This visually stunning exploration game intertwines the story of a mother fox seeking to find her cubs and a narrator reflecting on his past and the future that lies ahead. This is not a fast-paced game, and not puzzle-based (with a minor exception); It lives up to its premise as a walking simulator where you uncover narrrative secret as you walk from one beautiful scenery to the next, each presenting with elements that put the story into a broader context. The visuals are amazing, environmental storytelling really engaging, and the music an emotional trip down memory lane as if it were your own. It all corroborates the story so well and makes the game emotionally appealing. With its 2.5 hours playtime, such a game could be expanded to include some more biomes and more challenges, but I would still highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys similar games such as Journey, Spirit of the North, and Lost Ember.
This is a very solid entry in what has become a reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes franchise as we know it. I never played the original game, which I see as an advantage because a lot of the criticism is centered around comparisons between these two. However, I have played most of the other games, and I can say this is certainly one of my favorites. The graphics are impeccable, and the game follows the same design choices that made Chapter One memorable. It takes away game mechanics that were frowned upon (such as the clumsy combat), and improves the elements of gameplay that already worked (concentration is utilized more). Dialogue is immersive; you can really connect with the characters on a personal level. The dynamics between Holmes and Watson bring so much depth to their relationship as new associates who are learning to trust and care for each other. The level design and soundtrack synergize to set a darker tone that characterizes the story in the game. Holmes is confronted with unexplainable events that threaten to break him from within, and his fear of going insane is reflected very well throughout. The deduction board has returned with a Lovecraftian redesign and keeps on rewarding as the player draws their conclusion. However, a major issue this time around is that the stakes feel much lower. Where previous games would make the player think hard before making a final decision (that could be wrong), this game makes a trial-and-error approach that leads to a single correct deduction before you can move on. Similarly, dialogue options have no real consequences further in the game. Most puzzles are quite easy and thus feel less rewarding. I also miss utlizing the chemical laboratory in Baker Street and having to disguise Holmes to progress. At just below 12 hours to complete, the game falls a bit short of previous entries, but given the circumstances, Frogwares has put out a truly compelling product that I hope to see more content for in the future.
