Sherlock Holmes The Awakened Reviews
Just a couple of notes. First, as this is based on the works of Doyle and Lovecraft and set in Victorian times, some questionable ideas are espoused here. For the most part, the game goes out of its way to repudiate such views, like the man abusing his servant. But be aware they are there (the game warns you about this in its loading screens). Second and far less important, the game is relatively short. It took about fourteen hours to complete, and I wasn’t exactly trying for a speed run. I in no way think this is a bad thing, however. The timeframe kept the story tight and meant the game did not outstay its welcome. The game releases April 11, 2023, so if you pick it up let me know what you think in the comment below!
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened was a fun, albeit uneven, experience. Several of the flaws from Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One were addressed, such as removing the clunky combat system, while others, like pinning specific evidence to uncover clues, remain a frustrating gameplay feature. The overarching story is compelling and will keep you invested all the way through. Although, it does bear repeating to expect some pretty uneven pacing, especially when your leads take Sherlock away from the Lovecraftian elements. Still, this remake is an impressive feat, essentially completely rebuilding the original game from the ground up, with all new story beats never seen in the original.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened combines a faithful remake of the 2007 game and a sequel that builds on the previous entry, Chapter One. The picturesque island is swapped for a horror setting inspired by the underworld, the occult, and, most importantly, H.P. Lovecraft, where a seemingly simple case is set and gradually unravels through the gameplay experience.
Review in Czech | Read full review
The Awakened is worth more for what it represents than for the game itself. Between graphics and gameplay it tastes old even if it is new, but it knows how to be a completely independent remake of the 2006 inspirer of the same name.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Sherlock Holmes The Awakened combines horror and Holmes to create a wonderful adventure game, but don't expect it to hold your hand.
Nevertheless, the small problem that surrounds this title is that it plays quite a lot like Chapter One and — though better — still has that general feel of Sinking City. It also will serve to frustrate many because of the way it doesn’t attempt to hold your hand as you play. If you don’t mind that duopoly of deja vu — nor a bit of trial and error — then jump right in.
Sherlock Holmes The Awakened is a solid entry to the franchise by Ukrainian developer Frogwares, and I hope to see some DLC in the future to keep the adventure going.
A well-made remake that smartly avoids some of the mistakes we saw in Chapter One.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Frogwares' remake of Sherlock Holmes The Awakened successfully blends the otherworldly with the logical in a compelling and well-written adventure that shows a different side of the iconic detective.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened, despite visual inconsistencies and limited accessibility for newcomers, remains a solid entry in the series. Its Lovecraftian twist, complex mysteries, and character development engage players. While some areas need improvement, the game offers a captivating experience for Sherlock Holmes and adventure game fans. Frogwares delivers a notable adventure, albeit not perfect.
While Sherlock Holmes The Awakened has an incredibly rich story to experience, it feels like you have to work much harder than normal to get to it. The overall gameplay is incredibly smooth and the mechanics balance each other out quite well, but a form of hint is desperately needed for a game like this.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened has a very good and interesting storyline, capable of keeping us glued to the end, but it suffers from a few too many bugs and gameplay that is a bit too frustrating and confusing. It is worth a try, but maybe after the arrival of some patches and a price drop.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Sherlock Holmes The Awakened does what a good remake should, and remakes the entire game. New graphics, gameplay, story elements, dialogue, and more all work to bring together an experience any fan of detective-focused gameplay will love. It has some issues with signposting and movement bugs, but if you love Sherlock Holmes then this is a trip worth taking.
Deviating from the more typical fare taken on Sherlock and his pal Watson, a pinch of Lovecraftian horror spices things up
Sherlock Holmes The Awakened is a competent remake featuring all the best features the series is known for, such as an engaging mystery and solid investigative gameplay. While the game is lacking in terms of innovation, doing away with the open-world setting seen in Chapter One, Frogwares developed Sherlock Holmes The Awakened it in less than a year and in the middle of a war, so no one should be disappointed that the game doesn't feel much different from past entries in the franchise.
Frogwares brings back a Sherlock game with many enhancements and plot tweaks that despite its Lovecraftian style, is just not able to reach the standards set by Chapter One
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Made in a warzone, Sherlock Holmes The Awakened is a solid remake that covers all of the bases you'd normally expect from Frogwares' Sherlock series, delivering an absorbing mystery and a procession of nicely executed puzzles. It's a perfect stop-gap before Chapter Two comes along.
If you feel that a detective story mixed with Lovecraftian occult is right up your alley - Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened is THE game for you. But don’t expect a more ambitious storyline or challenging puzzles.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened is a competent linear adventure game that seamlessly connects the rebooted story of a young Sherlock Holmes with the twisted world of Lovecraft. While it's a focused effort overall, the presentation is clunky, and the Lovecraftian elements don't get the spotlight they deserve. The enjoyable mystery adventure romp will satisfy fans of the franchise, but everyone else might be better off waiting for a sale before jumping into this case.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened has received a rather elementary remake. Those returning from Chapter One will appreciate the witty writing and banter between Holmes and Watson, though it is missing a certain 'wow factor' for a remake like this to truly stand out in today's market.