72
MONSTER
In this story-driven detective thriller, a young Sherlock Holmes struggles to prove himself as he navigates an exotic, dangerous island in the Mediterranean to investigate the mystery of his mother’s death. As Sherlock, your legacy is written by the decisions you make in this open world. Deception, violence, and deduction are just a few resources in your arsenal—your mysterious companion and sounding board, Jon, is another. Whether you choose brute force to solve problems or stay one step ahead of your enemies by using your wits to spot vulnerabilities, you decide what each situation demands as you hone your investigative skills. It’s time to confront your past so you can become the legend you’re destined to be.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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80
A flawed but ambitious origin story that humanizes Sherlock Holmes through emotional depth and inventive mystery mechanics, yet falters with a rushed plot, clunky execution, and outdated tropes, leaving fans divided between its heartfelt charm and structural shortcomings.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
70%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
29%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
A flawed but ambitious origin story that humanizes Sherlock Holmes through emotional depth and inventive mystery mechanics, yet falters with a rushed plot, clunky execution, and outdated tropes, leaving fans divided between its heartfelt charm and structural shortcomings.
Gameplay Mechanics
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73
Praise for immersive investigative mechanics and open-world freedom, but criticized for clunky combat and unpolished execution, resulting in a mixed experience that shines as a detective game despite flaws.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
26%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
73%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Praise for immersive investigative mechanics and open-world freedom, but criticized for clunky combat and unpolished execution, resulting in a mixed experience that shines as a detective game despite flaws.
Graphics and Visual Design
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73
Artistic visuals praised for Mediterranean charm, intricate details, and immersive atmosphere, but plagued by outdated graphics, technical glitches, repetitive design, and poor optimization—mixed reviews highlight ambition vs. execution flaws.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
31%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
63%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Artistic visuals praised for Mediterranean charm, intricate details, and immersive atmosphere, but plagued by outdated graphics, technical glitches, repetitive design, and poor optimization—mixed reviews highlight ambition vs. execution flaws.
Music and Sound Design
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74
Praise for immersive soundscapes and stellar vocals contrasts with complaints about repetitive dialogue, grating music, and inconsistent audio execution in Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
74
Positive Reviews (80-100)
55%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
34%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
10%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Praise for immersive soundscapes and stellar vocals contrasts with complaints about repetitive dialogue, grating music, and inconsistent audio execution in Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One.
Voice Acting
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78
Praise for immersive character dynamics and Alex Jordan's nuanced performance, but repetitive lines and underdeveloped NPCs undermine consistency. Balanced reception—strong lead voices vs. inconsistent supporting roles.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
63%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
27%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
10%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Praise for immersive character dynamics and Alex Jordan's nuanced performance, but repetitive lines and underdeveloped NPCs undermine consistency. Balanced reception—strong lead voices vs. inconsistent supporting roles.
Technical Performance
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57
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One is a technical mess across platforms—PS5 grapples with frame drops and glitches, PC has uneven optimization, and Xbox suffers from stuttering controls. While high-end hardware shows promise, widespread instability and bugs undermine the experience, though patches hint at potential improvement. Core mechanics and story may still entice fans, but flaws are hard to ignore.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
57
Positive Reviews (80-100)
8%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
56%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
36%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One is a technical mess across platforms—PS5 grapples with frame drops and glitches, PC has uneven optimization, and Xbox suffers from stuttering controls. While high-end hardware shows promise, widespread instability and bugs undermine the experience, though patches hint at potential improvement. Core mechanics and story may still entice fans, but flaws are hard to ignore.
Replay Value
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70
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One offers rich side content and investigative depth for replayability, but repetitive combat, underdeveloped choices, and a linear structure limit its appeal for all players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
70
Positive Reviews (80-100)
26%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
67%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
7%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One offers rich side content and investigative depth for replayability, but repetitive combat, underdeveloped choices, and a linear structure limit its appeal for all players.
Overall Verdict
72
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
72
Positive Reviews (80-100)
49%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
50%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Praised for its immersive detective work and atmospheric storytelling, Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One dazzles with depth and charm, yet its clunky open-world design, technical flaws, and uneven mechanics leave it struggling to deliver a seamless experience.
72
MONSTER
Reviews
115 reviews found100
XBLA Fans
Feb 23, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A highly recommended game with a lot of content and a lower price point compared to AAA titles.
100
GameGrin
Nov 16, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review considers Sherlock Holmes Chapter One as one of the reviewer's favorite games of all time, praising its graphics, gameplay mechanics, and emotional story. The reviewer highly recommends the game to anyone with even a mild interest in it.
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92
Video Chums
Nov 15, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is a masterpiece of a detective game that delivers a thoroughly enjoyable open-world adventure.
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91
Player 2
Nov 15, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Overall, the game is considered the best in the series so far, with a satisfying story and gameplay, despite some frustrating mechanics.
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90
Ragequit.gr
Nov 16, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is considered a really good, perhaps even excellent game, appreciated for its writing, gameplay, and visual design.
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88
XboxAddict
Nov 16, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Overall, the game is well-received with a score of 8.8/10, praised for its story, gameplay, visuals, and sound design.
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87
Generación Xbox
Dec 6, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One is a commendable entry in the franchise, showcasing a youthful version of the detective with a strong narrative, impressive visuals, and engaging gameplay.
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86
Xbox Tavern
Dec 3, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is a fascinating and fantastic game for fans of Sherlock Holmes and investigative adventures. It has charm, wit, excitement, and chilling crimes. The inclusion of sensitive content raises questions about the developer's intentions, but overall, it is a thoroughly enjoyable game.
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85
CGMagazine
Nov 15, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer considers Sherlock Holmes Chapter One to be their favorite game of the year, praising its charm, elegance, and respect for Doyle's original character.
85
Wccftech
Nov 15, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is a significant step forward for the series, featuring a great story, charming characters, and engaging gameplay mechanics. It is highly recommended for fans of the series and adventure games.
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