Jack Holmes: Master of Puppets | A PS5 Review

A bit janky, and a bit dated this unofficial survival horror spin-off to the Sherlock Holmes franchise sees us taking on the role of Jack Holmes, supposed great-great grandson of the famous Sherlock, as he investigates a peculiar case. It is in this search for a certain Frederick R. that he finds more than he bargained for. 

Through basic exploration, and inquisitive sleuthing he finds himself in a world of puppets that are not what they seem. Seemingly infused with captives' organs, and body parts these haunting human-like manifestations stand between Jack and a case closed scenario. Getting to the bottom of it all will take both nerve, wit, and combat prowess.

Jack awakens to what seems to be a routine day at his residents. He stumbles out of bed, takes a shower, and gets a letter through his mail slot just as he's finished tidying up. A notice about a new investigative case involving a man known as Frederick R. He is to meet this mystery man at a designated location. Once there though the man in question is nowhere to be found, and signs of murder and mystery litter the dilapidated property. Going in through a sewer entrance Jack's descent down the metaphorical rabbit hole ensues. Leading to paranormal encounters of the puppet kind. 

As Jack you must put to use your basic abilities including a sprint, a jump, a flashlight, an interaction button, and an item usage menu. You'll interact with highlighted environmental set pieces, and objects of interests kickstarting main character monologues, and events that will forward the plot. Along the way you'll also encounter jump scares, and combat encounters with the puppets and creatures residing on the property. Using guns, and other weapons to ward off impending death. The end goal being to conclude the tale by piecing together all the left behind clues associated with the case. As you make your way from start to finish you'll find conveniently placed telephones that act as save points mitigating any would be lost progress. Allowing you to pick back up at a key point of interest usually before a potential deadly encounter. 

You'll have to know when to approach certain puppets and objects as well as when to avoid them entirely. Should you get caught death is inevitable and your still beating heart will be ripped from your chest cavity right before your very eyes. Sending you back to the latest save point. 

The Presentation ...

Graphics and sound are not a modern-day take in this particular indie. From a visual standpoint graphics are quite dated, and the sound your basic first person horror thoroughfare. Complete with the creaks, moans, and usual door interaction sounds among other things. Environments are creepy enough and do set proper tension at all the right places though. Seeing the cellar with prisoner cells, and bloodied operating tables sets the proper mood for the first and following encounters with the Frankensteined puppets and spider-like creatures that haunt the place. It's a twisted mixture of creepy carnival locales, dungeon-like asylum centers, and derelict properties that fit the bill of just about any horror movie you've ever seen. 

The Verdict ...

Jack Holmes debut adventure on consoles was a bit of a letdown. Graphically it isn't that impressive, and the voice acting is about as dry and emotionless as it gets. The fact that there are no initial controls tutorials and practically no sense of direction or hand holding makes the journey an even more disappointing and aggravating experience from the start. It's not fun having to search in one area for upwards of 30 minutes to find some obscure and unthought of entry or exit point that no player would think to consider. Something the investigative dialogue doesn't even hint at.

Story-wise the game does hold some value. Sure it's been done to some extent with the FNAF games, but the puppets, and those behind those monstrous abominations offer a proper horror element for players to enjoy. That being said Jack's lack of emotion through given voice acting and dialogue cancels the frightful nature of anything that might jump out at you or pursue you. It's like they hired one of these cheap British voice over readings to read premade script. The kind of bland and straightforward delivery that lacks emphasis, and personality. Cut and dry. 

Due to it's glaring shortcomings I cannot, in my right mind, recommend this one. I went in open minded expecting something better that the trailer eluded to, but was met with an overall dated experience that lacked substance where it counted. That's my honest take.