This is actually a GQ, because I’m asking for a factual answer rather than calling for a discussion, but it involves video games, so I put it here; if that choice is wrong, I’ll appreciate a mod moving this thread.
I’m a fan of cozy whodunits, especially the ones by the classic English writers such as Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers. In the past few years, several of Christie’s novels were adapted into adventure video games - And then there were None, Murder on the Orient Express, and, pretty recently, The Evil under the Sun.
I’d love to play these games, but I know all of these novels (or their film adaptations) already. Did the producers of the video games simply import the plot from the books, or did they modify the story and construct new solutions to the mysteries?
I’m an Agatha Christie fan, and I’ve played most of the games so I’ll try to answer your questions.
Usually they follow the plots closely but add an extra character and plot element to give it a twist. There are a whole set of subgames, mostly worked through a variant of point-and-click.
And then there were none - very good, adds one character to the plot and a few side quests and sub games. They change the ending slightly (its closer to the film than the book) and you can determine to an extent what the end is and who survives by your actions. (I actually prefered their ending to the books)
Murder on the Orient Express is similar - It adds one character who has to assist Poirot with his enquiries. I did get slightly stuck and use a FAQ at one point, but otherwise its pretty straightforward. However there are multiple plots going on, and you need to sort out which evidence belongs to each. Its close to the book, but the final twist and added plot elements are worked in very well, and makes it worth playing even if you know the story.
**Evil Under the Sun. ** Oh Dear. It is a good game, good characters, bit slow to start, but it has a major flaw. Every few screens it looses the graphics - litterally whitescreen of death, requiring you to save and restart the game. I am halfway through it despite this, but its just got to the point where I am waiting for them to release a patch before I bother continuing. A shame - otherwise its a very good game.
I’d echo these comments as well. In Evil Under the Sun the graphics are lush in their Art Deco-ness, but I experienced exactly the same issue of losing the graphics. I finally gave up and abandoned the game. I wouldn’t suggest starting there.