- #1 Urban Myth Dissolution Center
97% 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 27.2%, Text-Based 23.2%, Mystery 13%, Adventure 12.4%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features similar themes of investigating supernatural phenomena and urban legends through a narrative-driven lens.
- #2 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: Text-Based 23.1%, Visual Novel 20.8%, Simulation 15.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.9%, Adventure 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: A supernatural mystery visual novel that excels in uncovering hidden truths through careful observation and deduction.
- #3 Legal Dungeon
96% matchMostly Positive78% of 581 reviews2019
Dev: Somi
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Legal Dungeon is a game about organizing Police Investigation Documents. The player must review and provide an Investigation Verdict on reports ranging from petty theft to murder, in eight different criminal cases. Weigh the value of people’s lives to unlock all the collectables.
Why similar: Simulation 59.3%, Adventure 32.4%, Indie 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A simulation game that requires players to judge information and make critical decisions, echoing the bureaucratic judgment aspect of the seed.
- #4 I'm on Observation Duty
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,187 reviews2019
Dev: Notovia
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 70%
As an employee of a mysterious organization your job is to monitor live surveillance camera footage and spot anomalies using your sharp eyes and good memory. Can you survive the entire night shift or will you succumb into paranoia?
Why similar: Indie 70.9%, Singleplayer 29.1%
Why You'll Like It: Directly mirrors the anomaly detection gameplay found in the seed game by requiring players to spot inconsistencies in a static environment.
- #5 Who's Lila?
94% matchVery Positive95% of 3,515 reviews2022
Dev: Garage Heathen
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 78%
A reverse-detective adventure, where you control your character's face
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 50.2%, Visual Novel 36.6%, First-Person 13.2%
Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art mystery game with unique interaction mechanics that force players to pay close attention to subtle details.
- #6 WORLD OF HORROR
94% 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: Pixel Graphics 37.5%, Mystery 33.4%, Adventure 25.4%, Singleplayer 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled cosmic horror game that emphasizes investigation and mystery-solving in a surreal, text-heavy format.
- #7 1f y0u're a gh0st ca11 me here! 幽铃热线
93% matchVery Positive97% of 155 reviews2021
Dev: Furoshiki Lab.
Windows
An action novel adventure game in which you instantly judge and understand the contents of multiple conversations displayed simultaneously and continue to make the correct choice. You can experience the wonder of listening to several conversations at once.
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 34.6%, Text-Based 27.7%, Visual Novel 20%, Adventure 16.4%, Singleplayer 1.3%
Why You'll Like It: A story-rich adventure with a supernatural theme that focuses on communication and mystery.
- #8 Papers, Please
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 78,508 reviews2013
Dev: Lucas PopePub: 3909
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Why similar: Simulation 46.2%, Pixel Graphics 20.1%, Retro 12.3%, Indie 10.1%, Adventure 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential simulation game where you must verify information and detect contradictions to perform your job effectively.
- #9 GNOSIA
91% 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 38.3%, Simulation 21.7%, Mystery 19.2%, Adventure 16.2%, Singleplayer 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: A social deduction visual novel that requires sharp logic and observation to identify the culprit among a group of characters.
- #10 Interrogation Simulator
91% matchVery Positive95% of 60 reviews2022
Dev: Otis MillerPub: Fire Cycle Games
Windows · Linux
Inspired by JCS videos and similar Interrogation analysis. Match evidence with statements. Play good cop/bad cop. Make choices. Learn what makes people tick. Unravel the mystery.
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 33.8%, Text-Based 26.3%, Visual Novel 24.5%, Simulation 15.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the dialogue-heavy, choice-based investigation mechanics that drive the seed game's narrative.
- #11 FAKEBOOK
89% matchVery Positive91% of 732 reviews2024
Dev: banjihagames
Windows · Mac
Point-and-click mystery adventure on the virtual SNS! Find secrets hidden by family, friends, companies, and idols.
Why similar: Text-Based 27%, Visual Novel 26.8%, Mystery 17.1%, Simulation 13.6%, Adventure 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: A well-written mystery visual novel that focuses on investigation and uncovering the truth behind digital personas.
- #12 Stories Untold
89% matchVery Positive87% of 5,390 reviews2017
Dev: No CodePub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Stories Untold is a compilation tape of four experimental adventures, including a remaster of the original hit episode “The House Abandon”.
Why similar: Text-Based 55%, Adventure 21.5%, Retro 12.9%, Indie 4.8%, Mystery 3.5%
Why You'll Like It: A text-based mystery game that uses retro aesthetics to deliver a chilling, narrative-driven experience similar to the seed's atmosphere.
- #13 TOKYO PSYCHODEMIC
90% matchMostly Negative32% of 104 reviews2024
Dev: GRAVITY GAME ARISEPub: GRAVITY
Windows
5% of murder cases remain unsolved... it's time to open up these cases and confront the supernatural with forensic science! Solve cases by analyzing evidence and consulting with specialists. Enter a world that artfully blends 2D illustration and real-life visuals!
Why similar: Simulation 26.8%, Text-Based 20.4%, Choose Your Own Adventure 18.5%, Visual Novel 15.1%, Adventure 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: A simulation-heavy mystery game that involves analyzing evidence to solve supernatural cases.
- #14 The Case of the Golden Idol
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,171 reviews2022
Dev: Color Gray GamesPub: Playstack
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A new kind of detective game that allows you to think and investigate freely. Discover clues surrounding 12 strange and gruesome deaths and build your own theory. Pick your suspect, deduce the motive, unmask the awful truth.
Why similar: Mystery 46.7%, Adventure 25.5%, Pixel Graphics 23.4%, Singleplayer 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: A deduction game that tasks you with piecing together complex events through observation and logic.
- #15 Her Story
88% matchVery Positive89% of 10,228 reviews2015
Dev: Sam Barlow
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
A woman is interviewed seven times by the police. Search the video database and explore hundreds of authentic clips to discover her story in this groundbreaking and award winning narrative game.
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 43.7%, Visual Novel 32%, Simulation 22.2%, Singleplayer 2.2%
Why You'll Like It: An investigation game where you search through a database to piece together a mystery, mirroring the information-gathering aspect of the seed.
- #16 For the GHOSTs
86% matchVery Positive98% of 296 reviews2024
Dev: GenSanKoku
Windows
幽霊のために、何ができるの
Why similar: Text-Based 42.3%, Visual Novel 35.5%, Adventure 18.8%, Singleplayer 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: A cute, text-based adventure that deals with supernatural themes in a similar, approachable format.
- #17 The Sekimeiya: Spun Glass
86% 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: Visual Novel 34.7%, Text-Based 27.8%, Mystery 21.3%, Adventure 13%, Singleplayer 1.7%
Why You'll Like It: A story-rich mystery visual novel that rewards players for paying attention to narrative details.
- #18 Hypnospace Outlaw
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 5,338 reviews2019
Dev: TendershootPub: No More Robots
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Greetings Enforcer, and thank you for enlisting in the Hypnospace Patrol Department! As the world falls into its slumber, Hypnospace becomes a bustling global village. These virtual streets aren't going to police themselves!
Why similar: Simulation 48.8%, Retro 21.7%, Mystery 12.9%, Adventure 10.6%, Indie 3.5%
Why You'll Like It: A simulation game that involves investigating a retro internet space to solve mysteries and uncover hidden content.
- #19 氷点下30度の絶望
83% matchVery Positive97% of 285 reviews2025
Dev: Mitsudomoe Koubou
Windows
可愛い後輩と2人っきり……冷凍庫の中で。 低体温症、矛盾脱衣、幻覚などの苦痛を乗り越えた先にあるのは、「真相」と「死」のみ。
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 37.4%, Visual Novel 28.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, Text-Based 12.5%, Adventure 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror visual novel that uses conversation and choice-based mechanics to build tension.
- #20 Find someone else
84% matchVery Positive92% of 130 reviews2018
Dev: Red Skald
Windows
A visual novel about the ever-changing nature of relationships and the hardships of dealing with loss.
Why similar: Simulation 37%, Visual Novel 33.5%, Adventure 23.7%, Indie 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: A simulation-based visual novel that focuses on character interactions and mystery elements.
- #21 PIGBLUE
82% matchVery Positive93% of 84 reviews2023
Dev: Fatih Mert
Windows · Mac · Linux
A stranger arrives at a quiet and isolated town... PIGBLUE.
Why similar: Text-Based 27.6%, Choose Your Own Adventure 23.9%, Visual Novel 23%, Mystery 10.2%, Adventure 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A text-based mystery visual novel that emphasizes exploration and narrative discovery.
- #22 星影の館殺人事件
82% matchVery Positive93% of 71 reviews2024
Dev: 法螺会
Windows · Mac
1935年の洋館を舞台に織り成す、レトロな雰囲気の怪異ホラーミステリーアドベンチャー
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 24.5%, Visual Novel 20%, Adventure 16.9%, Text-Based 9.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%
- #23 Ghostwire: Tokyo - Prelude
84% matchMixed62% of 448 reviews2022
Dev: Tango GameworksPub: Bethesda Softworks
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Join KK and his gang of supernatural detectives as they investigate a strange disappearance, only to stumble upon something more sinister. Build relationships with your team and piece together their stories.
Why similar: Visual Novel 53.5%, Mystery 24.3%, Adventure 20.1%, Singleplayer 2.2%
Why You'll Like It: A supernatural mystery visual novel that provides a narrative-heavy look into a world of urban legends.
- #24 ステータス確認探偵
80% 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 28.6%, Choose Your Own Adventure 25.8%, Adventure 23.9%, Mystery 20.7%, Singleplayer 1%
- #25 怪話
81% matchVery Positive95% of 56 reviews2024
Dev: 法螺会
Windows · Mac
オムニバス形式で送る四章構成の心霊ホラーノベルゲーム
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.3%, Text-Based 21.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 16.6%, Adventure 14%, Mystery 12.4%
- #26 海鳥野ガクの精神鑑定録
81% matchVery Positive83% of 312 reviews2024
Dev: いもチャイ屋
Windows
「彼は本当に精神疾患なのか？それとも……」 精神科医である道島（主人公）は、ある入院患者の担当を任される。母親を刺したというその少年は、 奇妙な幻聴の症状を抱えており……。貴方は神話生物の魔の手から逃れ、生き延びる事が出来るのか…！？
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 22.2%, Text-Based 17.2%, Adventure 15.8%, Mystery 9.3%
- #27 Dichotomy Illusion: The Coser Disassembly Incident
78% matchVery Positive87% of 352 reviews2025
Dev: akidouPub: 糕薯科技
Windows
"Dichotomy Illusion" is a Shin Honkaku mystery visual novel that combines real-world entertainment elements with physical locations, utilizing ACGN (Anime, Comics, Games, Novels) subculture knowledge to solve criminal cases and uncover the truth.
Why similar: Simulation 55.1%, Visual Novel 40.6%, Indie 2.9%, Singleplayer 1.5%
- #28 春待ちトロイダル
78% matchVery Positive94% of 71 reviews2023
Dev: さめさめサメーション
Windows
「春待ちトロイダル」は高校生活を再体験する、ループ型選択形式アドベンチャーゲームです。 クラスメイト達と対話を行い関係性を深めることでストーリーを進め、謎を解き明かします。 なぜ主人公はここに呼ばれたのか、この島で何が起きているのか。 あなたの手で、全てを解き明かしてください。
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 32.6%, Visual Novel 19.8%, Simulation 14.6%, Mystery 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.9%
- #29 全网公敌：诡村
76% matchVery Positive90% of 527 reviews2024
Dev: Triangel GamePub: Lightning Games
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 1.7 hrs≥1hr: 53%
本作是与《全网公敌》联动的全新故事，通过一台“旧电脑”进行互联网搜索解密的剧情互动游戏。你作为一名特殊调查员，需要负责解开隐藏在“登山客意外失踪”背后的超自然事件。随着调查深入，始作俑者也渐渐浮出水面，“祂”，似乎又与四十多年前消失在大火中的白河村，有着千丝万缕的联系。
Why similar: Simulation 46.3%, Adventure 16.5%, Text-Based 14.7%, First-Person 9.8%, Mystery 9.6%
- #30 Long Knives
75% matchVery Positive99% of 249 reviews2025
Dev: Jade Hex
Windows · Mac
An oriental narrative mystery. The story branches upon your choices. The dice lies.
Why similar: Text-Based 36.1%, Choose Your Own Adventure 29.2%, Visual Novel 19.7%, Adventure 13.4%, Singleplayer 1.5%
- #31 マーダーミステリーパラドクス このひと夏の十五年
77% matchVery Positive86% of 259 reviews2023
Dev: 213℉Pub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
"Murder Mystery Paradox: Fifteen Years of Summer" is a text-based adventure game. Enter the remote and sparsely populated island of Shikinejima and attempt to solve the strangely recurring mystery found there.
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 28.4%, Text-Based 26.3%, Visual Novel 22.5%, Adventure 12.7%, Mystery 10.1%
- #32 Tokyo Detectives
79% matchMixed70% of 57 reviews2021
Dev: Rincho Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Detective Game. Murder Investigation. Interrogate witnesses. Rebut with evidence.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.7%, Text-Based 28.3%, Mystery 18.6%, Adventure 15.1%, Indie 2.3%
- #33 초동수사 - 증언/증거 추리게임
77% matchMostly Positive80% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: leeroom shin
Windows · Mac
A time-limited investigation mystery game where you uncover the truth using only evidence and testimony.
Why similar: Simulation 32.4%, Adventure 22.8%, Visual Novel 21.8%, Text-Based 13%, Mystery 7.7%
- #34 鲤氏奇人异闻录
76% matchVery Positive98% of 97 reviews2024
Dev: 顽童计划
Windows
《明日方舟》同人游戏，以原作角色“老鲤”为主角，在二十年前的龙门，展开一系列解谜探案故事。
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.4%, Mystery 20%, Adventure 19.2%, Text-Based 17.5%, Indie 2%
- #35 【SCP】器関ノ彷徨 -The will of a single Tale- 第１部
79% matchVery Positive89% of 96 reviews2019
Dev: Stoner TomohitoPub: GESTALT-§
Windows
-"Do you believe the actuality now?" When the SCP Foundation moves, you will be a witness of {Project MA-13}.
Why similar: Simulation 44.7%, Adventure 30.1%, Visual Novel 25.2%
- #36 The Simen Rumors
73% matchVery Positive92% of 88 reviews2026
Dev: 羊之口
Windows
本游戏以视觉小说的形式，收录了十四个奇幻恐怖的短篇故事。从网站专栏的投稿、社团的恐怖故事分享会、到某座设施中的秘密实验……你将以不同的视角，探索发生在鸶门市周边的种种奇妙传闻。
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 35.7%, Visual Novel 33.2%, Mystery 18.3%, Adventure 5.7%, Text-Based 5%
- #37 GashiShachiNoSachi
75% matchVery Positive95% of 155 reviews2021
Dev: XPLORER SIX
Windows
Virtual Internet
Why similar: Adventure 64.5%, Mystery 32%, Singleplayer 3.5%
- #38 文字遊戯 第零章(日本語版)
74% matchVery Positive97% of 78 reviews2023
Dev: Team9Pub: Flyhigh Works
Windows · Mac
Word game is literally a game of words. Player controls "I" to find clues between lines, delete words to change the meaning of sentences, or shift words to rewrite facts. “I” must be wise and brave enough complete the mission of words. May the best "I” win!
Why similar: Text-Based 35%, Choose Your Own Adventure 33.3%, Adventure 13.9%, Pixel Graphics 13.6%, Indie 4.2%
- #39 Ticy Adventure Club
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 3,234 reviews2022
Dev: YEZHI
Windows
本作是2d剧情向角色扮演恐怖游戏。在本作设定中，玩家将扮演灵异探险社的社员，分工调查被委托的事件，探索场景，寻找线索，并最终解决委托中灵异作祟的问题。
Why similar: Visual Novel 50.7%, Pixel Graphics 28.8%, Adventure 18.9%, Singleplayer 1.5%
- #40 A Traveler to unknown Thule
74% matchVery Positive90% of 63 reviews2023
Dev: komasukePub: Nostia
Windows · Mac
Adventure Game Traveling around Iceland
Why similar: Text-Based 33.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 26%, Visual Novel 21.6%, Adventure 16.5%, Singleplayer 2%
- #41 The Real Face of a VTuber
70% 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: Visual Novel 28.7%, Text-Based 20.7%, Choose Your Own Adventure 16.4%, Mystery 15.6%, Adventure 14.5%
- #42 Static of Eve –凝滯聖夜–
73% matchVery Positive97% of 116 reviews2022
Dev: Mystery clock
Windows
扮演偵探溫特前往多年前發生案件的宅邸，遭遇各種事件並解開謎題，還原故事的全部真相。
Why similar: Visual Novel 52.4%, Adventure 25.9%, Mystery 16.9%, Indie 3.3%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #43 Connected Clue
69% matchVery Positive88% of 98 reviews2026
Dev: Alpheratz Games Pub: CFK Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac
Connected Clue is a quarter-view detective adventure game inspired by the atmosphere of 19th-century mystery novels. Gather clues, see through lies, and uncover the identity of the culprit shrouded in secrecy!
Why similar: Text-Based 33.9%, Adventure 17.5%, Simulation 16.7%, Mystery 16.1%, Pixel Graphics 13.9%
- #44 Emily is Away
71% matchVery Positive89% of 32,165 reviews2015
Dev: Kyle Seeley
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 19.8 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Emily is Away is an interactive story. Create a screenname and choose your path through the branching narrative.
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 22.9%, Simulation 20.3%, Visual Novel 15.7%, Text-Based 15.5%, Retro 9.8%
- #45 For Your Tranquility
73% matchMixed68% of 190 reviews2023
Dev: Gamesung Games
Windows · Mac
It's a mystery game that reveals the truth through an autopsy. Be a forensic doctor and find out why the dead died.
Why similar: Text-Based 27.1%, Visual Novel 26.3%, Mystery 19.2%, Adventure 16.4%, Indie 4.6%
- #46 Tead
69% matchVery Positive100% of 52 reviews2023
Dev: Tead
Windows · Mac · Linux
A murder-mystery visual novel following 12 strangers with mysterious pasts. Make arguments and identify the murderer, but don't lose sight of the ultimate goal of eliminating the Game Master.
Why similar: Visual Novel 73.7%, Text-Based 18.7%, Adventure 5.4%, Indie 1.3%, Singleplayer 1.1%
- #47 Gensokyo：Presumption of Guilt~Pansies Before Dawn
66% 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: Text-Based 37.1%, Visual Novel 35.4%, Mystery 19.9%, Adventure 6%, Indie 0.9%
- #48 The Detective Reaper Invites
71% matchMixed53% of 76 reviews2024
Dev: SHIZU KANO UMIPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Use various cards to solve randomly generated murder cases in this roguelite deduction adventure game. The culprit always lies, and the innocent always tell the truth. Make too many mistakes, and it's back to square one. Put your wits to the test and solve as many cases as you can!
Why similar: Text-Based 53.1%, Adventure 23.8%, Pixel Graphics 16.1%, Indie 4.2%, Singleplayer 2.8%
- #49 Deepwell
68% matchVery Positive100% of 51 reviews2024
Dev: LinsonLime
Windows
Deepwell is a story-driven adventure game, about a small town surrounding a giant mystery hole.
Why similar: Adventure 52.5%, Pixel Graphics 22.4%, Mystery 19.2%, Indie 3.9%, Singleplayer 2%
- #50 Detective Butler: Maiden Voyage Murder
71% 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: Text-Based 37.5%, Visual Novel 28.4%, Mystery 17.4%, Adventure 12.4%, Indie 2.6%
- #51 Snowfall's Mystery
66% matchVery Positive86% of 102 reviews2025
Dev: Sempiternal Rain
Windows
A psychological interactive novel about a floppy disk with a mysterious program. Help Elliot cope with his mental issues and uncover the secret of the floppy disk.
Why similar: Text-Based 47.6%, Visual Novel 31.6%, Pixel Graphics 16%, Indie 4.8%
- #52 By Moonlight
70% matchVery Positive89% of 121 reviews2019
Dev: SugarHyped
Windows · Mac
~ ~ A Comedic Mystery Visual Novel with Relationship Building ~ ~ Play as a paranormal investigator hired by the paranormal to investigate! Search for a headless horseman's missing head before the night is over.
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 31.8%, Visual Novel 31.3%, Simulation 21.1%, Mystery 10%, Indie 3.9%
- #53 安堂的心理咨询室：杯中之心〈ANDOU：Pulse of cup〉
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 101 reviews2020
Dev: 机械神狐教制作组
Windows · Mac · Linux
森林深处有着一间咨询室，在那里有一个机器人，她的任务是透过语言为迷途之人指引前行的道路，单纯且复杂。
Why similar: Visual Novel 57.8%, Text-Based 36.2%, Indie 3.9%, Singleplayer 2%
- #54 The Occult Detective
66% 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: Visual Novel 49.4%, Mystery 20.5%, Adventure 19.5%, Pixel Graphics 4.7%, Singleplayer 3%
- #55 BLUE NIGHT LAUNDROMAT
67% matchVery Positive84% of 50 reviews2024
Dev: polte
Windows
A short 2D exploration adventure in a retro style! Explore a laundromat in the middle of the night and try to clear it!
Why similar: Visual Novel 43%, Retro 22.6%, Pixel Graphics 20.2%, Adventure 11.3%, Indie 1.4%
- #56 Train of Afterlife
72% matchMixed51% of 183 reviews2015
Dev: Zeiva Inc
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Train of Afterlife is a mystery, psychological, horror Visual Novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 37.7%, Simulation 21.4%, Adventure 17.1%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12.1%, Mystery 6.5%
- #57 Something Strange
67% matchPositive91% of 66 reviews2022
Dev: Ethan ZimmerlePub: Mr. Hand
Windows
Go about your normal every day life and meet new friends in this short visual novel!
Why similar: Visual Novel 44.1%, Text-Based 40.7%, Adventure 10.9%, Indie 2.7%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #58 UNMEMORY
68% matchVery Positive84% of 98 reviews2020
Dev: PATRONES & ESCONDITES
Windows · Mac · Linux
Unravel a mystery: A game you can read, a book you can play.
Why similar: Text-Based 35.5%, Visual Novel 22.2%, Mystery 20.2%, Adventure 16.7%, Indie 3.4%
- #59 Palm Cracker
64% matchVery Positive98% of 86 reviews2025
Dev: Petter Malmehed
Windows
Delve into a gripping world of puzzles, true ciphers on an old PalmPilot system. Will you uncover the Crypt Killer’s confession and bring him to justice, or will he escape the law?
Why similar: Simulation 49%, Adventure 15%, Retro 12.6%, Mystery 12.4%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%
- #60 Mondealy: Day One
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 664 reviews2021
Dev: uglycoalPub: Valkyrie Initiative
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Mondealy: Day One is a prologue for the 2D adventure game Mondealy. You can see how adventures in the magical kingdom of Dargratt begin.
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 53.6%, Adventure 23.7%, Pixel Graphics 19.5%, Singleplayer 3.2%
