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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Lore and world history
Dread and tension
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
Strong soundtrack
Distinctive, stylised art style
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.
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.
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.
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
Lavish presentation
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.
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
Dark, serious atmosphere
Choices with consequences
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.
A gritty noir adventure where you play Bigby Wolf, a fairy-tale sheriff investigating a brutal murder in a hidden corner of New York. Your dialogue and snap decisions shape the story, and the remaster brings the comic-book look to current platforms.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable25.49 €91 % positive
Very positive, 861 reviews on Steam
Choices with consequences
Strong, story-driven narrative
Fantasy setting
A gritty noir adventure where you play Bigby Wolf, a fairy-tale sheriff investigating a brutal murder in a hidden corner of New York. Your dialogue and snap decisions shape the story, and the remaster brings the comic-book look to current platforms.
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
Economy and management
Tactical depth
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.
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
Dialogue and role-playing
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
Historical setting
Puzzles and brain teasers
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 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
Historical setting
Choices with consequences
Distinctive, stylised art style
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.
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
Dialogue and role-playing
Choices with consequences
Distinctive, stylised art style
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.
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.
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 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 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
Strong soundtrack
Lots to discover
Distinctive, stylised art style
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.
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.
2025PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−30 %17.49 € 12.24 € 4 days left87 % positive
An occult mystery adventure where you team up with the psychic Director of the Center to investigate cursed relics, shady rental homes and dimensional anomalies. It blends visual-novel storytelling, puzzle solving and an eerie yet slightly quirky mood.
2025PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−30 %17.49 € 12.24 € 4 days left87 % positive
Very positive, 6,107 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Distinctive, stylised art style
Strong, story-driven narrative
An occult mystery adventure where you team up with the psychic Director of the Center to investigate cursed relics, shady rental homes and dimensional anomalies. It blends visual-novel storytelling, puzzle solving and an eerie yet slightly quirky mood.
You play a rookie defense attorney who wins over absurd courtroom trials by presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses and spotting contradictions. Sharp writing and a steady stream of jokes make this remaster of the original case a charming mystery adventure.
2013PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 36,111 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Dialogue and role-playing
Distinctive, stylised art style
You play a rookie defense attorney who wins over absurd courtroom trials by presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses and spotting contradictions. Sharp writing and a steady stream of jokes make this remaster of the original case a charming mystery adventure.
You play a volunteer moderator in a surreal 90s-style internet, digging through fake websites, emails and apps. You solve small cases, uncover hidden pages and enjoy nostalgic humor wrapped around a surprisingly serious story.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable16.79 €96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 4,887 reviews on Steam
Lots to discover
Distinctive, stylised art style
Lots of humour
You play a volunteer moderator in a surreal 90s-style internet, digging through fake websites, emails and apps. You solve small cases, uncover hidden pages and enjoy nostalgic humor wrapped around a surprisingly serious story.
2022PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−85 %39.99 € 5.99 € 11 days left86 % positive
A story-driven detective adventure where you hunt a serial killer as an agent alongside your AI partner. Surreal dream investigations with puzzles, quirky humor and branching story paths set it apart.
2022PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−85 %39.99 € 5.99 € 11 days left86 % positive
Very positive, 3,610 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Strong, story-driven narrative
Lots of humour
A story-driven detective adventure where you hunt a serial killer as an agent alongside your AI partner. Surreal dream investigations with puzzles, quirky humor and branching story paths set it apart.
You dig through a missing woman's smartphone, reading messages, using apps and watching videos, to piece together a creepy mystery. A short, story-driven horror experience told through found-footage-style screen interaction.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified4.59 €92 % positive
Very positive, 3,488 reviews on Steam
Dread and tension
Strong, story-driven narrative
Dark, serious atmosphere
You dig through a missing woman's smartphone, reading messages, using apps and watching videos, to piece together a creepy mystery. A short, story-driven horror experience told through found-footage-style screen interaction.
A funny pixel-art point-and-click adventure where Detective Francis McQueen solves short, self-contained supernatural cases. Quirky puzzles and pop-culture nods keep it light and charming rather than frustrating.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified13.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 3,809 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Lots of humour
Puzzles and brain teasers
A funny pixel-art point-and-click adventure where Detective Francis McQueen solves short, self-contained supernatural cases. Quirky puzzles and pop-culture nods keep it light and charming rather than frustrating.
Step into Hercule Poirot's shoes to hunt a serial killer across 1930s England, examining crime scenes, scrutinizing suspects and linking clues into deductions with your little grey cells. A charming cartoonish look and mechanical puzzles round out this relaxed whodunit.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable14.99 €80 % positive
Very positive, 2,049 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Puzzles and brain teasers
Distinctive, stylised art style
Step into Hercule Poirot's shoes to hunt a serial killer across 1930s England, examining crime scenes, scrutinizing suspects and linking clues into deductions with your little grey cells. A charming cartoonish look and mechanical puzzles round out this relaxed whodunit.
A short, charming detective adventure where you play a frog investigator questioning quirky suspects and gathering clues on a small island. Its silly humor and gentle, friendly mood make it a cozy bite-sized treat.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified4.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 3,038 reviews on Steam
Cosy, great for unwinding
Lots of humour
Distinctive, stylised art style
A short, charming detective adventure where you play a frog investigator questioning quirky suspects and gathering clues on a small island. Its silly humor and gentle, friendly mood make it a cozy bite-sized treat.
A cyberpunk RPG adventure starring idealistic detective Axel McCoin, who sparks a revolution in the divided city of Viridis, split between the wealthy Bright City and the dangerous Blind City. Investigation, thriller storytelling and social inequality drive the experience.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified17.99 €60 % positive
Mixed, 75 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Pixel art
Dark, serious atmosphere
A cyberpunk RPG adventure starring idealistic detective Axel McCoin, who sparks a revolution in the divided city of Viridis, split between the wealthy Bright City and the dangerous Blind City. Investigation, thriller storytelling and social inequality drive the experience.
You find a stranger's smartphone and dig through its messages, apps and photos to uncover their secrets. A short, empathetic narrative that unfolds through small puzzles.
2017PC, Nintendo Switch88 % positive
Very positive, 2,963 reviews on Steam
Emotional impact
Puzzles and brain teasers
Strong, story-driven narrative
You find a stranger's smartphone and dig through its messages, apps and photos to uncover their secrets. A short, empathetic narrative that unfolds through small puzzles.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−90 %14.99 € 1.49 € until tomorrow81 % positive
As beat cop Jack Kelly you patrol 1980s Brooklyn, writing tickets, juggling time and favors, and trying to clear your name of a frame-up murder. Pixel art, dark humor and choices between honesty and corruption give it a retro cop-show flavor.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−90 %14.99 € 1.49 € until tomorrow81 % positive
Very positive, 4,855 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Choices with consequences
Distinctive, stylised art style
As beat cop Jack Kelly you patrol 1980s Brooklyn, writing tickets, juggling time and favors, and trying to clear your name of a frame-up murder. Pixel art, dark humor and choices between honesty and corruption give it a retro cop-show flavor.
2018PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable9.75 €76 % positive
You work as an investigator in the Orwell surveillance program, combing through chats, files and profiles for clues, with the power to manipulate the information you find. A dark surveillance thriller where your decisions carry real moral weight.
2018PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable9.75 €76 % positive
Mostly positive, 1,520 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Choices with consequences
Strong, story-driven narrative
You work as an investigator in the Orwell surveillance program, combing through chats, files and profiles for clues, with the power to manipulate the information you find. A dark surveillance thriller where your decisions carry real moral weight.
2006PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−80 %9.99 € 1.99 € 2 days left86 % positive
A classic point-and-click adventure in which you chase a globe-spanning conspiracy tied to the 1908 Tunguska event. Inventory puzzles and a blend of mystery, history and light humor drive the journey.
2006PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−80 %9.99 € 1.99 € 2 days left86 % positive
Very positive, 381 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Strong, story-driven narrative
A classic point-and-click adventure in which you chase a globe-spanning conspiracy tied to the 1908 Tunguska event. Inventory puzzles and a blend of mystery, history and light humor drive the journey.
You run a sheriff's department in a remote American town, managing your officers and resolving incidents through turn-based tactical fights. A grim noir story with tough moral decisions ties it all together.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.99 €77 % positive
Mostly positive, 5,357 reviews on Steam
Turn-based combat
Tactical depth
A party of several characters
You run a sheriff's department in a remote American town, managing your officers and resolving incidents through turn-based tactical fights. A grim noir story with tough moral decisions ties it all together.
A pixel-art cinematic noir adventure where you play private investigator Howard Lotor in a retrofuturistic, animal-populated Vancouver, solving cases, questioning witnesses and sneaking past threats using smell-based stealth.
2021PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable24.99 €66 % positive
Mixed, 2,611 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Distinctive, stylised art style
Strong, story-driven narrative
A pixel-art cinematic noir adventure where you play private investigator Howard Lotor in a retrofuturistic, animal-populated Vancouver, solving cases, questioning witnesses and sneaking past threats using smell-based stealth.
A short, charming detective adventure where you play a weary duck sleuth at a luxury campsite, gathering clues and linking deductions. Full of puns and relaxed in pace, with no murder in sight.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable9.75 €96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 2,619 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Cosy, great for unwinding
Puzzles and brain teasers
A short, charming detective adventure where you play a weary duck sleuth at a luxury campsite, gathering clues and linking deductions. Full of puns and relaxed in pace, with no murder in sight.
2024PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €87 % positive
A cozy, story-driven detective adventure set in a seaside town, where you solve mysteries, chat with locals and enjoy a laid-back vacation. Humor, romance and investigation take center stage.
2024PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €87 % positive
Very positive, 297 reviews on Steam
Cosy, great for unwinding
Strong, story-driven narrative
Lots of humour
A cozy, story-driven detective adventure set in a seaside town, where you solve mysteries, chat with locals and enjoy a laid-back vacation. Humor, romance and investigation take center stage.
2024PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified13.79 €91 % positive
You play a remote operator at a government agency's computer, solving criminal cases by analyzing evidence inside a simulated desktop interface and drawing deductions. The appeal is in researching, connecting clues, and the plot twists.
2024PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified13.79 €91 % positive
Very positive, 8,699 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Strong, story-driven narrative
You play a remote operator at a government agency's computer, solving criminal cases by analyzing evidence inside a simulated desktop interface and drawing deductions. The appeal is in researching, connecting clues, and the plot twists.
You play a washed-up duck detective who gathers clues, pieces together deductions and cracks a quirky case about a stolen salami. Short, charming and full of wordplay.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified9.75 €94 % positive
Very positive, 6,165 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Cosy, great for unwinding
Distinctive, stylised art style
You play a washed-up duck detective who gathers clues, pieces together deductions and cracks a quirky case about a stolen salami. Short, charming and full of wordplay.
Sherlock Holmes investigates a Lovecraftian nightmare of disappearances, riddles and cosmic dread. An atmospheric detective adventure centered on observing, deducing and solving puzzles.
2023PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable39.99 €81 % positive
Very positive, 2,679 reviews on Steam
Lavish presentation
Dread and tension
Dark, serious atmosphere
Sherlock Holmes investigates a Lovecraftian nightmare of disappearances, riddles and cosmic dread. An atmospheric detective adventure centered on observing, deducing and solving puzzles.
A indebted journalist investigates a murder in a seemingly perfect English village while juggling everyday jobs. Quirky humor, a day-night routine and the ability to turn into a cat give it its charm.
2021PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable24.99 €75 % positive
Mostly positive, 200 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Cosy, great for unwinding
Lots to discover
A indebted journalist investigates a murder in a seemingly perfect English village while juggling everyday jobs. Quirky humor, a day-night routine and the ability to turn into a cat give it its charm.
A humorous point-and-click murder mystery set in a bizarre mansion, where you question eccentric suspects, gather clues and solve puzzles, all wrapped in a striking hand-drawn cartoon style.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified19.50 €94 % positive
Very positive, 6,685 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Lots of humour
Puzzles and brain teasers
A humorous point-and-click murder mystery set in a bizarre mansion, where you question eccentric suspects, gather clues and solve puzzles, all wrapped in a striking hand-drawn cartoon style.
2015PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified39.99 €93 % positive
Set in Victorian-era England, young lawyer Ryunosuke Naruhodo defends clients by picking apart testimony and exposing contradictions. Herlock Sholmes' absurd deductions and the jury mechanic make this courtroom drama especially quirky and entertaining.
2015PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified39.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 5,162 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Strong soundtrack
Puzzles and brain teasers
Set in Victorian-era England, young lawyer Ryunosuke Naruhodo defends clients by picking apart testimony and exposing contradictions. Herlock Sholmes' absurd deductions and the jury mechanic make this courtroom drama especially quirky and entertaining.
2016PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable19.99 €89 % positive
In The Silver Case you play a member of the Special Forces Unit Republic seen from first person, slowly uncovering a layered crime story. Solving puzzles gradually reveals the truth across unconventional, novel-like chapters.
2016PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable19.99 €89 % positive
Very positive, 1,076 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Distinctive, stylised art style
Strong, story-driven narrative
In The Silver Case you play a member of the Special Forces Unit Republic seen from first person, slowly uncovering a layered crime story. Solving puzzles gradually reveals the truth across unconventional, novel-like chapters.
2025PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.99 €90 % positive
A retro visual novel adventure in the style of PC-98 classics: as a ship's security officer near Jupiter, you investigate a deadly mystery aboard. Story and tense sci-fi atmosphere take center stage.
2025PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 852 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Pixel art
Distinctive, stylised art style
A retro visual novel adventure in the style of PC-98 classics: as a ship's security officer near Jupiter, you investigate a deadly mystery aboard. Story and tense sci-fi atmosphere take center stage.
As the ghost Sissel, you possess everyday objects around you to change events and save lives. Shu Takumi's clever puzzles, quirky humor and gripping detective story make this HD remaster a standout.
2023PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 6,594 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Puzzles and brain teasers
Distinctive, stylised art style
As the ghost Sissel, you possess everyday objects around you to change events and save lives. Shu Takumi's clever puzzles, quirky humor and gripping detective story make this HD remaster a standout.
Detective games ask you to do the thinking instead of handing you the answer. Depending on the game, that can mean reading dialogue and building a character, piecing together a mystery from small clues, or exploring a setting until the story makes sense. Before you pick one, decide how much reading you want to do, how much guidance you need, and whether you are fine with horror, since many games on this list lean that way.
If you want a deep, text-driven case, Disco Elysium is tagged as dialogue-heavy and story rich, with choices that matter. Return of the Obra Dinn is the one to pick for pure deduction, as it is a puzzle-mystery with a historical setting and an atmospheric feel. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter suits players who like exploring and uncovering a story at their own pace. For a more guided, cinematic experience, Batman: The Telltale Series puts the detective side of Batman into a choice-driven story.
If you like horror with your mystery, The Sinking City combines detective work with an open world and a psychological, atmospheric tone, while Call of Cthulhu is more story rich and focused. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair and Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony suit anime and stylish presentation fans. Phasmophobia is the only co-op pick here, so choose it if you want to investigate with friends.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best detective game on Nintendo Switch for deduction?
Return of the Obra Dinn is a strong choice because it is a puzzle-focused mystery with a historical setting. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments is another option if you want a more classic detective setup with puzzles and choices.
Are there detective games on Switch with a lot of story and choices?
Yes. Disco Elysium is story rich and dialogue-heavy with choices that matter. Batman: The Telltale Series and Batman: The Enemy Within are cinematic, choice-driven stories with detective elements.
Is there a co-op detective game on Nintendo Switch?
Phasmophobia is the co-op option on this list, combining investigation with horror and a multiplayer focus. The rest of the list, such as Observer or The Sinking City, is more about solo investigation.
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