- #1 AI: The Somnium Files
97% matchVery Positive92% of 9,207 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 15.0 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 21%, Visual Novel 17.2%, Mystery 14.4%, Anime 11.7%, Story Rich 9.7%
- #2 Guilty Parade
96% matchVery Positive93% of 291 reviews2021
Dev: Nozori Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 10.8 hrs≥1hr: 93%
One war. Two sides of a military conflict. Which side will you choose if you take a look at the world from both sides of the conflict? Whom will you support and whom will you destroy if some are fighting for an uncertain future, while others are for a peaceful present?
Why similar: Detective 19.9%, Visual Novel 16.1%, Mystery 12.1%, Choices Matter 10.2%, Anime 8.7%
- #3 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
96% matchVery Positive93% of 7,129 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 21.5 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 18.3%, Mystery 14.3%, Choices Matter 13.2%, Story Rich 10.7%, Multiple Endings 10.2%
- #4 The Posthumous Investigation
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 521 reviews2026
Dev: Mother Gaia StudioPub: CriticalLeap
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
A dead man hired you to solve his own murder. You have one day. Fourteen suspects. And as many attempts as it takes. A hand-drawn noir mystery set in 1937 Rio de Janeiro, where every suspect has a life, a schedule, and something to hide.
Why similar: Time Manipulation 18.9% ★, Detective 14.3%, Time Travel 9.4% ★, Choices Matter 9.4%, Mystery 8.8%
- #5 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
94% matchVery Positive90% of 598 reviews2016
Dev: YetiPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 14.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Rescue squad captain Watase Kasasagi wakes up without his memories in the middle of his most critical mission yet-- a nuclear meltdown at a research facility. In an unfamiliar place and without his years of training, he must rescue the survivors and escape...
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.9%, Anime 13.9%, Mystery 13.3%, Multiple Endings 11.3%, Story Rich 11.1%
- #6 Escape Everlit
94% matchPositive100% of 27 reviews2025
Dev: lantao studio
Windows
A narrative-driven sci-fi mystery. Switch between four playable protagonists trapped in an island mansion to explore, investigate, piece together clues from their mysterious past, and uncover the truth behind their predicament.
Why similar: Time Manipulation 20% ★, Visual Novel 13.5%, Mystery 12.6%, Choices Matter 10.3%, Story Rich 9.6%
- #7 Return to Shironagasu Island
93% matchVery Positive94% of 4,067 reviews2020
Dev: HYOGO ONIMUSHIPub: TABINOMICHI
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 14.1 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A mystery adventure game and visual novel set on solitary Shironagasu Island. Discover its secrets, solve its mysteries, and escape from the ominous island!
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.5%, Mystery 18.5%, Detective 14.5%, Adventure 10.4%, Anime 9.5%
- #8 Tokyo Dark
92% matchVery Positive84% of 1,341 reviews2017
Dev: CherrymochiPub: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Legend tells of a door deep below Tokyo's sewers. All who enter are lost forever. Detective Ito's partner is missing. Explore Tokyo & uncover the darkness that lays beneath the streets in this Point & Click - meets Visual Novel - narrative adventure that questions the very core of Ito's sanity.
Why similar: Detective 21.3%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Anime 13.6%, Mystery 11.7%, Choices Matter 8.7%
- #9 Ezrebeth
91% matchPositive86% of 14 reviews2025
Dev: Tymedust Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Ezrebeth is an old, bitter recluse who finds herself constantly invaded by her peculiar relatives during the winter holidays. Oh, and she's stuck in a time loop! Investigate, interview and cross-reference as you attempt to figure out what's going on in this surreal visual novel.
Why similar: Detective 21.2%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Mystery 13.2%, Multiple Endings 10.9%, Choices Matter 9.1%
- #10 Chrono Crimes
91% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team Chrono
Windows
Investigate crimes and solve them... before they happen. Scour future crime scenes, corroborate suspects' alibis, search for incriminating evidence and uncover the truth before the culprit can get away with it.
Why similar: Detective 23.7%, Visual Novel 15.6%, Mystery 14.6%, Time Travel 12.9% ★, Anime 11.1%
- #11 SMU News: Strange events recorded
90% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: 月食图书室
Windows
In this game, play as Shenming University News Department members. Explore strange incidents—no need for truth. Write compelling reports from clues; eye-catching content excites readers. As for what really happened…do readers actually care? If you care, go find out yourself.
Why similar: Detective 26.2%, Visual Novel 20.6%, Choices Matter 13.8%, Anime 12%, Story Rich 11.1%
- #12 The Retro Exorcist
89% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Chestpain Studios
Windows
You've been hired to perform exorcisms on all sorts of entities. The only thing you can't seem to understand is...why do they all haunt video games?
Why similar: Visual Novel 21.8%, Choices Matter 17.7%, Mystery 13%, Multiple Endings 12.9%, Story Rich 12.8%
- #13 午前五時にピアノを弾く ENCORE
89% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Kazuhide OkaPub: Waku Waku Games
Windows
朝の早い時間、午前五時くらいになると、この町にはときどき濃い霧が出る──。
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.6%, Anime 14.6%, Adventure 13.6%, Exploration 12.1%, Choices Matter 10.3%
- #14 Unmasked Truths: Shattered Dreams
88% matchNo user reviews
Dev: SuperPROTEIN Studios Inc.
Windows
10 world-renowned experts are trapped together and must cooperate to survive... until conflicts arise, and they discover the greatest threat to their lives isn't the system they're resisting: it's each other! Discover the truth of who's living a lie in this fully voiced murder mystery adventure.
Why similar: Detective 18.9%, Visual Novel 13.8%, Mystery 13.1%, Choices Matter 11.9%, Anime 10.9%
- #15 Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus
86% matchVery Positive81% of 2,086 reviews2024
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 12.6 hrsMean: 22.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Yuma, an amnesiac detective-in-training, and Shinigami, the spirit haunting him, tackle unsolved mysteries.
Why similar: Detective 26.6%, Anime 14.2%, Mystery 12.6%, Story Rich 10.6%, Exploration 10.3%
- #16 Justice.exe
87% matchMostly Positive71% of 102 reviews2022
Dev: Late Game ClutchPub: Gameclaw Studio
Windows · Mac
Justice.exe is a dialogue-heavy dystopian legal drama in which you defend sentient AI in court. Discover key story elements in dialogue, build your case by studying arguments, and engage the opposing counsel in wits, charisma and skullduggery. Small choices might alter the fate of your clients.
Why similar: Political 30.7% ★, Detective 16.3%, Choices Matter 11.2%, Mystery 10%, Story Rich 8%
- #17 Reflection Link
86% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Secretive Sheep Games
Windows
Locked inside a facility that erases memory, seven people must recover what they've forgotten to earn their freedom. Explore escape-room puzzles, piece together broken relationships, and uncover the truth behind the sins none of them remember committing in this branching path visual novel.
Why similar: Detective 15.5%, Mystery 14.9%, Anime 11.4%, Visual Novel 11.3%, Story Rich 9.8%
- #18 Sunlight Scream
85% matchVery Positive84% of 81 reviews2023
Dev: Faithy Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
The hero moves to a new city. However, along with him comes a masked killer who begins to kill his friends one by one... Make decisions to build your adventure. Can you stop him before it's too late?
Why similar: Detective 22.3%, Visual Novel 16%, Mystery 14%, Anime 11.7%, Story Rich 9.7%
- #19 Call the Tune
84% match6 user reviews100% of 6 reviews2024
Dev: St☆rletPub: Elephant Shrew Crew
Windows · Mac · Linux
In this detective/idol game fusion, every decision you make will influence the narrative. Your choices will shape relationships, uncover secrets, and determine the fate of the characters and the school itself.
Why similar: Detective 18.2%, Visual Novel 16.4%, Choices Matter 15%, Mystery 13.3%, Multiple Endings 7.9%
- #20 Future Mirror
84% matchPositive100% of 12 reviews2022
Dev: 皐月の夢Pub: LocaGames
Windows
"Ten years from now, I will be dead..." A coming-of-age fantasy adventure tale, Future Mirror is a visual novel that explores fate and the choices that affect our future, tragedy, relationships, and happiness.
Why similar: Detective 19%, Visual Novel 15%, Choices Matter 12.1%, Time Travel 11.2% ★, Multiple Endings 9%
- #21 時折記 -Tokioriki-
82% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: 綴路工房
Windows
I can't do this anymore -- but I've decided to choose. There are people I want to protect, but I can't save them all. One old book shatters an ordinary life -- a visual novel of despair and love, where your choices shape the story. Japanese voice / English subtitles / ~10hrs
Why similar: Visual Novel 20.2%, Choices Matter 15.2%, Mystery 14.2%, Multiple Endings 12.8%, Story Rich 11.8%
- #22 1979 Revolution: Black Friday
83% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,086 reviews2016
Dev: iNK Stories
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 88%
1979 Revolution: Black Friday is a choice driven, narrative game that brings players into the brooding world of a nation on the verge of collapse. Play as Reza, an aspiring photojournalist, and make life and death decisions as you survive the gritty streets of Iran in the late 1970’s.
Why similar: Political 45.2% ★, Choices Matter 17.9%, Story Rich 8.1%, Multiple Endings 7.5%, Adventure 6.5%
- #23 ISLAND
82% matchVery Positive95% of 1,753 reviews2018
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 154.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Sanzenkai Setsuna awakens on the shore of isolated island Urashima with no memories of his past. Befriending three local girls, Rinne, Karen, and Sara, Setsuna's quest to discover the secrets of Urashima and how they tie into his own past - and future - begins.
Why similar: Visual Novel 21.8%, Anime 15.4%, Time Travel 15% ★, Mystery 11.3%, Story Rich 10.6%
- #24 Imperfect Smile
81% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lazy Platypus Kft.
Windows
A cart, a manor, and a family that deserves everything coming to it. The hours repeat. Conversations shift. Lies unravel. Explore, observe, and gamble with what you learn to prevent a murder that refuses to stay solved. Just you, your cards, and a house that would rather you stayed ignorant.
Why similar: Detective 25.5%, Time Manipulation 20.6% ★, Mystery 16.1%, Exploration 10.2%, Adventure 10.1%
- #25 Disco Elysium - The Final Cut
81% matchVery Positive93% of 126,799 reviews2019
Dev: ZA/UM
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 22.5 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: Political 23.1% ★, Detective 22.1%, Choices Matter 17.2%, Story Rich 12.7%, Visual Novel 7.8%
- #26 Nugatory
79% matchPositive100% of 17 reviews2026
Dev: Cademon
Windows · Mac · Linux
Trapped in a deadly time loop on a remote research facility, a security officer must expose an alien imposter before the day resets. A tense, fully voiced sci-fi mystery where you are stuck in a cycle of life, death, and wrongful accusations.
Why similar: Detective 21.1%, Mystery 15.9%, Time Travel 15.8% ★, Visual Novel 15.3%, Story Rich 9.2%
- #27 Untale: King of Revinia
80% matchMostly Positive77% of 56 reviews2020
Dev: Empty Die Studio
Windows · Linux
Unravel the mystery of the King's sudden death... Claim your right for the throne. Try to stay alive as long as possible. Will you take the risk? The story for those who are brave enough to dive in a dark story and are able to think reasonably.
Why similar: Detective 19.2%, Mystery 15.1%, Visual Novel 15.1%, Choices Matter 14.2%, Story Rich 10.6%
- #28 The Paracelsian Project
79% matchMostly Positive73% of 11 reviews2023
Dev: Sixkilla Gaming
Windows · Mac · Linux
You awaken in an unfamiliar location with unfamiliar people and are surrounded by mystery. Will you be able to solve the puzzle and uncover why you are here in this sci-fi/mystery/puzzle visual novel? The future hangs in the balance.
Why similar: Detective 15.8%, Visual Novel 14%, Mystery 13.2%, Choices Matter 12.6%, Multiple Endings 10.5%
- #29 ココロトーカーズ
78% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Cbeats
Windows
舞台は廃校。記憶喪失の少年と、「モノ」を自身に宿すことができる「モノマネ」の力を持つ少女。 校舎内のあらゆる「モノ」と会話してモノだけが知っている情報を聞き出し、失われた記憶を取り戻そう!
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.3%, Mystery 20.8%, Adventure 14.9%, Anime 14.9%, Exploration 12.6%
- #30 I Am The Prosecutor: No Evidence? No Problem!
78% matchMostly Positive76% of 50 reviews2021
Dev: Sigyaad Team
Windows
I Am The Prosecutor is a non-linear Visual Novel about defending a cute Tomboy named Sophie where you're given just 30 seconds to make the right choice each time. Help make Sophie's case against her abusive mother and give her much needed closure.
Why similar: Detective 25.9%, Visual Novel 18.7%, Choices Matter 15.8%, Multiple Endings 12.9%, Anime 11.8%
- #31 Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo
76% matchMostly Positive79% of 136 reviews2025
Dev: DankHeartsPub: WhisperGames
Windows
Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo is a multi-ending mystery adventure game. A group of boys and girls who have lost their memories gather in a “Tokyo” that is both familiar and unfamiliar. They must trace their lost memories to escape the bizarre labyrinths. Are they prepared to confront their “true selves”?
Why similar: Detective 19.9%, Visual Novel 16.1%, Anime 11.7%, Multiple Endings 10.1%, Mystery 9.6%
- #32 Raging Loop
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 10,075 reviews2017
Dev: KEMCO
Windows
Median: 24.2 hrsMean: 59.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.7%, Mystery 18.8%, Detective 15.4%, Story Rich 10.9%, Adventure 6.8%
- #33 ROBOTICS;NOTES DaSH
77% matchMixed67% of 274 reviews2020
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 29.8 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Half a year after the events of ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE, Kaito Yashio is introduced to Itaru Hashida through Nae Tennouji. Unsettling incidents start occurring all around them, harbingers of an event that will again plunge the world into chaos.
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.1%, Story Rich 21.9%, Mystery 18.6%, Anime 16.1%, Sci-fi 11.1%
- #34 Ever 17 - The Out of Infinity
75% matchVery Positive84% of 197 reviews2025
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
To the promise we once made and the place we must return
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.8%, Time Manipulation 18.6% ★, Anime 14.9%, Choices Matter 13.8%, Adventure 11.8%
- #35 STEINS;GATE
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 25,836 reviews2016
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 66.9 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, STEINS;GATE was awarded Famitsu magazine's coveted annual Game of Excellence award and was voted one of the most emotionally charged “tear-inducing games” ever made, in a Famitsu poll. It is a gripping and moving Visual Novel, which has already spawned manga and anime adaptations.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.1%, Time Travel 19.5% ★, Anime 12.8%, Story Rich 11.6%, Multiple Endings 8.5%
- #36 Floor 13: Deep State
76% matchMostly Negative36% of 39 reviews2020
Dev: Oversight ProductionsPub: Balor Games
Windows · Mac
Floor 13: Deep State is a dynamically generated dystopian thriller, inspired by the 90’s classic Floor 13 and created by its original team. In a free society, citizens make their own decisions, can challenge authority, and are able to speak their truth. Your job is to put a stop to that.
Why similar: Political 43.1% ★, Detective 22.4%, Adventure 10.5%, Point & Click 9.2%, Story Rich 8.9%
- #37 The Occult Detective
73% matchMostly Positive71% of 326 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 24.9%, Visual Novel 19.7%, Anime 14.1%, Story Rich 13.8%, Mystery 13.7%
- #38 Orient on the Murder Express
74% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2024
Dev: Connor Atkins
Windows · Mac
This is a murder mystery visual novel where you take the role of the detective. Search for clues, make discoveries, and talk to other characters to find out what is truly going on on the Murder Express.
Why similar: Detective 33.3%, Visual Novel 18.8%, Mystery 17.2%, Story Rich 10.7%, Exploration 6.6%
- #39 KOEWOTAYORINI / 声之寄托
74% matchVery Positive86% of 980 reviews2018
Dev: あみそ組Pub: Pujia8 Studio
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 258.5 hrs≥1hr: 55%
“喂喂,求求你啦!救救我!” ——你接到这样一个电话 发出这样的求救,给你打电话的人,是一名被监禁的少女
Why similar: Detective 17.2%, Visual Novel 15%, Anime 12.9%, Multiple Endings 10.7%, Choices Matter 10%
- #40 Blue Detective: A Hotel in Scarlet
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Alperen Torun
Windows · Mac · Linux
As a gothic detective, you solve mysteries with your colorful sidekick. Everyone you meet in this bizarre world has a peculiar disease. A unique talent, or a mere curse? You must get to the bottom of it all. Investigate murders, search for clues and complete the puzzle.
Why similar: Detective 19.6%, Visual Novel 14.9%, Anime 12.4%, Mystery 12.3%, Choices Matter 9.3%
- #41 山:临界幸存者
72% matchVery Positive92% of 635 reviews2022
Dev: 迩来工作室Pub: WindField Games
Windows
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 86%
偏远的山村中,正举行着古老的祭祀『仙姑宴』。少女吟诵着,舞动着,一场漫长而恐怖的杀戮剧正在悄然上演……
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.1%, Mystery 21%, Anime 18.6%, Story Rich 16.7%, Adventure 11%
- #42 Root Letter Last Answer
73% matchVery Positive84% of 180 reviews2019
Dev: DRAGAMI GAMES, LTD.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A mystery adventure which is solved by using two visual features: Live Action and Illustrations.
Why similar: Detective 28.5%, Visual Novel 20.9%, Adventure 19.5%, Mystery 18%, Anime 13.2%
- #43 HIYOKU NO TORI
72% matchMostly Positive78% of 37 reviews2023
Dev: kamotanprojectPub: iMel
Windows
An occult-mystery-adventure game set in Kyoto—detectives investigate to solve bizarre and complex cases. What did Kamotan detectives finally uncover on their way to the truth of these cryptic incidents?
Why similar: Visual Novel 20.7%, Detective 19.1%, Mystery 15.9%, Anime 13.7%, Adventure 11.8%
- #44 Kamilia
71% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: RQ play
Windows · Mac
Kamilia is a story-driven, choices-matter detective mystery. Follow a talented painter who finds himself wrapped up in an unsolved case, as he tries to unveil a hidden truth that has been buried for years.
Why similar: Detective 17.3%, Mystery 16.1%, Visual Novel 16%, Choices Matter 15.1%, Story Rich 11.4%
- #45 Never 7 - The End of Infinity
70% matchVery Positive81% of 93 reviews2025
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Save me from this cage of infinity
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.4%, Time Manipulation 20.1% ★, Anime 14.9%, Choices Matter 13.2%, Adventure 12.3%
- #46 瓔珞事件簿之誰殺了愛情
71% matchVery Positive97% of 79 reviews2022
Dev: 傅真Pub: Genuine Studio Ltd
Windows
瓔珞事件簿系列遊戲是一系列以私人偵探拍擋瓔.珞為主角的推理解謎遊戲 你將會與兩位充滿火花的偵探, 一同破解一個又一個離奇案件!
Why similar: Visual Novel 20.7%, Detective 20.1%, Anime 12.5%, Mystery 11.3%, Adventure 11.2%
- #47 Horrors of Helmsfirth
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Blue Five Games
Windows · Mac
Horrors of Helmsfirth is a horror/adventure visual novella where you investigate the mystery causing townsfolk to disappear at night. Build trust with allies who can help save your town from monsters. Explore 9 different character plot lines and defeat the forces of evil… or join them?
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.4%, Choices Matter 21.1%, Mystery 16.1%, Multiple Endings 15.1%, Story Rich 13.7%
- #48 Ghost of the Quadrangle
70% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: VNhub
Windows · Mac
A choice-driven visual novel set at Blackthorn Academy, where you uncover hidden secrets, shape relationships, and influence rival factions through branching decisions in a dark story of mystery, romance, revenge, and multiple possible outcomes.
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.2%, Choices Matter 19.1%, Story Rich 14%, Multiple Endings 13.8%, Mystery 11.1%
- #49 Tron: Identity
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 292 reviews2023
Dev: Bithell Games
Windows · Mac
Something has been taken. Enter a new Grid and forge alliances via visual novel gameplay, uncovering truths through Identity Disc puzzles. Make critical decisions and plot your own course in a world without a creator.
Why similar: Detective 23.3%, Visual Novel 16.8%, Choices Matter 15.3%, Mystery 14.6%, Multiple Endings 8.8%
- #50 Conquering of the Royal Keep
68% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2025
Dev: Black Banshee Studios
Windows · Mac
Conquering of the Royal Keep is a choice-driven visual novel where a squire braves deadly trials, unravels dark mysteries, and endures each fatal loop until the secrets of the keep are finally conquered.
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.5%, Mystery 13.7%, Point & Click 10.7%, Adventure 10.3%, Choices Matter 10.1%
- #51 Friendly Facade
69% matchPositive92% of 24 reviews2023
Dev: Emergence
Windows
In this visual novel, Maggie Crane and 15 others are invited to partake in the Isolated Society Study, where they must forge a peaceful society while attempting to outsmart each other in complex challenges. Just as the study is about to conclude, the Golding Foundation introduces a sinister twist.
Why similar: Detective 22.4%, Mystery 17.8%, Visual Novel 17.6%, Anime 12.6%, Story Rich 11.3%
- #52 LumineNight
67% matchVery Positive89% of 510 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 23.7%, Mystery 15.2%, Visual Novel 14%, Anime 10.5%, Story Rich 10.5%
- #53 STEINS;GATE 0
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 8,091 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 125.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
If you can't save the one you love… How can you save humanity? Sequel to the visual novel cult classic. Experience an alternate worldline of STEINS;GATE.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.6%, Time Travel 19.2% ★, Story Rich 13.5%, Anime 13.4%, Multiple Endings 8.8%
- #54 Dead Watch
68% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Doctor Shinobi
Windows · Mac · Linux
You're stuck in a time loop ⌛. Whenever you find a dead body, you go back to the past. The only way to escape the loop is to cheat destiny & change the future. Explore the castle and uncover its dark secrets to prevent the next killing.
Why similar: Time Manipulation 25.4% ★, Detective 16.5%, Time Travel 13.2% ★, Mystery 13%, Story Rich 8.2%
- #55 Kill The Clock
67% matchVery Positive93% of 80 reviews2025
Dev: Happy Slugs
Windows
Kill the Clock is a narrative time-loop mystery adventure where you relive the same week to solve a murder that keeps changing. Customize your character, roll dice to influence story outcomes, and uncover the truth—before time resets again.
Why similar: Detective 19.2%, Mystery 13.7%, Visual Novel 13.4%, Time Travel 12.4% ★, Choices Matter 10.8%
- #56 The Island: Into The Mist
69% matchMixed66% of 225 reviews2019
Dev: BADA Games
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
'The Island: In To The Mist' is an adventure game. It includes basic features of adventure genre and add some new systems to interest you. You have been given a chance to experience a group of university students, who confined in the island. There is a terrific but interesting story you will see.
Why similar: Detective 18%, Choices Matter 13.4%, Mystery 12.7%, Visual Novel 11.5%, Anime 11.2%
- #57 Ubel
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Regularjax
Windows
A visual novel where eight participants are forced to play a death game where they have to vote every two hours. Who will survive? Who will betray? Who are the masterminds behind it all?
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.8%, Mystery 18.5%, Anime 15.6%, Choices Matter 12%, Multiple Endings 10.1%
- #58 Aviary Attorney
68% matchVery Positive95% of 2,262 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 29.3%, Visual Novel 24.5%, Mystery 15.8%, Story Rich 10.2%, Adventure 6.9%
- #59 超探偵シャーロックちゃん ~掟破りのミスディレクション~
65% matchPositive85% of 39 reviews2025
Dev: おんねんちゃんねる
Windows
The famous detective Sarako Imai (Sherlock-chan) takes on a difficult case! Sherlock-chan and Watson-kun are on a comfort trip. Can they solve a murder case at a winter spa resort? A murder mystery with a challenge to the player.
Why similar: Detective 24.1%, Mystery 17.5%, Visual Novel 17%, Multiple Endings 12.3%, Story Rich 10%
- #60 The Wishing Stone
67% matchPositive100% of 16 reviews2021
Dev: Dream Nyght Studio
Windows · Mac
A visual novel and point-and-click puzzle adventure game with challenging puzzles, a touching story, and multiple endings. In a world that deviates from reality, it's up to you to discover the truth and Ailsa's forgotten memory. Her fate is in your hands!
Why similar: Visual Novel 15.8%, Mystery 14%, Choices Matter 13.2%, Multiple Endings 10.5%, Story Rich 9.6%