The Testament of Sherlock Holmes similar games & best alternatives

The Testament of Sherlock Holmes

PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360 • 2012

Should you play it?

Become the greatest detective of all time in The Testament of Sherlock Holmes, a twisting, turning investigation game set in a faithfully-reproduced London of 1898. As Sherlock Holmes, you must find clues, interrogate suspects and unveil a mystery in a story full of twists!

What works
  • Engaging detective story
  • Varied and logical puzzles
  • Multiple camera perspectives
  • Immersive victorian london atmosphere
  • Character-driven narrative
Things to keep in mind
  • Technical issues with saving and crashes
  • Some frustrating or unclear puzzles
  • Dated animations and lip-syncing
  • Linear gameplay with limited player agency
  • Annoying child characters in framing scenes

What to play next

Similar games, hidden gems, and fresh directions from this game.

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • Broken Sword: Director's Cut (2009)

  • The Room 4: Old Sins

  • An English Haunting

  • Gordian Rooms 1: A curious heritage

  • Unforeseen Incidents

  • Submachine: Legacy

  • Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka with Love

  • Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition

  • Underground Blossom
Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • An English Haunting

  • Gordian Rooms 1: A curious heritage

  • Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka with Love
If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Why this game works” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot for a screenshot preview, score, and top score gaps; click to compare in the panel on the right.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers (hidden on purpose).

The Testament of Sherlock Holmes: Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Survival, Violence, Competition, Thrill. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Thrill. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Fantasy, Expression.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

    Game with the same Autonomy vibe

    3

    "Players can choose to play as Holmes or Watson and switch between first and third person views, with some freedom to explore Whitechapel and Baker Street, though the game is mostly guided with clear directions on where to go next."

    Capsule for Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper

    "Players can choose between first-person, third-person, and point-and-click perspectives, and control different characters including Holmes, Watson, and a dog, allowing some freedom in gameplay style."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    4

    "The game offers a variety of puzzles and deduction mechanics that require logical thinking and skill, with some puzzles being challenging and others easier; players receive feedback on deductions and puzzle solutions."

    Capsule for Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper

    "The game features a variety of puzzles and deduction mechanics that require logical thinking and problem solving, providing a satisfying challenge to players."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    -4

    "The game is a single-player detective adventure focused on personal investigation and puzzle solving without any competitive elements or player comparison."

    Capsule for Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper

    "The game is a single-player detective adventure focused on personal investigation and puzzle solving without competitive elements."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    3

    "Players report long play sessions and repeated playthroughs, indicating strong attachment and desire to continue playing."

    Capsule for The Lost Crown The Lost Crown

    "Many players report being engaged for long sessions and multiple playthroughs, indicating strong attachment and desire to continue playing."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    -5

    "The game is designed for solo play with no multiplayer or cooperative elements."

    Capsule for Please, Don’t Touch Anything Please, Don’t Touch Anything

    "The game is designed for solo play with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay elements."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    2

    "Players combine clues and solve puzzles creatively, but the game follows a linear narrative with predefined environments and story."

    Capsule for Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2008) Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2008)

    "Players engage in deduction and puzzle solving, and can approach investigations in different ways, but the game follows a linear story with limited creative modification."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are investigative and narrative-driven."

    Capsule for Cyber Manhunt 2: New World - The Hacking Simulator Cyber Manhunt 2: New World - The Hacking Simulator

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are narrative and investigative rather than competitive or dominant."

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    4

    "The dark Victorian London setting and immersive detective story provide a strong escape from real life, with players enjoying the atmospheric and chilling experience."

    Capsule for Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper

    "Players immerse themselves in a detailed Victorian London setting and a complex detective story, providing a strong escape from real life."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in mystery and detective genre, no obligation or external pressure noted."

    Capsule for Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in detective stories and puzzles, with no indication of obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    2

    "Some exploration and puzzle experimentation, but overall gameplay follows established adventure game routines."

    Capsule for Red Comrades 2: For the Great Justice. Reloaded Red Comrades 2: For the Great Justice. Reloaded

    "Players explore different perspectives and try various puzzle solutions, but overall gameplay follows established adventure game routines."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    3

    "Players explore detailed environments and crime scenes, including outdoor areas of London, though exploration is somewhat limited."

    Capsule for Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter

    "The game features multiple detailed locations in Victorian London to explore, with players investigating crime scenes and environments."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    -3

    "Limited customization; players make narrative choices but do not customize characters or environments visually."

    Capsule for A Story Beside A Story Beside

    "Limited customization options; players experience a fixed narrative with predefined characters and settings."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    -2

    "The game is grounded in realistic crime investigation and detective work, with minimal fantasy elements."

    Capsule for Still Life Still Life

    "The game is grounded in a realistic Victorian setting and detective fiction, with no supernatural or highly imaginative elements."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    -4

    "The game is single-player focused with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

    Capsule for Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

    "The game is single-player focused with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    3

    "Players develop problem-solving skills and deductive reasoning through challenging puzzles and investigation."

    Capsule for Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2008) Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2008)

    "Players develop deductive reasoning and problem-solving skills through puzzles and investigation."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -5

    "The game is sedentary with no physical activity or health-related gameplay."

    Capsule for Raft Raft

    "The game is sedentary with no physical activity or health-related gameplay."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -4

    "Requires focused attention on puzzles and exploration; not designed for casual or background play."

    Capsule for Machinarium Machinarium

    "Requires focused attention on puzzles and investigation; not designed for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    -4

    "Limited to narrative interactions; no evidence of forming close social relationships."

    Capsule for Heading Out Heading Out

    "No evidence of forming close social relationships; interactions are narrative and solitary."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; gameplay is individual and story-driven."

    Capsule for LUNAR Remastered Collection LUNAR Remastered Collection

    "No leadership or group management elements; gameplay is individual and story-driven."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    3

    "Players collect items, clues, and unlock new areas as they advance through the story."

    Capsule for Aurora Hills: Chapter 1 Aurora Hills: Chapter 1

    "Players collect clues, items, and unlock new locations as they progress through the story."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    2

    "Gameplay balances challenge and flow, though some find puzzles repetitive and occasionally frustrating."

    Capsule for Darksiders™ Darksiders™

    "The game balances challenge and flow with engaging puzzles and story, though some find certain puzzles frustrating."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    1

    "The game offers moderate sensory stimulation through visuals and sound but is not focused on excitement."

    Capsule for City of Gangsters City of Gangsters

    "The game offers atmospheric visuals and sound but is not focused on sensory stimulation or excitement."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    -5

    "No social recognition or status elements; achievements are personal and not publicly ranked."

    Capsule for Left in the Dark: No One on Board Left in the Dark: No One on Board

    "No social recognition or status elements; achievements are personal and not publicly ranked."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    5

    "Strong narrative focus with engaging detective story, character development, and plot twists."

    Capsule for Murdered: Soul Suspect Murdered: Soul Suspect

    "Strong narrative focus with an engaging, complex detective story and character development."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    3

    "Players must use reasoning and logic to combine clues and solve puzzles, requiring mental challenge."

    Capsule for PRICE PRICE

    "Players use logic and reasoning to solve puzzles and piece together clues, requiring mental challenge."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    2

    "Some suspense and emotional tension in story twists and darker themes."

    Capsule for Fujiwara Bittersweet Fujiwara Bittersweet

    "The story contains suspense and plot twists, providing moments of tension and relief."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    4

    "Players report good value for time and money, especially on sale, with many hours of gameplay."

    Capsule for Mars Horizon Mars Horizon

    "Players report good value for time spent, especially when purchased on sale, with many hours of gameplay."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    -3

    "Violence is depicted as part of crime scenes but the gameplay focuses on investigation and deduction rather than combat or destruction."

    Capsule for Scene Investigators Scene Investigators

    "While the game involves crime scenes and some graphic content, gameplay focuses on investigation rather than combat or destruction."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    -4

    "No survival mechanics; the environment is stable and threats are narrative rather than gameplay challenges."

    Capsule for Nancy Drew®: Ghost of Thornton Hall Nancy Drew®: Ghost of Thornton Hall

    "No survival mechanics; the environment is stable and risk is narrative rather than gameplay-driven."

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Last update: 01/06/2026