Ms. Holmes: The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual – Review
We recently played some of the Ms. Holmes games and we liked them a lot. It reminded us of the Dossier Nancy Drew games. This is the first game in the series of Ms. Holmes, and it’s called Ms. Holmes: The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual. Here is my review for the game.
Why The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual?
Ms. Holmes: The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual is the third entry in the popular Ms. Holmes hidden object puzzle adventure (HOPA) series. This installment deepens the series’ blend of classic detective work and eerie mystery, offering a darker and more ritualistic tone than previous games.
Ms. Holmes is called upon to investigate the bizarre disappearance of several individuals, all tied to an old Scottish legend and the mysterious McKirk family. As she unravels the clues, she discovers a secret society and a ritual that may have terrifying consequences. The narrative is layered with folklore, suspense, and an escalating sense of urgency that builds to a dramatic conclusion.
Gameplay remains faithful to the HOPA formula with hidden object scenes, puzzle-solving, and inventory-based exploration. The hidden object scenes are visually rich and cleverly designed, while the puzzles range from simple logic tasks to more involved multi-step challenges. New mechanics, like clue linking and timeline puzzles, keep things fresh for returning players.
The game’s artwork is top-notch, with haunting Scottish landscapes, candlelit rituals, and detailed environments. The soundtrack leans into eerie melodies and ambient soundscapes, which enhance the moody atmosphere. Voice acting remains strong and helps anchor the emotional weight of the story.
The game includes collectibles, morphing items, achievements, and a bonus chapter that serves as a satisfying epilogue. The bonus chapter ties up lingering questions while introducing a new layer of intrigue.
How We Test Games
For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.
Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-players on a computer/steam.
Pros
Intriguing and immersive storyline with folklore elements.
Creative puzzles and varied hidden object scenes.
Excellent visuals and atmospheric audio.
Strong bonus content and collectibles.
Cons
May be a bit dark for younger or casual players. In this game there’s some mild blood. After getting locked in your room and you come out, before you open the next room’s door you should be prepared for some blood. The other games in this series that we’ve played don’t have any blood though.
Some puzzles may feel complex without clear guidance.
Summary
Overall, Ms. Holmes: The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual is one of the most atmospheric and emotionally engaging entries in the series. With compelling lore, smart puzzles, and beautiful design, it’s a standout HOPA game for fans of detective tales with a supernatural twist. However, near the start of the game does have some blood in it, the rest of the game is still great.
Read my other reviews:
Ms. Holmes: The Monster of the Baskervilles
Ms. Holmes: The Adventure of the McKirk Ritual – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee
Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.
