Best Detective Games, Ranked

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Summary

  • Detective games require players to immerse themselves in narrative-driven mysteries, solving crimes by finding clues and interrogating suspects.
  • Visual novels like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney and Danganronpa series offer unique gameplay for detective games.
  • Titles like Paradise Killer and Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective provide players with intriguing storylines and gameplay mechanics for a thrilling detective experience.

As a seasoned detective with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that these games offer an immersive and engaging experience for any fan of mystery and intrigue. From the gritty streets of Los Angeles in L.A. Noire to the hauntingly beautiful abandoned ship in Return of the Obra Dinn, each game offers a unique perspective on detective work.

Video games often feature crime-fighting scenarios, where players might assume roles such as superheroes utilizing special abilities to prevent chaos or ordinary folks thrust into extraordinary circumstances requiring them to thwart villains. However, the thrill of playing a detective remains unparalleled.

Mystery-centric games offer an engaging experience by placing players right in the heart of an intriguing storyline. The enjoyment comes from gathering evidence, chasing down leads, and resolving criminal cases. Not every game manages this effectively, so it’s important to acknowledge those that excel at providing players with the necessary resources to unravel the mystery successfully.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into numerous detective games, crafted by both Western and Eastern developers across decades. Each one brings its unique take on what keeps us hooked in these intriguing journeys, setting new benchmarks in the gaming industry that leave us in awe.

18. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Search For Clues, Interrogate Suspects, And Win The Case

In the realm of visual novels, one standout title is essentially a detective game that centers around a lawyer’s role. Known as “Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney“, this game revolves around a novice attorney who tirelessly works to prove the innocence of his clients, who are facing accusations for crimes they didn’t commit.

As I dive into this thrilling game, my role becomes a tenacious detective, piecing together intricate puzzles. Each case leads me through gritty crime scenes, where I meticulously hunt for vital clues that could potentially clear my client’s name. The climax of the game often finds me squaring off against formidable opponents like Miles Edgeworth in court, where I must present compelling evidence to secure victory.

17. Paradise Killer

Looking For A Mysterious Killer In A Cyberpunk World

As a gaming enthusiast, I can wholeheartedly recommend diving into the immersive world of Paradise Killer. Set on the mythical Paradise Island, this open-world adventure puts you in the shoes of investigator Lady Love Dies, tasked with unraveling a chilling murder mystery.

In this game, players explore the world, gathering clues and conversing with different characters to learn their perspectives. It draws significant influence from the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Danganronpa.

16. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair

A School-Themed Mystery With Unique Gameplay System

Visual novels are ideal for playing detective games since they primarily focus on unraveling mysteries rather than other gaming aspects. However, it’s worth noting that the Danganronpa series combines elements of point-and-click adventures and time-based puzzles in its gameplay.

As a dedicated gamer, I’d have to say that my favorite in the series is none other than “Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair.” This game takes you on a thrilling journey where a gang of students from Hope’s Peak Academy find themselves stranded on an island with a talking, teddy bear named Monokuma. He sets the rules – kill another student without getting caught to have any chance of leaving this island. Quite the predicament, isn’t it?

15. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials And Tribulations

Solving A Variety Of Cases And Defending The Clients

Numerous individuals believe that the final installment of the original Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney trilogy stands out as the finest among them, and there are compelling reasons for this opinion. When Shu Takumi was designing this masterwork, he seamlessly blended logical problem-solving with elements of the supernatural, resulting in an explosively popular game that continues to captivate fans even today.

Each case in this title is exceptional, delving into Phoenix Wright’s past as well as enhancing Maya Fey’s character. It’s filled with captivating character exchanges, dramatic witness testimonies, and gripping courtroom scenes that make it clear why many fans still regard this game as the finest Ace Attorney title yet!

14. Condemned 2: Bloodshot

Discovering Eerie Cults As An FBI Agent

In a shift towards horror, Condemned 2: Bloodshot serves as the follow-up to Condemned: Criminal Origins, released in 2008. This game is the second installment in the narrative of Ethan Thomas, an FBI investigator specializing in serial crimes.

In this sequel to the initial game, Thomas finds himself reinstated in his position after having resigned. His new assignment involves him unraveling a murder mystery while simultaneously uncovering the fact that the main antagonist, Serial Killer X, is still active. The game is played from Thomas’s perspective and includes close-combat fighting elements, along with puzzle-solving aspects focused on examining crime scenes for clues.

13. Pentiment

A Medieval Investigation With Unique Visual Design

Pentiment stands out as a distinct game from Obsidian Entertainment, offering an experience hard to find elsewhere. It’s a type of game that players struggle to find something quite similar to it. Although there have been numerous detective-themed games previously, few have delved into the medieval era with the precision that Pentiment does.

If you’re fond of journeying to bygone eras, Pentiment offers an exceptional chance to immerse yourself in a fascinating tale while also experiencing the intricate details of that time period realistically. This adventure is unique and might necessitate some familiarity with traditional English language.

12. The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter

A Slow-Burning Story With Shocking Twists

In the chilling world of mystery and investigation, the game titled “The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter” primarily emphasizes puzzle-solving and stealth mechanics to unfold its captivating narrative. The protagonist in this thriller is a seasoned paranormal investigator named Paul Prospero, who receives an intriguing letter from a young admirer, sparking his curiosity and prompting him to embark on a quest to meet the child, leading him down a path of unknown perils.

Upon reaching Ethan Carter’s hotel, Prospero discovers that a 12-year-old boy named Ethan Carter has vanished. Prospero is tasked with investigating supernatural occurrences to locate Carter and unravel the town’s secrets. The game offers an expansive world where players can explore and piece together much of the narrative and mechanics on their own.

11. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

Working Between Two Different Visions To Bring Back The Lost Memory

In an original take on a detective genre, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective offers players a chance to unravel a mystery even from beyond the grave. The spirit of Sissel finds themselves in a puzzling situation where they don’t remember their past life and who took it away. Throughout the game, players will gather evidence to uncover the truth behind these enigmatic questions.

As Sissel travels, he employs his supernatural abilities to rescue lives by assuming command over their lifeless bodies and reversing time’s flow. Gamers can switch between the Realm of Existence (where time progresses) and the Spiritual Plane (where time stands still), in order to eventually unravel the enigmas that lie before them.

10. The Wolf Among Us

A Gory Thriller Adventure In The Rich World Of Fables

For dedicated fans of Telltale Games’ adventure series, the company’s demise was an unappetizing turn of events. Fortunately, there’s good news on the horizon: A follow-up to one of its most beloved games, The Wolf Among Us, has been officially announced. This is a welcome development for many players who were disheartened that the story’s cliffhanger ending might remain unresolved.

The tale of Sheriff Bigby unfolds as he delves into the grisly murder mystery within Fabletown, leading him on an exhilarating pursuit reminiscent of Telltale’s signature style. Although the challenges and investigative tasks are relatively straightforward, the game captivates players with its unique atmosphere, superb production, and endearing characters right up to the finale.

9. AI: The Somnium Files

Tracing A Serial Killer In The Dystopian Tokyo

One standout, often overlooked mystery game that has just been released is “AI: The Somnium Files.” What makes it so appealing is the intriguing world it presents. Players are captivated by the futuristic Tokyo setting, which is skillfully integrated into the story and gameplay. This game offers a distinct experience for fans of detective games that they might want to explore.

Exploring the notion of solving murders by delving into one’s memories is an intriguing and engaging idea, skillfully portrayed in this game – AI: The Somnium Files. While it might not be a flawless detective game… it certainly gives a strong impression that it’s very close, which speaks volumes about its quality.

8. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

A Well-Executed Spin-Off From A Beloved Franchise

Fans of Ace Attorney were displeased that this distinctive spinoff hadn’t been made available in Western regions for quite some time. Although a fan-made localization had tackled the first game and was busy working on the second, players remained unsatisfied until they received an official translation from Capcom themselves.

It’s fantastic that the studio has now released both games together in a highly sought-after compilation, enabling players to follow Ryunosuke Naruhodo’s transformation from a novice law student into one of the sharpest and accomplished lawyers across Japan and Great Britain. The first game is exceptional, providing the groundwork for an outstanding sequel that offers a satisfying resolution to most storylines within the series.

7. Alan Wake 2

Investigating The Horrors Of A Twisted Mind

Although the intense horror aspects and thrilling gunfights are significant in Alan Wake 2, it’s essential to remember that at its core, it remains a game centered around investigation, much like its predecessor. Interestingly, Alan Wake 2 expands on those detective elements by enabling players to explore the game from the perspective of an FBI agent.

Instead, it is within the mind of the player that the true detective experience in Alan Wake 2 unfolds. Here, players piece together the clues they’ve gathered and strive to uncover the broader perspective, ultimately exposing the entire truth hidden behind the horrors they encounter.

6. Shadows Of Doubt

The Ultimate Detective Experience

Shadows of Doubt could be the ideal choice for enthusiasts of detective games, offering an immersive experience where you take on the role of a detective in an open-ended world. You’ll tackle numerous cases, investigate various locations for evidence, and occasionally encounter action sequences.

In Shadows of Doubt, one captivating aspect is the open-ended nature of the primary case involving a serial killer. Unlike other games, this title doesn’t dictate a specific route for players; instead, it allows them to explore and solve the cases at their own pace and in their unique style.

5. Her Story

Feeling The Real Challenges Of Being A Detective

In most live-action video games, you’d expect plenty of action, but with Her Story, the focus is more on observation and problem-solving. Instead of running around and fighting monsters, you’re seated in front of an old computer monitor that brings up various files containing recorded interrogations. These videos have been both filmed and transcribed for your perusal.

With the help of the computer’s tools, the objective for the player is to assemble the details of the suspect’s background to decide if she is innocent or guilty in the murder case.

4. Heavy Rain

A Branching Cinematic Story With Difficult Choices To Make

Typically, one detective is sufficient for a game, but in the case of “Heavy Rain,” an extraordinary four characters are involved. While they may not hold the title of detective, each character is investigating the same enigma: The Origami Killer. The main character, Ethan Mars, is on a quest to retrieve his son who has been abducted by this killer.

As they journey together, journalist Madison Paige, FBI profiler Norman Jayden, and private investigator Scott Shelby team up to uncover the identity of the murderer and determine whether Ethan’s son is still alive. This action-packed game offers various conclusions and incorporates quick-response sequences.

3. L.A. Noire

Living The Life Of A Detective In An Open-World Rockstar Hit

As a gamer, I can vouch that film noir settings might seem clichéd to some viewers, but stepping into the shoes of a detective in such a world is an exhilarating experience. L.A. Noire truly embodies this concept, delivering a profound narrative with finesse. The game chronicles the journey of Detective Cole Phelps as he climbs the ladder in the Los Angeles Police Department, traversing five distinct departments throughout his career.

In his line of work, he encounters a significant case that requires him to delve into the illegal distribution network of morphine, which is connected to his personal acquaintances. This thrilling narrative encompasses hand-to-hand combats and an interrogation system where deciphering people’s responses plays a crucial role.

2. Return Of The Obra Dinn

Investigating The Lost Memories Of A Missing Ship

Lucas Pope is highly respected in the independent gaming community, and his creation, Papers, Please, is a unique blend of a gripping and tragic narrative with a gameplay mechanic that intensifies the challenge of every choice made within it. However, despite being an exceptional game, some players found it less enjoyable to play – a point that ardent fans may acknowledge, although they might not necessarily concur with this assessment.

It’s great that Return of the Obra Dinn manages to blend innovative gameplay elements with an enjoyable playthrough. The game challenges players to investigate an abandoned ship, where they can listen to the events preceding someone’s death before seeing a still image of the person at the exact moment of their demise. To solve the mystery of each character’s identity and cause of death, players must examine the scene of death, gather all relevant clues, and accurately identify every individual on board the ship. This process results in an intriguing and immersive gaming experience that keeps players hooked.

1. Disco Elysium

Investing Crimes While Dealing With Inner Demons

In a departure from typical games in the same category, Disco Elysium presents itself as an RPG that offers something unique. Rather than starting off with a fully formed detective character, you begin without any knowledge of who your character is, as he grapples with amnesia. Nevertheless, you are given the responsibility to unravel a murder mystery. Unlike other games, combat is absent and the gameplay revolves around skill checks and engaging in dialogue.

In this game, there are 24 abilities at a player’s disposal for navigating the game. The player holds the reins over the character’s emotions and characteristics, enabling them to forge their unique route toward unraveling the ensuing mystery.

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2024-12-28 20:55