I have played this game many times and that isn't typical for me, as I am an action/puzzle gamer. Also, you would think this type of game, with it's control interface, would be too linear to play repeatedly. However, this is Sherlock Holmes, and the mystery this time around isn't about mummies, but jewels. The story is about the world renowned Sherlock Holmes. This time around, it's not just Watson that assists our famous protagonist through this interesting plot of thievery and deception. Don't expect any emotional effect, as this is a Sherlock Holmes plot and, as it's previous efforts, falls short on a deep, involving story.
That is not to say that the game is poorly written. As a matter of fact, to observe the writing objectively, it is Sherlock Holmes grade stuff. After all, it (the story of Sherlock Holmes), began as literature well before it was ever made into a game. The number of Sherlock Holmes novels far exceeds the many versions of Sherlock Holmes mystery puzzle solving games. None, to my recollection, had any deep, emotionally driven plot, and this game, entitled Sherlock: Riddle of The Crown Jewels, does not deviate from the normal theme.
For me personally, the sound and graphics are what make this game so appealing; it's art. Finely detailed rooms, streets, even caverns (which can be very blah naturally) make for a game
that is most easy on the eyes. Then, it's the solving of puzzles is what engrosses you, as you continue to search and solve mind-numbing mysteries throughout the game, and even go up against some baddies that stand in your way for the bounty. There are twists, but nothing that you will not be able to conquer with some ingenuity. Again, this is about classic puzzle solving, accompanied by lovely graphics and a beautiful score to boot. I would not recommend this for anyone looking for an action suspense game; it's search, go to, be stumped, think, wait, think some more, then...eureka! The satisfaction of overcoming these puzzles is above average, which is more to engross you in this edition of Sherlock Holmes. I recommend this for the thinking gamers out there, who seek a good challenge and are not afraid of having to be patient with the controls of a game that is made to be methodical. Good luck! Unlike Sherlock's famous phrase, this game is not always "elementary."
