The 15 Best Detective Games

Detective games have long held a special place in the hearts of gamers, offering a unique blend of intrigue, suspense, and intellectual challenge. This article embarks on an extensive exploration of the best detective games, transcending platforms and eras. From classic point-and-click adventures to modern, immersive narratives, these games cater to the innate curiosity and analytical prowess of players.

The Best Detective Games

L.A. Noire

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360

Rockstar Games’ L.A. Noire catapults players into the seedy underbelly of post-war Los Angeles, casting them as Detective Cole Phelps. This neo-noir detective thriller combines meticulous crime scene investigation with groundbreaking facial animation technology, allowing players to scrutinize suspects’ expressions for signs of deception. The game’s compelling narrative and cinematic presentation set a new standard for detective experiences.

Disco Elysium

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Disco Elysium, which we have heard about recently and which has received awards, has become a new generation stop for gamers looking for detective and clue tracking. In this magnificent production where we play a detective who has lost his memory, you will chase after a dark secret and encounter mystery after mystery. It is worth noting that the role-playing mechanics are just as amazing as the story.

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Her Story

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android

Her Story stands as a groundbreaking and immersive detective game, offering players a unique narrative experience that defies traditional gaming conventions. It presents players with a fragmented database of video clips from police interviews, tasking them with unraveling the mystery of a crime through careful analysis and astute connections. The nonlinear storytelling and minimalistic interface create an intimate and engaging atmosphere, allowing players to piece together the intricate puzzle at their own pace.

The standout feature of Her Story lies in its reliance on player agency, as the narrative unfolds based on the keywords and clips chosen for exploration. This innovative approach to detective gaming provides an intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant experience, cementing “Her Story” as a trailblazer in the genre.

Murdered: Soul Suspect

Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Android

Murdered: Soul Suspect invites players into a supernatural detective thriller that transcends the boundaries between life and death. It casts players as Ronan O’Connor, a detective with a turbulent past who finds himself solving his own murder after being killed by a notorious serial killer. Set in the atmospheric backdrop of Salem, Massachusetts, the game combines elements of detective work, stealth, and the supernatural.

As a ghost, Ronan must navigate both the physical and spiritual realms to unravel the mystery surrounding his death and bring his killer to justice. The game’s haunting narrative, unique investigative mechanics, and ghostly encounters create an eerie and immersive experience, marking Murdered: Soul Suspect as a distinctive addition to the detective game genre.

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Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One

Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter emerges as a captivating detective game that propels players into the brilliant mind of the iconic sleuth. This installment in the Sherlock Holmes series introduces a compelling blend of intricate mysteries and personal drama. As players embody the renowned detective, Sherlock Holmes, they navigate through Victorian London, solving a series of complex cases that interweave with Holmes’ enigmatic family affairs.

The game stands out for its innovative deduction system, allowing players to piece together clues and make astute observations. Beyond the cerebral challenges, The Devil’s Daughter excels in storytelling, immersing players in a narrative that blurs the lines between professional deduction and personal relationships. With its atmospheric setting, intricate puzzles, and a deep dive into Holmes’ character, this game represents a masterful addition to the detective genre.

Return of the Obra Dinn

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4

Return of the Obra Dinn emerges as a masterpiece in the detective game genre, offering a truly unique and intellectually stimulating experience. Created by Lucas Pope, the game combines an innovative art style with an intricate narrative that challenges players to unravel the mysteries surrounding the crew of the Obra Dinn, a ghost ship that mysteriously reappears. The player assumes the role of an insurance investigator equipped with the Memento Mortem pocket watch, allowing them to witness frozen moments in time and deduce the identities and fates of the crew.

The game’s non-linear storytelling, cryptic puzzles, and meticulous attention to historical accuracy create an unparalleled detective experience. Return of the Obra Dinn stands as a testament to the potential of the medium, delivering a captivating and intellectually satisfying journey that transcends traditional gaming conventions.

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Heavy Rain

Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4

Heavy Rain, a Quantic Dream legend, is one of the first examples that combines cinematic narration and gameplay. In the production, where you will look through the eyes of four different characters and search for the Origami Killer, you will also feel the tension while chasing clues. The atmosphere of tension and the way the story is told makes this game a legend and one of the best detective games you can play.

The Wolf Among Us

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360

The Wolf Among Us stands as a captivating narrative-driven detective game that transports players into a gritty, neo-noir world where fairy tale characters live in secrecy. Developed by Telltale Games, this episodic adventure follows the story of Bigby Wolf, the sheriff of Fabletown, as he navigates a complex web of crime, intrigue, and moral ambiguity. The game’s distinctive visual style, reminiscent of a graphic novel, complements its atmospheric storytelling.

As players make crucial choices that impact the narrative, they immerse themselves in a world where mythical creatures struggle with real-world issues. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and the incorporation of moral dilemmas, The Wolf Among Us redefines the detective genre, offering a narrative-rich experience that resonates long after the final chapter unfolds.

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Sam & Max Hit The Road

Platform: PC

Probably, there is no one who does not know the Sam & Max series, which has established a throne in the hearts with its unique playing style and humor. Hit The Road, on the other hand, offers us a very beautiful and enjoyable adventure. Adopting the freelance policy, Sam and Max duo are dragged after the case they got their hands on. Even though there are modern Sam & Max games, the taste of the classics is different.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS, Game Boy Advance, Wii, Nintendo DS

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a legal thriller and detective game that brilliantly merges courtroom drama with quirky humor and mind-bending puzzles. This visual novel follows the titular defense attorney, Phoenix Wright, as he defends clients in court against seemingly insurmountable odds. The distinctive characters, including the flamboyant prosecutor Miles Edgeworth and the enigmatic Mia Fey, add depth to the narrative. With its clever writing, gripping courtroom battles, and unexpected plot twists, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney stands as a shining example of how a detective game can seamlessly integrate legal intrigue, humor, and puzzle-solving into a compelling interactive experience.

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Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS, PS Vita, PS Portable, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair unfolds as a gripping and psychologically intense detective game that thrusts players into the twisted world of a deadly killing game. It follows a group of students stranded on a tropical island, forced to participate in a sinister game orchestrated by the enigmatic Monokuma. As players navigate the complex relationships and unravel the mysteries surrounding each character, the game seamlessly blends elements of detective work, courtroom drama, and social simulation.

The compelling narrative, filled with unexpected twists and emotional depth, challenges players to uncover the truth behind a series of gruesome murders. With its intricate storytelling, unique gameplay mechanics, and a cast of memorable characters, Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair stands as an exceptional addition to the detective and visual novel genres, delivering an unforgettable and mind-bending experience.

The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter stands out as a atmospheric and immersive detective game that captivates players with its hauntingly beautiful narrative and unconventional approach to storytelling. This first-person exploration game follows Paul Prospero, a detective with supernatural abilities, as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a young boy named Ethan Carter. The game’s striking visuals, achieved through photogrammetry, create a realistic and eerie world filled with atmospheric tension.

What sets this game apart is its non-linear narrative structure, encouraging players to piece together the story through environmental clues and supernatural visions. With its emphasis on atmosphere, exploration, and a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter delivers a memorable and contemplative detective experience for the ones looking for the best detective games.

Also Read: The Best Mystery Games for iPhone

AI: The Somnium Files

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One

AI: The Somnium Files weaves an intricate tale of mystery and psychological intrigue, cementing itself as a standout detective game within the visual novel genre. Crafted by Kotaro Uchikoshi, the mastermind behind the Zero Escape series, this game centers around the protagonist, Kaname Date, an investigator with a cybernetic eye that peers into the subconscious. As players delve into mind-bending investigations, the game seamlessly blends traditional detective work with the unique Somnium sequences, where the boundaries between reality and dreams blur.

The narrative’s branching paths and multi-layered storytelling keep players on the edge of their seats, unraveling a complex web of conspiracies and emotional revelations. With its thought-provoking puzzles, morally ambiguous choices, and a deep dive into the human psyche, AI: The Somnium Files stands as a testament to the genre’s potential for delivering both gripping narratives and intellectual challenges.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

Platforms: PC, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, PS4, Xbox One

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective stands as a mesmerizing and inventive detective game that defies conventions with its supernatural twist and innovative gameplay mechanics. Developed by Shu Takumi, the creator of the Ace Attorney series, this game follows Sissel, a deceased amnesiac who must use his newfound ghostly abilities to solve his own murder and prevent other deaths. The game’s distinctive “ghost trick” mechanic allows players to manipulate objects and rewind time, adding a captivating layer of puzzle-solving to the narrative.

With its stylish art, engaging characters, and a plot filled with unexpected twists, Ghost Trick offers a delightful blend of mystery, humor, and supernatural elements. The seamless integration of storytelling and gameplay showcases the creativity of the developers, making it a unique and memorable entry in the detective game genre.

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Kathy Rain

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch

Kathy Rain emerges as a compelling and atmospheric detective game that captivates players with its retro aesthetic, gripping narrative, and well-crafted characters. This point-and-click adventure follows the eponymous journalism student, Kathy Rain, as she returns to her hometown to unravel the mysteries surrounding her estranged grandfather’s death. The game masterfully combines elements of detective work, psychological depth, and a richly detailed small-town setting.

As players guide Kathy through a web of secrets and conspiracies, the game explores themes of family, mental health, and the supernatural. With its pixel art charm, engaging puzzles, and a narrative that seamlessly weaves personal growth into the detective genre, Kathy Rain stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in interactive experiences.

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From the iconic deductive reasoning of Sherlock Holmes to the morally complex choices in The Wolf Among Us, the world of detective games offers a diverse range of experiences. Whether solving crimes in Victorian London or unraveling mysteries in a neo-noir Los Angeles, these games captivate players with their immersive narratives, challenging puzzles, and atmospheric settings. As the genre continues to evolve, detective games remain a timeless favorite, inviting players to don the metaphorical deerstalker cap and step into the shoes of brilliant sleuths across various captivating worlds.