Games Like 1997

Unravel a thrilling mystery by exploring a strange and twisted mansion, discovering curious clues, interrogating peculiar suspects and solving unique puzzles. Will you be able to uncover the secrets of Tangle Tower?

Why similar: Detective 40.4%, Visual Novel 16.6%, Investigation 13.1%, Mystery 7.9%, Funny 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features excellent detective mechanics and character-driven investigation within a stylized, narrative-heavy framework.

Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a groundbreaking role playing game. You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being.

Why similar: Detective 60.1%, Visual Novel 17.7%, Atmospheric 9.9%, Funny 7.6%, Adventure 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers the definitive post-Soviet detective experience with deep, atmospheric world-building and complex narrative choices.

How far would you go to bring someone back from the dead? Discover the depths that some will go to in this horror-adventure game.

Why similar: Visual Novel 32%, Anime 23.8%, Hand-drawn 22.7%, Mystery 12.9%, Adventure 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title masterfully blends supernatural mystery with a distinct visual novel style and intense investigative sequences.

The tragedy of Hinamizawa is over. Those held captive within its grip are free from the fate that bound them to June 1983. Yet the tale of Hinamizawa is not truly complete. There are many worlds not yet explored.

Why similar: Visual Novel 31.8%, Psychological 27.3%, Anime 24.3%, Adventure 9.6%, Mystery 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Like 1997, it focuses on a rural mystery that slowly unravels through a visual novel format with a strong sense of place.

Play as detective Kaname Date on the case of an elusive serial killer in this thrilling, sci-fi murder mystery.

Why similar: Detective 37.8%, Visual Novel 26.1%, Anime 19.5%, Mystery 11.7%, Adventure 5%

Why You'll Like It: This game provides a high-stakes detective mystery with a unique visual novel presentation and surreal investigation segments.

Solve Pixel Puzzles to find clues. Use those clues to interrogate witnesses. Work your way to the truth... ...and uncover the mystery of Murder by Numbers!

Why similar: Detective 18.3%, Investigation 18.3%, Interactive Fiction 12.4%, Conspiracy 11.7% ★, Visual Novel 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: It combines detective investigation with puzzle-solving in a colorful visual novel format that keeps the player engaged in the mystery.

A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation.

Why similar: Detective 34.9%, Investigation 22.4%, 1990's 15.8%, Mystery 10.1%, Interactive Fiction 9%

Why You'll Like It: An exceptional detective game that requires deep investigation and piecing together clues, much like the core gameplay of 1997.

Suhoshin is a 2D Visual Novel set in the medieval Joseon period of Korea. While investigating a series of mysterious murders, you will have to make choices that will lead you down different paths toward different endings.

Why similar: Visual Novel 16.2%, Detective 16%, Investigation 13.4%, Interactive Fiction 12.8%, Anime 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: This title delivers a compelling mystery set in a historical context with a strong visual novel aesthetic and psychological depth.

Investigate murders, search for clues and talk to your classmates to prepare for trial. There, you'll engage in deadly wordplay, going back and forth with suspects. Dissect their statements and fire their words back at them to expose their lies! There's only one way to survive—pull the trigger.

Why similar: Detective 38.7%, Visual Novel 24.3%, Anime 20.6%, Mystery 11.5%, Adventure 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic detective visual novel that emphasizes investigation and logical deduction in a high-tension environment.

Kidnapped and taken to an unfamiliar location, nine people find themselves forced to participate in a diabolical Nonary Game by an enigmatic mastermind called Zero. Why were they there? Why were they chosen to put their lives on the line? And more importantly, who can be trusted?

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.1%, Anime 17.5%, Mystery 16.4%, Detective 15.7%, Atmospheric 6%

Why You'll Like It: It is a quintessential mystery visual novel that challenges players with complex puzzles and branching narrative paths.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, the classic puzzle-solving mystery adventure directed by Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi, is back! This long-awaited HD remaster features upgraded visuals and sound and new gallery content.

Why similar: Detective 44.9%, Mystery 15.6%, Visual Novel 15%, Anime 11.7%, Adventure 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A charming and innovative detective game that uses unique mechanics to solve mysteries in a vibrant visual novel style.

A kidnapping on the streets of Shibuya brings together a hot-blooded detective, hard-hitting journalist, former gang leader, the head researcher of a big pharma manufacturer and a part-timer stuck in cat costume for a series of events each more unexpected and outrageous than the last.

Why similar: Visual Novel 46.7%, Detective 21.6%, Mystery 16.7%, Adventure 10.2%, Funny 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: It utilizes a multi-perspective narrative structure to build a dense, interconnected mystery that feels both grounded and cinematic.

First loves. Family issues. Yokai. 'Last Time I Saw You' is a coming-of-age adventure set in 1980s Japan. Explore a haunted forest hiding a terrible secret, and interact with a vast cast of friendly and deceitful characters in this beautifully hand-drawn story with some light action elements.

Why similar: 1990's 25.8%, Anime 18.7%, Hand-drawn 16%, Romance 15.6%, Mystery 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven game that excels in creating a poignant, atmospheric experience centered on exploration and emotional storytelling.

Interrogate suspects, search for clues, & uncover a dastardly plot, as you solve a string of mystifying murders to help reluctant detective Ilmarinen escape the foreboding Fafnir Hotel.

Why similar: Detective 28%, Visual Novel 17.5%, Anime 12.6%, Interactive Fiction 12.3%, Mystery 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A dedicated mystery visual novel that keeps the player focused on detective work and story-rich investigation.

An intricate mystery visual novel. Search text, piece together clues, and jump around the story to unravel the tangled events within the sealed tower.

Why similar: Detective 26.4%, Investigation 19.3%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Psychological 13%, Anime 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: A highly regarded mystery visual novel that emphasizes story-rich investigation and complex narrative loops.

Shanghai Summer is an adventure game set in the millennium. Our protagonist, Baichuan, goes through a series of "anomalies" over the length of twelve days. In his pursuit of the truth, he found that his hopes and regrets from the past finally seem to converge. Will he be able to "fix" it for good?

Why similar: Word Game 21.4%, Investigation 15.4%, Visual Novel 11.7%, Interactive Fiction 11.4%, Anime 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: It captures a nostalgic, atmospheric tone that mirrors the reflective and character-focused nature of 1997.

Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll: the romanticism of the Eighties, mystery and intrigues, betrayal and sacrifice, hatred and passion — all this and more in the new game from the creators of the legendary visual novel Everlasting Summer!

Why similar: Detective 18.8%, Investigation 16%, Visual Novel 13.9%, Interactive Fiction 11.8%, Anime 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: Set in the 1980s, it shares the retro-atmospheric visual novel style and character-driven narrative focus of the seed game.

Detective Game. Murder Investigation. Interrogate witnesses. Rebut with evidence.

Why similar: Detective 31.3%, Investigation 26.5%, Visual Novel 16.4%, Anime 14%, Mystery 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game leans heavily into the detective and investigation tags, providing a straightforward visual novel mystery experience.

Experience the quiet terror of this 1-bit love letter to Junji Ito and H.P. Lovecraft. Navigate a hellish roguelite reality with turn-based combat and unforgiving choices. Experiment with your deck of event cards to discover new forms of cosmic horror in every playthrough. The inevitable awaits...

Why similar: Anime 43%, Mystery 25.5%, Atmospheric 19.7%, Adventure 11.8%

Why You'll Like It: Its 1990s-inspired aesthetic and focus on mystery and investigation align perfectly with the retro-detective vibe of the seed game.

Detective Grimoire has been called to investigate a murder. The owner of a small tourist attraction, seemingly killed by the mythical creature his attraction is based around... Explore the area, inspect the crime scene, grill suspects, solve puzzles, hunt for clues & uncover the secret of the swamp!

Why similar: Detective 33.7%, Investigation 21.4%, Visual Novel 19.2%, Funny 8.1%, Mystery 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: This point-and-click detective game focuses on gathering clues and interrogating suspects in a way that feels very similar to 1997.

Grab your magnifying glass and peek inside a series of tiny dioramas filled with crimes and carefully crafted mysteries! Think outside the box and solve them all in this new brand of detective game!

Why similar: Detective 29.3%, Investigation 22.4%, Visual Novel 17.1%, Anime 15.3%, Mystery 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a concise, story-rich mystery that emphasizes detective work and anime-style visual storytelling.

VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a booze em' up about waifus, technology, and post-dystopia life.

Why similar: Visual Novel 41%, Anime 25%, Cute 14.1%, Funny 12.2%, Adventure 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: While a simulation, it captures the same 90s-inspired atmospheric storytelling and character-focused narrative style as 1997.

When a letter is delivered 15 years late - you discover an old pen-friend was involved in a murder, before she disappeared. Travelling to her hometown, you must investigate the murder, using her past letters as clues to uncover the disturbing truth.

Why similar: Detective 29.4%, Visual Novel 17.6%, Anime 14.7%, Romance 12.9%, Mystery 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic mystery visual novel that centers on investigating a past disappearance through letters and local exploration.

A short visual novel where a private investigator gets reeled into a murky mystery, entangled in lies, secrets, and a family curse.

Why similar: Visual Novel 29.1%, Anime 18.1%, Detective 18%, Mystery 14.1%, Atmospheric 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A stylized, text-based mystery that captures the indie, experimental feel of 1997.

Explore a wikipedia-like database and solve a small town mystery in Eastern Europe. Step into the shoes of a journalist in the 90s as you sprawl through articles and uncover the secrets that have been laid in front of you.

Why similar: Detective 22.9%, Conspiracy 20.8% ★, Investigation 19.7%, Interactive Fiction 10.6%, 1990's 9.4%

A narrative detective game blended with supernatural elements. Play as a rookie investigator, discover vital clues in every case, dive into unscripted interrogations and uncover truths that break minds. But with each revelation, the world feels... less human.

Why similar: Detective 38.9%, Visual Novel 25.8%, Anime 20.2%, Mystery 9.6%, Adventure 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A detective-focused visual novel that blends investigative mechanics with a supernatural mystery theme.

Coffee Talk is a coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator about listening to fantasy-inspired modern peoples’ problems, and helping them by serving up a warm drink or two.

Why similar: Visual Novel 35%, Interactive Fiction 33.1%, Anime 19.1%, Atmospheric 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a relaxing, atmospheric visual novel experience that relies on character interaction and observation within a specific time period.

An anime-inspired supernatural detective game. Uncover the identities and powers of your adversaries using a conspiracy board full of evidence.

Why similar: Detective 23.6%, Investigation 20.4%, Conspiracy 17.8% ★, Visual Novel 10.6%, Hand-drawn 9.7%

Explore the intertwined fates of humans and youkai in this interactive fiction. As an unwitting protagonist, enter the sealed realm of Gensokyo to investigate a series of bizarre murders. Unearth ancient secrets and witness a gripping saga hidden for millennia.

Why similar: Detective 22.1%, Word Game 17.5%, Visual Novel 14.3%, Psychological 13.6%, Romance 8.6%

RSSU - Retro Style Soviet Undies is an adult visual novel with a unique story, made in pinup style and filled with humor, sex and romance. Go back to the 80s, meet beautiful Soviet women and discover the exciting mystery of the town of Maryino.

Why similar: Word Game 29.6%, Investigation 17.3%, Interactive Fiction 16.8%, Visual Novel 14.6%, Romance 8.3%

A mystery visual novel about six students forced to play a 12-hour long killing game.

Why similar: Detective 36.6%, Visual Novel 26.6%, Anime 12.2%, Mystery 10.2%, Adventure 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title provides a time-sensitive detective mystery that keeps the player engaged through constant investigation.

A missing person case straight out of 1995. Search the early internet, dig through emails and dusty floppy discs, and uncover the secrets behind the disappearance of Victoria Mason.

Why similar: Detective 25.9%, 1990's 16.2%, Interactive Fiction 14.6%, Visual Novel 14%, Mystery 8.1%

Follow Detective Butler and his sidekick Gilligan as they solve a locked-room murder during a haunted cruise ship's maiden voyage. Can you solve the mystery before Detective Butler reveals the answer?

Why similar: Detective 30.1%, Investigation 25.5%, Visual Novel 17.7%, Anime 12.9%, Mystery 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style detective visual novel that focuses on gathering evidence and solving a central mystery.

‘Young Hearts’ is a visual novel in the genres of romance and slice of life, telling stories about the everyday life of a student company living in a warm southern town: stories about their secrets, dreams, love, their problems and ghosts of the past…

Why similar: Visual Novel 17.4%, Romance 14.2%, Anime 12.9%, Hand-drawn 11.4%, Detective 10.9%

A private investigator, tracking a missing person, uncovers a conspiracy between humans and androids and a secret that could change everything. Neon Hearts City is a retro point-and-click adventure that thrusts you into a grungy cyberpunk city of the future.

Why similar: Detective 25.9%, Investigation 22.9%, Interactive Fiction 19.9%, 1990's 16%, Adventure 5.4%

LumineNight is a story-driven detective adventure. Play as Detective Foster and his daughter to solve a series of murders spanning a decade. Interrogate suspects, infiltrate locations, solve puzzles, and gather evidence from crime scenes. Uncover the dark truth behind these killings.

Why similar: Detective 32.5%, Investigation 16.3%, Visual Novel 16.1%, Anime 13.2%, Mystery 9.3%

Visual novel about the life in the post-soviet country. Cute artstyle, 10 animated CGs, 5 BGs and 5 chibi CGs in 4k, English voice-over for each heroine, animated live2d sprites, original OSTs and a dramatic story!

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 19.8%, Visual Novel 17.4%, 1990's 15.2%, Anime 12.7%, Hand-drawn 11.4%

Siberian Way is a detective thriller novel. Follow the dark non-linear story and decide how it can end! For all fans of snowy Siberia, Murder on the Orient Express and twisted plots, seasoned with mysticism.

Why similar: Detective 26.7%, Investigation 23.3%, Psychological 20.2%, Visual Novel 19.9%, Atmospheric 6.8%

A narrative courtroom adventure all about VTubers! Players will take the role of prosecutor Justin Truth and investigate a murder at a VTuber agency, doing their best to uncover the identity of both the killer and VTuber's real face.

Why similar: Detective 39.6%, Visual Novel 22.1%, Anime 13.9%, Mystery 10.7%, Funny 7.7%

The Tesla Mystery is a puzzle-driven adventure game. Join the journey of investigation in a Paris infused with steampunk and Art Nouveau styles. Nikola Tesla, mastermind behind the Science Conference, has vanished under mysterious circumstances. Now, and uncover the truth hidden in the city...

Why similar: Word Game 21%, Detective 18.8%, Investigation 16.5%, Interactive Fiction 11.4%, Visual Novel 11.1%

Mohism: Battle of Words is a detective game set in the world of wuxia. The game follows Zhang Xiaochen, investigates unsolved cases and comes into his own as a hero. He must rely on his wits and razor-sharp tongue to best his opponents, find the culprit and ensure justice prevails!

Why similar: Detective 29.4%, Investigation 22.7%, Visual Novel 19.6%, Anime 12.1%, Mystery 7.9%

A narrative puzzle-thriller that blurs the lines between games and books, reality and fiction, puzzles and storytelling.

Why similar: Detective 20.9%, Investigation 18.3%, 1990's 12.9%, Interactive Fiction 11.5%, Hand-drawn 10.5%

A mystery adventure which is solved by using two visual features: Live Action and Illustrations.

Why similar: Detective 35.7%, Visual Novel 22%, Adventure 17%, Anime 15.2%, Mystery 10.1%

"Internship Detective" is a text adventure game of detective story from the perspective of double female masters. The two heroines Doudou (Intership detective) and Bobo (“big” detective) .

Why similar: Detective 29%, Interactive Fiction 22.5%, Visual Novel 17.8%, Anime 11.7%, Cute 9.2%

Staffer Case is a new sort of mystery game, asking players to find clues, arrange them into documents, and point out the contradictions between them to solve a series of murders. Each mystery unraveled leads you closer to the truth lying at the heart of each case!

Why similar: Detective 37.1%, Visual Novel 16.1%, Anime 13.4%, Thriller 9.3%, Mystery 8.9%

Play as college student who majors in criminal investigation and solve the weird cases happened right beside him! A visual novel involves puzzle solving, reasoning, humor and of course adventures! English version is available now.

Why similar: Detective 48.5%, Visual Novel 29%, Adventure 11.5%, Anime 11%

Uncover high drama in this whodunnit set in a small-town community theater. Gather clues by investigating the sets, casts and backstage crews of 10 theatrical productions, and piece together the story of each deadly crime.

Why similar: Detective 27.3%, Investigation 22.1%, Conspiracy 21.5% ★, Mystery 9.8%, Cute 8.4%

Post-modern hentai-puzzle detective.

Why similar: Detective 32.2%, Visual Novel 23.7%, Anime 18%, Psychological 15.6%, Funny 10.6%

"Hello my World! Lily." is a visual novel about a programmer who finds an unusual way to cope with loneliness and routine. But after a while, his imagination and actions go too far, and the line between reality and fantasy begins to melt rapidly.

Why similar: Idler 27.6%, Visual Novel 18.8%, Anime 13.3%, Hand-drawn 9.2%, Thriller 9.1%

Trials of Innocence is an indie courtroom detective game. Step into the shoes of the main character, rookie lawyer Luna Ray, and navigate her journey through the legal world. Unravel a shocking conspiracy that changes the fate of many, including herself, and confront her inner choices.

Why similar: Detective 27.4%, Investigation 18.2%, Interactive Fiction 17.5%, Visual Novel 15.3%, Anime 11.1%

A mystery visual novel taking place aboard the underwater train Marine Express. Follow student Ranko Togawa on her quest to find the culprit on the murder of an accompanying teacher... with lots of surprises along the way!

Why similar: Detective 32.6%, Investigation 22.9%, Visual Novel 19.9%, Anime 12.7%, Mystery 9%

Sonic the Hedgehog...was murdered!? Get to the bottom of the mystery in this brand-new adventure!

Why similar: Detective 34%, Visual Novel 26.1%, Mystery 11.4%, Hand-drawn 11.4%, Funny 6%

The Truth Is Pretty Out There. Only you can decipher the mystery of Boomtown USA. Comb a mysterious government base for evidence, investigate the set of a ghost hunt, and unravel the truth, no matter how ridiculous it may be!

Why similar: Detective 28.9%, Investigation 16.3%, Visual Novel 14.7%, Anime 10.5%, Hand-drawn 9.7%

You're a detective. Investigate the haunting events surrounding the murder of Ann Peterson and her boyfriend. Explore an old safehouse for clues, deduce keywords and reveal redacted words as you search Ann's digital journal, and piece together your case report as this unfortunate story unfolds.

Why similar: Detective 28.9%, Investigation 24.7%, Interactive Fiction 22.1%, 1990's 12.6%, First-Person 5%

A detective visual novel inspired by Danganronpa and Everlasting Summer. You play as a young agent sent to an elite girls’ academy to investigate a suspicious death. Interrogate suspects, gather clues, and build romantic relationships — truth or temptation?

Why similar: Detective 28%, Visual Novel 17.4%, Interactive Fiction 13.7%, Romance 13.1%, Anime 12.7%

A lighthearted game about love and murder.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 20.6%, Visual Novel 18.3%, Anime 15%, Romance 14.2%, Hand-drawn 12.7%

Magical Eyes - Red is for Anguish is a thrilling mystery story revolving around a series of unfathomable incidents in a town.

Why similar: Visual Novel 35.6%, Anime 27.4%, Mystery 14.6%, Adventure 11.8%, Cute 10.6%

A secluded mountain resort, 10 friends, 1 murderer. Investigate, interrogate and present evidence as you solve various mysteries throughout the night. Will you be able to reach the truth and uncover the culprit’s identity? Or will your deductions lead you to blame someone completely innocent...?

Why similar: Detective 25%, Investigation 22.3%, Interactive Fiction 15.5%, Visual Novel 15%, Mystery 7.2%

The Silver Case – the debut title from world-renowned developer SUDA51 has been fully remastered and localized to English for the first time ever!

Why similar: Investigation 20%, Detective 20%, Visual Novel 12.3%, 1990's 11.2%, Psychological 9%