This mustn't register on an emotional level - Let's play London Detective Story!

I can't believe I got that reference XD

That right there is the emotional response I seek to create in everyone who reads my jokes, Sync.

:D

Congrats on your first LP! ❤



Hmmm, I'd have to say:
No thank you James!

Give the kid hope! All in good time ..
There's no way this could possibly go wrong .. right?! :D~

I actually went ahaed and played one of the routes (not saying which) when I couldn't sleep tonight ...
I hope we will do that route because .. then I will just sit here, laughing like a maniac, hahahaha xD

Ok! We've got 3 votes on Nope and 2 on Hope spot. I'm leaving this open a while longer to see if anyone else want to vote, you never know what may happen.

Nope. I don't like his hair and he's pushy :/

I say no. He probably killed our husband so that he could have us all to himself.

NOPE NOPE NOPE.

Pretend I have added a really awesome and appropriate gif, there.

I've played through this game! It's cute...although very annoying since I just had the free version and had to play through all the routes in one sitting. The art and music are very pretty.
And, being an artist, I say give him a chance. Because I sure get annoyed when no one I know will model for me despite my desperate pleas that it is for the sake of art.

But he still has terrible hair !

There's supposted to be music?! What!? Why am I not hearing any!? Oh wait... I got it... Freaking iPad won't play it without my headphones in.
Anyways, hang on for an update!

I do not know who Moriarty is but this dude confessed before the game starts which instantly means NOPE.

NOPE.
I would say why but I have no idea how to do the spoiler boxes on here.

"[ spoiler ]" to open, "[ /spoiler ]" to close, without the quotation marks or spaces. If you reply to a post that has a spoiler read, you'll be able to see the format.

Like so:

Thank you!

Looks like all the yanderes of previous games made everyone skidish of sweet forward men?



Look at that face!!! Look how sad you've made him!!! I'll do your route soon sweety I promise!
Neckbeard: I'm really, really sorry. I...

Neckbeard: !? James, please...
A-ah... The music stopped...

!?
What is that? The phone? Is it the plot calling? Such an ambiguous noise...

Oh, no, it's the door. Other love intrests. is that you?
Neckbeard: Oh! Is it that time already?
Morris: And things were just getting intresting... Are you expecting anyone?
Neckbeard: Yeah... Kinda...
That's not the best of answers. Were you or were you not expecting someone?
The bell rang again.
Neckbeard: Oh, sorry! I'm coming...
Click!
Neckbead: !?
...Huh?
Holy-! *jumps* M-music's back... And guess who's at the door?

Love intrest #2!!! I bet just by his appearence, most of you can guess who this is?
Neckbeard: That's fine. Um...

And Holmes is on the scene!
Neckbeard: Yes, thank you for coming, Mr. Holmes. And...
Ara? There's someone else? Hey Donmai!! Guess who!?

Neckbeard: Oh... uh... so, you're....?

*pterodactyl screech*
Neckbeard: Oh? S-so... You're not with Mr. Holmes then...?
Holmes: No, unfortunately he's not. I bumped into Watson here near the entrance.
Neckbeard: You bumped into him?

Look at dat smile~<3
Neckbeard: I just... I was told that a prospective resident would be coming at 2 o'clock. I never thought there would be two of you... What should I do?


Look at dat pout~<3
The two of them glared at each other. Ummm... What is a lady to do in this kind of situation?
Morris: H-hey...! Neckbeard...
!?
James beckoned me.

Poor Morris doesn't seem comfortable with the situation either.
Neckbeard; Oh, this is Mr. James Morris, he lives next door.
Holmes: Pleased to meet you, Mr. Morris. It is nice to see a man of the arts living next door.
Neckbeard: ...Huh? A man of the arts?
Holmes: You used to focus on oil paintings, but you switched to copperplate engravings recently. I can see how current times might force you in that direction... Hm... You mainly fashion illustrations for novels, do you not? I'de like to see some of your work if you'd allow me. Your oil paintings would intrest me too, I'm sure. I have good friends in the newspaper business and in the arts. I think I may prove useful to you. Tell me, Mr. Morris, are you at all intrested in the performing arts?
Holy fuck man, do you ever stop talking?! This is four text boxes long!!
Morris: The performing arts?
Holmes: A friend of mine from universiy is an accomplished actor. I joined his theatrical company for a while at his invitation. If you are at all interested...
Morris: I'm not. And I'll thank you for not sticking your nose into my business affairs.
Holmes: !?

Holmes: I beg your pardon. It seems I let myself get carried away.
I would snap too if someone someone I didn't know started talking about my job like that.


*snickering* All their angry faces look like pouting faces to me... Pfft- *giggle*
Neckbeard: Excuse me, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Watson. I'll be back in a moment.




Image limit hang on.

Well...well.......
Yeah. I can't come up with much. I don't like his hair either. But I'm SURE that it doesn't reflect on his artistic talent! (At least...I hope not...)

Awww...you should get it to work, I really like it. Yay for update!

Holy cow. That is probably the bishiest Watson I have ever seen in Sherlockia. And William Sherlock Holmes? *narrow eyes* Do not know if approve.

You can practically stab the tention. To the kitchen~!

Morris: Nothing's wrong... I just can't stand these haughty types.

Morris: I'm not jealous or anything. It's just that I'm a poor artist born from a middle-class family... But it's not so bad as to have a man like him worrying about my well-being...
Neckbeard: James...

Neckbeard: Huh? What am I thinking?
Morris: A room? A room mate? You aren't thinking of turning this place into a boarding house, are you?


Morris is not pleased with this decision.

Morris: This place was left to your husband by his late aunt, was it not?
Neckbeard: Yes... She was single...
Morris: But you can't just let some young men lodge here! What if they try to do something to you?
Neckbeard: You're overreacting, James.
I'd say that's pretty sound logic, but this is an Otome game, of course we're going to have hot gentlemen in out house!
Morris: But...
Neckbeard: I don't want to let go of it...

Yeah, what?
Neckbeard: Thomas's father... was disowned by his father, Thomas's grandfather, so all of his possessions passed on to his aunt. And when his aunt passed away... It wasn't much of an inheritance, but we got this house, so we decided to live in it.
Morris: So...
Neckbeard: It's about my husband. We'd only been married for 3 months when he passed... But he loved this house, so I can't bear to part with it. I can get by with the money that my husband left me, but maintaining this house and just staying alive cost money...
Morris: But can't you at least limit it to female lodgers only?
Neckbeard: They don't trust me...
Morris: Huh?
Neckbeard: I'm still young... And I'm a woman, so they don't trust me. It's absurd, but the won't trust me just because I'm a young woman. I wish I had been born a man...


Morris: I see...
Neckbeard: Sorry. But thank you for worrying about me.
Morris: No, I should apologize for not noticing...


Neckbeard: What?
Morris: I'll wait here until you've finished talking about the contract. But make sure to call me if they tart a fight. I was raised in the slums, so I can hold my own in fisticuffs.

Morris: Please do. And also...

ALUFHILHFBLIAUL/VBALUHALBI LOOK AT DAT BLUUUSH *squee*
Neckbeard: Thank you, James...
Morris: No problem... See you later...
Neckbeard: ......
Back to the living room I believe?

Holmes: That's quite all right. Oh, I tok the liberty of hanging my coat, if you don't mind.
Neckbeard: I'm sorry, I'm not much of a host, am I?
Watson: Don't worry about it... We should apologize for driving off your friend.

Watson: Please don't be humble, milady.

Neckbeard: Oh... I...
Watson: The owner is like a parent, and the tenants are like children.... Not that I consider a beautiful lady like yourself my mother. What I mean is that in a close relationship like this, it is not necessary to be reserved...
Watson, why you stealing all my feels?
Neckbeard: But I... I think it's not quite appropriate to hold someone's hans after having only just met them...

Watson: Oh pish posh, Holmes.
Watson let go of my hands.
Oh, dear.
Holmes: Now then... If you don't mind, I'd like to have a look at the room, please.
Neckbeard: Oh yes, quite right.
I opened the door and led the two gentlemen up the stairs to the room.
To the room~!
Neckbeard: I hope you like it...

The room is PINK, no wonder Holmes look unimpressed, but why is Watson so happy? image limit I hate you

This Watson is adorable! But the Holmes makes me suspect that a twelve-year-old named Billy has found platform shoes and dressed up as a Great Detective, especially with that floppy deerstalker.

Mmmmmm bishie Watson is best Watson.

Neeeeeed fooooood.....

Neckbeard: But Regent's Park is very close, so you can go for a stroll when the weather is nice.

Wait, wat? Elephants?! How big IS this park?!
Neckbeard: T-the elephants...? I suppose I did...
Watson: In India, they ride elephants like we do horses.
Neckbeard: Yes... I know...
Holmes: Mrs. Hudson...
I quickly turn to him, if just to free myself from Mr. Watson.

Holmes: Bravo, madam! This is just perfect!
You say with such a displeased face.
Neckbeard: ...What?
Even Necky doesn't believe you.
Holmes: The bedroom and the living room.. It's the apartment of my dreams. Absolutely smashing! There is nothing I can fault it on!
Ok, now you're just making shit up. It's PINK for Christ's sake, even when I was little, the only think pink I had were my bed covers, clothes, and plushies.
Mr. Holmes walked around the apartment in a state of utter exilaration.
Ok, this Holmes is just as batshit as the one I've seen in movies.
Neckbeard: I'm glad you like it.

Mr. Watson quickly cut in, as if not to get left behind.

Neckbeard: No. This house used to belong to my late husband's aunt. It's quite old, but I hope it will serve you.
Watson: It's splendid! Now, about that contract...

!?
Holmes: I like this room too. It is all I need. I would love to rent this place!
Neckbeard: Umm...
Holmes: Watson, you only seem to be interested in renting this room from the point of view of livability. But to me, an apartment is a place to live and a place to work. So let me warn you that you will not find me quick to compromise.
Watson: I see... You seem to have made up your mind too, then. In that case... I know, I will give you 1.5 times the rent you require. How would you like that, Mrs. Hudson?
Neckbeard: What? I...
Holmes: I hardly think it's a matter of money.
Watson: Oh, but it is. The world is not a kind place to wives who have lost their husbands and have to get by on their own without money. Right, Mrs. Hudson?
Neckbeard: I... uh... I...
I'm lost for word. I don't know what to say or do... Unless...

Holmes: Ah... A fair question. I'm the third son of a countryside squire. It is my father's wish that I be a consulting engineer... But I have rejected this... I have been all but disowned, so I need to work to stay alive.
Neckbeard: I don't mean to intrude, but what is this job you chose against your father's desires?
Holmes theatrically put a hand on his chest and bowed gracefully. Then he said:

Watson: A consulting detective? Not a private one?
Holmes: A consulting one, indeed. Private detectives and policemen from all over Britain come to me for counsel. I advise them and offer them support. Wonderful, isn't it? Milady, it is for the sake of her Majesty, no, the entire British Empire, no, word peace itself that you need to rent me this room! How about it? I'm sure you can easily magine what a wonderous event this would be?
o.O That's a bit... much, yes? Aren't you get a bit ahead of yourself there Holmesy?
......
For the sake of... the Queen?
For world peace?
Does that... uh...
......
After a few seconds of silence, someone burst out in laughter.

Neckbeard: M-mister Watson... Um...

Watson: No, I'm sorry... It's just that you're so full of yourself... But I can't... Hehehehehe...
Mr. Watson held his sides as he laughed his head off.
I'd be laughing to if I could see that.

Mr. Holes shrugged.
Holmes: It seems I still have a long way to go. Although one of the reasos no one knows me might be the fact that many of my jobs are confidential. There are many leading figures among my clients... it seems word of mouth is spreading, but still not quite enough.

Watson: Surely this should tell you enough, Neckbeard. You don't mind if I call you Neckbeard, do you?
Mr Watson continued talking without waiting for an answer.
Watson: Renting your apartment to this man would be like casting pearls before swine... No, maybe swine would actually still find good use for pearls...
Neckbeard: Mr. Watson... I really think that's going a bit too far...
What are you talking about Necky? This banter is better than the movies!
Watson: But you must've been thinking the same thing, right, Neckbeard?
Neckbeard: Well, I... uh... I've never actually heard of the occupation of consulting detective before...
Holmes: You wouldn't have. I'm the first one in existence.
More like you pulled the name out of your ass. /shot
A job I've never heard of, unfounded confidence, what am I to make of all of this?
Watson: Holmes, the lady seems to have some reservations about your occupation.

So Mr. Holmes has taken to calling me by my first name now too.
But...
Neckbeard: Uh... I, um... I'm sorry. But...
No one would ever fall for something like this.
They may be aquaintences of Stan, my husband's friend, but still...

Mr. Holmes let out a heavy sigh.
Holmes: Then what can I tell you to make me believe you? (I believe that should be YOU believe ME) My brother Mycroft would gladly vouch for me, but would that convince you?
Neckbeard: ? You have a brother? Doess he live close by?
Holmes: Yes. He works for the government, so he lives in London. If you require his ssistance...

Holmes: What do you mean by that, Watson?
Watson: It's quite simple. If you're really such an extraordinary consulting detective, le's see you solve a case in front of milady here, shall we?
Neckbeard: What!?

Neckbeard: Huh!?
Mr. Holmes smiled boldly.
Holmes: Then the next problem is what riddle to solve...? Let's see...
Wait, we're leaving? But, I've got a ridd- oh, we're back in the kitchen...

Hi Morris~<3

I'm gonna stop this update for tonight. It gave me something of a cliffhanger, I'm giving you guys one. And by the time I get the next part up, it will probably be well past 3 in the morning here.

Pssh that's not pink, it's rose! The height of taste in wallpaper! Get with the times, man. Man, this Watson. I don't know what to make of him. Something about that ponytail makes me doubt that this incarnation was a soldier.

Maybe it was a copyright thing?

Nah, Holmes is in the public domain.

It's very likely that it's actually a reference to Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street by William S. Baring-Gould, a very influential "biography" of Holmes published in 1962 that contributed a lot of fanon to the Holmesian fandom back in the day. It gives Holmes's full given name as "William Sherlock Scott Holmes."

Hm, since I voted against Moris earlier because of his terrible hair, I certainly casting one in favor of Watson luscious blond ponytail ! Look at it ! So pretty ! <3

Huh! I did not know this. Might have to track that down.

Also, Interesting Victorian Trivia: pink used to be considered a 'masculine' color, and blue was a feminine color. Because pink was considered warmer and stronger, while blue was cooler and more delicate. Pink for girls didn't end up codified and as near-universal as it's become until the 1940s. Also, they made Watson a total player (not without precedent), and I love it.

"Three Continents" Watson strikes again!

Did they even read the descriptions of what the characters looked like before creating this game? Their Watson is all wrong. There's nothing there that would allow Holmes to deduce that he was military.

I've never played this, so currently, I have no idea if this Watson was ever in the military. For all any of us know, he may not have even been in the military at all. He only states his occupation is a physician, and you don't need to be in the military to get a mdical degree, so it's pretty hard to tell if he may have been in the military. And why is this even an issue? This is an Otome Game! They don't need to make complete sence or be completely true to thier character. They can tweek it a bit to make it appealing in some other manner, such as giving Watson such lovely hair. I like this Watson and his gorgeous hair, I wish I could do that with my hair.....

Eh, I guess it's kind of just me being nitpicky, but in the novels, at least, the way that Watson found out about Holmes' deductive superpowers is because Holmes was able to tell him all about his military past and his being a doctor without Watson saying anything about himself. I guess if this Watson isn't military and they have another way for Holmes to show off his skills, it's okay. It's just that when doing an adaptation (especially of source material as beloved and pervasive as Sherlock Holmes), it can be hard to find the right balance between making a story your own and changing it so much that it becomes unrecognizable or loses the special quality that made it beloved in the first place. Of course, equally bad as changing too much can be making changes and then stopping halfway and that's what I didn't like about Elementary. Watson is a woman? Sure, that could be an interesting twist if it's done right. Sherlock Holmes is in New York? Yeah, it's an American audience, so that makes sense. Holmes is still British? Starting to stretch believably too far. If Watson is going to be American and every other character is going to be American, why not just make Holmes American too? I mean, there were seriously no capable doctors in London who could have treated him for his addiction problems? You had to ship him over the Atlantic to find someone who would be willing to work with him?

Anyway, this got kind of off topic, but the tl;dr is that adaptions are hard.

Ah, yeah I understand that much. I get nitpicky too over certain things in the manga/anime I read/watch, such as historical and medical accuracy. My little sister is an extreamly serious history/medical buff, and that has rubbed off on me in the fact that if something seriously historic is shown/told inaccurately, or if it's a medical situation being done in a way that isn't realistic for the setting/done in a way that would actally make it worse, I get feelings ranging from mild annoyance if it only happens a few times or is later corrected to beyond pissed if it's a repeat offender and no corrections.

Eh. The idea of anyone - man, woman, or small Betazed Slug (and of the three, the Slug probably has the best chance) - being able to romance Sherlock Holmes is already so acanonical that everything else is easy to swallow. :D

This, of course, means my vote goes for the Detective. He's in the name and everything!

I love Holmes~<3

There's a reason for that that I refuse to spoiler.

From now on, I'll vote on love interest only basing my choice upon the beauty of their hair.

Can we romance Watson's hair? Just the hair, Neckbeard can sneak into their room and shave it off to KEEP FOREVER.

It'd be more historically accurate than most of what's going down in this game.

It's Japan. I think we can safely assume that nothing that comes out of that country will be historically (or even in regards to literature) accurate with the exception of some of it's own history (ex. Hakuouki).

This is true. At least it's better than when I played the demo for Heileen and I had to quit 5 minutes in because the historical inaccuracies were driving me nuts.

It's like all my degree in History has given me is the ability to write really long sentences and get super annoyed by historical inaccuracies in popular media. (Unless it's implying that Rasputin was directly responsible for the October Revolution which is just hilarious.)

And Heileen... wasn't even made in Japan. I believe the guy in charge of that game was European or American, I forgot.
Japanese publishers pull all sorts of crap all the time about foreign culture/history that I - reluctantly and painfully and miserably - started ignoring them inaccuracies. I mean, they don't really like outsiders and they don't care much for outsiders, so I sort of understand their attitude. I'm only going to get riled up when something really struck a chord or it was something horribly offensive. I am still less forgiving with "Western" companies doing the same thing.

What was wrong with Heileen, by the way? To me it looked like some sort of quack-theme-park-fantasy setting ala Pirates in Love or something like that. I'm not that well-versed in that part of history...

I barely know a damn thing about history, and I still found that part of Anastasia hilarious. Yes! The peasants overthrew the Romanovs because an evil wizard made them do it, through magic!