Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective vs The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Serrated Scalpel
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective is a classic FMV adventure where players join Holmes and Watson to investigate three murder cases. The game blends interactive storytelling with map exploration and newspaper archives to recreate Victorian London. The 1991 CD‑ROM release from ICOM Simulations brings the original book‑based experience to Mac, offering full‑motion video scenes and a deep detective simulation for a single‑player experience.
Step into the shoes of Sherlock Holmes as he investigates the brutal murder of a young actress behind London's Regency Theatre. The game blends atmospheric Victorian London settings with intricate puzzles and dialogue-driven investigation. Developed by Mythos Software and published by Electronic Arts in 1992, this single‑player adventure delivers a nostalgic point‑and‑click experience that challenges players to gather clues, interrogate suspects, and outwit the shadow of Jack the Ripper.
- Authentic FMV storytelling
- Rich, atmospheric Victorian setting
- Multiple cases increase replay value
- Deep investigative mechanics
- Authentic Sherlock Holmes atmosphere
- Rich Victorian London visuals
- Challenging but fair puzzles
- Single‑player story focus
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited to Mac platform only
- No multiplayer or co‑op options
- Limited graphics by modern standards
- No voice acting
- Runs best with DOS emulation
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
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Solve three gripping Victorian mysteries with Holmes and Watson.
Solve a Victorian murder in a classic point‑and‑click adventure.
Solve a murder mystery at the Mirapolis hotel with Conan and friends
Alternatives to The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Serrated Scalpel
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Solve the classic mystery in a nostalgic point‑and‑click adventure
Solve three gripping Victorian mysteries with Holmes and Watson.
Solve a glamorous murder on a sun‑kissed island as Hercule Poirot.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective offers richer narrative depth and multiple cases on Mac, while The Lost Files provides broader platform compatibility and built‑in hints for easier play.
Key differences
- •A uses full‑motion video and three separate murder cases; B uses 256‑color VGA pixel art and a single case.
- •A runs natively only on Mac; B runs via DOS emulation on modern PCs and likely other OSes.
- •A includes a time‑tracking system that affects outcomes; B includes a built‑in hint system for puzzle assistance.
- •A’s price is listed at $49.99; B’s price is not specified in the data.
- •A’s narrative is written to match Conan Doyle’s style; B relies on text‑parser and dialogue trees without voice acting.
Gameplay & fun factor
A’s FMV storytelling and time‑tracking create a more immersive detective experience than B’s classic point‑and‑click puzzles.
Platform availability
B runs on modern PCs via DOS emulation, while A is limited to native Mac only.
Pricing & value
A’s MSRP is $49.99; B’s price is not provided, so value cannot be directly compared.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both titles are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
A offers three distinct murder cases; B provides only one case.
Difficulty & accessibility
B includes a built‑in hint system; A has no mentioned accessibility aids.
Graphics & performance
Both use dated visual styles (FMV vs 256‑color VGA), making them comparable in modern standards.
Choose Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective if…
For players who want a richer, multi‑case narrative and don’t mind Mac‑only play.
Choose The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Serrated Scalpel if…
For players needing PC compatibility, hints, and a classic pixel‑art adventure.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
A is listed at $49.99; B’s price is not specified in the provided data.
Can I play either game on Windows?
A runs only on Mac; B runs on modern PCs via DOS emulation.
Do either of the games offer help if I get stuck?
B includes a built‑in hint system; A does not mention any hint or assistance feature.