Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is an upcoming story-rich, open-world detective game by Frogwares Studio, and it has no intention of holding your hand and pointing you in the right direction if you do not take your detective work seriously enough.

The story of Sherlock Holmes has been around since 1887 when author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first published A Study in Scarlet in the Beeton’s Christmas Annual. It has gone on to become one of the most famous detective sagas of all time.

The original canon of Sherlock Holmes includes four books and five collections of short stories, but the greater franchise has expanded into so much more. It is believed Sherlock Holmes has appeared on screen more than any other literary character in history.

There have also been 13 video games, including the upcoming Sherlock Holmes Chapter One that include titles that focus on the main series as well as a bunch of casual games for the less hardcore gamers that still enjoy the detective story. There is even a Sherlock Mystery slot game by Playtech featured on some of the best online casinos, such as bet365.

The major difference between all the previous video games and Chapter One is that it was impossible to progress the game unless a crime had been solved successfully. That isn’t to say it was impossible to fail, but if you did, the level would reset, and you could try again.

This has been entirely turned on its head in Chapter One and makes the title an intriguing one. Whether you are investigating a crime scene; interviewing a suspect, witness or other people of interest; or trying to put clues together to solve a case, this game will never hold your hand.

Undiscovered clues won’t shine to help you find them, and there is no senior police officer to point you in the right direction when you go off course. You are Sherlock Holmes, after all, how would any mere mortal tell you that you are wrong.

This ultimately means that whether you determine someone is guilty or let them walk free, the game will progress regardless, and you will have to deal with the consequences of whether you were right or wrong in due course.

It is an absolute breath of fresh air not only into the Sherlock Holmes franchise but the gaming world in general that has fallen into the trap of making titles too dumbed down and simple to appeal to a wider audience. Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is definitely a game to keep your eye on.