Sherlock: The Network

Sherlock: The Network
     If you're a big fan of BBC's Sherlock, or just the actors in general (Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, etc), you are going to love this app.  It allows you to be part of Sherlock's homeless network.  You have the opportunity to help Sherlock Holmes solve his latest mysteries!
     The app is free to download.  It has video and audio scenes filmed and recorded by the original cast specifically for this app.  However, some of the cases need to be purchased.  If you wan to unlock them all, you will need to put down a little cash.  You will only get 2 for free, with your download.  This is a downside.
     A while back, when I got the app (2014), there was a promo special that allowed you to get all of the cases for free (The ones available at that time).  This is how I was able to play so much of this.  I certainly wouldn't have had the cash to spend to unlock the cases.  Which is why I am not covering screen shots from the newest case release.  Because I do not have it.
     Let's talk about game play.  Once you start your first case you go straight in and get to meet Sherlock himself.  You are part of his secret network of homeless people.  He will comment on your failings in basic hygiene, give you a phone, some money, and give you a task.  Each case requires you to solve various puzzles.  Even traveling about the city often required simple puzzle solving.  Not to mention you have to balance your time (You do not have unlimited time) and your money (Taking the train or a car will cost you).
     Your main screen (While playing a case) is going to be the city map.  You can find money while traversing the map.  But be weary of going too far out of your way.  The extra time could cost you the case.  You can also find fun little bits of information about the filming shot at specific locations (TV Trivia).
     The train is faster than walking (Obviously).  The cab is the fastest way of travelling, but costs the most.  As you get further into the cases, you'll find you have a lot of money saved up.  However, you can choose to spend this money on items that may better assist you.  Such as a nice pair of shoes that will cause you to walk faster.
     Sherlock will call you on your phone from time to time.  You will hear an audio message from the actor when you check your voicemail.  He will keep you updated on new information and new places to visit.  Check these messages as soon as you can.
     The puzzles in each case vary.  Some are as simple as lining up various images to get a complete picture, to decoding an audio recording.  Speeding it up, slowing it down, reversing it, etc.  You also have to look around rooms and find clues.  Not everything you find will be relevant, of course.
     Once you get to the end of the case, you have solved all of your puzzles and gathered your clues, you will need to solve the case.  You will see Sherlock's clue cloud (His mind palace via floating text).  You will need to choose the correct clues that result in the answer to the mystery.  If you get it correct, you finish the case, and sometimes you get a nice praising from Mr Holmes.  Well, as much praise as you could expect from him.
     The puzzles are fun and can be challenging.  The game play is fun... But, let's be honest, it's the footage that really makes this app amazing.  Being able to interact with the cast of Sherlock is so much fun.  I will post some screen shots from some of the video footage in the app, below.  Click the images to see them larger.

      Once you complete your cases, you can go back to play them again, if you like.  Though, once you know the answers to all of the puzzles, they are a lot less fun.  Why play again?  Because there is a leader board.  If you want to get the highest scores, you'll have to play as quickly and efficiently as possible.  This could take many tries.  Personally, I only played the cases once.  I'm not really one for leader boards.
     You can look through all of the TV trivia from the menu as well.  You can browse cases, leader board scores.  You can also change your profile image.
     If you are wondering about pricing for additional cases:
8 Case multi-pack 3-10: 2.99USD
A Race & A Case (One case): 0.99USD (This is the new one)
     If you get cases for free with promos (As I did), note that they do not count as purchases.  This is important to know, because it means that if you remove the app from your phone (or iPad), and add it back later, you will not get the free cases back.  You will only have the first 2 cases, and any cases you actually paid for.  If I remove this app from my phone, I lose all my cases (Besides the first 2).  So it has been on my phone for a year now.
      My end opinion?  An amazing app.  Well made.  Challenging, fun, interactive...  I wish you didn't have to pay 99 cents per case (Or the 2.99 for cases 3-10).  However, I can understand why they did it that way.  After all, they have to pay the actors, cameramen, etc.  They also use the same sets as the television program.

      If you're a big Sherlock fan, you can't pass this up.  Even if you only play the first 2 cases, it's worth the download.  I recommend it.

 Rating: 4.5/5

• Free
• Category: Entertainment
• Updated: Mar 04, 2015
• Version: 1.9.1
• Size: 283 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: The Digital Development Factory Pty Ltd
• © 2015

Rated 12+ for the following:

• Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes
• Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References
• Infrequent/Mild Realistic Violence