- #1 Disco Elysium - The Final Cut
97% matchVery Positive93% of 124,984 reviews2019
Dev: ZA/UM
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 22.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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%, Visual Novel 17.8%, Atmospheric 9.9%, Funny 7.5%, Adventure 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: It offers the definitive post-Soviet detective experience with deep, atmospheric world-building and complex narrative choices.
- #2 Tangle Tower
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 5,973 reviews2019
Dev: SFB Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 40.3%, 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.
- #3 PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,520 reviews2023
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 31.8%, Anime 23.9%, Hand-drawn 22.9%, 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.
- #4 Higurashi When They Cry Hou+
95% matchVery Positive88% of 163 reviews2023
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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 31.3%, Psychological 27.8%, Anime 24.3%, Adventure 9.6%, Mystery 3.8%
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.
- #5 AI: The Somnium Files
94% matchVery Positive92% of 9,101 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 15.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Play as detective Kaname Date on the case of an elusive serial killer in this thrilling, sci-fi murder mystery.
Why similar: Detective 37.6%, Visual Novel 26.1%, Anime 19.5%, Mystery 11.8%, 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.
- #6 The Roottrees are Dead
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 7,749 reviews2025
Dev: Evil Trout Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 34.4%, Investigation 22.5%, 1990's 15.8%, Mystery 10.2%, Interactive Fiction 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: An exceptional detective game that requires deep investigation and piecing together clues, much like the core gameplay of 1997.
- #7 Murder by Numbers
94% matchVery Positive84% of 1,650 reviews2020
Dev: MediatonicPub: The Irregular Corporation
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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: Investigation 18.3%, Detective 18.3%, Interactive Fiction 12.5%, Conspiracy 11.8% ★, Visual Novel 11.4%
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.
- #8 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 35,609 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 24.2%, Anime 20.6%, Mystery 11.6%, Adventure 2.6%
Why You'll Like It: A classic detective visual novel that emphasizes investigation and logical deduction in a high-tension environment.
- #9 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
91% matchVery Positive93% of 6,967 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 21.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 39.3%, Anime 17.7%, Mystery 16.6%, Detective 15%, Atmospheric 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: It is a quintessential mystery visual novel that challenges players with complex puzzles and branching narrative paths.
- #10 Shanghai Summer
90% matchVery Positive91% of 444 reviews2024
Dev: FUTU StudioPub: Astrolabe Games
Windows
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 20.1%, Investigation 14.5%, Visual Novel 10.9%, Interactive Fiction 10.7%, Anime 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: It captures a nostalgic, atmospheric tone that mirrors the reflective and character-focused nature of 1997.
- #11 Suhoshin
91% matchVery Positive91% of 166 reviews2022
Dev: No More 500
Windows
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 16.4%, Detective 16.2%, Investigation 13.6%, Interactive Fiction 13%, Anime 12.6%
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.
- #12 Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 7,849 reviews2023
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 15.7%, 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.
- #13 428: Shibuya Scramble
89% matchVery Positive95% of 3,587 reviews2018
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 46.4%, Detective 22%, Mystery 16.8%, Adventure 10.2%, Funny 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: It utilizes a multi-perspective narrative structure to build a dense, interconnected mystery that feels both grounded and cinematic.
- #14 Last Time I Saw You
88% matchVery Positive96% of 307 reviews2024
Dev: Maboroshi ArtworksPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows
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 25.7%, Anime 18.6%, Hand-drawn 16%, Romance 15.7%, 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.
- #15 The Murder Hotel
86% matchVery Positive95% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: Wegenbartho Games
Windows
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 29.8%, Visual Novel 18.8%, Anime 13.6%, Interactive Fiction 13.1%, Mystery 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: A dedicated mystery visual novel that keeps the player focused on detective work and story-rich investigation.
- #16 The Sekimeiya: Spun Glass
87% matchVery Positive86% of 279 reviews2021
Dev: Trinitite Team
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 19.4%, Visual Novel 15.7%, Psychological 13.1%, Anime 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: A highly regarded mystery visual novel that emphasizes story-rich investigation and complex narrative loops.
- #17 Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll
85% matchMostly Positive79% of 7,107 reviews2022
Dev: Soviet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 32.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 17.8%, Investigation 15.2%, Visual Novel 13.1%, Interactive Fiction 11.3%, Anime 9.9%
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.
- #18 Tokyo Detectives
86% matchMixed70% of 57 reviews2021
Dev: Rincho Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Detective Game. Murder Investigation. Interrogate witnesses. Rebut with evidence.
Why similar: Detective 31.3%, Investigation 26.6%, Visual Novel 16.4%, Anime 13.9%, 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.
- #19 Detective Grimoire
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,328 reviews2014
Dev: SFB Games
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 33.5%, Investigation 21.4%, Visual Novel 19.4%, Funny 8.2%, Mystery 7.3%
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.
- #20 WORLD OF HORROR
82% matchVery Positive90% of 9,731 reviews2023
Dev: panstaszPub: Ysbryd Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 42.8%, Mystery 25.7%, Atmospheric 19.8%, 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.
- #21 Little Locked Rooms
82% matchVery Positive89% of 132 reviews2024
Dev: riolucci
Windows · Linux
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 22.5%, Visual Novel 17.1%, Anime 15.2%, Mystery 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a concise, story-rich mystery that emphasizes detective work and anime-style visual storytelling.
- #22 The Occult Detective
81% matchMostly Positive72% of 323 reviews2025
Dev: Battlecry Studio
Windows
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 34%, Visual Novel 22.6%, Anime 17.6%, Drama 12.6%, Mystery 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A detective-focused visual novel that blends investigative mechanics with a supernatural mystery theme.
- #23 √Letter - Root Letter -
84% matchMostly Positive79% of 575 reviews2017
Dev: DRAGAMI GAMES, LTD.
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 14.6%, 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.
- #24 VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 37,969 reviews2016
Dev: Sukeban GamesPub: Ysbryd Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 31.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a booze em' up about waifus, technology, and post-dystopia life.
Why similar: Visual Novel 40.9%, Anime 25%, Cute 14.2%, 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.
- #25 Lost Wiki: Kozlovka
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 513 reviews2026
Dev: yattytheman
Windows · Linux
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 24%, Conspiracy 22.5% ★, Investigation 21.2%, Interactive Fiction 11.4%, 1990's 10%
- #26 Coffee Talk
79% matchVery Positive95% of 12,156 reviews2020
Dev: Toge Productions
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 34.8%, Interactive Fiction 33.2%, Anime 19.1%, Atmospheric 12.9%
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.
- #27 Stillwater
80% matchVery Positive95% of 217 reviews2022
Dev: Studio Clump
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 25%, Anime 15.5%, Detective 15.5%, Drama 14%, Mystery 12.1%
Why You'll Like It: A stylized, text-based mystery that captures the indie, experimental feel of 1997.
- #28 DAEMON MASQUERADE
77% matchVery Positive96% of 420 reviews2024
Dev: Callum Page
Windows · Mac · Linux
An anime-inspired supernatural detective game. Uncover the identities and powers of your adversaries using a conspiracy board full of evidence.
Why similar: Detective 23.5%, Investigation 20.3%, Conspiracy 17.9% ★, Visual Novel 10.6%, Hand-drawn 9.7%
- #29 Gensokyo：Presumption of Guilt~Pansies Before Dawn
75% matchVery Positive94% of 267 reviews2026
Dev: 戏壤游戏(Xirang Games)
Windows
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 21%, Word Game 16.7%, Visual Novel 13.6%, Psychological 13.1%, Romance 8.2%
- #30 12 Hours to Die
79% matchMostly Positive73% of 226 reviews2020
Dev: Wesley ReitsmaPub: Westeford
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 10.3%, Adventure 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: This title provides a time-sensitive detective mystery that keeps the player engaged through constant investigation.
- #31 RSSU - Retro Style Soviet Undies
76% matchVery Positive85% of 68 reviews2024
Dev: Eros Amor
Windows
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%
- #32 Detective Butler: Maiden Voyage Murder
78% matchVery Positive82% of 307 reviews2017
Dev: Goldbar Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 28%
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%, Investigation 25.6%, Visual Novel 17.7%, Anime 12.8%, Mystery 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style detective visual novel that focuses on gathering evidence and solving a central mystery.
- #33 LumineNight
74% matchVery Positive90% of 479 reviews2024
Dev: Spickasoft
Windows
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 32.3%, Investigation 16.4%, Visual Novel 16.1%, Anime 13.2%, Mystery 9.4%
- #34 Sky in your eyes
77% matchMostly Positive72% of 61 reviews2022
Dev: Aleksey Izimov
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 18.3%, Visual Novel 16%, 1990's 14%, Anime 11.6%, Hand-drawn 10.6%
- #35 Trials of Innocence
72% matchVery Positive92% of 1,556 reviews2025
Dev: 猫龙游戏
Windows
Median: 19.1 hrsMean: 22.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 26.3%, Investigation 17.5%, Interactive Fiction 16.8%, Visual Novel 14.6%, Anime 10.6%
- #36 Gumshoe Detective Agency: The First Case
74% matchMostly Positive77% of 52 reviews2025
Dev: Birdy Interactive
Windows
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 14.7%, Visual Novel 14%, Mystery 8.2%
- #37 The Real Face of a VTuber
71% matchVery Positive93% of 276 reviews2026
Dev: 莉莉恩工作室Pub: WhisperGames
Windows
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 36%, Visual Novel 20.1%, Anime 12.7%, Mystery 9.8%, Drama 8.9%
- #38 Murder on the Marine Express
75% matchVery Positive94% of 78 reviews2021
Dev: 1564 Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 29%, Investigation 20.4%, Visual Novel 17.7%, Anime 11.2%, Drama 11.1%
- #39 Neon Hearts City
73% matchVery Positive84% of 50 reviews2025
Dev: Cosmic VoidPub: Dionous Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 5.3%
- #40 久美子之死：昭和少女血色告白
71% matchVery Positive96% of 112 reviews2026
Dev: LingVision Games
Windows
1988年，日本泡沫经济破灭前夕，化身被冤枉成嫌犯的刑警，侦查青梅奇怪自杀案，牵连出持续20年的连环杀人案秘密，穿梭烟酒与霓虹的昭和街头，在人心与生死的抉择中，搜查蛛丝马迹，找出血案真相。
Why similar: Word Game 23.2%, Detective 20.2%, Interactive Fiction 15.8%, Visual Novel 14%, Drama 8.9%
- #41 Mohism: Battle of Words
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 606 reviews2023
Dev: 玄镜工作室Pub: Yooreka Studio
Windows
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 29.3%, Investigation 22.7%, Visual Novel 19.6%, Anime 12.1%, Mystery 8%
- #42 见习侦探
76% matchMixed61% of 59 reviews2021
Dev: 全能侦探社
Windows
"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 25.9%, Interactive Fiction 20.3%, Visual Novel 16%, Anime 10.4%, Drama 10.3%
- #43 MAELSTROM LEGACY: The Tesla Mystery
71% matchVery Positive82% of 61 reviews2025
Dev: Wistfulware
Windows · Mac
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 18.7%, Investigation 16.5%, Interactive Fiction 11.4%, Visual Novel 11%
- #44 The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 24,770 reviews2023
Dev: SEGA
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 66%
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 11.5%, Hand-drawn 11.4%, Funny 6%
- #45 Murder at the Birch Tree Theater
69% matchVery Positive100% of 58 reviews2026
Dev: Crucible Juice Games
Windows · Mac
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 24.3%, Investigation 19.8%, Conspiracy 19.3% ★, Drama 10.6%, Mystery 8.7%
- #46 I (DON'T) HATE HENTAI PUZZLES
73% matchVery Positive85% of 212 reviews2019
Dev: PixelGreeds
Windows
Post-modern hentai-puzzle detective.
Why similar: Detective 32.5%, Visual Novel 23.9%, Anime 18.1%, Drama 14.8%, Funny 10.7%
- #47 Siberian Way
69% matchVery Positive82% of 68 reviews2025
Dev: RootGame
Windows
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 26.6%, Investigation 23.3%, Psychological 20.4%, Visual Novel 19.8%, Atmospheric 6.9%
- #48 Root Letter Last Answer
72% matchVery Positive84% of 177 reviews2019
Dev: DRAGAMI GAMES, LTD.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A mystery adventure which is solved by using two visual features: Live Action and Illustrations.
Why similar: Detective 35.7%, Visual Novel 22%, Adventure 16.9%, Anime 15.2%, Mystery 10.2%
- #49 Young Hearts
68% matchVery Positive93% of 91 reviews2024
Dev: Sky SeekersPub: Evening Studio
Windows
‘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 18.3%, Romance 15%, Drama 14.5%, Anime 13.6%, Hand-drawn 12%
- #50 The Adventures of Fei Duanmu 端木斐异闻录
70% matchVery Positive90% of 1,760 reviews2017
Dev: 致意
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 29.1%, Adventure 11.4%, Anime 11%
- #51 My Furry Detective 🐾
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 117 reviews2021
Dev: Dirty Fox Games
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
A mysterious crime that no one could solve now rests on your shoulders. Well, not just yours; you also have a partner from your department whom everyone makes fun of. But who knows—maybe she’s actually a great detective in disguise?
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.6%, Drama 20.1%, Romance 20%, Anime 19.7%, Adventure 5.4%
- #52 Sisters: Last Day of Summer
67% matchVery Positive85% of 408 reviews2024
Dev: JellyfishPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 17.8 hrs≥1hr: 93%
A fully-animated visual novel about a boy who wakes up in an unknown house with two beautiful sisters, their mother, and an unspoken truth.
Why similar: Visual Novel 15.9%, Interactive Fiction 13.5%, Anime 13.3%, Romance 12.7%, Drama 12.5%
- #53 Weeping Willow - Detective Visual Novel
70% matchVery Positive81% of 74 reviews2019
Dev: TechnoCat Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Weeping Willow is a kinetic visual novel in the genre of detective. Events take place in the small town of Weidendorf during quarantine of the plague.
Why similar: Detective 33.6%, Visual Novel 31.3%, Interactive Fiction 17.6%, Adventure 17.5%
- #54 Detective Ridelle
67% matchVery Positive99% of 87 reviews2024
Dev: PuzzLab
Windows
Detective Ridelle is a cozy murder mystery game featuring escape room style puzzles. Find clues, interrogate suspects, solve the mystery - before it's too late.
Why similar: Detective 32.9%, Investigation 23.8%, Visual Novel 17.7%, Hand-drawn 10.4%, Mystery 9.1%
- #55 Cosmic Ultramarine
65% matchVery Positive98% of 396 reviews2024
Dev: 21st NostalgiaPub: Game Poetics
Windows
从高维度接入超次元，漫步于由你的数个前世构成的景观宇宙。藉由终端机展开一场穿越虚拟与现实、过去与未来的奇妙旅行。在一切的尽头，宇宙、自我和生命的终极答案，将为你解开面纱。
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.2%, Word Game 21.4%, Anime 15.4%, Drama 14%, Cute 12.8%
- #56 Occult Crime Police
68% matchVery Positive93% of 164 reviews2021
Dev: Eggcorn Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
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 28.8%, Investigation 16.4%, Visual Novel 14.7%, Anime 10.5%, Hand-drawn 9.7%
- #57 "I Know This Place..?" chapter I (prologue)
67% matchVery Positive90% of 168 reviews2023
Dev: SameFramePub: RBL LABS
Windows
The 1st chapter of mystic trans-media adventure with the atmosphere of Eastern Europe of the last century. After completing the 1st chapter, each player can influence the further plot of the game chapters/short films/visual novel.The plot in your hands...
Why similar: Detective 35.7%, 1990's 29.4%, Visual Novel 18.2%, First-Person 8.7%, Atmospheric 8%
- #58 Zavod
64% matchVery Positive92% of 420 reviews2025
Dev: Gendocik
Windows
The visual novel "Zavod" is an adventure that will take you to the industrial and factory everyday life of ordinary workers.
Why similar: Idler 29%, Visual Novel 26.5%, Anime 20.3%, Romance 15.7%, Adventure 8.5%
- #59 Hello my World! Lily.
64% matchVery Positive93% of 55 reviews2025
Dev: Black Leaf Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
"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 31.3%, Visual Novel 20.3%, Anime 14.2%, Hand-drawn 10%, Adventure 8.7%
