- #1 Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 4,730 reviews2024
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 32.8 hrsMean: 35.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 17.9%, Detective 17.9%, Crime 13.8%, Visual Novel 12.6%, Mystery 8.6%
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 44,596 reviews2019
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 26.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 28.9%, Visual Novel 17.4%, Crime 12%, Mystery 10.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%
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 9,403 reviews2021
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 34.8 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 23.6%, Visual Novel 18.5%, Mystery 10.3%, Text-Based 9.8%, Anime 9.5%
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 8,448 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 32.3%, Mystery 16.7%, Visual Novel 12.5%, Story Rich 8.6%, Adventure 8.2%
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 38,105 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 29.3%, Visual Novel 21.2%, Mystery 13.2%, Anime 13%, Great Soundtrack 10%
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 9,355 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 29.3%, Visual Novel 23.3%, Mystery 13.6%, Anime 12.5%, Story Rich 7.5%
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 2,218 reviews2024
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 11.9 hrsMean: 22.2 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Yuma, an amnesiac detective-in-training, and Shinigami, the spirit haunting him, tackle unsolved mysteries.
Why similar: Detective 35.2%, Anime 14.5%, Visual Novel 12.6%, Adventure 12.4%, Mystery 11.3%
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 6,575 reviews2019
Dev: SFB Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 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 30.7%, Crime 14.4%, Visual Novel 14.3%, Investigation 9%, Mystery 9%
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 7,315 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 21.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 31.9%, Mystery 17.3%, Detective 10.9%, Story Rich 10.6%, Anime 10.4%
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 1,711 reviews2023
Dev: Diamondhenge Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 13.3 hrsMean: 14.7 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 33.8%, Mystery 18.4%, Anime 18.1%, Detective 17%, Story Rich 8.8%
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 2,274 reviews2015
Dev: Sketchy Logic
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 35.5%, Visual Novel 28.7%, Mystery 13%, Adventure 7.7%, Story Rich 6.8%
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 4,348 reviews2023
Dev: NankidaiPub: 0UP GAMES
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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 24.2%, Choose Your Own Adventure 23.2%, Anime 18.4%, Story Rich 10.5%, Adventure 10%
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 3,914 reviews2018
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 39.1%, Mystery 18.3%, Detective 15.7%, Adventure 9.7%, Story Rich 8.7%
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
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 21,095 reviews2024
Dev: OMEGAMES STUDIO
Windows · Mac
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 14.1 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 42.2%, Investigation 18.6%, Mystery 12.1%, Story Rich 8.8%, Adventure 8.4%
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
87% matchVery Positive89% of 7,960 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 39.8%, Investigation 17.2%, Crime 16.4%, Mystery 11.6%, 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 Paradise Killer
86% matchVery Positive93% of 4,497 reviews2020
Dev: Kaizen Game WorksPub: Fellow Traveller
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 7.3 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 27.9%, Investigation 23.3%, Crime 21.8%, 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.
- #17 The Silver Case
86% matchVery Positive89% of 1,178 reviews2016
Dev: GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.5 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 17%, Investigation 15.2%, Crime 15%, Visual Novel 12%, Mystery 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A stylish, avant-garde detective game that emphasizes investigation and narrative depth in a gritty, urban setting.
- #18 Return of the Obra Dinn
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 34,930 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 53.3%, Mystery 22.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%, Story Rich 8.5%, Adventure 3%
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.
- #19 The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 25,117 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 28.5%, Visual Novel 25.4%, Mystery 14.5%, Text-Based 9.7%, Great Soundtrack 5.8%
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.
- #20 AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative
84% matchVery Positive86% of 3,749 reviews2022
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 16.1 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 22.6%, Investigation 16.9%, Visual Novel 16.8%, Crime 11.7%, Mystery 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: A direct sequel that continues the unique blend of detective work and surreal investigation found in the first entry.
- #21 Staffer Case: A Supernatural Mystery Adventure
82% matchVery Positive94% of 4,224 reviews2023
Dev: Team Tetrapod
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 28.9%, Crime 16.2%, Visual Novel 14.6%, Mystery 10.6%, Text-Based 9%
Why You'll Like It: This game features a detective solving cases involving supernatural abilities, requiring careful evidence management and logical deduction.
- #22 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,812 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 14.5 hrsMean: 45.6 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 26.8%, Great Soundtrack 19.4%, Mystery 17.9%, Detective 16.1%, Story Rich 8.8%
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.
- #23 GNOSIA
82% matchVery Positive94% of 5,045 reviews2022
Dev: Petit DepottoPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 26.1%, Detective 26.1%, Mystery 15%, Anime 14.6%, Story Rich 9%
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 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 32,416 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.4 hrsMean: 32.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 32.3%, Visual Novel 19.9%, Anime 13.6%, Mystery 12.1%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A direct sequel that expands on the high-stakes trial mechanics and character mysteries of the first game.
- #25 Trials of Innocence
79% matchVery Positive92% of 1,763 reviews2025
Dev: 猫龙游戏Pub: Right Mind
Windows
Median: 18.6 hrsMean: 21.2 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 23.8%, Visual Novel 15.3%, Crime 14.7%, Investigation 14.2%, Mystery 9.2%
- #26 Nina Aquila: Legal Eagle, Season One
81% matchVery Positive95% of 109 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 22.1%, Crime 15%, Visual Novel 15%, Investigation 13.8%, Anime 9.4%
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 Staffer Retro : A Supernatural Mystery Quest
77% matchVery Positive90% of 961 reviews2026
Dev: Team Tetrapod
Windows · Mac
Staffer Retro is a mystery adventure game where you uncover past incidents related to ‘Mana’, the source of supernatural powers. Gather information through dialogue and exploration, and piece together clues found in documents to guide the choices of Verita Retro, the protagonist.
Why similar: Detective 21.5%, Investigation 13.4%, Visual Novel 13%, Crime 10.4%, Mystery 9.3%
- #28 Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases
80% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,422 reviews2021
Dev: Blazing GriffinPub: Microids
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Discover an untold crime story from the mysterious youth of the famous detective Hercule Poirot.
Why similar: Detective 23.8%, Visual Novel 17%, Crime 16.7%, Investigation 16.4%, Mystery 9.6%
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.
- #29 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
79% matchVery Positive83% of 23,051 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 30.5 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 31.9%, Visual Novel 22%, Mystery 12.2%, Anime 12%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%
- #30 Little Locked Rooms
78% matchVery Positive88% of 147 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 21.4%, Investigation 14.7%, Visual Novel 14.4%, Mystery 9.6%, Anime 9.4%
- #31 Mohism: Battle of Words
78% matchMostly Positive78% of 610 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 23.1%, Visual Novel 17.8%, Investigation 16%, Crime 13%, Mystery 9.4%
- #32 Urban Myth Dissolution Center
75% matchVery Positive88% of 6,194 reviews2025
Dev: HakababunkoPub: SHUEISHA GAMES
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 24.8%, Detective 20.7%, Mystery 13.8%, Text-Based 10.4%, Story Rich 7.1%
- #33 LumineNight
76% matchVery Positive88% of 558 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 29.1%, Visual Novel 16.7%, Investigation 13.1%, Mystery 12.6%, Anime 9.9%
- #34 Tokyo Detectives
77% matchMixed69% of 59 reviews2021
Dev: Rincho Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Detective Game. Murder Investigation. Interrogate witnesses. Rebut with evidence.
Why similar: Detective 22.7%, Investigation 17.2%, Crime 14.4%, Visual Novel 13.7%, Mystery 8.6%
- #35 No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES
74% matchVery Positive82% of 929 reviews2025
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 12.7 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Iris has been abducted by aliens?! Finding herself on board a mysterious UFO and tasked with completing a bizarre escape game, Iris knows there's one person who she can always count on for help: Kaname Date, Psyncer!
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.6%, Detective 17.2%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12.3%, Anime 11%, Crime 10.6%
- #36 Detective Butler: Maiden Voyage Murder
76% matchVery Positive82% of 310 reviews2017
Dev: Goldbar Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 10.3 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 20.4%, Investigation 15.5%, Visual Novel 13.8%, Crime 13.3%, Mystery 9.9%
- #37 No Case Should Remain Unsolved
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 10,468 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 23.1%, Detective 19.5%, Visual Novel 18%, Text-Based 9.6%, Anime 6.6%
- #38 Murder on the Marine Express
75% matchVery Positive92% of 79 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 26.3%, Visual Novel 18.5%, Investigation 16.5%, Mystery 10.9%, Anime 8.6%
- #39 Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter
74% matchMostly Positive80% of 14,447 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 30.7%, Crime 19.3%, Investigation 15.8%, Mystery 11.9%, Adventure 6.9%
- #40 DYSCHRONIA: Chronos Alternate - Dual Edition
73% matchVery Positive86% of 65 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 24%, Investigation 18.4%, Visual Novel 17.3%, Mystery 11.4%, Anime 9.7%
- #41 The Murder Hotel
72% matchVery Positive93% of 71 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 25.6%, Visual Novel 18.4%, Crime 16.6%, Mystery 12.1%, Anime 9.7%
- #42 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 45.6%, Visual Novel 31.5%, Adventure 14.2%, Anime 8.7%
- #43 Paper Perjury
71% matchVery Positive88% of 225 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 27%, Visual Novel 17.2%, Crime 11.3%, Mystery 11.1%, Investigation 10.4%
- #44 Arsene Lupin - Once a Thief
73% matchMostly Positive70% of 79 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 19.8%, Visual Novel 17.9%, Crime 16.7%, Investigation 14.3%, Text-Based 11.3%
- #45 Methods: The Canada Files
68% matchVery Positive96% of 391 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%, Detective 22.5%, Crime 17.4%, Visual Novel 14.8%, Anime 7.8%
- #46 The Incident at Galley House
67% matchVery Positive95% of 3,297 reviews2026
Dev: William RousPub: Evil Trout Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.5 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
In 1936, something terrible happened at Galley House. Decades later, with a strange contraption that reveals echoes of the past, you must uncover the truth behind this grisly mystery.
Why similar: Detective 34.6%, Visual Novel 21.5%, Mystery 20.6%, Story Rich 7.8%, Adventure 6.3%
- #47 STEINS;GATE: Linear Bounded Phenogram
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,317 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 129.3 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 40.3%, Adventure 20%, Anime 17.2%, Story Rich 10.5%, Great Soundtrack 10.3%
- #48 Detective Grimoire
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,513 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 25.6%, Visual Novel 16.7%, Crime 15.4%, Investigation 14.8%, Mystery 8.5%
- #49 ANONYMOUS;CODE
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 544 reviews2023
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Hack Into God
Why similar: Visual Novel 32%, Investigation 26.8%, Anime 16.7%, Adventure 15%, Story Rich 8%
- #50 of the Devil
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 2,526 reviews2025
Dev: nth Circle Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 44.3%, Visual Novel 32.3%, Anime 14%, Story Rich 9.4%
- #51 BEAST CRIMES
71% matchMixed64% of 66 reviews2022
Dev: LINK
Windows
Crimes across the times. Are you able to solve them all?
Why similar: Detective 25.1%, Visual Novel 18.7%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12.5%, Investigation 10.9%, Mystery 8.8%
- #52 誰是犯案者 Who is the Criminal
70% matchVery Positive95% of 60 reviews2021
Dev: 莉莉恩工作室
Windows
Set in school life, “Who is the Criminal” is a text-based adventure game featuring comedian and inference elements. With inquiring suspects and debating with “evildoers”, he gathers pieces of puzzles and reveals what truly happens in every incident.
Why similar: Detective 25.3%, Crime 16.5%, Visual Novel 16.1%, Mystery 10.3%, Anime 8.9%
- #53 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,542 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 20.5 hrsMean: 54.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 26.5%, Great Soundtrack 19.3%, Mystery 17.2%, Detective 14.8%, Story Rich 8.4%
- #54 The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,003 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 27.6%, Investigation 16.1%, Visual Novel 13.1%, Mystery 11.7%, Text-Based 10.2%
- #55 Persona 4 Golden
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 86,701 reviews2020
Dev: ATLUSPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 13.3 hrsMean: 45.5 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 21.9%, Detective 21.2%, Anime 18.2%, Mystery 14.1%, Story Rich 11.5%
- #56 Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
69% matchVery Positive82% of 4,877 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Nine participants awaken, trapped in an underground facility. To escape, they must play a game with deadly consequences. Who will live, and who will die? The choice is yours. Let the Decision Game begin…
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.9%, Mystery 19.8%, Anime 12.4%, Story Rich 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 9.2%
- #57 Star Apprentice: Magical Murder Mystery
67% matchVery Positive94% of 178 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 27.9%, Investigation 21.2%, Visual Novel 18.2%, Mystery 12.4%, Anime 11%
- #58 Kamaitachi no Yoru x3
66% matchVery Positive81% of 70 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%, Text-Based 17.3%, Adventure 16.9%, Mystery 16.2%
- #59 The Testament of Sherlock Holmes
68% matchVery Positive80% of 3,928 reviews2012
Dev: Frogwares
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Become the greatest detective of all time in The Testament of Sherlock Holmes, a twisting, turning investigation game set in a faithfully-reproduced London of 1898. As Sherlock Holmes, you must find clues, interrogate suspects and unveil a mystery in a story full of twists!
Why similar: Detective 47.2%, Mystery 12.2%, Adventure 12.2%, Investigation 9.3%, Crime 8.1%
- #60 Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express
65% matchVery Positive84% of 1,259 reviews2023
Dev: Microids Studio LyonPub: Microids
Windows
Median: 7.1 hrsMean: 15.1 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 25.1%, Investigation 20.9%, Visual Novel 16%, Text-Based 10.4%, Mystery 8.8%
