Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express, another famous novel adaptation brought to us by Microids, is a modernized take on the classic murder mystery, now set in the year 2023. This updated version of the beloved tale breathes new life into Hercule Poirot’s iconic investigation aboard the Orient Express, introducing fresh elements that might even surprise longtime fans. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
As perhaps could be expected, one of the standout features of the game is its engaging narrative, still based very much on the famous Agatha Christie original. The story unfolds seamlessly, drawing players into a web of suspense and intrigue as the narrative progresses. The addition of Joanna Locke, a new character, provides a unique perspective through playable flashbacks, adding an extra layer of depth to the narrative. There’s even a twist at the story’s conclusion that should pleasantly surprise those familiar with the story (or films).
The gameplay mechanics are well-crafted, allowing players to step into the shoes of both Poirot and Locke. The integration of a mind map and timeline feature offers a deeper level of immersion for wannabe detectives, encouraging players to use their deductive skills to unravel the truth behind the murder. The puzzles scattered throughout the game also provide a satisfying challenge, ensuring that the gameplay remains engaging and varied.
However, it’s worth noting that the puzzles can be hit and miss, with some of them feeling a bit out of place and potentially unclear and frustrating. Additionally, the game’s fairly linear, which can give players the sense that they can’t quite carve their own way through the case. But despite these minor drawbacks, the overall experience is undeniably enjoyable for Poirot fans.
Visually, Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express delivers a solid but unremarkable performance, offering a level of detail that complements the story’s atmosphere. While not groundbreaking, the graphics hold their own, providing a suitable backdrop for the investigation. The main character models are generally well-done, although there are a few supporting ones that might not share the same kind of aesthetic polish.
In terms of audio, the game delivers a commendable performance. The voice acting, while generally good, occasionally stumbles with some questionable accents that can feel a little too stereotypical. This minor flaw doesn’t significantly detract from the overall experience, but is worth noting as others (playing with the English dub) will likely notice the same.
In conclusion, Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express is a solid interpretation of the classic mystery. It successfully modernizes the story, introducing new elements that breathe fresh life into the classic narrative. Engaging gameplay takes players through a well-crafted mystery with varied puzzles, making for an immersive experience. While minor remarks can be made about the voice acting and the quality of the puzzles, they don’t overshadow the overall enjoyment of the game. For fans of murder mysteries and Agatha Christie enthusiasts, this one offers a captivating journey that’s well worth embarking upon even if the original story is familiar.
Score: 7.6/10
Press Play Media 