score that sets the mood, the voice acting and character expressions during dialogue are lacking. GameZone simply states that the sound design is nothing special. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express have both positive and negative aspects. The soundtrack and voice acting receive praise from multiple critics, with specific mention of David Suchet's impressive portrayal of Poirot. The use of classical instruments and the ability to create a retro atmosphere are also appreciated. However, there are criticisms regarding certain voice acting choices and the lack of depth in character expressions during dialogue. Despite these mixed opinions, the general sentiment leans towards the positive side, with the haunting soundtrack, clever use of lighting, and immersive ambiance being highlighted as positive aspects by Gamers Europe and COGconnected.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express. Some praise the performances, especially David Suchet as Hercule Poirot, for their depth and believability, enhancing the player's experience. However, others criticize the voice acting choices as questionable and the performances as stilted and unnatural, particularly during intense scenes. Overall, while there are some flaws, the general consensus is that the voice acting adds to the game's appeal, with the positives outweighing the negatives.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from critics. Several critics, such as Everyeye.it, Multiplayer.it, Adventure Gamers, CPUGamer, Eurogamer, and Gamers Europe, praised the voice acting in the game. They mentioned that the performances were well done, with David Suchet's portrayal of Hercule Poirot being particularly praised for its familiarity and believability. The voices added depth to the story and enhanced the overall experience, with GameSpew even stating that the conversations were interesting and well-acted, keeping the player invested. The voice overs and well-designed central characters were also mentioned by GameOver.gr as adding to the game's appeal. However, there were also some negative opinions regarding the voice acting. Push Square criticized the voice acting choices, mentioning that they were questionable and detracted from the overall experience. GameGrin described the performances as poor, with stilted, monotone, and unnatural delivery. They specifically mentioned that the clunky cadence and overacting made intense confrontations hard to listen to. GameWatcher also pointed out that while the voice acting by David Suchet as Poirot was well done, the character expressions during dialogue were lacking. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express is generally good, with some standout performances, particularly by David Suchet as Poirot. The voices add depth to the story and enhance the overall experience, keeping the player invested. However, there are also some criticisms regarding questionable voice acting choices, stilted performances, and lacking character expressions during dialogue. Despite these negatives, the positive reception of the voice acting outweighs the negative, making it a generally well-received aspect of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mixed opinions on the replay value of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express: Some praise its length and engaging puzzles, suggesting positive replay potential, while others criticize its predetermined structure and lack of player agency, questioning its replayability. Potential players should consider their preferences for narrative-driven experiences and puzzle-solving gameplay before deciding on replay value.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express are mixed. GameOver.gr praises the game for offering a complete and thorough playthrough that can last up to ten hours, indicating that there is enough content to keep players engaged for a significant amount of time. This suggests that the game has a positive replay value, as players can revisit the game and still have an enjoyable experience. Nintendo Life also acknowledges that the game offers enough good puzzles to drive another enjoyable trip through the story, further supporting the notion of positive replay value. However, there are critics who express concerns about the replay value of the game. GameWatcher states that the game offers little replay value, as the ending and solution are determined by the character Hercule Poirot, with minimal input from the player. This suggests that the game lacks the ability to provide different outcomes or branching paths, which can diminish the desire to replay the game. GameZone also criticizes the game for being short and lacking replay value, implying that the limited content and lack of variety in gameplay elements may not incentivize players to revisit the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express has mixed replay value. While some critics highlight the game's length, thorough playthrough, and good puzzles as positive factors that can contribute to replay value, others criticize the predetermined structure, lack of player agency, and short duration as factors that may hinder the desire to replay the game. It is important for potential players to consider their preferences for narrative-driven experiences and puzzle-solving gameplay when determining whether the replay value of this game aligns with their expectations.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. The game is praised for its engaging story, immersive atmosphere, and faithful adaptation of the original novel. Critics such as GameSpew, Multiplayer.it, COGconnected, and Nintendo Life highlight the agency given to the player, the variety of puzzles, the visuals, voice acting, and the enjoyable trip through Agatha Christie's classic mystery. These positive elements contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game and make it appealing to fans of the genre and Agatha Christie's works. However, there are also several criticisms raised by the critics. Some reviewers, such as Everyeye.it, SpazioGames, The Games Machine, Adventure Gamers, GameGrin, GameSpot, GameWatcher, and GamingExcellence, point out flaws in the gameplay mechanics, repetitive tasks, lack of innovation, and questionable design decisions. These negative aspects can detract from the overall experience and may disappoint more experienced investigative gamers. Additionally, the linearity and lack of player agency in solving the case are mentioned by GameWatcher and Eurogamer as potential turn-offs for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects to appreciate, such as the engaging story, immersive atmosphere, and faithful adaptation, there are also notable shortcomings, including repetitive gameplay, lack of innovation, and questionable design decisions. Critics like Just Adventure and CPUGamer recommend the game more for its atmosphere and story than for its gameplay challenges. It is clear that the game appeals more to fans of Agatha Christie novels and those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences. Despite its flaws, Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express manages to captivate players with its intriguing mystery and enjoyable trip through the classic story.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express. The game is praised for its engaging story and faithful adaptation but criticized for repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation. While it appeals to fans of Agatha Christie and narrative-driven games, some flaws may disappoint experienced gamers.

MONSTER

Reviews

61 reviews found

Just Adventure

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a faithful adaptation of the novel with some new elements that enhance the gameplay experience. Despite some flaws, the author gives the game a final grade of A-.

GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Oct 18, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express is a very good mystery game that nails the thrill of stepping into the shoes of a celebrated detective. It praises the agency given to the player, the variety of puzzles, the visuals, voice acting, and the engaging story.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Oct 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Murder on the Orient Express impressively breathes new life into a well-known story. The addition of the new character, Locke, adds a fresh perspective. The game has a relaxed atmosphere and pleasant presentation, although some puzzles may feel contrived. Overall, it offers an enjoyable trip through Agatha Christie's classic mystery.

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Adventure Gamers

Nov 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game provides a decent adaptation of a timeless whodunit with an original story, lovely graphics, and interesting characters. However, it is weighed down by some questionable design decisions and poor implementation.

Multiplayer.it

PlayStation 5

Oct 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express is a solid adaptation of the original story, with some modern updates and additions. The gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and dialogue. While the puzzles in the first part can be repetitive, the second part offers more complex and original challenges. The graphics and animations could have been more polished, but the overall experience is enjoyable. The French dubbing and voice acting enhance the immersion. Recommended for fans of Agatha Christie and players who enjoy narrative-driven games.

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Four Fat Chicks

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer gives a mixed verdict, praising the production values (graphics, setting, script, voice acting) but criticizing the linearity and repetitive nature of the gameplay. They recommend the game more for its atmosphere and story than for its gameplay challenges.

Everyeye.it

PlayStation 5

Oct 18, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game modernizes a classic but lacks brilliant design. It is accessible and aimed at casual gamers. The experience is enjoyable but may disappoint more experienced investigative gamers.

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COGconnected

Nintendo Switch

Oct 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express is a faithful adaptation with fun gameplay, beautiful visuals, and creative puzzles. The atmosphere immerses you in detective mode.

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Push Square

PlayStation 5

Oct 18, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A joy to play with new content and a unique modern setting, despite some small issues.

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GameOver.gr

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite flaws in gameplay and graphics, the game manages to be engaging and keeps players in suspense until the very end.