This game is based on one of ‘s most famous novels. Step aboard the beautiful Orient Express, a 1930s train which travels between Istanbul and Paris, to help famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot solve a murder mystery.
As the journey aboard the luxurious train begins, Samual Ratchett, an American millionaire, recognizes Poirot and asks for his protection. Even though Ratchett insists that someone is trying to kill him, he won’t provide much more information, so Poirot refuses. The next day, an avalanche suddenly halts the train’s progression and Rachett is found dead in his cabin. Poirot, who has sprained his ankle when the train stopped so abruptly, obtains the help of Antoinette Marceau, an Orient Express employee, to try and solve the murder. Antoinette, your character, will do the investigating with Poirot offering assistance and pointers along the way if you choose. Naturally, everyone aboard the train is suspect so you have your work cut out for you!
As is typical of the genre, the mystery will be solved by finding and using inventory objects (some of which can be combined), repeatedly interrogating everyone aboard the train and applying your skills of logic and deduction. There are puzzles of various types to solve including a puzzle box, a jigsaw puzzle, a combination safe and a maze. In addition to the standard adventure fare, you can “shadow” your suspects by following behind quietly, and a feature allowing you to eavesdrop on private conversations. Progress is scored using a points system. Control is handled entirely by mouse in point-and-click fashion.
Early in the game you’ll be able to choose one of two levels of difficulty. In the more difficult “Challenge” mode, you solve the mystery yourself with only brief comments from Poirot. Get more hints and suggestions from Poirot by choosing the “Cooperative” mode.
The game features several alternate endings to provide surprises for those who are familiar with Christie’s original ending. Poirot is voiced by David Suchet who played the character in films.
