Sherlock Holmes is a name that has become synonymous with detective fiction, and his adventures have captivated readers for over a century. In 2006, Frogwares, a Ukrainian video game development company, decided to create a game based on the famous detective. The result was Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened, a point-and-click adventure game that put players in the shoes of the famous detective and tasked them with solving a series of complex puzzles and investigating a series of mysterious events. However, the game’s development was delayed due to continued Russian strikes in Kyiv.
The development of Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened began in 2005, and it was scheduled to be released in 2006. The game was highly anticipated, and fans of the detective were eager to get their hands on it. However, the game’s development was not without its challenges. The development team at Frogwares faced a number of technical issues, and the game’s release date was pushed back several times.
But it was not just technical issues that caused the delay. In 2006, there were continued Russian strikes in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine. The strikes were in response to the Ukrainian government’s decision to move closer to the European Union and away from Russia’s influence. The strikes were a form of economic pressure, and they had a significant impact on the Ukrainian economy.
For Frogwares, the strikes meant that the development of Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened was put on hold. The development team was based in Kyiv, and the strikes made it difficult for them to work. The strikes disrupted the supply chains that the development team relied on, making it difficult to get the equipment and resources they needed to continue working on the game.
But the impact of the strikes on the development team was not just practical. The strikes also had a psychological impact. The team was living in a city that was experiencing political and economic turmoil, and this had an effect on their mental wellbeing. They were worried about the safety of their families and friends, and they were unsure of what the future held.
Despite the challenges, Frogwares was determined to release Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened. They persevered through the strikes and continued to work on the game. The result was a game that was well worth the wait. Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened was released in 2007 to critical acclaim, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
The game was praised for its engaging storyline, challenging puzzles, and immersive atmosphere. Players took on the role of Sherlock Holmes and traveled to a variety of locations, including London, Scotland, and the high seas, as they investigated a mysterious cult that was wreaking havoc across Europe. The game featured a number of unique characters, including a vengeful sea captain and a mad scientist, and players had to use their wits and deductive skills to solve the game’s numerous puzzles.
In conclusion, the development of Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened was a challenging process, but it was one that ultimately resulted in a fantastic game. The strikes in Kyiv posed significant challenges to the development team, but they persevered and created a game that has stood the test of time. The game is a testament to the talent and determination of the Frogwares team, and it is a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic literary characters of all time.