More Clues Emerge on Sherlock Holmes Chapter One - Q&A Video

Just a few days ago in Dublin, Ireland, Frogwares, the developer behind The Sinking City and many Sherlock Holmes adventure titles, released a Q&A video discussing their latest project, Sherlock Holmes Chapter One. The story-driven, third-person, detective thriller was already known to be a departure from the developer's prior Holmes games, acting as an overall prequel to the detective's career as well as featuring an open world and the absence of Dr. John Watson. Here, Frogwares' Sergey Oganesyan answers some of the fans' questions and provides a brief overview of Chapter One's size and scope.

The five main quests have a total projected playtime of 12-15 hours, all connected in an overarching storyline. To "see absolutely everything there is in the game," including at least 30 side quests, it should take roughly 40-50 hours. Furthermore, following the ending of the game's first main quest, players will gain access to the open world and many of its side quests, which can be solved concurrently with each other and with main quests. Oganesyan additionally promises player freedom in the order of quests taken and in how they are completed, featuring the possibility of incorrect deductions and moral choices impacting all main quests, most side quests, and Chapter One's ultimate ending.

The Q&A video also claims customization options in Sherlock's outfits, wrinkles, and facial hair, allowing both opportunities to disguise Holmes and to dress the detective to the nines. Further, these customization options extend even to Holmes' mansion for furniture and decor. In either case, many outfits and decorations can be either bought in-game or unlocked as rewards for completing quests. 

Frogwares' video further provides a sample of two of the title's vocal performances, featuring Alex Jordan, returning from Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter, as the young Sherlock Holmes and Wil Coban, the actor behind Aeneas in Troy: A Total War Saga, as the detective's companion, Jon.

Sadly, it appears that neither Jon nor the original John Watson will be teleporting behind the player when Sherlock Holmes Chapter One releases in 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.