Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express is a fantastic multi-faceted title that will capture your imagination. Moreover, it is a wonderfully up-to-date game that teases and tests you throughout. As such, if you love a puzzling experience or a whodunnit murder mystery, this will be right up your street.
This detective adventure title was published and developed by Microids. Additionally, it has a well-written script, some gloriously obnoxious characters, and a delightful layer of camp charm. Accordingly, if you adore the genre, you will admire every chapter on offer. What’s more, it captures the brilliance of both the films and the novels. Consequently, this rarely misses the mark.
Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express tells a classic tale.
It doesn’t get much more traditional than an Agatha Christie novel. As such, it would have been disappointing had the developers got things horribly wrong. However, the wonderfully camp and often ostentatious Hercule Poirot was a joy to watch. This remarkable detective loves to get his “beak” into everyone’s business. Yet, I can understand why, as he rarely gets things wrong. However, when things go awry on a train in the middle of nowhere, his skills are put to the test.
The story revolves around the comings and goings of a group of strangers on the world-famous train. A relaxing journey takes a turn for the worse as a wealthy and influential man is murdered. This heinous crime is bad enough, but the criminal remains on board the train. Consequently, Poirot must work fast and decipher every clue if he is to solve this tough murder investigation.
Straightforward but fascinating mechanics.
In typical detective fashion, Poirot is armed with a notepad and a mind map. The latter option helps him piece together every item of evidence. Furthermore, it helps you to keep track of each task at hand. This was a phenomenal choice as it removes trial and error and unnecessary back and forth.
In its place, you enjoy a swathe of upbeat and detailed cinematic. Alternatively, you must observe your fellow passengers to understand their personalities. Each of these elements is essential as they help you to put together any conclusions. On top of this, you will have to interrogate suspects. Subsequently, the more details you know about each individual, the better your chances are.
My biggest gripe with the core mechanics is there is virtually no way to fail any portion of the game. The only exception to this rule is the logic-based puzzles. Accordingly, if you weren’t paying attention, you could simply guess your way to victory and that was disappointing.
More bang for your buck.
Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express doesn’t just deliver one detective. No, you get more bang for your buck as a second investigation must be completed. I enjoyed this surprise inclusion and the additional workload it created.
Joanna Locke is a private detective who has a keen investigative mindset. However, a tough case in the United States can only be solved through a range of interesting flashbacks. This approach moved away from the modern linear style of the main game. Additionally, it added a sinister, gritty edge that Poirot lacked.
Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express has some odd graphical moments.
The developers have done a fantastic job with the setting and the animation. However, Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express has odd hilarious moments. The lip-syncing is occasionally awful and some of the character models are just laughable. Yet, these moments don’t detract from an otherwise well-polished and eye-catching experience.
Much of the action relies on dialogue and realistic ambient sounds. As such, I was impressed by the limited but suitable music. Each short track set the tone whilst adding drama and energy. Alongside this, the acting was fantastic and each protagonist and bit-part player helped to deliver a fascinating and captivating story.
Occasionally awkward controls.
Though much of the action focuses on a point-and-click design, it was occasionally awkward to play. Whenever you moved too close to a selectable object, you were unable to input any action. As such, you waste time moving back and forth to identify the right hitbox. Yet, when things worked, it was fantastic to play.
Though the plot is linear, there is plenty of replay value and longevity. If you are a perfectionist, you’ll adore the challenging achievement list. Furthermore, though the observation games are easy, you may struggle to perfect every logical challenge. Subsequently, this will test your grey cells and your patience.
Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express is fantastic.
I loved this rendition of an Agatha Christie novel. The characters are amusing, interesting, and enjoyable to interact with. Furthermore, the plot is captivating, and the setting is spectacular. As such, I adore it and I recommend buying it here! Can you solve every problem you face? Use your mind map to piece together the clues, and save the day.
