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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: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

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

AvailableOct 19, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5

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

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

"Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express" effectively modernizes the classic tale with fresh characters and engaging twists, earning praise for its compelling narrative. Critics highlight its exciting story and the addition of a second ending, though some note flaws in gameplay integration and a confusing introduction to the modern setting. Overall, it successfully honors the original while providing a captivating experience for both new players and fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The reviews for "Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express" generally highlight the positive aspects of the game's narrative. Critics like Everyeye.it and GameOver.gr appreciate how the game modernizes the classic story, incorporating new characters and twists that add depth and intrigue to the original plot. GameSpew emphasizes that the story is engaging and keeps players hooked from start to finish, which is a testament to its compelling narrative structure. Furthermore, Multiplayer.it notes the inclusion of a second ending, which expands on the original storyline, providing players with a fresh experience while still respecting the source material. Push Square's commentary on the game as a "timeless classic" that has been "refreshed and updated" further reinforces the positive reception of its storytelling approach. On the other hand, some criticisms have emerged regarding the execution of the narrative. SpazioGames points out that while the story is well-written and maintains respect for Christie's novel, there are instances where gameplay elements feel forced, which may detract from the overall immersion. Additionally, The Games Machine raises concerns about the lack of a solid introduction to the modern setting, suggesting that this dissonance could confuse players who are familiar with the original story. Such critiques indicate that while the game attempts to innovate, it may not always succeed in seamlessly integrating these modern elements with the classic narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express" successfully modernizes a beloved classic while introducing new elements that enhance the story. Most reviewers, including GameSpew and Everyeye.it, express appreciation for the engaging twists and character additions that breathe new life into the narrative. However, the game is not without its flaws, as highlighted by SpazioGames and The Games Machine, who note issues with gameplay integration and narrative coherence. Despite these shortcomings, the game appears to strike a favorable balance between honoring Agatha Christie's original work and providing an engaging experience for both new players and fans of the classic mystery.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express impresses with its investigation mechanics and engaging puzzles, earning praise for its balance of freedom and guidance. Critics enjoy the immersive narrative and classic point-and-click feel. However, the game suffers from a lack of innovation, repetitive puzzles, and simplistic mechanics that may limit player engagement. While it may delight genre fans, those seeking depth and challenge might be left wanting.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

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

The gameplay of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express has received some commendable feedback from various critics, particularly regarding its core mechanics of investigation and puzzle-solving. Reviewers such as GameSpew highlighted the effective balance between player freedom and guidance, noting the utility of a notebook feature for organizing clues and information. This aspect allows players to immerse themselves in the narrative while maintaining a structured approach to solving the mystery. Additionally, Multiplayer.it praised the exploration of environments and the interaction with objects, indicating that the game offers a classic point-and-click adventure experience. The inclusion of engaging puzzles, as mentioned by Push Square, adds to the overall enjoyment, particularly as the game progresses and presents more complex challenges. However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks in the gameplay experience. GameOver.gr noted a lack of innovation, suggesting that the game does not effectively connect its main story with the puzzles, which could detract from the overall immersion. The gameplay was described by The Games Machine as guided and simple, with mechanics that feel underdeveloped. This sentiment is echoed by Everyeye.it, which mentions that the structure does not allow for errors, potentially limiting player agency and engagement. Furthermore, Multiplayer.it observed that the puzzles in the first half of the game are repetitive and less challenging, which could lead to a sense of monotony for players. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express offers a nostalgic and engaging gameplay experience rooted in classic adventure mechanics, it suffers from a lack of depth and innovation. Critics like GameSpew and Push Square appreciate the balance of guidance and freedom, but others, including GameOver.gr and The Games Machine, express concerns about the coherence of the gameplay elements and the simplicity of its mechanics. This mixed reception indicates that while the game may appeal to fans of the genre, it may not fully satisfy those seeking a more dynamic and challenging experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Description unavailable

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics mostly praise the sound design and music of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express for their immersive, atmospheric qualities, with classical instruments enhancing the game's mystery. However, concerns about inconsistent voice acting and localization issues have emerged, leading to mixed reviews. While some recommend the French dubbing for authenticity, the overall sentiment remains that the soundtrack significantly elevates the game's experience, despite notable flaws in voice work.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

100%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the sound design and music of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express reflect a generally positive sentiment among critics. Everyeye.it highlights the engaging soundtrack, which utilizes classical instruments to evoke a retro atmosphere, contributing to the game's immersive experience. Similarly, SpazioGames praises the soundtrack for creating a compelling atmosphere of mystery and deception, which aligns well with the thematic elements of the game. GameOver.gr adds to this by noting that the voiceovers and well-designed characters enhance the overall appeal, suggesting that the audio elements effectively support the narrative and character development. However, not all feedback is favorable. Push Square raises concerns about questionable voice acting choices that detract from the overall experience, indicating that not every aspect of the voice work was executed successfully. Additionally, Everyeye.it points out issues with the Italian localization, suggesting that it lacks precision, which could impact the game's accessibility for Italian-speaking players. GameSpew, while acknowledging the good voice acting that keeps players invested, fails to provide specific insights into the sound design or music, which may imply a lack of standout elements in those areas. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the game excels in creating an atmospheric soundscape that enhances the storytelling, there are notable shortcomings in voice acting quality and localization. Critics like Multiplayer.it recommend the French dubbing for a more authentic experience, indicating that the game's audio elements are a mixed bag. Despite the criticisms, the positive remarks about the soundtrack and its ability to evoke a sense of mystery and engagement suggest that the sound design and music contribute significantly to the game's overall ambiance, making it a noteworthy aspect of the experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in "Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express" is mostly praised for enhancing the narrative and character depth, with critics highlighting Poirot's authentic French inflections and engaging conversations. However, some inconsistencies and questionable choices noted by a few reviewers detract from the experience. Overall, while it significantly enriches the game, there are flaws that could be improved in future adaptations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (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 largely positive reception among critics, highlighting its ability to enhance the game's narrative and character depth. Everyeye.it appreciates the emphasis on Poirot's French inflections, which adds authenticity to the character. Similarly, GameOver.gr notes that the well-designed voiceovers contribute significantly to the game's appeal, while GameSpew praises the interesting and well-acted conversations that keep players engaged. Multiplayer.it also recommends the French dubbing, asserting that it better portrays the characters and enriches the overall storytelling experience, suggesting that the voice acting plays a vital role in immersing players in the game's world. Despite the overall praise, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. Push Square points out questionable voice acting choices that detract from the overall experience, indicating that not all performances resonate well with players. Additionally, SpazioGames mentions that while the voice acting is generally good, some characters exhibit accents that do not align with their backgrounds, which can create a disconnect for players familiar with the source material. These critiques suggest that while there are strong performances, inconsistencies exist that may affect immersion. In summary, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans towards a favorable view of the voice acting in "Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express." Most reviewers, such as GameSpew and Multiplayer.it, highlight the strengths of the voice work in enhancing character portrayal and narrative depth. However, dissenting opinions from Push Square and SpazioGames indicate that certain choices and inconsistencies can undermine the overall quality. Thus, while the voice acting contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, it is not without its flaws, leaving room for improvement in future adaptations.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

replay value

Description unavailable

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding "Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express" is mixed, with several reviewers highlighting its strengths. Critics like GameSpew commend the game for successfully immersing players in the role of a detective, praising its engaging story, variety of puzzles, and quality voice acting. Multiplayer.it also appreciates the solid adaptation of the original narrative, noting that the mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and dialogue contributes to an enjoyable experience. Push Square adds to this positive sentiment by describing the game as a joy to play, emphasizing the new content and unique modern setting that make it appealing, particularly for fans of narrative-driven games. However, the game is not without its shortcomings, as many critics point out various flaws that detract from the overall experience. Everyeye.it mentions a lack of brilliant design and suggests that while the game is accessible for casual gamers, it may disappoint those looking for a deeper investigative challenge. GameOver.gr acknowledges flaws in gameplay and graphics but still finds the game engaging. SpazioGames expresses disappointment in the lack of innovation and excitement, indicating that the adaptation could have been more ambitious. The Games Machine echoes this sentiment, describing the game as mediocre with outdated aesthetics and underdeveloped mechanics, which suggests a failure to fully realize the potential of such a classic story. In summary, the consensus among critics reflects a blend of appreciation and disappointment. While many reviewers, including GameSpew and Multiplayer.it, recognize the game's engaging narrative and immersive qualities, others like SpazioGames and The Games Machine highlight significant areas for improvement, particularly in gameplay mechanics and visual presentation. The game appears to cater well to fans of Agatha Christie and those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences, but it may not satisfy more seasoned gamers seeking a deeper and more innovative mystery-solving experience. As such, "Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express" stands as a solid yet imperfect adaptation of a beloved classic.

TL;DR

"Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express" garners mixed reviews. Critics praise its engaging story, immersive detective experience, and quality voice acting, making it enjoyable for fans of narrative-driven games. However, flaws in gameplay, graphics, and a lack of innovation leave some disappointed, suggesting it lacks depth for serious gamers. Ultimately, it’s a solid but imperfect adaptation that appeals to casual players rather than seasoned mystery solvers.

MONSTER

Reviews

31 reviews found

Just Adventure

Jan 1, 1970