Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile Switch Review: Microids Delivers a Modern Poirot Mystery Adventure

Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile marks Microids’ latest foray into narrative adventure gaming, offering Nintendo Switch players a fresh interpretation of Hercule Poirot’s legendary sleuthing.

Drawing from the timeless source material, this title stands apart with a bold 1970s setting, stylish new visuals, and inventive gameplay mechanics designed for a modern audience. Upon starting the game, players are greeted by a reimagined, tall and slender Hercule Poirot—distinct from the portly detective familiar to Christie fans.

Despite these aesthetic shifts, Death on the Nile preserves the cerebral challenge fans expect, inviting players to exercise their detective instincts with a variety of difficulty options, readily adjustable to suit all playstyles. Notably, the game’s narrative unfolds alongside Poirot through the 1970s, beginning not amid the tranquil Egyptian scenery but in a bustling discotheque.

Here, Poirot is seen in a sharp white jacket with wide lapels—a nod to the era’s fashion.

The journey soon expands beyond the Nile to other global locations, including the alleys of the Bronx and luxurious homes in Majorca.

The developers at Microids have embraced the setting fully, integrating nostalgic touches, such as a bar’s Pong machine and homes lit by waterfall panels, all contributing to a vibrant, immersive world.

The game’s soundtrack, while distinctly ‘70s-inspired, offers variety beyond simple disco beats—players can even sample tracks via an in-game jukebox, enriching the overall atmosphere throughout the game's lengthy chapters. A major new addition is the playable character Jane Royce, a private detective and Poirot enthusiast, whose parallel investigations enrich content and introduce new gameplay elements.

These sections offer running and stealth mechanics, as well as narrative choices that influence the story, adding replayability and depth.

While moments shared between Royce and Poirot are particularly engaging, chapters focused on individual storylines may prompt a slower pacing.

While some players may wish for more flexible plot progression, the inclusion of these perspectives broadens the game’s scope. Core to the investigative process is the "Mindmap", an interactive board where players connect clues and draw deductions.

While initially dense, this mechanic rewards patience, though its implementation may feel cumbersome if not navigated precisely.

Despite a weak hint system, the game ensures players are encouraged to think critically without heavy penalties for experimentation, contributing to accessibility for both newcomers and genre veterans. Death on the Nile shines brightest in character interactions.

Each dialogue is fully voiced, lending charm and personality to an ensemble cast that elevates the storytelling experience.

These exchanges frequently provide critical hints, deepening immersion and bolstering the game’s narrative drive.

Puzzle design is varied—while most contribute meaningfully to the progression, a minority can feel disconnected or overly frustrating, affecting pacing.

Fortunately, the overall quality of brainteasers maintains engagement, and optional collectibles plus multiple narrative paths encourage replay. Since its release on Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop, Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile has received praise for its atmospheric 1970s audio-visual presentation and robust narrative.

Microids, building on their previous Agatha Christie – The ABC Murders adaptation, has successfully delivered a richer, more replayable experience.

Priced at $39.99, the game offers considerable value, with strong writing, memorable characters, and enough branching content to keep players returning for new outcomes.

While purists may note creative liberties, most adventure fans will appreciate this high-quality, memorable mystery journey on Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Microids Adventure Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile Hercule Poirot Jane Royce