Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders: PS4 Review

Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders: PS4 Review

Platform: PS4

There's something about detectives currently - and classic ones even more.

With the retooling of Sherlock Holmes for the 21st Century and with games like Crime and Punishment on the go, it's clear the obsession with the franchise is a long way from dying.

And certainly that edge is no more apparent than with Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders which captures some of the artwork stylings of a Telltale Games release and paints it into a Poirot shaped curio that's fun to play.

The point and click mystery that's based on one of Agatha Christie's famed tales is certainly a different gaming experience that sees you taking on the role of Hercule Poirot, the funny little man whose puzzle solving prowess is renowned.

With the central impetus being the need to solve three murders over the course of a few hours, the game's pacing is certainly not in question. And the character of Poirot is spot on too, with your responses helping the man to gather either ego points or being dismissed by others, it's fair to say that your style of game play will influence the outcome somewhat.

While the MO is relatively simple (go to an area, explore, examine and talk to some people) its art execution is nothing short of brightly entertaining. The sheer cartooniness of the proceedings and the almost caricature like renderings of the heroes involved make Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders like no other point and play game that's been encountered.

The game's relatively short too, but its playability (even with some occasionally flawed vocal capture) make it something completely different for the console world currently. Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders may not be everyone's bag, but its police procedural stylings, mixed with its arty tendencies give it a USP that's undeniable.