As a seasoned detective with years of experience under my belt, I’ve played my fair share of detective games, but none have left me as utterly bewildered and yet exhilarated as these top five picks. From the eerie ghost ship of Return of the Obra Dinn to the intricate puzzles of Murders on the Yangtze River, each game offers a unique detective experience that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Everyone enjoys a captivating puzzle, yet engaging in real-life detective work is an entirely different scenario. Solving genuine mysteries is generally the domain of law enforcement and dedicated sleuths on “unsolved mystery” forums, but it’s perfectly fine to indulge in your inner detective from the coziness of your home.
An excellent method to satisfy your curiosity for solving puzzles is by engaging in detective games right from the comfort of your home, and these independent titles certainly deliver! Ranging from futuristic noir narratives to oceanic enigmas, this compilation of top indie detective games offers a variety that caters to all tastes.
12. Tails Noir
Crime-Solving Raccoons
Formerly known as Backbone, Tails Noir is an indie detective game that is often overlooked.
If you’re a lover of detective games in the noir style, then get ready to be thoroughly excited about this independent game. The atmosphere of the game is so deeply noir that it seems like it was painted in black and white; Tails Noir oozes nihilistic cynicism, moral complexity, and, naturally, intricate mysteries.
frankly speaking, the game brought to mind The Red Strings Club, where you assume the role of a character with significant flaws, yet self-aware enough to recognize the futility of altering the larger situation. Still, in defiance of the odds, the character persists in making attempts.
In this game, you assume the role of Howard Lotor, a bipedal raccoon donning a trench coat, acting as a private investigator in a dystopian version of Vancouver. As you navigate through the city’s dismal underworld, your primary objective is to assist its inhabitants in any way possible, employing your detective abilities to gather evidence and unravel the truth behind various mysteries.
This game, featuring a detective raccoon, surprises with its philosophical undertones and may even provoke an uneasy sense of deep emotion. If you’re searching for a game capable of stirring unexpected feelings within you, this could well be the one. And let’s not forget, you’ll also be trailing clues as a furry friend with a plushy tail – another fun aspect to enjoy!
11. Mercury Abbey
Mystery Solving Puppers
The game titled “Mercury Abbey” is one that doesn’t give a hint about its content, but in truth, its name perfectly suits the game rather than any other potential title.
If Scooby-Doo and Sherlock Holmes had a fictional offspring in a dream during illness, the result might resemble Mercury Abbey. Mercury Abbey is an exciting yet enigmatic journey, where you play as an anthropomorphic canine detective and his puppy companion, solving mysteries that even H.P. Lovecraft would avoid.
In Mercury Abbey, you’ll encounter bizarre conspiracies, investigate hidden societies active only under the cover of night, and maybe even stumble upon legendary mythical beings. This might sound complex for a cuddly detective game, but trust us, there’s much more to it than meets the eye!
Discovering and unraveling smaller puzzles one by one, gradually leading up to the grand enigma, seems to be the most gratifying part of delving into Mercury Abbey. Each time you believe you’re on the verge of understanding the core of the tale, a new piece of evidence surfaces, leaving you doubting everything once more.
Arthur Conan Doyle wishes he could’ve come up with Mercury Abbey.
10. Jenny LeClue – Detectivu
Nancy Drew Simulator
If you used to enjoy reading Nancy Drew mysteries when you were younger, you’ll absolutely love this game. Jenny LeClue – Detectivu is essentially a Nancy Drew-like experience with an added touch of spunk, making it suitable for players of all ages.
In this game, you’ll don the investigative boots of Jenny, a spunky mini-detective who’s full of more zest than a tired two-year-old, and guide her through the town of Arthurton to solve an enigma that’s both endearingly quirky and ominous.
In many situations, virtually anything could pose a risk to someone small or vulnerable. Therefore, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and carefully plan each journey to ensure success.
Jenny Leclue is a game that initially seems casual, yet it can unexpectedly pull you in so deeply that you find yourself wide-eyed and gripping your controller past midnight, determined to unravel the latest enigma keeping you awake till the early hours.
This game gets addictive fast, so you’ll definitely want to clear your schedule before starting it.
9. Back to the Dawn
Furry Prison Break
Sure thing!
In “Back to the Dawn,” you assume the role of a witty fox journalist (a play on words), who finds oneself in handcuffs for meddling where one shouldn’t. Finding oneself locked up in a jail swarming with shady furry characters isn’t exactly a career-boosting move, but sometimes that’s just the way things go.
To thrive within the lethal prison pecking order, you must simultaneously devise a way to escape and unravel the enigma that landed you behind bars. Simultaneously, solving the mystery proves more challenging than anticipated.
If you’ve ever pondered how the movie “Shawshank Redemption” might appear with anthropomorphic animal characters, here’s an opportunity for you to see it!
8. Nobody Wants to Die
Cyberpunk Detectives
The intriguing and captivating title “Nobody Wants to Die” is as unique as it is hard to resist. It stands out on this list due to its blend of mystery solving with a noir-like feel and futuristic science fiction, offering an exhilarating journey that nobody would want to forgo. There’s a subtle resemblance to Detroit: Become Human, but let’s not dwell on that detail.
In the Year 2329, the Story Unfolds in a Dystopian Version of New York City, Overrun by Artificially Everlasting Residents and a Murderer Who Seeks to Reintroduce Mortality.
In this game, you assume the role of James Karra, an investigator hailing from the Mortality Enforcement Unit. Your task is to track down and apprehend individuals who interfere with the city’s elite members who possess eternal life.
With advanced time manipulation tools, future technology, and traditional hints, you can virtually reenact the sequence of events leading to each murder in your mission to identify the culprit. It’s just as exciting as you’d imagine, but keep in mind that solving these crimes isn’t always a walk in the park.
This game turned out to be more engrossing than I initially anticipated. Given its nature, moral dilemmas and ethical quandaries frequently arise within this game, making it challenging to make decisions during investigations.
If you’re looking for a game that makes you feel both morally questionable yet heroic, “Nobody Wants to Die” could be just what you need.
7. Killer Frequency
A Love Letter to Retro Horror
If you have a fondness for vintage, eerie horror films from the past, you’ll adore Killer Frequency. This game is essentially an affectionate tribute to the golden age of horror and old-timey radio broadcasts; if by the end of this game, you don’t feel like you’ve outsmarted Jason Vorhees, then perhaps you haven’t fully grasped the experience it offers.
In the game “Killer Frequency,” you assume the role of a radio disc jockey in the vibrant yet perilous town of Gallows Creek during 1987. The town’s pulsating nightlife may be its most enticing feature, but it’s the unyielding serial killer lurking in the shadows that poses the greatest danger.
During the most miserable late-night shifts imaginable (a bit of wordplay involved), the people calling you mysteriously fall victim to a hidden attacker.
In a predicament where the police can’t intervene and it seems like there’s no one else to turn to, you find yourself as the last hope for the townsfolk.
By employing interactive dialogues with multiple choices and intricate problems that heighten tension, you’ll direct callers through critical scenarios as they race against time to uncover evidence and apprehend a murderer.
Investigating the true identity of a murderer who emerges from pop-up ads while spinning the best tracks of 1987 isn’t an easy task, yet it’s undeniably captivating. This game is something I’d wholeheartedly recommend to everyone, but especially those who share my passion for ’80s horror cinema.
6. Paradise Killer
Murder in Paradise
Paradise Killer might be quite different from your typical grimy, unsavory, film noir-style mystery. If you prefer that kind of atmosphere, then perhaps this game isn’t for you. But if you’re open to enjoying an unconventional take on the detective genre with some unique twists, then this game could be perfect for your collection!
If you imagine a blend of the 1980s and surrealism illuminated by neon lights, that offspring would be Paradise Killer. To say that Paradise Killer is an extremely psychedelic game is no exaggeration; its premise is so outlandish that it may leave you questioning what inspired the developers during its creation.
In this game, the action unfolds on an island called Paradise, which lies beyond our usual reality. On this island dwells a rebellious human civilization, who are striving to reawaken ancient alien deities as a means of creating a new god. Yes, it’s not just a joke.
Every now and then, Paradise renews itself into an improved version from what it once was. Just as it prepares for its latest reincarnation, the council of Paradise is suddenly wiped out, causing chaos and confusion among the island’s residents. It’s your turn to step in now.
In this scenario, you assume the role of Lady Love Dies, a self-proclaimed ‘mystery enthusiast’ who is summoned from seclusion to unravel an enigma. However, beware, for on this peculiar island, reality often deviates, and the likelihood of multiple potential culprits lurks behind each choice you make.
As a keen observer, I must stress that while interpreting the evidence is your call, whether that interpretation would stand up in a court of law is a whole different story altogether.
Among the games listed, Paradise Killer stands out as quite unusual, yet it’s undeniably one of the most enjoyable ones.
5. Shadows of Doubt
Essentially LEGO Sherlock Holmes
While Shadows of Doubt might not boast the most stunning graphics compared to other games, it compensates significantly with its captivating investigative mysteries. If you’ve ever dreamt of donning the detective’s cap as a pixelated version of Sherlock Holmes, then this game could very well become your cherished companion!
Despite having a title that might lead you to think differently, Shadows of Doubt actually offers an entertaining spin on the classic noir mystery genre, maintaining a lighthearted tone throughout.
Let me clarify, the intriguing mysteries, questionable characters, and captivating storyline in Shadows of Doubt have earned it a spot among the top indie detective games ever made. However, what sets it apart is that it feels less like an intense investigation and more like a genuine game experience.
At times, I prefer not to toss and turn through the night, disturbed by a hyperbolic, engaging murder mystery game that feels like it’s my own life on the line. Forgive me.
In the ’80s, being a private investigator in a highly industrialized metropolis wasn’t nearly as glamorous as one might imagine; however, it was far preferable to being jobless, so I made do with the circumstances life presented.
Delving into your inner sleuth, you can handle an increasing number of private investigation jobs for financial gain; although it won’t turn you into a millionaire, it will certainly enhance your detective skills, which is more valuable than merely having nothing at all.
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the unique charm of this game. The most captivating aspect is that its entire universe is dynamically simulated and generated on-the-fly, making Shadow of Doubt’s world an endless treasure trove just waiting to be explored. Intriguingly, every character in this game has their own narrative and puzzles to solve, ensuring that even after countless hours of playtime, you’ll never tire of the mysteries it holds.
4. The Wolf Among Us
Among Us: Twilight Edition
If you’re absolutely hooked on Among Us and have secretly yearned to be a werewolf, then there’s hardly anything about this game that won’t appeal to you. The Wolf Among Us is reminiscent of those social deduction board games you used to play with your grandmother during Christmas, minus the dust and incomplete pieces.
As a passionate admirer, I can tell you that “The Wolf Among Us” is an engrossing social deduction thriller inspired by the original Fables graphic novels, and its art style makes this connection crystal clear once you give it a closer look. This game’s artwork feels like a comic book brought to life; vibrant, brimming with primary colors, and distinctly reminiscent of something that comic legend Stan Lee might have dreamt up.
This game is structured like an interactive novel where each choice you make and the timing of those choices significantly alters the course of your gameplay. With such variations, you can have a completely unique adventure each time you play, placing this game among the most engaging options for repeated play.
In the game “The Wolf Among Us,” you take on the role of Bigby Wolf, a powerful werewolf, tasked with solving a string of gruesome murders within the community of Fabletown.
It’s clear from its name that Fabletown is a hidden society inhabited by characters from well-known fairy tales and folklore. However, as we delve deeper into the list of suspects and victims, it becomes apparent that not every pig or mouse is as innocent as they appear…
3. Disco Elysium
More Panic Than Disco
Contrary to what its title may suggest, this game doesn’t have as many dance clubs or discos as you might expect (I share your disillusionment). However, despite the lack of actual discos, Disco Elysium has earned a reputation among fans as one of the greatest detective games ever made.
boasting almost a hundred favorable reviews, it’s undeniably evident that Disco Elysium stands out as more than just a detective game; rather, it offers a comprehensive and immersive experience.
In a blend of detective drama and philosophical quandary, Disco Elysium immerses you in the decaying coastal city of Revachol, where you take on the role of a forgetful detective with a knack for questionable choices and ethical predicaments.
The game begins by finding you in a state of being awakened after an extremely destructive binge, and assigning you the challenge of resolving a murder while reassembling your own fragmented self. It might not be the ideal remedy for a hangover, but it’s the situation you must deal with.
On my quest for answers, I can drop by as many spots as I fancy along the way. Fancy a late-night karaoke session at a gloomy bar? You got it! Feeling aggressive and wanting to channel that energy into some questionable actions against the city’s inhabitants? All good! The world of Disco Elysium is an open canvas for my morally gray choices.
In Disco Elysium, I find myself immersed in a world that’s not just an intriguing noir mystery, but a personal journey where I shape my own detective and character. With its revolutionary interactive dialogue system, it feels like I’m navigating a choose-your-own-adventure story, deciding who I become along the way.
It’s chaotic, it’s hilarious, and it’s completely unlike anything else you’ll play in the genre.
2. Return of the Obra Dinn
A Maritime Mystery
When I first heard about this game being released, my excitement was uncontainable, almost as if I had contracted rabies, fueled by an intense longing to play the game. The fact that it blended my rare passion for maritime ghost tales with the nostalgic, interactive gameplay of my childhood made it truly exceptional and irresistible. It was a one-of-a-kind, captivating game I had yet to encounter in my young adulthood, and I simply couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.
After experiencing it, I feel confident in stating that it surpassed all my expectations, and not just met them. Playing a detective on an ancient ghost ship brought me closer to realizing my wildest childhood dreams, and judging by the numerous positive online reviews, it seems I wasn’t alone in this sentiment.
In the game titled “Return of the Obra Dinn,” you assume the position of an insurance investigator (surprisingly, yes!). Your task is to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of the ship known as the Obra Din, which had been missing at sea for nearly a decade before it reappeared.
Setting foot on the slippery decks of this phantom vessel takes you back in time, and it will require every ounce of your investigative prowess to unravel the mystery behind its vanished crew.
With your “Memento Mortem,” a timepiece possessing the power to depict a person’s demise as it happened, you can gradually unravel the ends of the crew members one by one.
Unraveling the mystery behind the Obra Dinn’s unfortunate crew might not unfold in the way you anticipate, and before long, you may find yourself wishing you had never set foot on its aging, decaying planks.
If you’re looking for a detective game that will linger vividly in your thoughts even long after you’ve completed it, then definitely add Return of the Obra Dinn to your must-play list.
1. Murders on the Yangtze River
If Clue Was an RPG
If Ace Attorney and Clue were to combine their elements, the result would closely resemble Murders on the Yangtze River. Despite its relatively short length, Murders on the Yangtze River promises to be one of the most challenging, intricate detective games you’ll encounter in a while.
In this game, you’ll find yourself immersed in the world of Sherlock Holmes, assuming the role of John Shen, a mobile detective with an impressive knack for solving complex cases. With your loyal and upbeat partner Frankie by your side, no enigma will remain unsolved!
A voyage along the Yangtze River will immerse you in 20th-century China, as you untangle intricate mysteries and expose hidden conspiracies at every turn.
As you work through a sequence of baffling yet grim mysteries along the Yangtze River, you’ll have to scour gruesome crime sites for hints, argue intensely with potential culprits, and spot any inconsistencies within witness statements to untangle the facts.
The creators of this game assert that it’s accessible for players of any ability, but I suspect everyone might benefit from some of their creative inspiration, as that seems quite the opposite to what I’ve experienced.
As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that this game is no walk in the park; it’s downright devious at times, leaving me feeling like the designers intentionally laid traps to make the gameplay more challenging. I find myself constantly second-guessing my decisions and struggling to adapt to the game’s seemingly unpredictable twists and turns. It’s an exhilarating ride that keeps me coming back for more, but boy, does it give me a run for my money!
For those looking for a true test of their detective prowess, Murder on the Orient Express promises an unparalleled challenge.
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2024-12-21 17:10