A promising detective story with an unexpected setting.
While Sherlock Holmes has already had several successful video game adaptations from Frogwares, another very famous detective, the Belgian Hercule Poirot, has never been so well known in games. However, the French company Microids, namely the newly created branch in Lyon, is now trying to make some adjustments. A few years after the release of the new film based on “Murder on the Orient Express”, we will see a game adaptation.
At Gamescom I got to play one of the opening sequences of the game, when Poirot first learns of the murder and begins investigating it. But first, I’d like to point out the visuals. While the game doesn’t boast any super-realistic graphics and certainly doesn’t have the same budget as a AAA game, the art style is very beautiful, making the title look very nice.
On the other hand, you can’t expect them to stick to the plan entirely. Poirot himself is also heavily stylized, and above all, the action takes place in the present day, not the 20th century, which, of course, significantly changes the overall impression. At the same time, the authors promise that even for those who know the story, they have prepared certain changes and plot twists. One of the biggest news is the addition of a second main character named Joanna Locke, in search of whom we will have to look several years into the past and, apparently, investigate a related case.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to play as Joanna, but after about 20 minutes of demoing Poirot, I was left with very positive impressions. The gameplay is relatively standard: you explore a crime scene and look for clues, and also solve a few puzzles. They are quite simple, on the other hand, even in a relatively short time, several types appeared, so I can’t complain too much, the variety can be solid. By the way, Poirot has his own mind map, thanks to which you know how to continue the investigation. If you are completely lost, there is also an option for help.
Of course, interrogating witnesses is also a key element. I thought the dialogue was very well written and the acting was great, although the facial animation may not be top notch, but the smaller budget certainly reflects that. By the way, like in Sherlock, you also have to put the character in a kind of “box” to determine their characteristics. It’s a shame that you can’t choose the wrong option. The game won’t progress until you choose everything correctly. It looks like it will be a purely linear experience.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed Murder on the Orient Express. The engaging gameplay is complemented by the already mentioned stylized graphics and good sound. So I’m already looking forward to the full release, which, unfortunately, is scheduled for a very busy October, namely the 19th. Hopefully, I’ll be able to find time to play the game, because I wouldn’t want to miss out on this experience. If you like detective stories, you definitely have something to look forward to.
Source :Indian TV
