The third and final entry in Towa Chikiโs Famicom trilogy, Meitantei Holmes: M-Kara no Chousenjou represents a significant stylistic shift from its predecessors. While the earlier titles attempted to blend side-scrolling action with detective work, this 1989 release doubles down on the traditional Japanese adventure format. The narrative follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they face a sophisticated gauntlet of crimes orchestrated by the elusive Professor Moriarty. Released late in the console's lifecycle, the game benefits from more refined sprite work and a darker, more atmospheric tone that aligns better with the source material than the more whimsical earlier entries.
Gameplay is primarily menu-driven, requiring players to navigate through commands such as "Look," "Talk," and "Move" to uncover clues across various London locales. This iteration removes the clunky platforming segments of the first game, focusing instead on logic puzzles and dialogue-heavy investigations. However, the experience is notorious for its steep difficulty curve and "pixel-hunting" mechanics, where missing a single trigger can lead to total stagnation. For those without a strong grasp of Japanese, the game is virtually unplayable without a translation guide, as the progression is entirely dependent on understanding specific nuances within the text.
Visually, the game is a respectable effort for the Famicom, featuring detailed character portraits and a variety of backdrops that successfully evoke a Victorian aesthetic. The soundtrack is equally moody, providing a sense of urgency that complements the high stakes of Moriartyโs challenge. While it lacks the crossover appeal of more famous Famicom adventure titles like Portopia Renzoku Satsujin Jiken, it remains a fascinating piece of history for Holmes fans.
