‘Crimes and Punishments: Sherlock Holmes’ PS4 review
By Steven Cayer, Senior Columnist
4/5
I have enjoyed the company of Sherlock Holmes for a few years now, from Robert Downey Jr. in the movies to Benedict Cumberbatch in the TV show. Now I have finally experienced him in a new light in Crimes and Punishments: Sherlock Holmes on the PS4. As the name suggests, this game is about Sherlock Holmes solving crimes with his trusty sidekick Dr. Watson and his dog Toby.
Playing as Holmes, you have two different techniques that you can use to help solve these mysteries.
The first is called “vision,” where you suddenly see things that only Sherlock could see, such as an outline of dust on a shelf hinting that there was something there. Whenever you see a certain symbol in the corner of the screen, just hit that button and voilà. The second technique is called “imagination,” where you can visualize a scene taking place in the past. For example, a pillar that you need to activate is broken in half, but you can visualize it whole and use it to solve the puzzle.
If you enjoy solving difficult puzzles, this is the game for you. Even if you don’t, you have the choice to skip any and all puzzles, though I suggest you at least try. I enjoy the fact that each case has more than one ending. You are actually able to get the wrong conclusions, which makes every decision that much harder to make.
One of the hindrances is that you only have six cases to solve. Yes, they are all different and definitely well-written, it’s just not enough gameplay to justify the cost. I also would’ve liked there to be an overall story, instead of six completely separate cases.
Even though this game is a must-play, I suggest waiting until the price goes down if you have the patience.
