Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: DOS
- Publishers: Mythos Software
The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Rose Tattoo (1996)
Introduction
The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Rose Tattoo is a point-and-click adventure game developed by Cryo Interactive and published by Sierra On-Line in 1996. It is the first game in the The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes franchise, and is based on the characters and stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.
The game follows Holmes and his trusted companion Dr. Watson as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young woman named Sarah Winchester. Sarah is the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, and her disappearance has caused quite a stir in London. Holmes and Watson soon discover that Sarah’s disappearance is linked to a secret society known as the Rose Tattoo, and that the society is involved in a plot to overthrow the British government.
Gameplay
The Case of the Rose Tattoo is a classic point-and-click adventure game. Players control Holmes as he investigates crime scenes, interviews suspects, and solves puzzles. The game features a variety of puzzles, including logic puzzles, inventory puzzles, and dialogue puzzles.
Holmes can interact with the environment by clicking on objects and people. He can also use his inventory to combine objects and solve puzzles. Watson often accompanies Holmes on his investigations, and he can provide assistance by offering his medical expertise or by searching for clues.
Plot
The game begins with Holmes and Watson investigating the disappearance of Sarah Winchester. Sarah is the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, and her disappearance has caused quite a stir in London. Holmes and Watson soon discover that Sarah’s disappearance is linked to a secret society known as the Rose Tattoo.
The Rose Tattoo is a criminal organization that is involved in a plot to overthrow the British government. The society is led by a mysterious figure known only as “The Master,” and its members are all tattooed with a rose symbol.
Holmes and Watson must investigate the Rose Tattoo and find Sarah Winchester before it is too late. The investigation takes them all over London, from the slums to the royal palace. Along the way, they must solve puzzles, interview suspects, and fight off the Rose Tattoo’s assassins.
Characters
- Sherlock Holmes: The world’s greatest detective. Holmes is a brilliant investigator with a keen eye for detail. He is also a master of disguise and deduction.
- Dr. Watson: Holmes’ trusted companion and assistant. Watson is a loyal friend and a skilled doctor. He often provides Holmes with medical assistance and helps him to solve puzzles.
- Sarah Winchester: A young woman who has disappeared. Sarah is the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, and her disappearance has caused quite a stir in London.
- The Master: The leader of the Rose Tattoo. The Master is a mysterious figure who is never seen without his mask. He is a brilliant strategist and a ruthless killer.
Setting
The game is set in London in the late 19th century. London is a bustling metropolis, but it is also a city of secrets and danger. The Rose Tattoo operates in the shadows, and its members are everywhere. Holmes and Watson must be careful not to draw too much attention to themselves, or they will risk being killed.
Reception
The Case of the Rose Tattoo was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its well-written story, challenging puzzles, and atmospheric setting. It was also one of the first games to feature full voice acting.
The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn. It has also been released on GOG.com and Steam.
Legacy
The Case of the Rose Tattoo is considered to be one of the best Sherlock Holmes games ever made. It set a new standard for adventure games, and it has inspired many other games in the genre. The game has also been adapted into a novel and a comic book.
The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Rose Tattoo is a classic adventure game that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s well-written story, challenging puzzles, and atmospheric setting make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
