To Frogwares' credit, their version of the killer's identity does seem plausible, and omits the sort of wild fantasy found in other Ripper-themed fiction. Still, this game is a case of one step forward, two steps back for the series. Whilst major improvements have been made over past entries – the excellent graphics, the two control options – the new theme doesn't entirely gel. It might sound like a good match to pair up the most notorious villain of the Victorian era with the most famous literary detective, but it just doesn't fit with the series' gameplay smoothly, and is strangely limited in terms of plot, feeling very prosaic and small-scale.
Even with some of the unnecessary digressions, the main investigation is definitely enjoyable, however, and well worth playing if you like the series or the characters involved here. Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper is an unexpectedly sedentary and thoughtful game, and it's far from bloody awful, if not quite the ripping good yarn it could have been.
If you've never played a Sherlock Holmes adventure, give these games a try.
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Those of you checking out this review to find out if this is a fighting game involving historical and literary figures are going to be sorely disappointed. There will be no Abraham Lincoln vs. John Wilkes Booth. You cannot recreate presidential grudge matches and have Teddy Roosevelt face off against Taft. And you cannot attempt to change history and prevent the fight between Mel Gibson and his dignity.
