A timeless classic, Agatha Christie: Murder on the Orient Express is one of the best-loved and most famous murder mysteries of all time. Originally released in 1934, the story has been refreshed and updated for this 2023 release — think Poirot with Internet access.
The acclaimed detective finds himself aboard the Orient Express where — shock horror — a murder takes place. It’s time to find evidence, piece things together, and solve the mystery at hand. There are a few different mechanics to allow you to do this, with Poirot’s mind map allowing you to organise your thoughts and keep you on track with what needs to be done next — a good job as otherwise there could be a lot of aimless walking around trying to figure out what the next step is.
There are lots of smaller puzzles for Poirot to crack while investigating the homicide at hand, whether it's breaking into a briefcase to obtain more clues, or simply showing kitchen staff how to best arrange their fridge to fit everything in a la Tetris. The puzzles are really engaging: there's enough variety to avoid the action from getting stale, but it all has a cohesive vibe which helps it to gel together.
In addition to Poirot, the game introduces Joanna Locke, an American detective, who you’re able to play as in flashback chapters which double as a precursor to the murder aboard the train. This is a really enjoyable element which, along with an unexpected twist at the end of the story, keep things fresh even for those who are most familiar with the tale.
Despite all these positives, the game is let down slightly by some questionable voice acting choices. For example, periodically you'll have to complete the profile of a passenger where you'll have to state their nationality — but it's laughable how off the mark the accents are. One very Welsh sounding lady turned out to be Swedish, for instance!
Nevertheless, this refreshed iteration of Murder on the Orient Express is a joy to play. The inclusion of new content and the unique modern setting really make for a very fun time. Small issues can’t mar the fact that this is ultimately a very enjoyable case to crack.
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Comments 14
Everyone: Yay, Spiderman.
Me: Yay, Murder on the Orient Express.
Nothing but love for atmospheric adventure games. Also @ everyone: Play Syberia - The World Before.
@ohnoitsjade Do you know if it's beneficial or detractive to the experience if you have already read the book?
The game interests me, but it's not really clear to me who the target audience is? If I know the story already, does that might make the game less exciting?
@dschons Yeah I have no interest in Spider-Man 2 but this is something I'm actually looking forward to playing, though probably not at launch unless it's quite cheap.
Excited for this, even though it’s very ambitious to change things about a story as classic as this. I don’t really like this book though so we’ll see if I prefer this take!
Perfect filler just before Spidey. I do love me some classic detectiveness.
Wish there was a VR version
Anyone else played the old gem The Last Express? I was hoping this would be like that but the reviews suggest its a bit rote.
“One very sounding Welsh person turned out to be Swedish”.. creased 😂
@Kidfried I’m quite familiar with the story - not read the book but have seen various TV and film adaptations over the years. I did still enjoy it knowing what was going to happen, and whilst I think you’d probably get more out of it not knowing the end (that twist is iconic after all), there’s enough new content with the flashbacks and the new ending to be exciting for those familiar with it already!
The problem with using a famous detective story is we already know who done it. Playing this game would feel a lot like playing Clue when you already know who did it, what weapon was used, and in what room it took place. What fun is that?!
On second thought: I did buy Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo on PS5 a few months ago, and I really enjoyed that game (I’d give that one a 7.5 to 8 out of 10). But, here’s the thing: Vertigo had all different characters and different settings and it was told from a kid’s perspective…. Heck, if the game hadn’t told me it was Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, I wouldn’t have had a clue.
Third thought: Why couldn’t the developer have picked one of Agatha Christie’s other titles that no one likely knows anything about: Sparkling Cyanide or The Murder of Roger Ackroyd? Both are considered fantastic stories, two of Christie’s best. And, beyond that, Sparkling Cyanide is a kickass title for a detective video game.
To sum it up: Unless the “refreshing” of the story changes the outcome in some meaningful way, I just don’t see myself plopping down $40 plus tax on Murder on the Orient Express. Maybe I’ll pick it up if and when it’s a $9.99 Discounted Murder on the Oriental Trading Company. 😋
I live in Agatha Christies area, not far from her house 'greenway' . I must say I dont mind revisiting this tale at all and using some 'little grey cells' on the challanges. Im afraid it needs to get in line though, theres a lot of titles on the 'to play' list.
So is this game unrelated to the Poirot already on PS4/PS5? The ABC Murders, The First Cases, and The London Cases?
@ohnoitsjade Thanks, always appreciate your reviews!
David Suchet was such a tremendously perfect Poirot, I find it incredibly difficult to see anyone else as that character. Nonetheless I'll give this a go at some point.
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