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About Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments puts players in the role of the famed detective, letting them tackle six distinct investigations ranging from murders to thefts. The game emphasizes freedom of action, offering 14 detective skills, interrogation options, and the ability to decide suspects' fates, which shape reputation and story outcomes.
Designed as a single‑player adventure, the title supports full controller use and integrates Steam features such as achievements, cloud saves, and trading cards. Developed by Frogwares, it runs on Windows and leverages Steam’s family‑sharing capabilities.
01 / THE GUIDE
Case Structure and Variety
Each of the six cases presents a unique narrative focus—some revolve around murder, others around missing persons or spectacular thefts. The description notes that investigations can sometimes “lead you into the realms of the fantastic,” indicating occasional supernatural or unusual elements.
Each case offers its own distinct narrative focus while contributing to an overarching sense of Holmes’s career.
- Compare the tone of each case to gauge which investigative approach feels most natural.
- Take notes on recurring clues; patterns may emerge across different cases.
02 / THE GUIDE
Detective Skills System
The game provides 14 “extraordinary skills of detection” that players can employ during investigations. These skills cover observation, deduction, and interrogation, giving multiple avenues to gather evidence.
Skill use is optional; players may rely on a subset that matches their preferred play style, influencing how quickly they uncover the truth.
- Experiment with different skill combinations to see which yields the most useful information.
- Balance observational skills with interrogation to cover both physical and testimonial evidence.
03 / THE GUIDE
Moral Choices and Consequences
Players can decide whether to follow a personal moral compass or adhere strictly to the letter of the law. The description emphasizes that choices affect “reputation” and can produce “surprising consequences where you least expect them.”
These decisions include naming the guilty party and determining their fate, directly shaping narrative outcomes.
- Reflect on the long‑term impact of each decision rather than immediate satisfaction.
- Observe how earlier choices influence later case reactions.
04 / THE GUIDE
Reputation System
The game tracks the detective’s reputation based on player decisions. Reputation shifts can affect how characters respond to Holmes and exert a real influence on the story’s outcomes.
Reputation is described as “far‑reaching,” suggesting it can influence multiple aspects of the story beyond a single case.
- Maintain a consistent approach to build a clear reputation profile.
- Watch for NPC dialogue changes that hint at reputation shifts.
05 / THE GUIDE
Platform Features and Support
Crimes and Punishments runs on Windows and includes full controller support, Steam achievements, cloud saves, trading cards, and family sharing. These features are listed without implying additional functionality beyond their names.
The presence of Steam Cloud means progress can be stored online, while family sharing allows other account holders to play the same purchase.
- Enable Steam Cloud in settings to safeguard your save data.
- Use family sharing to let friends experience the game without buying a separate copy.
COMMUNITY
Player discussion