Collect evidence, question suspects, solve the case: games where you investigate yourself and have to draw the right conclusions.
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How to find games that really suit you:
Select up to 5 games you have played and enjoyed. Playalike compares 50 traits such as combat, story and atmosphere and suggests games that hit exactly the same spot, even across genres.
A moody noir murder mystery where you play Bigby Wolf, the reformed Big Bad Wolf turned sheriff, investigating killings among fairy-tale exiles in grimy New York. Your dialogue choices decide whether you're feared or trusted, all wrapped in a striking neon comic-book style.
A grim, cinematic thriller about the Origami Killer where you guide four characters, and every choice or failed quick-time sequence can decide who lives and how the story ends.
A moody noir murder mystery where you play Bigby Wolf, the reformed Big Bad Wolf turned sheriff, investigating killings among fairy-tale exiles in grimy New York. Your dialogue choices decide whether you're feared or trusted, all wrapped in a striking neon comic-book style.
A moody noir murder mystery where you play Bigby Wolf, the reformed Big Bad Wolf turned sheriff, investigating killings among fairy-tale exiles in grimy New York. Your dialogue choices decide whether you're feared or trusted, all wrapped in a striking neon comic-book style.
A grim, cinematic thriller about the Origami Killer where you guide four characters, and every choice or failed quick-time sequence can decide who lives and how the story ends.
2010PC, PlayStation, Steam Deck verified19.99 €85 % positive
Very positive, 27,579 reviews on Steam
Emotional impact
Choices with consequences
Lavish presentation
A grim, cinematic thriller about the Origami Killer where you guide four characters, and every choice or failed quick-time sequence can decide who lives and how the story ends.
As an LAPD detective in 1947 Los Angeles, you comb crime scenes for clues and read suspects' motion-captured faces during interrogations. It's an atmospheric noir crime drama where deduction matters more than gunplay.
2011PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable19.99 €85 % positive
Very positive, 31,381 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Lavish presentation
Strong, story-driven narrative
As an LAPD detective in 1947 Los Angeles, you comb crime scenes for clues and read suspects' motion-captured faces during interrogations. It's an atmospheric noir crime drama where deduction matters more than gunplay.
As an insurance investigator, you use a magical pocket watch to relive the final moments of a ghost ship's crew and deduce the identity and fate of every sailor. Its striking 1-bit visuals and brilliant deduction design make it a one-of-a-kind detective game.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 32,905 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Distinctive, stylised art style
Lots to discover
As an insurance investigator, you use a magical pocket watch to relive the final moments of a ghost ship's crew and deduce the identity and fate of every sailor. Its striking 1-bit visuals and brilliant deduction design make it a one-of-a-kind detective game.
Quantic Dream's cinematic thriller has you play both an accidental murderer and the detectives hunting him, shaping the story through decisions and reflex-based QTE sequences. Its supernatural mystery starts gripping and atmospheric before veering into wild territory.
Quantic Dream's cinematic thriller has you play both an accidental murderer and the detectives hunting him, shaping the story through decisions and reflex-based QTE sequences. Its supernatural mystery starts gripping and atmospheric before veering into wild territory.
An episodic narrative adventure where you make tough calls both as Bruce Wayne and as Batman. A dark revelation about the Wayne family recasts familiar characters like the Penguin and the Joker in a new light.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable14.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 15,192 reviews on Steam
Choices with consequences
Strong, story-driven narrative
Emotional impact
An episodic narrative adventure where you make tough calls both as Bruce Wayne and as Batman. A dark revelation about the Wayne family recasts familiar characters like the Penguin and the Joker in a new light.
An atmospheric first-person mystery where you play an occult detective reconstructing grim crime scenes in a gorgeous yet eerie valley. Its photorealistic scenery and poignant final twist are the highlights.
2014PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 6,869 reviews on Steam
Lavish presentation
Lots to discover
Emotional impact
An atmospheric first-person mystery where you play an occult detective reconstructing grim crime scenes in a gorgeous yet eerie valley. Its photorealistic scenery and poignant final twist are the highlights.
A twisted murder-mystery visual novel where trapped students are goaded into killing each other by a sadistic bear. Frantic class trials have you literally shoot down lies with evidence, all wrapped in pop-art style and pitch-black humor.
2010PC, PlayStation, Steam Deck playable−90 %19.99 € 1.99 € 11 days left96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 37,263 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Strong soundtrack
Strong, story-driven narrative
A twisted murder-mystery visual novel where trapped students are goaded into killing each other by a sadistic bear. Frantic class trials have you literally shoot down lies with evidence, all wrapped in pop-art style and pitch-black humor.
As a murdered detective, you roam a gloomy Salem as a ghost, possessing the living and piecing together clues to solve your own killing. An atmospheric, story-driven investigation adventure with light stealth encounters against demons.
2014PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck verified19.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 12,119 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Strong, story-driven narrative
As a murdered detective, you roam a gloomy Salem as a ghost, possessing the living and piecing together clues to solve your own killing. An atmospheric, story-driven investigation adventure with light stealth encounters against demons.
As a 1920s private eye in the half-drowned town of Oakmont, you solve eerie cases by reconstructing crime scenes and drawing your own conclusions, with little hand-holding, in a Lovecraftian nightmare. Thick atmosphere and morally grey decisions carry the game, while the combat is serviceable rather than great.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable39.99 €75 % positive
Mostly positive, 5,508 reviews on Steam
Dread and tension
Dark, serious atmosphere
Open world
As a 1920s private eye in the half-drowned town of Oakmont, you solve eerie cases by reconstructing crime scenes and drawing your own conclusions, with little hand-holding, in a Lovecraftian nightmare. Thick atmosphere and morally grey decisions carry the game, while the combat is serviceable rather than great.
A short, gorgeous noir detective adventure set in a retro-futuristic New York where consciousness can be transferred into new bodies. You rewind time at crime scenes to piece together clues, and your dialogue choices steer the ending.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox24.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 6,023 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Lavish presentation
Dark, serious atmosphere
A short, gorgeous noir detective adventure set in a retro-futuristic New York where consciousness can be transferred into new bodies. You rewind time at crime scenes to piece together clues, and your dialogue choices steer the ending.
You type keywords into an old police database and piece together a haunting crime mystery from fragmented live-action interview clips of one woman. The story assembles itself in your head, in whatever order your curiosity leads you.
2015PC, Steam Deck playable9.75 €89 % positive
Very positive, 8,411 reviews on Steam
Strong, story-driven narrative
Lots to discover
Puzzles and brain teasers
You type keywords into an old police database and piece together a haunting crime mystery from fragmented live-action interview clips of one woman. The story assembles itself in your head, in whatever order your curiosity leads you.
As shell-shocked private eye Edward Pierce you investigate a mysterious death on a grim whaling island and slide steadily into Lovecraftian madness. Investigation, dialogue skills and your fraying sanity shape how the story ends.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €79 % positive
Mostly positive, 11,058 reviews on Steam
Dread and tension
Lore and world history
Dark, serious atmosphere
As shell-shocked private eye Edward Pierce you investigate a mysterious death on a grim whaling island and slide steadily into Lovecraftian madness. Investigation, dialogue skills and your fraying sanity shape how the story ends.
2012PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−60 %19.99 € 7.99 € 11 days left95 % positive
A tropical island getaway turns into a killing game: this offbeat visual novel mystery has you investigating murders among your classmates and exposing culprits in frantic class trials. Dark humor, wild twists and a striking pop-art style make it stand out.
2012PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−60 %19.99 € 7.99 € 11 days left95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 31,509 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Strong soundtrack
Strong, story-driven narrative
A tropical island getaway turns into a killing game: this offbeat visual novel mystery has you investigating murders among your classmates and exposing culprits in frantic class trials. Dark humor, wild twists and a striking pop-art style make it stand out.
You and your friends play ghost hunters, using EMF readers, spirit boxes and cameras to work out which kind of ghost haunts a location. Voice recognition and sudden hunts make for genuine panic and plenty of hilarious co-op moments.
2020PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable18.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 686,738 reviews on Steam
Co-op or multiplayer
Playing together in co-op
Dread and tension
You and your friends play ghost hunters, using EMF readers, spirit boxes and cameras to work out which kind of ghost haunts a location. Voice recognition and sudden hunts make for genuine panic and plenty of hilarious co-op moments.
2017PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−80 %33.99 € 6.79 € 11 days left82 % positive
A garishly stylish murder-mystery visual novel where you investigate killings and expose lies in frantic class trials full of mini-games. Pitch-black humor, shocking twists and a finale that questions the entire series make it unforgettable.
2017PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−80 %33.99 € 6.79 € 11 days left82 % positive
Very positive, 22,358 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Strong soundtrack
Strong, story-driven narrative
A garishly stylish murder-mystery visual novel where you investigate killings and expose lies in frantic class trials full of mini-games. Pitch-black humor, shocking twists and a finale that questions the entire series make it unforgettable.
A story-driven espionage RPG from the Disco Elysium studio: you play a tormented operative rebuilding a shattered spy network and unravelling a bloody conspiracy. Dialogue, choices and inner conflict take centre stage rather than combat.
2026PC, Steam Deck verified39.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 3,282 reviews on Steam
Dialogue and role-playing
Choices with consequences
Strong, story-driven narrative
A story-driven espionage RPG from the Disco Elysium studio: you play a tormented operative rebuilding a shattered spy network and unravelling a bloody conspiracy. Dialogue, choices and inner conflict take centre stage rather than combat.
As Sherlock Holmes you work through six varied criminal cases, gathering clues and deducing the truth, then make a moral call on whether to punish or spare the culprit.
2014PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €89 % positive
Very positive, 7,186 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Choices with consequences
Puzzles and brain teasers
As Sherlock Holmes you work through six varied criminal cases, gathering clues and deducing the truth, then make a moral call on whether to punish or spare the culprit.
A classic point-and-click adventure (known as Broken Sword) in which American tourist George Stobbart gets caught up in a Paris bombing and uncovers a Knights Templar conspiracy. Clever inventory puzzles, dry humor and a gripping conspiracy plot define the experience.
1996PC, PlayStation89 % positive
Very positive, 97 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Strong, story-driven narrative
A classic point-and-click adventure (known as Broken Sword) in which American tourist George Stobbart gets caught up in a Paris bombing and uncovers a Knights Templar conspiracy. Clever inventory puzzles, dry humor and a gripping conspiracy plot define the experience.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch14.99 €92 % positive
A Telltale narrative adventure where you play Bruce Wayne and Batman, making tough decisions that shape alliances and the Joker's rise. The focus is on dialogue, investigation and quick-time action scenes.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch14.99 €92 % positive
Very positive, 8,961 reviews on Steam
Choices with consequences
Dialogue and role-playing
Strong, story-driven narrative
A Telltale narrative adventure where you play Bruce Wayne and Batman, making tough decisions that shape alliances and the Joker's rise. The focus is on dialogue, investigation and quick-time action scenes.
A narrative psychological thriller from the Life is Strange developers. You play Sam, returning to your hometown to piece together a friend's death by reconstructing events in a mind palace, guided by an imaginary alter ego.
A narrative psychological thriller from the Life is Strange developers. You play Sam, returning to your hometown to piece together a friend's death by reconstructing events in a mind palace, guided by an imaginary alter ego.
You play a neural detective who hacks into the memories and minds of others while prowling a decaying, dystopian future Poland. Disturbing hallucinations, thick atmosphere and a paranoid crime story make it a bleak cyberpunk nightmare.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable27.99 €79 % positive
Mostly positive, 4,036 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
Dread and tension
You play a neural detective who hacks into the memories and minds of others while prowling a decaying, dystopian future Poland. Disturbing hallucinations, thick atmosphere and a paranoid crime story make it a bleak cyberpunk nightmare.
A classic point-and-click adventure in which George Stobbart and Nicole Collard chase a conspiracy tied to Aztec mythology. Clever inventory puzzles, dry humor and a thriller-style adventure plot define the experience.
A classic point-and-click adventure in which George Stobbart and Nicole Collard chase a conspiracy tied to Aztec mythology. Clever inventory puzzles, dry humor and a thriller-style adventure plot define the experience.
2016PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable9.99 €90 % positive
You work as an investigator for a government surveillance program, combing through chats, files and profiles of citizens and deciding which information to pass on. It makes the moral cost of mass surveillance tangible within a gripping thriller story.
2016PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable9.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 8,975 reviews on Steam
Choices with consequences
Dark, serious atmosphere
Strong, story-driven narrative
You work as an investigator for a government surveillance program, combing through chats, files and profiles of citizens and deciding which information to pass on. It makes the moral cost of mass surveillance tangible within a gripping thriller story.
A loving throwback to classic LucasArts point-and-click adventures, where you swap between five characters to solve a strange murder in an odd small town. Dark humor, meta jokes and interlocking puzzles are its main appeal.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €92 % positive
Very positive, 3,647 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Puzzles and brain teasers
Lots of humour
A loving throwback to classic LucasArts point-and-click adventures, where you swap between five characters to solve a strange murder in an odd small town. Dark humor, meta jokes and interlocking puzzles are its main appeal.
As aging police chief Jack Boyd, you dispatch officers, manage staff, and make morally murky choices while scraping together retirement money over 180 days. A grim noir tale of corruption and guilt told in a stylish silhouette art style.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable14.99 €82 % positive
Very positive, 9,208 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Tactical depth
Economy and management
As aging police chief Jack Boyd, you dispatch officers, manage staff, and make morally murky choices while scraping together retirement money over 180 days. A grim noir tale of corruption and guilt told in a stylish silhouette art style.
As an occult investigator, you explore a silent deep-sea mining station in the Pacific while your sanity frays. It leans on Lovecraftian dread and mystery rather than action.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox−65 %39.99 € 13.99 € 6 days left52 % positive
Mixed, 280 reviews on Steam
Dread and tension
Dark, serious atmosphere
Lore and world history
As an occult investigator, you explore a silent deep-sea mining station in the Pacific while your sanity frays. It leans on Lovecraftian dread and mystery rather than action.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−80 %19.99 € 3.99 € 11 days left91 % positive
A visual novel mystery by Kotaro Uchikoshi where you play detective Kaname Date hunting a serial killer by diving into suspects' dreams (Somnium). Branching story paths, quirky humor and sharp twists drive a gripping narrative.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−80 %19.99 € 3.99 € 11 days left91 % positive
Very positive, 8,939 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Strong, story-driven narrative
Lots of humour
A visual novel mystery by Kotaro Uchikoshi where you play detective Kaname Date hunting a serial killer by diving into suspects' dreams (Somnium). Branching story paths, quirky humor and sharp twists drive a gripping narrative.
A grim Victorian detective adventure where Holmes himself becomes the prime suspect, and you investigate as him, Watson and even Toby the dog, gathering clues, solving logic puzzles and piecing together deductions.
2012PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable19.99 €80 % positive
Very positive, 3,268 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Historical setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
A grim Victorian detective adventure where Holmes himself becomes the prime suspect, and you investigate as him, Watson and even Toby the dog, gathering clues, solving logic puzzles and piecing together deductions.
You play Sherlock Holmes in Victorian London, examining crime scenes, connecting clues and making judgments that shape how cases unfold. The focus is on investigation and puzzles, spiced with short action and chase sequences.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €80 % positive
Very positive, 12,117 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Puzzles and brain teasers
Strong, story-driven narrative
You play Sherlock Holmes in Victorian London, examining crime scenes, connecting clues and making judgments that shape how cases unfold. The focus is on investigation and puzzles, spiced with short action and chase sequences.
A stealth puzzler where you play a spy who rewires buildings with the Crosslink to outwit guards. A short, wry noir story with dry humor ties the heists together.
2013PC, Steam Deck playable−80 %7.00 € 1.40 € 6 days left97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 10,280 reviews on Steam
Sneaking and hiding
Pixel art
Puzzles and brain teasers
A stealth puzzler where you play a spy who rewires buildings with the Crosslink to outwit guards. A short, wry noir story with dry humor ties the heists together.
A narrative murder-mystery set in 16th-century Bavaria, styled like an illuminated manuscript. Your conversations and choices reshape the fate of a village and its abbey over 25 years.
2022PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 9,362 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Historical setting
Choices with consequences
A narrative murder-mystery set in 16th-century Bavaria, styled like an illuminated manuscript. Your conversations and choices reshape the fate of a village and its abbey over 25 years.
Virginia is a dialogue-free, cinematically edited first-person story game where a rookie FBI agent investigates a disappearance. Hard film-style cuts, a strong orchestral score and surreal dream sequences make it a short, unusual experience.
Virginia is a dialogue-free, cinematically edited first-person story game where a rookie FBI agent investigates a disappearance. Hard film-style cuts, a strong orchestral score and surreal dream sequences make it a short, unusual experience.
A noir detective adventure starring cat private eye John Blacksad, who is pulled into a murder case around a boxing club. It focuses on investigation, dialogue and choices in a comic-inspired world of anthropomorphic animals.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 5,400 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Dialogue and role-playing
Choices with consequences
A noir detective adventure starring cat private eye John Blacksad, who is pulled into a murder case around a boxing club. It focuses on investigation, dialogue and choices in a comic-inspired world of anthropomorphic animals.
You investigate twelve baffling deaths spanning centuries, gathering clues in pixel-art crime scenes and piecing together names, motives and sequences into your own theory. Pure deduction with little hand-holding makes it feel like genuine detective work.
2022PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified17.99 €97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 9,944 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Puzzles and brain teasers
Distinctive, stylised art style
You investigate twelve baffling deaths spanning centuries, gathering clues in pixel-art crime scenes and piecing together names, motives and sequences into your own theory. Pure deduction with little hand-holding makes it feel like genuine detective work.
A classic point-and-click adventure where George and Nico chase a conspiracy tied to a stolen painting and ancient secrets. Witty dialogue, inventory puzzles and a globe-trotting mystery drive the experience.
2013PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable22.99 €89 % positive
Very positive, 1,938 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Dialogue and role-playing
Strong, story-driven narrative
A classic point-and-click adventure where George and Nico chase a conspiracy tied to a stolen painting and ancient secrets. Witty dialogue, inventory puzzles and a globe-trotting mystery drive the experience.
An atmospheric neo-noir pixel-art point-and-click adventure where you alternate between an assassin hunting for his brother and an amnesiac patient in a sinister facility. Its bleak sci-fi mystery and twists drive the whole experience.
2011PC, Steam Deck verified7.99 €86 % positive
Very positive, 1,264 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Sci-fi setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
An atmospheric neo-noir pixel-art point-and-click adventure where you alternate between an assassin hunting for his brother and an amnesiac patient in a sinister facility. Its bleak sci-fi mystery and twists drive the whole experience.
A grim point-and-click crime thriller where you play FBI agent Victoria and her grandfather Gustav, investigating two eerily similar murder sprees set 75 years apart. Clue-hunting and puzzles drive the experience.
2005PC, Xbox, Steam Deck playable7.99 €82 % positive
Very positive, 896 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Strong, story-driven narrative
Puzzles and brain teasers
A grim point-and-click crime thriller where you play FBI agent Victoria and her grandfather Gustav, investigating two eerily similar murder sprees set 75 years apart. Clue-hunting and puzzles drive the experience.
An interactive live-action thriller where you play Erica, uncovering the truth behind her father's death. You examine clues with touch and gestures, and your choices steer the story toward different endings.
2019PC, PlayStation78 % positive
Mostly positive, 1,597 reviews on Steam
Strong, story-driven narrative
Dark, serious atmosphere
An interactive live-action thriller where you play Erica, uncovering the truth behind her father's death. You examine clues with touch and gestures, and your choices steer the story toward different endings.
A detective adventure set in neon-soaked 2019 Los Angeles, where you play a Blade Runner questioning suspects, collecting clues and hunting replicants. Your choices reshape the story and lead to one of six different endings.
A detective adventure set in neon-soaked 2019 Los Angeles, where you play a Blade Runner questioning suspects, collecting clues and hunting replicants. Your choices reshape the story and lead to one of six different endings.
A cinematic interactive thriller about a supernatural murder, where you alternate between the culprit and the investigators. Branching dialogue, quick-time action scenes and an Angelo Badalamenti score create a tense atmosphere.
2015PC9.99 €79 % positive
Mostly positive, 6,925 reviews on Steam
Strong soundtrack
Strong, story-driven narrative
Dark, serious atmosphere
A cinematic interactive thriller about a supernatural murder, where you alternate between the culprit and the investigators. Branching dialogue, quick-time action scenes and an Angelo Badalamenti score create a tense atmosphere.
You play detective Cole Phelps in 1940s Los Angeles, cracking cases by interrogating witnesses and reading their facial expressions to spot lies. The detailed postwar city and gripping crime stories are what make it stand out.
You play detective Cole Phelps in 1940s Los Angeles, cracking cases by interrogating witnesses and reading their facial expressions to spot lies. The detailed postwar city and gripping crime stories are what make it stand out.
An episodic narrative adventure set at a secretive 1793 estate, where dialogue duels, intrigue and a skill system shape how the conspiracy and murder mystery unfold. Choices carry lasting consequences and conversations play out like tense battles of wits.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable14.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 5,765 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Choices with consequences
Dialogue and role-playing
An episodic narrative adventure set at a secretive 1793 estate, where dialogue duels, intrigue and a skill system shape how the conspiracy and murder mystery unfold. Choices carry lasting consequences and conversations play out like tense battles of wits.
A gloomy gothic point-and-click adventure in which you play Samuel Gordon, exploring a sinister family estate to uncover the truth behind your grandfather's death and an ancient family curse.
2003PC, Steam Deck playable9.99 €85 % positive
Very positive, 1,184 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Puzzles and brain teasers
Dread and tension
A gloomy gothic point-and-click adventure in which you play Samuel Gordon, exploring a sinister family estate to uncover the truth behind your grandfather's death and an ancient family curse.
2025PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €97 % positive
The Drifter is a classic-style point-and-click adventure that prioritizes story and an investigative feel over obtuse puzzles. Its pacing is lean and the grounded puzzles keep the plot moving briskly.
2025PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 4,866 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Strong, story-driven narrative
Puzzles and brain teasers
The Drifter is a classic-style point-and-click adventure that prioritizes story and an investigative feel over obtuse puzzles. Its pacing is lean and the grounded puzzles keep the plot moving briskly.
A classic point-and-click adventure in which writer Gabriel Knight investigates voodoo murders in New Orleans and learns he is heir to the Schattenjäger line. Strong writing, a gothic mood and tricky inventory puzzles define it.
1993PC88 % positive
Very positive, 181 reviews on Steam
Strong, story-driven narrative
Puzzles and brain teasers
Lore and world history
A classic point-and-click adventure in which writer Gabriel Knight investigates voodoo murders in New Orleans and learns he is heir to the Schattenjäger line. Strong writing, a gothic mood and tricky inventory puzzles define it.
A humorous murder-mystery visual novel with point-and-click elements: at Amy's birthday murder party on a train, Sonic becomes the victim, and the investigation takes an unexpectedly sinister turn. It thrives on fan service, parody and whodunit guessing.
A humorous murder-mystery visual novel with point-and-click elements: at Amy's birthday murder party on a train, Sonic becomes the victim, and the investigation takes an unexpectedly sinister turn. It thrives on fan service, parody and whodunit guessing.
A story-driven point-and-click adventure in modern New York where Rosa learns she is a medium and teams up with the sardonic ghost Joey to solve supernatural cases. Light puzzles, dialogue and a melancholic mystery mood take center stage.
2006PC, Steam Deck verified4.49 €89 % positive
Very positive, 1,352 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Dialogue and role-playing
Strong, story-driven narrative
A story-driven point-and-click adventure in modern New York where Rosa learns she is a medium and teams up with the sardonic ghost Joey to solve supernatural cases. Light puzzles, dialogue and a melancholic mystery mood take center stage.
A detective adventure built around Agatha Christie's famous case, where you play Hercule Poirot and new investigator Jane Royce unraveling two linked murders. The focus is on interrogations, clue gathering and deduction puzzles.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable39.99 €77 % positive
Mostly positive, 228 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Strong, story-driven narrative
Puzzles and brain teasers
A detective adventure built around Agatha Christie's famous case, where you play Hercule Poirot and new investigator Jane Royce unraveling two linked murders. The focus is on interrogations, clue gathering and deduction puzzles.
2021PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €78 % positive
An isometric cyberpunk detective RPG where you play a gamedec solving crimes inside virtual worlds. Your dialogue, investigations and decisions shape each case and your character, with no traditional combat.
2021PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €78 % positive
Mostly positive, 1,133 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Choices with consequences
Dialogue and role-playing
An isometric cyberpunk detective RPG where you play a gamedec solving crimes inside virtual worlds. Your dialogue, investigations and decisions shape each case and your character, with no traditional combat.
2015PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch39.99 €89 % positive
A JRPG where you play a cyber detective solving cases across the real world and a digital realm. You collect, evolve and train hundreds of Digimon in turn-based battles reminiscent of Pokémon.
2015PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch39.99 €89 % positive
Very positive, 10,955 reviews on Steam
Turn-based combat
Strong character progression
A party of several characters
A JRPG where you play a cyber detective solving cases across the real world and a digital realm. You collect, evolve and train hundreds of Digimon in turn-based battles reminiscent of Pokémon.
As eccentric FBI agent York you investigate a murder in the small town of Greenvale, a mix of Twin Peaks-style mystery, bizarre humor and clunky survival horror. Technically rough, but beloved as a cult classic for its unforgettable characters.
As eccentric FBI agent York you investigate a murder in the small town of Greenvale, a mix of Twin Peaks-style mystery, bizarre humor and clunky survival horror. Technically rough, but beloved as a cult classic for its unforgettable characters.
As private detective Carl Flaubert, you investigate strange events at a remote lake in snowbound 1970s Quebec. Thick winter atmosphere, a narrator's commentary and slow clue-hunting drive this quiet, eerie adventure.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.99 €82 % positive
Very positive, 2,827 reviews on Steam
Lots to discover
Dark, serious atmosphere
Strong, story-driven narrative
As private detective Carl Flaubert, you investigate strange events at a remote lake in snowbound 1970s Quebec. Thick winter atmosphere, a narrator's commentary and slow clue-hunting drive this quiet, eerie adventure.
As investigator Lady Love Dies you roam a neon-soaked, surreal island, grill eccentric suspects and gather evidence in a murder case. You choose who to accuse at trial, all wrapped in bold style, dark humor and a driving synthwave soundtrack.
2020PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €93 % positive
Very positive, 3,319 reviews on Steam
Lots to discover
Distinctive, stylised art style
Strong soundtrack
As investigator Lady Love Dies you roam a neon-soaked, surreal island, grill eccentric suspects and gather evidence in a murder case. You choose who to accuse at trial, all wrapped in bold style, dark humor and a driving synthwave soundtrack.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch18.49 €62 % positive
You dig through a database of secretly recorded video calls, using keyword searches to piece together the story of four people and their lies. A live-action, combat-free narrative driven by strong performances and your own detective work.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch18.49 €62 % positive
Mixed, 1,262 reviews on Steam
Strong, story-driven narrative
Emotional impact
Dark, serious atmosphere
You dig through a database of secretly recorded video calls, using keyword searches to piece together the story of four people and their lies. A live-action, combat-free narrative driven by strong performances and your own detective work.
A story-driven point-and-click adventure set in the 90s: as journalism student Kathy you investigate your grandfather's mysterious death. Moody mystery, pixel art and classic inventory puzzles shape the journey.
2016PC, Steam Deck playable−90 %9.99 € 0.99 € until tomorrow93 % positive
Very positive, 1,867 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Strong, story-driven narrative
Puzzles and brain teasers
A story-driven point-and-click adventure set in the 90s: as journalism student Kathy you investigate your grandfather's mysterious death. Moody mystery, pixel art and classic inventory puzzles shape the journey.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−60 %39.99 € 15.99 € 11 days left79 % positive
A story-driven detective adventure where Kaname Date and his AI-ball partner Aiba combine investigations, dream-world Somnium sequences and escape-room puzzles to crack a deadly escape-game case. Thriller twists, quirky humor and clever puzzles carry the experience.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−60 %39.99 € 15.99 € 11 days left79 % positive
Mostly positive, 853 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Strong, story-driven narrative
Puzzles and brain teasers
A story-driven detective adventure where Kaname Date and his AI-ball partner Aiba combine investigations, dream-world Somnium sequences and escape-room puzzles to crack a deadly escape-game case. Thriller twists, quirky humor and clever puzzles carry the experience.
A deduction-driven detective puzzler where you solve 20 bizarre crime scenes in 1970s America by gathering clues, identifying people and piecing together events yourself. There is no hand-holding, only your own logic and observation.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €92 % positive
Very positive, 3,859 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Distinctive, stylised art style
Dark, serious atmosphere
A deduction-driven detective puzzler where you solve 20 bizarre crime scenes in 1970s America by gathering clues, identifying people and piecing together events yourself. There is no hand-holding, only your own logic and observation.
2026PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−20 %20.49 € 16.39 € 2 days left99 % positive
A mystery puzzle adventure about a submarine captain found dead in a locked room, where you investigate an eccentric crew and a mysterious stone cauldron. It blends puzzle solving with a locked-room whodunit in a quirky setting.
2026PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−20 %20.49 € 16.39 € 2 days left99 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 3,110 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Distinctive, stylised art style
Strong, story-driven narrative
A mystery puzzle adventure about a submarine captain found dead in a locked room, where you investigate an eccentric crew and a mysterious stone cauldron. It blends puzzle solving with a locked-room whodunit in a quirky setting.
Detective games ask you to do the thinking yourself: gather clues, talk to people, and decide what actually happened. The appeal is the moment when scattered details click into a theory. The main difference between them is how much the game trusts you. Some give you gentle guidance and a story that moves along whatever you choose, while others leave the deduction entirely to you.
If you want real deduction, Return of the Obra Dinn is a puzzle-driven mystery set in a historical setting, and The Vanishing of Ethan Carter combines exploration and puzzles in an atmospheric world. If you prefer dialogue and character, Disco Elysium is a dialogue-heavy CRPG where your choices shape the case. L.A. Noire pairs detective work with an open world and a historical setting.
If you like cinematic, choice-driven stories, The Wolf Among Us and Heavy Rain are story-rich and tagged around choices that matter, so they suit players who want a strong plot more than hard puzzles. For a darker mood, The Sinking City mixes detective work with horror and an open world. Check the tags for pace: open world and exploration games take longer to move through, while cinematic ones are more linear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best detective game for real deduction?
Return of the Obra Dinn is the strongest pick here, as it is a puzzle-focused mystery. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a good second choice if you like exploring to find clues.
Which detective games have a strong story and choices?
Disco Elysium, The Wolf Among Us, and Heavy Rain are all tagged story rich with choices that matter. Disco Elysium leans on dialogue, while the other two are more cinematic.
Are there detective games with an open world?
Yes. L.A. Noire and The Sinking City are both tagged open world. L.A. Noire has a historical setting, while The Sinking City adds horror and a psychological edge.
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