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

Praise for respectful yet inventive take on Christie’s classic, blending modern twists and fresh endings without undermining its essence, but criticized for tonal inconsistencies, forced additions, and a jarring 2023 setting that clashes with Poirot’s charm—success as a loving homage, but risks undermine its mystery.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of reviewers praise The Story of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express for its respectful yet inventive approach to Agatha Christie’s classic narrative. Critics like GameSpew highlight the game’s “twisting murder mystery” and “modern spin,” emphasizing how it keeps players engaged with a compelling, well-structured plot. Multiplayer.it and Adventure Gamers commend the addition of a second ending and new twists that expand the original story without undermining its core. SpazioGames and COGconnected note the game’s strong narrative foundation, with the introduction of new characters like Joanna Locke (or Antoinette Marceau) adding depth while maintaining fidelity to Christie’s essence. The balance between honoring the source material and introducing fresh elements is frequently cited as a strength, with Push Square calling it a “timeless classic refreshed” and Nintendo Life appreciating how the story “breathes new life into” the original. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that detract from the experience. The Games Machine criticizes the lack of a coherent modern setting introduction, creating dissonance with the narrative, while PLAY! Zine and Riot Pixels argue that shifting the story to 2023 and altering Poirot’s character disrupts immersion. GameSpot and Hooked Gamers highlight plot gaps, tonal inconsistencies, and unlikable protagonists, with the latter noting “struggles with tonal inconsistencies” and “unlikable” characters. CPUGamer and Eurogamer express concerns about forced additions, such as a new character or altered endings, which some fans may find jarring. Additionally, Four Fat Chicks points out that knowing the original story’s outcome reduces surprise, and GameGrin acknowledges the mystery is “excellent” but risks predictability. These critiques suggest that while the game’s ambition is laudable, execution flaws undermine its potential. Overall, the critical reception leans toward a mixed but largely positive assessment, with many reviewers acknowledging the game’s effort to modernize Christie’s work while respecting its roots. Everyeye.it, GameOver.gr, and Adventure Gamers praise the balance between innovation and tradition, emphasizing the narrative’s engaging qualities. However, the polarizing changes—such as modern settings, new characters, and altered endings—have divided opinions. While SpazioGames and COGconnected defend these elements as enhancing the story, others like GameSpot and Riot Pixels find them disruptive. The consensus seems to be that Murder on the Orient Express succeeds as a loving homage with creative flourishes but faces criticism for its narrative risks. Despite this, the game’s strong mystery mechanics and dedication to Christie’s legacy ensure it remains a compelling experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Praised for its structured investigative mechanics, intuitive tools like mind maps, and immersive detective puzzles, but criticized for repetitive early-game tasks, shallow dialogue, and outdated mechanics that dull its potential. While it nails the sleuthing spirit, innovation and depth fall short.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

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

The gameplay of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express receives praise for its structured investigative mechanics and intuitive design. Reviewers like GameSpew highlight a balanced approach between player freedom and guidance, noting tools such as notebooks and mind maps that help organize clues. Adventure Gamers and Just Adventure commend the logical, contextual puzzles and the use of a manuscript to contextualize character details, while TheXboxHub emphasizes the immersive detective experience through interactions and mini-games. The game’s focus on connecting mental clues rather than traditional point-and-click mechanics, as noted by Gamereactor UK, adds a unique layer to its investigative process. Additionally, Everyeye.it and SpazioGames appreciate the classic point-and-click framework, which aligns with the genre’s expectations while offering a cohesive narrative structure. However, several critics criticize the game for repetitive mechanics and lack of innovation. GameOver.gr points out a disconnect between the main story and puzzles, while Multiplayer.it notes that early-game puzzles feel repetitive and less challenging compared to later stages. GameGrin and GamingExcellence describe the gameplay as tedious, with shallow mechanics and redundant dialogue, and CPUGamer laments tasks that border on "busy work." The lack of branching dialogue or meaningful character interaction, highlighted by Eurogamer, further diminishes engagement, while Nintenderos and Nintendo Life criticize the overly simplistic puzzles and absence of real consequences for mistakes. Even Riot Pixels acknowledges that repetitive tasks and outdated mechanics can make the experience feel stale, despite incremental puzzle complexity. Overall, the critics present a mixed but nuanced consensus. While the game’s investigative structure, tools like mind maps, and engaging puzzles in later stages (as praised by Hooked Gamers and Adventure Gamers) are亮点, the repetitive nature of early gameplay and linear progression (noted by GameGrin and GamingExcellence) detract from its potential. The game’s adherence to traditional point-and-click mechanics, though familiar, is seen as both a strength and a limitation—offering accessibility but lacking innovation. Despite these flaws, many reviewers agree that the game successfully captures the essence of a detective story, with GameSpew and TheXboxHub emphasizing its ability to immerse players in the role of a sleuth, even if it falls short of pushing the genre forward.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The game’s visuals nail nostalgic 1930s atmosphere with rich 3D environments and period-accurate design, but stiff animations, lifeless characters, and dated graphics drag down immersion, creating a polarizing mix of stylistic charm and technical shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The reviews highlight several positive aspects of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express’s graphics and visual design, particularly its atmospheric and nostalgic appeal. Critics like Adventure Gamers praised the "wonderful" in-game graphics, noting unique character designs and period-accurate costumes that enhance immersion. COGconnected and Nintendo Life commended the train’s luxurious aesthetic, with the former highlighting "beautiful" visuals of the train carts and the latter appreciating the "distinctive" stylized characters. Adventure Game Hotspot emphasized the game’s rich 3D environments, which effectively capture the romantic and adventurous spirit of the Orient Express. Additionally, Eurogamer noted the tasteful rendering of the train’s opulence, while Just Adventure acknowledged improved character models compared to previous games in the series. These positives often center on the game’s ability to evoke a 1930s setting through detailed environments and expressive design choices. However, several critics pointed out significant technical and artistic shortcomings. GameGrin and GamingAge criticized the graphics as "dated," comparing them to games from 15–20 years ago, while SpazioGames and The Games Machine described the visuals as belonging to the "previous generation." Issues like stiff animations, lifeless character movements, and poor facial expressions were frequently mentioned. GameStar noted "wooden" animations, and GameWatcher criticized "expressionless" characters outside cutscenes. CPUGamer and GameSpot highlighted unrealistic animations and pixelation in cutscenes, while Riot Pixels called the graphics "outdated," reminiscent of late-90s titles. These critiques often focused on the lack of fluidity in character interactions and technical limitations that detracted from immersion, despite efforts to recreate the game’s historical setting. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the game’s stylistic charm and atmospheric strengths while recognizing its technical limitations. While Adventure Gamers, COGconnected, and Nintendo Life praised the visual design for its period authenticity and creative choices, many reviewers, including GameGrin, Riot Pixels, and GamingAge, felt the graphics failed to meet modern standards. The game’s visuals are seen as a trade-off between nostalgic appeal and outdated technical execution, with some praising its ability to evoke the Orient Express’s elegance despite flaws in animation and detail. This duality reflects a broader divide between appreciating the art direction and critiquing its implementation, leaving the visual design as a polarizing aspect of the experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Praised for immersive 1930s atmosphere, orchestral jazzy textures, and tension-building soundscapes, but criticized for stilted voice acting, repetitive music, and uneven localization—audio elements elevate the mystery but struggle to match their own ambition.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The Sound Design and Music of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express received generally positive feedback from multiple critics, with many praising its atmospheric and immersive qualities. Reviewers like Everyeye.it highlighted the soundtrack’s engaging use of classical instruments to evoke a retro, 1930s ambiance, while Adventure Gamers noted that the score “sounds like it belongs in a 1930s movie.” The orchestral jazzy elements and ambient sounds, such as the train’s movement, were frequently cited as enhancing immersion, with Adventure Game Hotspot describing them as “complementing the gameplay” and Nintendo Life appreciating the “leisurely mood” created by smooth saxophone and mysterious piano. Additionally, SpazioGames and COGconnected emphasized how the soundtrack effectively builds a sense of mystery and tension, while Eurogamer and Four Fat Chicks praised the polished voice acting and sound design as integral to the experience. However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings, particularly in voice acting and musical variety. GameGrin and Gaming Age criticized the voice acting as “poor,” with stilted performances and unnatural cadence detracting from immersion, while Riot Pixels described it as “caricatured” and lacking enthusiasm. Push Square also noted “questionable voice acting choices,” and GameWatcher highlighted that dialogue delivery was “lacking.” While the music itself was often praised for its atmosphere, some felt it lacked variety or depth; Gamereactor UK suggested the soundtrack could benefit from more diversity, and GameSpot called it “generic but nicely understated.” Additionally, Everyeye.it mentioned issues with the Italian localization, and Multiplayer.it recommended using the French dubbing for a more authentic character portrayal. Overall, the critical consensus leans toward appreciation for the game’s sound design and music, which effectively support its mystery-driven narrative and immersive atmosphere. While there were mixed reactions to voice acting quality—particularly on PC platforms—the soundtrack was consistently lauded for its period-appropriate style and ability to enhance storytelling. Critics like Adventure Gamers, CPUGamer, and Nintendo Life emphasized the strengths of the audio elements, even as some noted areas for improvement. The game’s reliance on atmospheric soundscapes and classical motifs resonated with many, though the uneven voice acting and occasional musical repetition prevented it from achieving universal acclaim. Despite these flaws, the majority of reviewers agreed that the sound design and music significantly contributed to the game’s nostalgic and engaging experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

David Suchet’s Poirot dazzles with authentic voice work, but uneven performances and cringe accents dim the experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

The voice acting in Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express receives widespread praise for its authenticity and immersion. Critics highlight David Suchet’s iconic portrayal of Hercule Poirot as a standout, with Adventure Gamers noting his "well done" performance that adds familiarity for fans, while Four Fat Chicks laud it as "superb." The French dubbing is particularly praised by Multiplayer.it, which recommends it for better character portrayal, and GameSpew commends the "interesting and well-acted" conversations that keep players engaged. PLAY! Zine and Adventure Game Hotspot emphasize the use of accents to enhance realism, with the latter noting that "fitting accents contribute to the realism and depth of the narrative." Additionally, Eurogamer calls the voice acting "polished," and GamesRadar+ (via Gamereactor UK) acknowledges strong performances from main characters. These positives underscore a generally favorable reception for the vocal work, especially in capturing the game’s atmospheric tone. However, several critics point to inconsistencies and technical shortcomings. GameGrin criticizes the voice acting as "poor," with "stilted, monotone, and unnatural" performances that hinder immersion, while Gaming Age calls it "subpar," contributing to a "cheap appearance." Riot Pixels notes "inconsistent and poorly executed" delivery, with some characters sounding "unnatural and lacking depth," and GameWatcher points out a lack of "character expressions during dialogue." Nintendo Life also mentions "cringe-worthy accents" in certain cases. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is often effective, some performances fall short, particularly in character consistency or emotional nuance, which could detract from the experience for discerning players. Overall, the consensus leans positive, with most critics acknowledging the voice acting as a key strength, especially David Suchet’s performance and the use of accents to enrich the narrative. While there are notable criticisms—particularly around technical execution and occasional inconsistencies—the majority view the vocal work as immersive and well-suited to the game’s mystery-driven atmosphere. The mixed feedback reflects varying expectations, but the praise for Suchet’s portrayal and the French dubbing (as highlighted by Multiplayer.it) suggests that the voice acting largely succeeds in enhancing the story’s authenticity. Despite some flaws, the overall sentiment indicates that the vocal performances are a significant asset to the game’s appeal.

TL;DR

voice acting

David Suchet’s Poirot dazzles with authentic voice work, but uneven performances and cringe accents dim the experience.

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express delivers polished, technically sound performance across all platforms, with stability and smooth gameplay praised on PS5, PC, and Switch. Minor issues—like PC’s cutscene compression, Switch’s frame drops, and Xbox’s clunky controls—exist but are overshadowed by its atmospheric storytelling and narrative focus, making it a competent, if unremarkable, adventure title.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express receives generally positive feedback across platforms, with notable strengths in stability and polish. On PS5, The Games Machine highlights "no execution problems," while PS4 users like PLAY! Zine praise its "technical stability" and smooth experience. For PC, multiple reviewers commend the game’s reliability: Adventure Game Hotspot notes seamless saves, Hooked Gamers reports "smooth performance with no observable issues," and GameSpot acknowledges its atmospheric strengths despite modest technical demands. On Nintendo Switch, Nintenderos praises "excellent performance" in both docked and handheld modes, while Nintendo Life calls it "adequate for a slow-paced game." The Xbox Series X also fares well, with Gamereactor UK citing "minor bumps but overall stability" and Riot Pixels noting the absence of visible issues. These reviews collectively suggest that the game is technically sound on all platforms, with few major hiccups. However, platform-specific challenges emerge in some critiques. On PC, GameSpot criticizes poor video compression in cutscenes and Just Adventure highlights a frustrating "major oversight" where automatic actions become manual. For Nintendo Switch, COGconnected points to "slight frame rate drops and autosave lag," while Nintenderos acknowledges graphical shortcomings despite strong performance. On Xbox Series X, Movies Games and Tech notes "occasional awkward controls, particularly with point-and-click mechanics," which could hinder immersion. While these issues are minor, they reflect the game’s reliance on a slower, narrative-driven pace that may not align perfectly with all control schemes or hardware capabilities. The technical flaws, though present, do not overshadow the core experience for most reviewers. Overall, critics agree that Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express delivers a technically competent experience across platforms, with only minor issues detracting from its polish. The game’s strengths lie in its atmospheric design and smooth performance, particularly on PC and Nintendo Switch, where it balances stability with immersive storytelling. While some platform-specific quirks—like PC’s cutscene compression or Xbox’s control nuances—exist, they are largely overlooked by reviewers who emphasize the game’s narrative focus over technical prowess. The consensus is that the game succeeds as a polished, if not groundbreaking, adventure title, with its technical performance aligning well with its deliberate, story-driven approach.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express offers a gripping narrative and puzzles that might tempt repeat plays, but its rigid linear structure, fixed endings, and repetitive mechanics doom it to feel like a one-time trip. While collectibles and challenges cater to completionists, the lack of player agency and predictable paths make it a short-lived experience for most.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

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

The reviewers generally acknowledge some positive aspects of Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express’s replay value, though these are often tempered by limitations in its design. GameOver.gr highlights that the game offers a “complete and thorough playthrough” lasting up to ten hours, which could appeal to players seeking an extended narrative experience. Adventure Game Hotspot notes that collectibles and an engaging story might encourage some players to revisit the game, while Movies Games and Tech emphasizes the challenge of its achievement list and logical puzzles, particularly for perfectionists. Nintendo Life also suggests that the game’s puzzles are sufficient to warrant a second playthrough, even if they’re not consistently high-quality. These positives indicate that the game’s narrative depth and puzzle mechanics can provide some incentive for replayability, especially for fans of mystery genres or those who enjoy exploring hidden details. However, the majority of critics express concerns about the game’s limited replay value due to its linear structure and lack of player agency. PLAY! Zine directly states that the “linear nature” reduces replayability, as players always reach the same conclusion regardless of choices. SpazioGames criticizes the predetermined structure, which forces trial-and-error problem-solving, while GameWatcher and GameZone argue that the fixed ending and minimal player input diminish engagement after a single playthrough. Nintenderos and Nintendo Life also point to repetitive puzzle mechanics and simplicity, which could make subsequent runs feel redundant. These critiques highlight a recurring issue: the game’s reliance on a singular narrative path and lack of branching outcomes significantly curtail its potential for multiple replays, even if some elements like collectibles or achievements offer minor incentives. Overall, there is a clear consensus among critics that Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express has limited replay value due to its linear design and fixed story structure. While some reviewers, like Adventure Game Hotspot and Movies Games and Tech, acknowledge niche appeals for collectors or perfectionists, most emphasize that the game’s lack of player choice and repetitive mechanics hinder its longevity. The mixed reception around puzzle quality (as noted by Nintendo Life) and the presence of collectibles (Adventure Game Hotspot) suggest that while there are minor factors that could encourage a second playthrough, they are not enough to overcome the game’s fundamental constraints. Critics like GameWatcher and GameZone succinctly summarize this sentiment, stating that the game “offers little replay value” due to its predetermined outcomes and short duration. Ultimately, the title is seen as more of a one-time experience than a game designed for repeated engagement.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment toward Agatha Christie: Murder on the Orient Express leans positively, with many reviewers praising its engaging narrative, atmospheric presentation, and faithful adaptation of the classic story. Critics like GameSpew and Multiplayer.it highlighted the game’s immersive storytelling, noting that it successfully captures the thrill of stepping into Poirot’s shoes through compelling dialogue, varied puzzles, and strong voice acting. Nintendo Life and COGconnected emphasized its modern updates and creative puzzles, while Movies Games and Tech lauded its "captivating plot" and "spectacular setting." The game’s ability to balance nostalgia with fresh elements—such as the introduction of a new character in Nintendo Life’s review—was seen as a strength. Additionally, Adventure Gamers and GameStar acknowledged its polished graphics and believable characters, reinforcing its appeal to fans of the mystery genre. However, several critics pointed to significant flaws that detract from the experience. SpazioGames and GameGrin criticized the game’s repetitive gameplay mechanics and lack of innovation, with the former calling it "mediocre" and the latter finding it "dull and tedious." Issues like linearity, poor puzzle design, and outdated aesthetics were recurrent complaints. Riot Pixels and Gamereactor UK noted technical shortcomings, such as contrived puzzles and graphical inconsistencies, while GameWatcher and GameSpot highlighted a lack of player agency and unengaging busywork. CPUGamer and Four Fat Chicks also mentioned that the game’s modern reinterpretation felt underwhelming compared to the original novel, with some story changes deemed questionable. These critiques suggest that while the game is enjoyable for casual players, it struggles to satisfy more discerning or experienced fans. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus among critics is that Murder on the Orient Express is a worthwhile experience for Agatha Christie enthusiasts and mystery lovers, even if it falls short of being groundbreaking. GameOver.gr and Adventure Game Hotspot noted its ability to maintain suspense and provide an enjoyable, immersive journey, while Push Square and Just Adventure appreciated its modern twists and faithful adaptation. However, the game’s shortcomings—repetitive gameplay, technical flaws, and lack of ambition—prevent it from being a standout entry in the genre. As The Games Machine and Gamers Europe observed, the title feels like a missed opportunity to fully honor Christie’s legacy, but its strengths in storytelling and atmosphere ensure it remains accessible and enjoyable for fans seeking a nostalgic yet updated detective experience.

TL;DR

A nostalgic yet flawed mystery adventure that captivates with atmospheric storytelling and faithful nods to Christie’s legacy, but falters under repetitive mechanics, underdeveloped puzzles, and a lack of innovation—ideal for fans craving charm, less so for those seeking depth.

MONSTER

Reviews

63 reviews found

Just Adventure

Jan 1, 1970