Best Crime Solving Games, Ranked

Highlights

Mystery tales transcend mediums: from Sherlock Holmes books to crime-solving games, fans can dive into the narrative and use deductive reasoning.
Immersive game experiences: Fans solve crimes alongside protagonists, facing supernatural foes and challenging moral dilemmas.
Rich narratives and intricate puzzles: Players can unravel complex cases, make tough decisions, and piece together clues to crack the mystery.

These are three highly acclaimed video games in the mystery genre, each offering unique and captivating experiences for players. Let’s briefly summarize each game:

Mystery tales, which have been a part of our culture since time immemorial, have continually evolved to suit various forms of expression. Arthur Conan Doyle’s renowned “Sherlock Holmes” series, crime-solving detective television programs, and suspense films that challenge ordinary individuals with intricate enigmas are all manifestations of the mystery genre. Moreover, certain games have distinguished themselves as remarkable instances of interactive mysteries, where players can actively participate in unraveling the story’s intricacies as they progress, making use of their problem-solving skills and logical thinking to piece together the narrative.

For those seeking engaging crime-solving experiences, here’s a selection of top-tier games that will leave you utterly captivated. It’s time to dive into the mystery!

9 Deadly Premonition

Metascore – 70

In the intriguing blend of surrealism and supernatural elements, Deadly Premonition unfolds as an extraordinary detective-survival experience. The narrative commences with a chilling murder mystery in a secluded American town. As players, we assume the role of York, a dedicated FBI agent, who is summoned to investigate this bizarre series of homicides, the most recent victim being found slain under mysterious circumstances. Our enigmatic adversary, infamously referred to as ‘the Raincoat Killer,’ will relentlessly pursue York throughout the game’s expansive landscape.

In this simulation, the lifelike portrayal of demons and otherworldly realms significantly enhances their impact, compelling viewers to prepare for York’s arduous journey against relentless opposition leading to an astonishing climax. Adding to the allure are endearing characters and unique survival elements, creating an immersive experience that lets players assume the role of a detective and become an integral part of this captivating world.

8 Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments

Metascore – 73

Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 30 September 2014
Developer: Frogwares

Engaging players in the intricately woven mind of one of literature’s most celebrated detective characters is no small feat. Yet, Frogwares has courageously taken on this task with their game, Crimes & Punishments. This captivating experience brings to life the renowned abilities of Sherlock, featuring a scanning tool that meticulously examines characters and environments for minute details. Players are granted the extraordinary capacity to recreate crime scenes or formulate theories using only autopsy reports. The intricate information Sherlock uncovers is presented to players on a ‘deduction board’, allowing them to piece together the complex puzzle.

Detective work can be deceptively complex, leading players to misinterpret clues and jump to erroneous conclusions. The intricacies of criminal investigations demand tough choices and confrontation with murky, intricate cases.

7 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Metascore – 80

As a gamer, I’d describe it this way: When an ominous mechanical bear invades our private school, setting us against each other with the twisted goal of eliminating one another without getting caught, the pressure is on. This outlandish scenario transforms into an enthralling saga filled with subterfuge and a deep examination of my classmates’ justifications. The game unfolds in three distinct phases: daily routines, where I interact with students to uncover valuable intel; leisure time, where I present favored characters with thoughtful gifts for additional clues; and the deadliest phase, where we convene a trial to determine the culprit amongst us.

As an avid fan of crime-solving games like Danganronpa, I can’t wait to put my detective skills to the test and use every piece of information I’ve gathered to make accurate deductions. It’s going to be a thrilling experience as I counter my classmates’ arguments with solid evidence, just like in a real-life investigation. The intricacy of each case is what makes Danganronpa so alluring and engaging for any crime-solving enthusiast.

6 Hypnospace Outlaw

Metascore – 83

Step back in time with “Hypnospace Outlaw,” an intriguing investigation game where you assume the role of a tenacious cyber sleuth. Using authentic interfaces reminiscent of the 90’s internet, players must root out cyberbullies, copyright infringers, and other enigmatic criminals that hide in the depths of the early web. This immersive experience includes nostalgic features like screensavers and quirky mouse pointers, allowing you to journey down memory lane while uncovering disturbing content, bizarre conspiracies, or just plain oddball characters. For those with fond memories of MySpace and a hankering for solving a diverse array of tech-driven crimes, this game is tailor-made for you. Embrace the thrill of a modern-day whodunit set in the fascinating world of digital investigation.

5 The Case Of The Golden Idol

Metascore – 84

“The Enigma of the Golden Idol”: Unravel the mysteries surrounding the legendary idol imbued with ancient powers through explorations spanning five decades. Gather clues and decipher the connections to unveil a sequence of murders, while reliving crime scenes in intricate detail to scrutinize every moment and interaction, ultimately leading to the truth.

As players piece together the clues they’ve gathered into a cohesive statement revealing the shady occurrences linked to the Golden Idol, audiences will be taken on a journey through time to uncover all the corruption and murders associated with this enigmatic artifact.

4 Nancy Drew Series

Metascore – 85

The Nancy Drew series, comprised of a collection of PC games, is renowned for its strong offerings, with some titles truly shining. This series has left an indelible mark in the crime-solving genre. Players assume the role of Nancy Drew, a teenage detective, and embark on various adventures, exploring maps, forming alliances, questioning suspects and witnesses, and tackling intricately designed puzzles to ultimately unravel the mysteries at hand. The series’ unique blend of humor and challenging puzzles creates an engaging experience that invites players for a thought-provoking gaming journey.

As a gamer, I can tell you that exploring the intricately detailed world of a Nancy Drew mystery game is an engaging and delightful journey. With point-and-click mechanics, I’m free to move around at my own leisurely pace, taking in every hidden detail, and unraveling the captivating narrative piece by piece.

3 Immortality

Metascore – 87

In the innovative production of “Immortality,” brought to life by visionary creators at Sam Barlow, players assume the role of a tenacious detective. The task at hand: delve into decades-old movie footage that has remained hidden from public view. Three films featuring a promising young actress, whose whereabouts are now uncertain, have never seen the light of day. Your mission is to meticulously sift through vast reels of film, uncovering new clips as you progress, in order to construct a cohesive narrative. Initially, it seems as though the story revolves around scandalous love affairs and unfortunate mishaps. However, upon closer examination, it transforms into a chilling tale of murder and otherworldly possession.

As viewers peruse the video recordings, they can immerse themselves in the storyline by assuming the role of a diligent detective, unearthing hidden clues. The climax brings the mystery to life in an exhilarating and captivating way.

2 Return Of The Obra Dinn

Metascore – 89

In the year 1807, after being absent for five consecutive years, the enigmatic vessel ‘Obra Dinn’ mysteriously appears in port. An insurance investigator is swiftly dispatched to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of its crew and the cause of any malfunctions. The role of the players comes into play as they embark on this empty ship, utilizing their powers of deduction to reveal the truth. The captivating art style, characterized by monochromatic and pixelated visuals, encapsulates the entire case in an appealing manner. Players begin with a logbook containing the names of the sailors and the intended voyage route, which is gradually filled in as more facts are uncovered.

As a passionate fan of this captivating mystery game, I can’t help but share my excitement about one intriguing feature: the ability to use a pocketwatch to revisit the last moments of deceased crewmembers on the ship. This enchanting mechanism allows for a more profound exploration of each discovery, offering insights that might otherwise be missed. The meticulously crafted plot has earned this game an enviable reputation as one of the greatest mystery games ever created, and once you begin unraveling the intricate web of killings and corruption, you’ll soon understand why.

1 Disco Elysium

Metascore – 91

Starting the day with a painful headache and disorientation, Disco Elysium players will find their detective character in a state of forgetfulness. Unable to recall his identity, location, or purpose, this state of amnesia was brought on by excessive drinking. Descending the stairs to encounter his latest partner, our protagonist is thrust into a complex environment filled with opposing beliefs, pervasive corruption, and economic hardship. A life has been tragically taken.

Enthusiasts of “Disco Elysium” highly commend the game for its innovative mechanisms that allow the player’s protagonist to engage in conversations with each character on the map, as well as face challenges involving skill checks. Through these interactions, players can decide whether to deceive, manipulate, or remain ignorant, ultimately influencing how much information they can extract from potential witnesses. With its exceptional writing and profound exploration of the detective’s emotional struggles, “Disco Elysium” offers a captivating mystery experience that is sure to leave players engrossed in the unfolding narrative.

2024-07-14 03:35