Title screen, Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express

Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express Review

Game: Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express
Genre: Action, Adventure, Simulation
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer|Publisher: Microids Studio Lyon | Microids
Controller Support: Yes
Price: US $39.99 | UK £29.66 | EU € 39,99
Release Date: October 19th, 2023

Review code used with many thanks to Microids.

Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express /MotOE/ is a 2023 action-adventure game developed by Microids Studio Lyon and published by Microids. With its release, 2023 is genuinely Hercule Poirot’s year. While Microids is already well known to fans of the quest/adventure genre, MotOE is the debut game of their new development studio in Lyon- Microids Studio Lyon.

Hercule Poirot, first look, Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express LadiesGamers
First, look at our protagonist, Hercule Poirot,

Premise

The story in the game Murder on the Orient Express follows more or less the story of the novel Murder on the Orient Express. It is apparent from the start that this game is not connected to the other Microid’s Agatha Christie games; for one, the developer is different.

Much more important is that this story is set in modern times, in 2023. I can hear the collective sigh; for some reason, most people hate modernized versions of classic heroes. Sometimes, those modernized versions leave much to desire. This is different here.

A crime is committed on board the Orient Express. Hercule Poirot, travelling on the famous train, is naturally embroiled in the investigation. We, playing as him, get to uncover the culprit, and to do so, we’ll meet a cast of exciting characters, each with their own motives and secrets.

An exciting feature in this game is the addition of the American private detective Joanna Locke, who we play during flashbacks in the United States. I liked this idea since there are still so few female detectives in modern video games.

Investigating the disappearance of a ticket.
Investigating the disappearance of a ticket.

Gameplay

Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express /MotOE/ is a classic third-person adventure game, or as we used to call it, a quest. I don’t know if it was the train or the model of our American detective, Joanna Locke, but I was heavily reminded of a Microid’s classic, Syberia.

Movement is done by WASD, run with Shift, interact with E, or the mouse; camera view is done with the mouse. The game has full controller support. While I tried and had no problem with the controller, I stuck with my usual keyboard and mouse combo. 

Whether we play as Poirot or Locke, the investigation is done similarly. The only difference I saw in controls is that Locke can actually run, while Poirot is just walking somewhat quickly. Poirot will say that he does not run. We respect his choices. 

The game consists of 13 chapters, each available for replay once we finish it in the Extras menu. The detecting part of the game consists of investigating crime scenes, questioning suspects and witnesses, and compiling and comparing the collected information. Since it’s 2023, our detectives can check alibis even by calling past employers and current friends on the phone.

Poirot using the Mind Map
Poirot, using the Mind Map

Mind Map

Poirot’s famous mind map returns in this game as well. Not only that, but Locke can also use it. All the information we collect is stored inside the mind map, and via various mini-games, we, as Poirot, make our own conclusions. Everything is logical, even the mini-games. They require thinking, not just clicking on something ’til you get it in this game. Should we make a wrong conclusion, Poirot says something admonishing yet assuring, and we are given another chance. 

The Mind Map is helpful in giving directions.
The Mind Map helps give directions.

Difficulty

MotOE is a game that requires you to question a lot of people, remember what they’ve told you, and be able to compile all that information. The mind map helps with a lot of that. In there, we also have access to helpful hints. Still, there are times when you can get stuck, even with all the hints, but nothing too complicated, that you won’t be able to solve by yourself eventually.

Art Style

Visually, MotOE is a beautiful game. It has the modern elements it was advertised with, but at the same time, they are timeless. If you don’t see Poirot looking up things on his smartphone, you’ll never guess the game is set in 2023. The interiors and the character designs are beautiful. Movement is somewhat awkward looking, but you get used to it. By the end of the game, you won’t notice it anymore. The Orient Express is well-crafted and big but still not annoying, you must cross it from one end to the other quite a few times during the game. 

Hercule Poirot and his friend, Bouc, talking and dining.
Hercule Poirot and his friend, Bouc.

There is a certain cinematic quality about MotOE. We have nicely done cut scenes, visual effects when Poirot moves between cars on the train, and background noises appropriate for the setting. 

The dialogue is well-written and witty. I’ve read the novel too long ago to recognize lines from there. Sometimes, characters repeat themselves in one conversation. At other times, if you question them on a topic several times, the response is always the same. It would’ve been nice to see some variety, but the dialogue is on point overall. I should say, though, that there is no ‘skip dialogue’ option, so for some people, including myself, a replay might not happen soon. 

The case of the dinner dessert recipe.
Everything can be a case – even the recipe of the dinner dessert.

Some Side Notes

Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express has Steam achievements but no trading cards. A fun addition to the game is the golden moustache figurine you collect throughout the game. You can collect them by playing both Poirot and Locke. The loading screens between chapters give us interesting tidbits about Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot and even the Orient Express. 

Regarding Settings, the game has the standard video, audio, controls, and language settings. You can remap controls. When playing with a gamepad, the game behaves nicely. In the main menu, under Extras, you can choose and replay a chapter once you’ve finished it. 

Agatha Christie was inspired by real events to write "Murder on the Orient Express" - in 1929 the Orient Express became trapped in snow for five days. The passengers hunted for wolves and exchanged their jewelry for eggs.
I didn’t know that!

Conclusion

Having played the previous Hercule Poirot games, including the ancient ones, I can tell you that this one, Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express, is by far my favourite. With the weather turning cold, staying home with tea, books, and video games seems like a natural conclusion, and what better way to start the season than with Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express. I can only hope that Microids gives us a sequel. 

Final Verdict: Two Thumbs UpTwo thumbs up

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