I'm a huge fan of The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes! Besides being one of my favorite 3DO games, it's also one of my favorite games in the point n' click (graphic adventure) genre.
I love the visuals in this game. I think critics need to look past the fact that they are dated, and focus on the art style. There is an incredible amount of detail drawn in each scene, and the game just oozes atmosphere! It's a joy to arrive at each location and see all the attention and extras a scene packs. It really helps to draw you into the game, and adds an extra level of realism.
The best things about the music is that if fits the game perfectly, and it is varied. You can tell a lot of care went into the soundtrack, and it also helps to draw you into the game with it's period pieces.
The game is challenging! I also had to use a guide, although I do regret it. The thing that makes it fair is, the game really makes you think like Holmes. Since first beating this game back in the 90's, I've read every one of the Conan Doyle Holmes stories. I appreciate how accurate the game is to the character, and how you really need to study the clues, not just click on them once and think you are done with them. A long satisfying adventure.
I think the actors were very good, and certainly a nice addition from the pc version which just used in game graphics and texts with no sound. Again, it adds a layer of immersion. Watson was my favorite, and I swear I recognize his voice from somewhere else.
Some other things I like ...
The game is less linear than other point n' click games. There are a lot of choices in dialouge (which can add a substantial amount to the game depending on what you pick, or what's even
available to pick), which location to go to next, even how to solve a puzzle. There is good replay value (especially for this genre) cause you can play through it w/differenet selections and it will effect the way the game plays out. I remember the first time I completed a puzzle with a totally different solution, I was stunned! I won't spoil it, but you can solve the puzzle by being nice (this is a long way that even opens up a new mini game) or you can be a jerk and complete the puzzle quick (sans mini game) Lots of care taken with the choices, and it shows.
And I love all the extra real Holmes characters they worked into the game. Wiggins the street urchin, Inspector Lestrade, Toby the dog, etc ... real additions to the story, not just tacked on.
Overall, a stunning game. It was good enough to intoduce and turn me into a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes!

Most wanted - Eye of Typhoon, 3DO Magazines issues #14 & #15, Pro Stadium, Defcon 5