Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile Review – A Cozy Mystery That Doesn’t Quite Solve the Case
Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile, released on September 14, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, is a point-and-click adventure game from Microids, adapting the iconic 1937 novel. This latest entry in the Agatha Christie series places players in the shoes of Hercule Poirot, the famed detective, as he unravels a murder aboard a luxurious Nile River cruise. Earning a 73/100 (Mixed or Average), Death on the Nile delivers a faithful, cozy mystery with charming visuals and engaging puzzles, but repetitive gameplay and a lack of innovation prevent it from standing out in 2025’s adventure game lineup. For Christie fans and point-and-click enthusiasts, it’s a pleasant diversion, but it struggles to capture the brilliance of its source material.
A Classic Whodunit on the Nile Set in the 1930s, Death on the Nile follows Poirot as he investigates a murder on the SS Karnak, where a wealthy heiress’s death unravels a web of jealousy, betrayal, and hidden motives among the ship’s elite passengers. The 10–12-hour campaign stays true to Christie’s novel, with a linear narrative driven by dialogue, interrogations, and clue-gathering. The story shines with authentic period detail and Poirot’s witty observations, brought to life by strong voice acting. However, the pacing drags in the middle, with overly long dialogue sequences, and the lack of branching choices limits replayability. Compared to 2025’s Marisa of Liartop Mountain, which offers more narrative agency, Death on the Nile feels rigid, leaning heavily on its source material without adding fresh twists. X posts reflect mixed feelings: “Poirot’s charm carries it, but the story feels too predictable for a mystery game.” Fans of the novel will appreciate the fidelity, but newcomers may find it lacks surprises.
Point-and-Click Puzzles with Limited Spark Gameplay centers on classic point-and-click mechanics: exploring environments, collecting items, and solving puzzles to progress the investigation. Players scour the ship’s lavish cabins, decks, and markets for clues, combining objects like a torn letter or a bloodied handkerchief to unlock new dialogue. Puzzles, such as decoding telegrams or reconstructing crime scenes, are satisfying but rarely challenging, catering to casual players. A “Mind Map” system lets Poirot connect clues visually, adding a modern touch, but it’s underutilized and feels tacked-on. Interaction is limited to static screens, with no free movement, which feels dated compared to modern adventure games like Return to Monkey Island. The absence of combat or action keeps the focus on deduction, but repetitive fetch quests pad the runtime. Accessibility features, like adjustable hint systems and subtitles, make it approachable, though the lack of controller remapping frustrates console players. X users noted, “Puzzles are fun but too easy, and clicking through menus gets old.” Local co-op, where a second player can control Poirot’s assistant, adds some charm but lacks online support.
Elegant Visuals with a Retro Feel Visually, Death on the Nile evokes 1930s opulence, with hand-painted 2.5D environments showcasing art deco interiors and sunlit Nile vistas. Running at 4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, the game’s detailed backdrops and expressive character portraits impress. The Switch version, at 1080p/30 FPS, sacrifices some clarity but retains the aesthetic. Animations are minimal, with static character models during dialogue, which feels outdated. The soundtrack, with jazzy piano and orchestral flourishes, sets a moody tone, though it loops repetitively. PS5’s DualSense haptics add subtle feedback for interactions, but the effect is understated. Performance is stable, with only minor load-time hiccups on PC reported. Compared to 2025’s Consume Me, Death on the Nile’s visuals are less dynamic but more polished, fitting its cozy vibe.
A Faithful but Unambitious Adaptation Priced at $40, the game includes extras like a digital casebook and soundtrack, but its short length and lack of replayability disappoint. Compared to Microids’ earlier Agatha Christie titles, like Hercule Poirot: The London Case, it feels like a lateral move, lacking the ambition to modernize the genre. X feedback sums it up: “Great for Christie fans, but it’s too safe and short for $40.” The game’s polish and charm make it enjoyable, but it doesn’t push boundaries like 2025’s indie adventure hits.
Death on the Nile earns its 73/100 for its faithful adaptation, charming visuals, and accessible puzzles, making it a cozy pick for mystery fans. However, its dated mechanics and lack of innovation hold it back. It’s a pleasant cruise, but Poirot deserves a bolder case next time.
