- #1 Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
97% matchVery Positive88% of 4,314 reviews2024
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 36.0 hrsMean: 55.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese.
Why similar: Detective 29.1%, Visual Novel 17.5%, Crime 12.3%, Mystery 10.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: It is the closest possible follow-up, offering more Ace Attorney courtroom battles, investigations, and character-driven mystery cases in the same style.
- #2 The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
96% matchVery Positive94% of 9,265 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 30.9%, Visual Novel 18.1%, Mystery 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Anime 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: This keeps the signature investigate-then-argue structure but refreshes it with historical cases, brilliant deductions, and some of the series' best writing.
- #3 Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 4,560 reviews2024
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 30.7 hrsMean: 34.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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: Detective 26.1%, Crime 16.3%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Mystery 12%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: It trades the courtroom focus for deeper crime-scene sleuthing and logic battles while preserving the same world, humor, and mystery design.
- #4 Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 8,215 reviews2023
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.7 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 30.5%, Mystery 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Story Rich 8.9%, Visual Novel 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: From Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi, it delivers the same clever writing, eccentric cast, and twisty mystery storytelling through puzzle-driven investigations.
- #5 Tyrion Cuthbert: Attorney of the Arcane
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,637 reviews2023
Dev: Diamondhenge Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 13.2 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 28.1%, Detective 19.1%, Mystery 18.8%, Anime 15.5%, Story Rich 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: It is one of the most direct Ace Attorney-inspired indies, built around courtroom confrontations, testimony breakdowns, and over-the-top case drama.
- #6 Aviary Attorney
94% matchVery Positive95% of 2,264 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 38.1%, Visual Novel 23%, Mystery 12.8%, Story Rich 8%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: This is essentially Ace Attorney filtered through 19th-century Paris and hand-drawn comedy, with courtroom defenses, investigations, and absurdly memorable witnesses.
- #7 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 37,290 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 22.9 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 29.4%, Great Soundtrack 16.2%, Visual Novel 15.9%, Mystery 12.2%, Anime 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: It swaps courtrooms for deadly class trials, but the appeal is very similar: investigate murders, spot contradictions, and break apart lies with style.
- #8 Trials of Innocence
91% matchVery Positive92% of 1,700 reviews2025
Dev: 猫龙游戏
Windows
Median: 19.1 hrsMean: 21.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 27.9%, Crime 13.5%, Visual Novel 13.3%, Mystery 10%, Anime 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: This is another strong courtroom mystery game for players who specifically want more witness interrogation, legal drama, and anime-style storytelling.
- #9 Nina Aquila: Legal Eagle, Season One
92% matchVery Positive96% of 104 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 25.4%, Crime 13.6%, Visual Novel 12.8%, Mystery 9.9%, Anime 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: It closely channels Ace Attorney's legal-anime energy with case-based storytelling, cross-examination flavor, and a humorous tone.
- #10 AI: The Somnium Files
91% matchVery Positive92% of 9,260 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 31.2%, Visual Novel 18.5%, Mystery 13.4%, Anime 10.4%, Story Rich 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a similarly characterful blend of detective work, bizarre humor, and escalating mystery twists, just with more sci-fi and surrealism.
- #11 Murders on the Yangtze River
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 20,722 reviews2024
Dev: OMEGAMES STUDIO
Windows · Mac
Median: 11.6 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 56.1%, Mystery 14.9%, Story Rich 12.7%, Puzzle 8.6%, Adventure 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its historical murder cases, deduction-heavy progression, and evidence-focused confrontations make it a strong fit for Ace Attorney fans.
- #12 Murder by Numbers
90% matchVery Positive84% of 1,671 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 26.9%, Visual Novel 14.5%, Crime 13.8%, Dialogue Heavy 11.8%, Mystery 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: Its combination of colorful visual-novel mystery writing, evidence gathering, and stylish case-solving makes it feel like a gentler cousin to Ace Attorney.
- #13 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
89% matchVery Positive93% of 7,202 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 24.2%, Mystery 16.3%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Story Rich 11.8%, Detective 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: If your favorite part of Ace Attorney is unraveling layered mysteries through tense dialogue and puzzle solving, this is a superb next step.
- #14 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 31,749 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.5 hrsMean: 32.6 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 32.6%, Great Soundtrack 16.4%, Visual Novel 14.9%, Mystery 11.2%, Anime 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: It keeps the investigation-and-trial loop of the first game while leaning even harder into outrageous twists and larger-than-life personalities.
- #15 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
87% matchVery Positive83% of 22,621 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.1 hrsMean: 30.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 32.1%, Visual Novel 16.5%, Great Soundtrack 16%, Mystery 11.3%, Anime 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Like Ace Attorney at its most theatrical, it thrives on contradiction spotting, dramatic debates, and wild late-case reversals.
- #16 Tangle Tower
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 6,170 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 31%, Crime 11.4%, Visual Novel 10.9%, Mystery 8.4%, Point & Click 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: Its witty writing, eccentric suspects, and clue-based mystery solving capture a lot of the same charm as Ace Attorney, even without formal trials.
- #17 428: Shibuya Scramble
86% matchVery Positive95% of 3,817 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 32.7%, Mystery 18.9%, Detective 17.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.5%, Story Rich 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: Though more nonlinear and grounded, it shares Ace Attorney's love of suspense, big reveals, and juggling multiple perspectives in a tightly plotted mystery.
- #18 PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,909 reviews2023
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 8.8 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
How far would you go to bring someone back from the dead? Discover the depths that some will go to in this horror-adventure game.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.8%, Mystery 20.7%, Anime 17.9%, Story Rich 13%, Point & Click 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers dense mystery plotting, memorable characters, and constant reveals in a story-rich format that strongly overlaps with Ace Attorney's appeal.
- #19 Master Magistrate
85% matchVery Positive91% of 212 reviews2020
Dev: IRODORIPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 8.7 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 38.8%, Visual Novel 18.7%, Mystery 13.2%, Anime 8.5%, Point & Click 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: This blends visual-novel investigation with courtroom-style case resolution, making it one of the more mechanically relevant non-Ace Attorney alternatives.
- #20 Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
84% matchVery Positive89% of 7,863 reviews2014
Dev: Frogwares
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 9.1 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 49.8%, Crime 16.1%, Mystery 13.4%, Story Rich 5.6%, Point & Click 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: It offers structured investigations, evidence interpretation, and case conclusions that scratch the same detective-work itch from a more grounded angle.
- #21 Unheard - Voices of Crime
83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 33,330 reviews2019
Dev: NEXT Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
What if you could hear every word spoken at the scene of a crime? “Acoustic Detectives” wanted for testing our new device! Return aurally to crime scenes and use the voices you hear to identify potential suspects and solve the mysteries. What is it that’s connecting these seemingly unrelated cases?
Why similar: Detective 36%, Crime 22.7%, Mystery 15.3%, Story Rich 9.2%, Point & Click 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: Its entire design is about reconstructing crimes from evidence and testimony-like audio clues, which strongly matches Ace Attorney's deductive core.
- #22 Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus
82% matchVery Positive81% of 2,127 reviews2024
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 12.0 hrsMean: 22.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Yuma, an amnesiac detective-in-training, and Shinigami, the spirit haunting him, tackle unsolved mysteries.
Why similar: Detective 43.8%, Anime 14%, Mystery 12.9%, Visual Novel 11.7%, Story Rich 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: It leans more action-adventure, but its anime mystery presentation, eccentric cast, and logic-driven murder cases make it an easy recommendation.
- #23 Little Locked Rooms
81% matchVery Positive89% of 143 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 31.2%, Visual Novel 15.7%, Mystery 12.8%, Anime 10.6%, Crime 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: This indie mystery VN shares Ace Attorney's anime presentation, case-solving focus, and emphasis on unraveling compact whodunits through dialogue and logic.
- #24 The Case of the Golden Idol
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,533 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: Detective 39.2%, Mystery 17.1%, Crime 15.1%, Point & Click 9.4%, Story Rich 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: This is one of the best pure deduction games on Steam, rewarding the same kind of careful observation and logical reconstruction that Ace Attorney fans enjoy.
- #25 Detective Grimoire
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,376 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 26.3%, Visual Novel 13%, Crime 12.4%, Mystery 8%, Point & Click 8%
Why You'll Like It: Its lighthearted humor, colorful characters, and clue-combining investigations give it a very approachable overlap with Ace Attorney's tone and structure.
- #26 Return of the Obra Dinn
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 34,408 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 49.9%, Mystery 19.1%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Story Rich 8.7%, Puzzle 6%
Why You'll Like It: It is less character-driven and more austere, but few games match its satisfaction of using tiny clues to definitively solve intertwined mysteries.
- #27 Persona 5 Royal
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 132,330 reviews2022
Dev: ATLUSPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 30.6 hrsMean: 65.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Lead the Phantom Thieves of Hearts in this award winning, stylish turn-based RPG filled with dungeon crawling, party customization, strategic combat, and Persona fusion. Explore Tokyo, build relationships, battle Shadows, and infiltrate the minds of the corrupt to make them change their ways!
Why similar: Detective 31.8%, Great Soundtrack 23.8%, Crime 20.3%, Anime 10.7%, Story Rich 9.2%
- #28 AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative
79% matchVery Positive86% of 3,700 reviews2022
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 16.2 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 34%, Visual Novel 18.8%, Mystery 15.6%, Crime 13.9%, Anime 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: This sequel continues the first game's blend of detective work, puzzle-like reasoning, and flamboyant mystery storytelling for players who want more of that style.
- #29 Persona 4 Golden
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 85,424 reviews2020
Dev: ATLUSPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 13.0 hrsMean: 45.2 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 33.8%, Detective 20.3%, Anime 13.4%, Mystery 12.4%, Story Rich 12%
- #30 The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 25,000 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 30.7%, Visual Novel 20.3%, Mystery 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Point & Click 9.9%
- #31 The Centennial Case : A Shijima Story
78% matchMostly Positive80% of 1,115 reviews2022
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 8.2 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Unravel the mysteries of death, and find the answers to life.A unique Mystery-Adventure Game:The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story
Why similar: Detective 46.2%, Mystery 30.5%, Story Rich 15.9%, Adventure 5.7%, Singleplayer 1.7%
Why You'll Like It: If you want intricate murder mysteries and constant theory-building more than courtroom theatrics, this delivers an excellent case-solving narrative.
- #32 Detective Butler: Maiden Voyage Murder
79% matchVery Positive82% of 309 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 29.9%, Crime 15.3%, Visual Novel 15.1%, Mystery 13.4%, Anime 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: It is a smaller-scale but solid fit for players who mainly want a classic visual-novel murder mystery with interrogations and deduction.
- #33 STEINS;GATE
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 26,097 reviews2016
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 67.0 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 33.1%, Great Soundtrack 25%, Anime 15.9%, Story Rich 14.5%, Mystery 7.3%
- #34 Staffer Case: A Supernatural Mystery Adventure
75% matchVery Positive94% of 4,080 reviews2023
Dev: Team Tetrapod
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 8.7 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 35.1%, Crime 15.4%, Visual Novel 13.1%, Mystery 11.8%, Anime 8.2%
- #35 The Real Face of a VTuber
74% matchVery Positive92% of 314 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 26.3%, Crime 12.7%, Visual Novel 12.6%, Mystery 9.9%, Story Rich 6.7%
- #36 Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
76% matchVery Positive82% of 4,818 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 11.4 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 26.3%, Mystery 18.8%, Great Soundtrack 15.4%, Story Rich 13%, Anime 9.9%
- #37 Sam & Max Hit the Road
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,042 reviews2018
Dev: Lucasfilm
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 50%
Grab your nightstick, squeal like a siren, and Hit the Road with Sam & Max, Freelance Police, as they attempt to crack their toughest case.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 23.2%, Point & Click 17.1%, Classic 13.1% ★, Detective 12.2%, Funny 8.1%
- #38 Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls
75% matchVery Positive82% of 7,414 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 16.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Komaru Naegi has been imprisoned inside a mysterious apartment for over a year. Her rescue is derailed when hundreds of Monokumas suddenly attack. She teams up with Toko Fukawa to survive the rampaging Monokumas, escape the crafty Monokuma Kids, and uncover the secrets of the city.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 23.7%, Anime 21.8%, Detective 16.6%, Visual Novel 15.1%, Story Rich 11.1%
- #39 Mohism: Battle of Words
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 608 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 28.3%, Visual Novel 16.3%, Crime 12.5%, Mystery 10.6%, Anime 7.6%
- #40 Tokyo Detectives
73% matchMixed69% of 58 reviews2021
Dev: Rincho Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Detective Game. Murder Investigation. Interrogate witnesses. Rebut with evidence.
Why similar: Detective 33.8%, Crime 16.8%, Visual Novel 15.2%, Mystery 11.8%, Anime 9.8%
- #41 Sam & Max Save the World
71% matchVery Positive94% of 2,034 reviews2020
Dev: Skunkape Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 76%
An open-and-shut case of petty vandalism balloons into a far-flung mind-control conspiracy involving former child stars, the media, the mafia, the government, the internet, and the bright side of the moon. Telltale's episodic classic, lovingly remastered by members of the original development team.
Why similar: Detective 30.8%, Point & Click 17.5%, Story Rich 9.4%, Comedy 8.5%, Puzzle 8%
- #42 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,741 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 14.5 hrsMean: 44.5 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: Great Soundtrack 30.1%, Visual Novel 19.2%, Mystery 15.9%, Detective 15.6%, Story Rich 9.3%
- #43 STEINS;GATE 0
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 8,169 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 126.5 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 32.3%, Great Soundtrack 27.3%, Story Rich 16%, Anime 15.8%, Mystery 3.9%
- #44 Nancy Drew®: Alibi in Ashes
73% matchVery Positive90% of 271 reviews2011
Dev: HeR Interactive
Windows · Mac
Escape the Smoky Intrigue of a Hometown Inferno!
Why similar: Detective 31.1%, Great Soundtrack 18.2%, Classic 14.1% ★, Point & Click 12.3%, Story Rich 7.6%
- #45 Persona® 5 Strikers
70% matchVery Positive87% of 17,867 reviews2021
Dev: ATLUSPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 22.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Join the Phantom Thieves and strike back against the corruption overtaking cities across Japan. A summer vacation with close friends takes a sudden turn as a distorted reality emerges; reveal the truth and redeem the hearts of those imprisoned at the center of the crisis!
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 49.4%, Anime 25.1%, Story Rich 14.8%, Adventure 4.4%, Funny 3%
- #46 Raging Loop
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 10,201 reviews2017
Dev: KEMCO
Windows
Median: 24.1 hrsMean: 59.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.2%, Detective 25.8%, Mystery 19.5%, Story Rich 10.8%, Anime 5.8%
- #47 LumineNight
69% matchVery Positive89% of 525 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 36%, Visual Novel 15.3%, Mystery 14.3%, Story Rich 9.5%, Anime 9.5%
- #48 Nancy Drew®: Sea of Darkness
72% matchVery Positive93% of 226 reviews2017
Dev: HeR Interactive
Windows
Set a Course for Danger and Discovery!
Why similar: Detective 32.3%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Mystery 13.1%, Classic 11.1% ★, Point & Click 9.4%
- #49 Magical Girl Witch Trials
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 31,694 reviews2025
Dev: AcaciaPub: Re,AER
Windows · Mac
Median: 16.1 hrsMean: 33.6 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Thirteen girls awaken, only to find themselves in a prison. What awaits them: a Witch Trial. Help them prepare for the trial by exploring the prison in order to find the witch hidden amongst them. Find the witch, learn what kind of magic she holds, dispel the lies, and prepare for the execution.
Why similar: Detective 37.4%, Visual Novel 28.8%, Mystery 14.2%, Story Rich 8.2%, Anime 7.6%
- #50 Paper Perjury
68% matchVery Positive89% of 207 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 32.1%, Visual Novel 15.2%, Mystery 12.2%, Crime 10.5%, Point & Click 7.4%
- #51 VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 38,291 reviews2016
Dev: Sukeban GamesPub: Ysbryd Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 31.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a booze em' up about waifus, technology, and post-dystopia life.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.5%, Story Rich 15.4%, Anime 14%, Point & Click 13.2%, Memes 8.2%
- #52 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,511 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 16.4 hrsMean: 52.4 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: Great Soundtrack 31.2%, Visual Novel 19.7%, Mystery 15.9%, Detective 14.8%, Story Rich 9.2%
- #53 The Darkside Detective
69% matchVery Positive94% of 5,154 reviews2017
Dev: Spooky DoorwayPub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Grab your trench coat, tune your sixth sense and join the Darkside Division as they investigate the outright bizarre, the downright dangerous and the confusing cases of Twin Lakes. Flesh-hungry tentacles, mafian zombies, and the occasional missing sock are no match for The Darkside Detective.
Why similar: Detective 40.5%, Mystery 14.6%, Point & Click 12.2%, Story Rich 10.3%, Funny 5.9%
- #54 I Am The Prosecutor: No Evidence? No Problem!
70% 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 42%, Visual Novel 21.9%, Anime 11.4%, Story Rich 11.1%, Puzzle 4.4%
- #55 誰是犯案者 Who is the Criminal
68% matchVery Positive95% of 59 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 26.5%, Crime 13.6%, Visual Novel 12.6%, Mystery 10%, Anime 7.2%
- #56 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 6,483 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 21.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.6%, Mystery 19.9%, Anime 14.5%, Great Soundtrack 12.7%, Story Rich 10.5%
- #57 STEINS;GATE: Linear Bounded Phenogram
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,285 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 36.8%, Great Soundtrack 21%, Anime 16.8%, Story Rich 14.4%, Adventure 9.3%
- #58 The Red Strings Club
66% matchVery Positive94% of 14,017 reviews2018
Dev: DeconstructeamPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 84%
The Red Strings Club is a cyberpunk narrative experience about fate and happiness featuring the extensive use of pottery, bartending and impersonating people on the phone to take down a corporate conspiracy.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 40.5%, Story Rich 21.5%, Visual Novel 14.9%, Point & Click 11.3%, LGBTQ+ 3.9%
- #59 The Murder Hotel
63% matchVery Positive95% of 66 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 31.7%, Visual Novel 17%, Crime 16.2%, Mystery 13.8%, Anime 9.3%
- #60 The Roottrees are Dead
62% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 8,801 reviews2025
Dev: Evil Trout Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation.
Why similar: Detective 48.9%, Mystery 19.6%, Point & Click 10.3%, Story Rich 8.1%, Puzzle 7.9%