- #1 Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 4,302 reviews2024
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 30.3 hrsMean: 33.5 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Miles Edgeworth's dramatic turnabouts take center stage! Experience both Ace Attorney Investigations games in one gorgeous collection! Investigate crime scenes and solve tough, intriguing cases through logic and deduction. When Edgeworth's past and present collide, his future begins!
Why similar: Investigation 18.3%, Detective 16.5%, Crime 14.4%, Visual Novel 12.8%, Mystery 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: This collection features the same iconic logic-based gameplay and characters, focusing on the investigation side of the courtroom experience.
- #2 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 42,629 reviews2019
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 8.8 hrsMean: 26.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Become Phoenix Wright and experience the thrill of battle as you fight to save your innocent clients in a court of law. Play all 14 episodes, spanning the first three games, in one gorgeous collection.
Why similar: Detective 28.2%, Visual Novel 17.9%, Crime 12.5%, Mystery 10.2%, Great Soundtrack 9%
Why You'll Like It: As the foundational trilogy of the series, it is essential for anyone who enjoyed the gameplay and tone of the Apollo Justice collection.
- #3 The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
96% matchVery Positive94% of 9,045 reviews2021
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 34.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Immerse yourself in a dramatic yet charming and witty world of evidence-gathering, deduction and courtroom battles with this double-pack of the adventures of rookie lawyer Ryunosuke.
Why similar: Detective 22.7%, Visual Novel 18.9%, Mystery 10.3%, Text-Based 10.2%, Anime 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: This spin-off offers a refined take on the classic courtroom formula with a compelling historical setting and unique deduction mechanics.
- #4 Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
95% 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 31.5%, Mystery 17.1%, Visual Novel 12.8%, Story Rich 8.9%, Adventure 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: Created by the same mastermind behind Ace Attorney, this game shares the same quirky charm, puzzle-solving focus, and supernatural mystery elements.
- #5 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
94% 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 28.7%, Visual Novel 21.7%, Anime 13.6%, Mystery 13.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly mirrors the high-stakes debate and investigation format of Ace Attorney within a darker, high-tension school setting.
- #6 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 28.7%, Visual Novel 24.2%, Mystery 14%, Anime 13.3%, Story Rich 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: It combines a gripping detective mystery with surreal, logic-based investigation sequences that feel like a modern evolution of the genre.
- #7 Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus
93% matchVery Positive81% of 1,984 reviews2024
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 13.2 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Yuma, an amnesiac detective-in-training, and Shinigami, the spirit haunting him, tackle unsolved mysteries.
Why similar: Detective 33.7%, Anime 15%, Visual Novel 13%, Adventure 12.4%, Mystery 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: Developed by the Danganronpa team, this title features supernatural detective work and intense courtroom-style battles that will feel very familiar.
- #8 Tangle Tower
92% 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 30%, Crime 15.4%, Visual Novel 15%, Investigation 9.2%, Mystery 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: A charming detective game that focuses on interviewing witnesses and connecting clues, much like the investigation phases of Ace Attorney.
- #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 32.2%, Mystery 17.5%, Story Rich 10.8%, Anime 10.7%, Detective 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: This series offers complex, logic-heavy puzzles and a branching narrative that rewards players for their deductive reasoning.
- #10 Tyrion Cuthbert: Attorney of the Arcane
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,574 reviews2023
Dev: Diamondhenge Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 12.0 hrsMean: 13.7 hrs≥1hr: 79%
In Tyrion Cuthbert: Attorney of the Arcane, you play as a defense attorney who practices law in a world of fantasy and wizards. You must defend clients accused of various crimes committed using magic and use the rules of magic to prove them innocent.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.3%, Anime 18.5%, Mystery 18.5%, Detective 15.9%, Story Rich 9%
Why You'll Like It: This indie title is a direct love letter to courtroom visual novels, adding a fantasy twist to the classic objection-based gameplay.
- #11 Aviary Attorney
91% matchVery Positive95% of 2,252 reviews2015
Dev: Sketchy Logic
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
The hottest bird lawyering game to come out of 1840s France! Join Jayjay Falcon and his witty apprentice, Sparrowson, as the two take on clients, interview witnesses, collect evidence, and deliver justice to the guilty.
Why similar: Detective 35.4%, Visual Novel 30.2%, Mystery 13.5%, Adventure 7.8%, Story Rich 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: This game directly pays homage to the Ace Attorney formula, featuring a bird-themed courtroom drama with humor and investigation mechanics.
- #12 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 3,866 reviews2023
Dev: NankidaiPub: 0UP GAMES
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority- is a multi-ending horror adventure game. Sara Chidouin returns home from school late one night to discover that something's gone terribly wrong. When she comes to, she finds herself, her friend Joe, and 9 other people trapped in a mysterious place.
Why similar: Mystery 24%, Choose Your Own Adventure 23.9%, Anime 18.5%, Story Rich 10.5%, Adventure 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: This game features intense debate and voting mechanics that capture the same pressure-filled atmosphere as an Ace Attorney trial.
- #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 39.4%, Mystery 18.3%, Detective 15.4%, Adventure 9.7%, Story Rich 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in narrative-driven mystery, this game uses a unique multi-perspective system to solve a complex, city-wide crime.
- #14 Murders on the Yangtze River
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 20,376 reviews2024
Dev: OMEGAMES STUDIO
Windows · Mac
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
"Murders on Yangtze River" is an Ace Attorney-like detective game that takes you on a journey through early 20th century China as you solve a series of intriguing cases. Use your logical reasoning and deduction skills to uncover clues, interrogate suspects, and solve the mysteries.
Why similar: Detective 41.9%, Investigation 19.7%, Mystery 12.6%, Story Rich 9.1%, Adventure 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: This detective adventure features a classic investigation and evidence-presentation loop that feels very similar to the Ace Attorney style.
- #15 Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
88% matchVery Positive89% of 7,723 reviews2014
Dev: Frogwares
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Become the most celebrated detective of all time: Sherlock Holmes! Use your impressive talents as a detective to solve six thrilling and varied cases: murders, missing persons, spectacular thefts and numerous investigations that sometimes lead you into the realms of the fantastic.
Why similar: Detective 38.6%, Investigation 17.6%, Crime 17%, Mystery 11.7%, Adventure 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a deep, satisfying investigation experience where you must connect clues and make deductions to identify the correct culprit.
- #16 The Silver Case
87% matchVery Positive89% of 1,085 reviews2016
Dev: GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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: Detective 16.2%, Investigation 15.5%, Crime 15.4%, Visual Novel 12%, Mystery 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A stylish, avant-garde detective game that emphasizes investigation and narrative depth in a gritty, urban setting.
- #17 Paradise Killer
86% matchVery Positive93% of 4,378 reviews2020
Dev: Kaizen Game WorksPub: Fellow Traveller
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Paradise Island, a world outside reality. There’s been a murder that only "investigation freak" Lady Love Dies can solve. Gather evidence and interrogate suspects in this open world adventure. You can accuse anyone, but you’ll have to prove your case in trial. It’s up to you to decide who’s guilty.
Why similar: Detective 26.8%, Investigation 23.8%, Crime 22.5%, Mystery 12.3%, Story Rich 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: An open-world investigation game that allows you to gather evidence and build your own case to present in a final trial.
- #18 The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog
84% 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 28.4%, Visual Novel 26.4%, Mystery 15%, Text-Based 10.3%, Point & Click 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: Despite its premise, this is a surprisingly competent point-and-click mystery game that utilizes a trial-like structure to solve a crime.
- #19 Return of the Obra Dinn
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 33,398 reviews2018
Dev: Lucas PopePub: 3909
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.
Why similar: Detective 52.4%, Mystery 22.8%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Story Rich 8.8%, Adventure 3.1%
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant deduction game that tasks you with identifying the fates of crew members, mirroring the satisfaction of solving a complex case.
- #20 Staffer Case: A Supernatural Mystery Adventure
84% matchVery Positive94% of 3,907 reviews2023
Dev: Team Tetrapod
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.6 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 28.1%, Crime 16.9%, Visual Novel 14.9%, Mystery 10.6%, Text-Based 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: This game features a detective solving cases involving supernatural abilities, requiring careful evidence management and logical deduction.
- #21 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 30,083 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.8 hrsMean: 33.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries.
Why similar: Detective 31.8%, Visual Novel 20.4%, Anime 14.1%, Mystery 12.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: A direct sequel that expands on the high-stakes trial mechanics and character mysteries of the first game.
- #22 AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative
82% matchVery Positive86% of 3,598 reviews2022
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 16.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Special Agents Mizuki and Ryuki, along with their AI partners Aiba and Tama, are tasked to solve the bizarre Half Body serial killings in this sequel to the critically acclaimed AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES.
Why similar: Detective 21.8%, Investigation 17.4%, Visual Novel 16.9%, Crime 12.2%, Mystery 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: A direct sequel that continues the unique blend of detective work and surreal investigation found in the first entry.
- #23 GNOSIA
82% matchVery Positive94% of 4,733 reviews2022
Dev: Petit DepottoPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
The Gnosia lie. Pretending to be human, they’ll get in close, trick and deceive, and then eliminate one victim at a time...
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.3%, Detective 25.3%, Mystery 15.2%, Anime 15%, Story Rich 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: A social deduction game that challenges you to identify the culprit through logic and observation, similar to the cross-examination phases of Ace Attorney.
- #24 Trials of Innocence
79% 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 22.9%, Visual Novel 15.4%, Crime 15.2%, Investigation 14.5%, Mystery 9.2%
- #25 Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases
81% matchMostly Positive76% of 1,367 reviews2021
Dev: Blazing GriffinPub: Microids
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Discover an untold crime story from the mysterious youth of the famous detective Hercule Poirot.
Why similar: Detective 31.5%, Investigation 20%, Mystery 12.8%, Visual Novel 9.8%, Crime 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A traditional detective game that emphasizes gathering clues and building a mental map of the crime to solve the mystery.
- #26 Nina Aquila: Legal Eagle, Season One
81% matchVery Positive96% of 100 reviews2021
Dev: Tanuki-sama Studios
Windows · Linux
The chart-topping itch.io and Newgrounds indie hit comes to Steam, with a slew of enhancements and new features! Step into court as Nina Aquila, rookie defense attorney in this thrilling VN/adventure game hybrid, and fight for justice in a world where all anime genres exist at once!
Why similar: Detective 21.5%, Crime 15.8%, Visual Novel 15.3%, Investigation 14.3%, Anime 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: A charming indie courtroom drama that captures the aesthetic and gameplay loop of the Ace Attorney series in a bite-sized format.
- #27 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,634 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.9 hrsMean: 40.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Umineko When They Cry is the 2nd series of Sound Novel released by 07th Expansion. The steam version features renewed character sprites which is swappable from the classic art.
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.2%, Great Soundtrack 18.6%, Mystery 18%, Detective 15.9%, Story Rich 9%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary mystery visual novel that focuses heavily on logic, reasoning, and the challenge of proving a theory against a skeptical opponent.
- #28 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
79% matchVery Positive83% of 21,767 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.2 hrsMean: 30.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death.
Why similar: Detective 31.2%, Visual Novel 22.6%, Anime 12.5%, Mystery 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%
- #29 Little Locked Rooms
78% 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 20.5%, Investigation 15%, Visual Novel 14.5%, Anime 9.5%, Mystery 9.5%
- #30 Mohism: Battle of Words
78% 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 22.2%, Visual Novel 18%, Investigation 16.3%, Crime 13.5%, Mystery 9.4%
- #31 Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express
75% matchVery Positive84% of 1,148 reviews2023
Dev: Microids Studio LyonPub: Microids
Windows
Median: 9.4 hrsMean: 16.3 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Step on board the legendary Orient Express and immerse yourself in the most famous detective suit in a race against the clock to unmask the murderer.
Why similar: Detective 20.9%, Crime 15.9%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Investigation 15.1%, Text-Based 10.4%
- #32 Tokyo Detectives
77% matchMixed70% of 57 reviews2021
Dev: Rincho Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Detective Game. Murder Investigation. Interrogate witnesses. Rebut with evidence.
Why similar: Detective 21.7%, Investigation 17.6%, Crime 14.8%, Visual Novel 13.8%, Anime 8.7%
- #33 Master Magistrate
76% matchVery Positive91% of 206 reviews2020
Dev: IRODORIPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
The samurai detective visual novel! Solve crimes and pass judgment on vigilantes, officials, inventors, and brigands to protect a city of eternal cherry blossoms.
Why similar: Detective 32.4%, Visual Novel 24.6%, Mystery 13.1%, Anime 10.2%, Adventure 7%
- #34 The Real Face of a VTuber
73% 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 23.6%, Visual Novel 15.9%, Crime 15.5%, Mystery 10%, Anime 7.4%
- #35 Murder on the Marine Express
76% 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 25.8%, Visual Novel 19.1%, Investigation 17.3%, Mystery 11.2%, Anime 8.9%
- #36 Detective Butler: Maiden Voyage Murder
77% 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 19.5%, Investigation 15.8%, Visual Novel 13.9%, Crime 13.7%, Mystery 9.8%
- #37 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,457 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24.7 hrsMean: 46.6 hrs≥1hr: 87%
This is the 2nd half of the Umineko When They Cry sound novel series, featuring episodes 5 through 8. This steam version features multi-language options, swap-able renewed character sprites, as well as the original BGMs and un-cut content.
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.1%, Great Soundtrack 18.4%, Mystery 17.5%, Detective 14.4%, Story Rich 8.6%
- #38 DYSCHRONIA: Chronos Alternate - Dual Edition
74% matchVery Positive88% of 64 reviews2024
Dev: IzanagiGames
Windows
Solve an impossible murder case in the far-flung future in this VR & Non-VR investigation action adventure! Multi-awarded title DYSCHRONIA: Chronos Alternate - Dual Edition contains all three episodes from the acclaimed trilogy.
Why similar: Detective 23.1%, Investigation 18.8%, Visual Novel 17.5%, Mystery 11.5%, Anime 9.9%
- #39 No Case Should Remain Unsolved
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 9,767 reviews2024
Dev: Somi
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Twelve years after Senior Inspector Jeon Gyeong's retirement, she is visited by a young police officer: a woman who pleads with her to reexamine Seowon's case. But with each uncovered memory, only one thing becomes clear: everyone in Seowon's vicinity was lying.
Why similar: Investigation 23.2%, Detective 18.5%, Visual Novel 18.3%, Text-Based 10%, Anime 6.8%
- #40 The Murder Hotel
72% 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 24.3%, Visual Novel 18.6%, Crime 17.3%, Mystery 12%, Anime 9.9%
- #41 Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter
74% matchMostly Positive80% of 14,245 reviews2016
Dev: Frogwares
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Experience a fantastic adventure with unique gameplay that blends investigation, action and exploration in a breath-taking thriller that will test the limits of your nerves and intelligence. Play as the great detective and track down evil in the darkest corners of London and the human soul…
Why similar: Detective 29.6%, Crime 19.9%, Investigation 16.1%, Mystery 11.9%, Adventure 6.8%
- #42 LumineNight
71% 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 28%, Visual Novel 16.9%, Investigation 13.5%, Mystery 12.7%, Anime 10.2%
- #43 The Adventures of Fei Duanmu 端木斐异闻录
73% 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 44.5%, Visual Novel 32.3%, Adventure 14.2%, Anime 9%
- #44 ENIGMA:
73% matchVery Positive95% of 144 reviews2016
Dev: UzumeyaPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Enigma is an atmospheric, full-length visual novel where you discover the secrets of Enigma, a worldwide epidemic, and a forest on a lonely island that bears its name.
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.4%, Anime 18.2%, Adventure 15%, Mystery 14.2%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%
- #45 Arsene Lupin - Once a Thief
71% matchMostly Positive70% of 74 reviews2024
Dev: Blazing GriffinPub: Microids
Windows
Discover the youth of a legend - Experience the transformation of Arsene Lupin, from whimsical thief to legendary hero, in 'Arsene Lupin - Once a Thief', an adventure and investigation game freely adapted from the works of Maurice Leblanc, with its events unfolding in the early 20th century.
Why similar: Detective 18.9%, Visual Novel 18%, Crime 17.2%, Investigation 14.6%, Text-Based 11.6%
- #46 Persona 4 Golden
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 83,940 reviews2020
Dev: ATLUSPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 12.9 hrsMean: 44.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A coming of age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 21.2%, Detective 20.7%, Anime 18.9%, Mystery 14.3%, Story Rich 11.8%
- #47 Urban Myth Dissolution Center
68% matchVery Positive88% of 5,751 reviews2025
Dev: HakababunkoPub: SHUEISHA GAMES
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Join forces with the psychic Director of the Urban Myth Dissolution Center and solve a variety of cases involving cursed relics, rental properties with shady histories, and dimensional anomalies. Monstrous oddities and otherworldly planes abound in this occult mystery adventure game!
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.2%, Detective 19.4%, Mystery 13.8%, Text-Based 10.8%, Story Rich 7.2%
- #48 ANONYMOUS;CODE
70% matchMostly Positive80% of 513 reviews2023
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Hack Into God
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.1%, Investigation 27.1%, Anime 16.9%, Adventure 14.7%, Story Rich 7.7%
- #49 BEAST CRIMES
72% matchMixed63% of 63 reviews2022
Dev: LINK
Windows
Crimes across the times. Are you able to solve them all?
Why similar: Detective 24.2%, Visual Novel 18.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 13%, Investigation 11.1%, Anime 8.9%
- #50 Methods: The Canada Files
67% matchVery Positive97% of 330 reviews2026
Dev: LockedOn GamesPub: Erabit
Windows · Mac · Linux
Methods: The Canada Files is a mystery visual novel. You play as a team of eccentric detectives in a mysterious crime-solving competition. To solve each mystery, you must use your team member’s unique detective methods, refute faulty theories with evidence, and find out the truth!
Why similar: Investigation 23.9%, Detective 21.9%, Crime 18.2%, Visual Novel 15.1%, Anime 8.1%
- #51 STEINS;GATE: Linear Bounded Phenogram
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,225 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 129.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A story for every lab member. Discover a new side of each STEINS;GATE character and get a glimpse of their inner thoughts through 10 new stories.
Why similar: Visual Novel 40%, Adventure 19.9%, Anime 17.8%, Story Rich 10.6%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%
- #52 Paper Perjury
68% matchVery Positive88% of 190 reviews2024
Dev: Paper Cat Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
It all started with a simple robbery. When that thread was pulled, a tapestry of mysteries was revealed. Solve cases and outsmart criminals in a detective story full of lies, confessions, and maybe even a murder or two.
Why similar: Detective 26%, Visual Novel 17.4%, Crime 11.7%, Mystery 11.1%, Investigation 10.7%
- #53 Murder by Numbers
70% 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: Detective 21.7%, Investigation 20.7%, Visual Novel 16.5%, Crime 15.3%, Anime 8.1%
- #54 Kamaitachi no Yoru x3
69% matchVery Positive86% of 58 reviews2024
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
サウンドノベル「かまいたちの夜」シリーズ30周年を記念して、『かまいたちの夜×3』がSteamに登場! シリーズ3作目にして完結編となる本作には、『かまいたちの夜』『かまいたちの夜2』のメインストーリーも収録。 初めてシリーズを遊ぶ方でも登場人物たちの関係性や過去にあった事件を知ることができるので、安心してプレイできる。
Why similar: Visual Novel 30%, Choose Your Own Adventure 18.5%, Text-Based 17.6%, Adventure 16.4%, Mystery 16%
- #55 of the Devil
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 2,193 reviews2025
Dev: nth Circle Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 14.1 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Immerse yourself in neon, smoke, and high-stakes legal gambles as a Defense Attorney with uniquely Killer insights in this episodic, diabolically stylish visual novel adventure game.
Why similar: Detective 42.9%, Visual Novel 32.8%, Anime 14.7%, Story Rich 9.6%
- #56 Detective Grimoire
69% 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 25.1%, Visual Novel 17.7%, Crime 16.2%, Investigation 15.2%, Mystery 8.5%
- #57 Methods: The Illusion Murders
67% matchVery Positive88% of 89 reviews2024
Dev: LockedOn GamesPub: Erabit
Windows · Mac · Linux
Detective Red July must stop a serial killer who patterns his murders after optical illusions in this mystery visual novel set in the world of Methods.
Why similar: Detective 20.6%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Crime 15.5%, Investigation 14.3%, Text-Based 9.9%
- #58 ステータス確認探偵
66% matchVery Positive96% of 57 reviews2025
Dev: 風切羽
Windows
Check the suspect's status and solve the mystery! A status-checking mystery ADV in which a rookie detective takes on difficult cases that take place in a fantasy world.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.9%, Mystery 22.4%, Investigation 18.4%, Adventure 13.6%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12.6%
- #59 The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,922 reviews2021
Dev: Spooky DoorwayPub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Delouse your room with sage and pack up your travel-sized ouija board, it’s time to re-enter Twin Lakes - America’s 34th most haunted city. Join Detective McQueen as he puzzles his way through 9 chilling cases, risking life and pixelated limb to solve the macabre mysteries that plague the poor town.
Why similar: Detective 27.3%, Investigation 17%, Visual Novel 13.6%, Mystery 12.1%, Text-Based 10.8%
- #60 Star Apprentice: Magical Murder Mystery
67% matchVery Positive94% of 176 reviews2021
Dev: Will-o-Works
Windows
Star Apprentice: Magical Murder Mystery is a danmaku-detective game that combines point-and-click style deduction with high octane bullet hell gameplay. Find evidence, interrogate suspects, and refute contradictions to solve the case!
Why similar: Detective 26.9%, Investigation 21.7%, Visual Novel 18.5%, Mystery 12.4%, Anime 11.3%