Frogware's Sherlock Holmes series of games has been running since 2002, usually to little fanfare from anyone other than a hardcore section of fans. Major gaming websites and magazines don't really give the franchise much attention, because it's quite a niche product - slow-moving detective sims aren't really what the video game industry is all about in 2015, after all. Don't be put off by the fact this is a slow game, one which requires some patience and problem solving - the deductive elements can be engrossing, and the game is helped along nicely by the unique charm it emits. Oddly, there's nothing quite like this elsewhere on PS4 - entering and studying crime scenes through a mix of first and third person perspectives to solve mysteries quickly becomes quite addictive. It's a studious process, but interesting in how it's implemented. For example, the first-person view comes into play in order to fully study faces, and try to understand motives. It's vaguely similar to L.A Noire, which is obviously a fantastic game to be compared to. Something else intriguing, is the fact Holmes is not your average gaming protagonist. The great detective is not a killer as such, and definitely not someone who will just whip out the gun and start shooting. Instead Crimes & Punishments is about taking your time, compiling evidence, and coming to one of many firm decisions to close the case.
