The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: Case of the Rose Tattoo is a graphic adventure developed by Mythos Software. It was published by Electronic Arts in 1996. It is a point-and-click adventure game that follows the world-famous detective as he attempts to solve a series of interconnected mysteries in Victorian-era London.
The game is a direct sequel to the earlier title, The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Serrated Scalpel, and features similar gameplay mechanics. You play as both Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson, exploring the streets of London, collecting clues, interrogating witnesses, and ultimately piecing together the truth behind the various cases you encounter. Interestingly, you don't start the game as Sherlock, but you control Doctor Watson.
Case of the Rose Tattoo, even more than the previous chapter, surprises for the incredible attention to detail and historical accuracy. The game features meticulously recreated Victorian London with authentic period clothing, architecture, and cultural references. You can click on many objects, and you will receive detailed information, not only about the game but also about the historic period. Instead of hand-drawn images, the characters were created by filming real actors, and the backgrounds seem to be created from actual photos. The game uses improved 16-bit SVGA graphics and MIDI music.
This level of detail helps immerse you in the game world and adds more authenticity to the overall experience.
Regarding gameplay, this adventure offers a challenging but rewarding experience. The puzzles are complex and require you to use your wits and deduction skills to solve them. The game is more complex and longer than the predecessor. While the difficulty can sometimes be frustrating, the sense of satisfaction you get from cracking a particularly tough case is well worth the effort.
Despite these minor flaws, The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: Case of the Rose Tattoo is a solid entry in the detective point-and-click adventure genre. Its attention to detail and historical accuracy help to immerse you in the world of Victorian London, while its challenging puzzles provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment when solved.
Upon release, The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its attention to detail and challenging gameplay. It is considered by many the best Sherlock Holmes game ever made.
In conclusion, if you're a fan of point-and-click adventure games or Sherlock Holmes in general, The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: Case of the Rose Tattoo is definitely worth checking out. Its attention to detail and challenging puzzles make it a standout entry in the genre, and its historical accuracy adds an extra layer of immersion to the overall experience.