Games Like The Rise of the Golden Idol

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: Conspiracy 17.5% ★, Detective 14.6%, Investigation 13.7%, Mystery 8.9%, Crime 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct predecessor, this game shares the exact same unique deduction-based gameplay and macabre narrative style.

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 31.7%, Investigation 21.4%, Mystery 17.9%, Puzzle 9.1%, Point & Click 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A brilliant logic puzzle game that tasks you with identifying family members through deep investigation and cross-referencing clues.

Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.

Why similar: Detective 46.5%, Mystery 25%, Puzzle 10.2%, Historical 7.3%, Atmospheric 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title is the gold standard for deduction games, requiring you to use logic and observation to piece together the fates of a doomed ship's crew.

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 50.9%, Mystery 18.5%, Puzzle 10.7%, Investigation 8.1%, Crime 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This innovative game tasks you with solving crimes by listening to audio recordings and placing characters in a 2D floor plan.

Welcome to the FDI. As our newest Operator, your role is to use your detective skills to assist our field agents and investigate mysterious crimes. Use cutting-edge FDI software to dig for clues, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth.

Why similar: Conspiracy 22.9% ★, Detective 17.6%, Investigation 16.5%, Crime 10.8%, Mystery 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A digital investigation game where you use a simulated computer terminal to solve crimes by analyzing evidence and databases.

Take on the role of a private investigator in this immersive detective simulator. Solve murders and other crimes in a procedurally generated and persistent city where every NPC lives and breathes their own independent lives. Find the killer quickly… or they will kill again!

Why similar: Detective 70.9%, Puzzle 12.4%, Atmospheric 6%, Adventure 5.4%, Pixel Graphics 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: An immersive sandbox detective simulator that allows you to conduct your own investigations in a procedurally generated city.

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 22.4%, Investigation 21.9%, Crime 18.6%, Mystery 12.7%, Choices Matter 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: An open-world investigation game where you must gather evidence and build a case to solve a murder on a surreal island.

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 31.2%, Crime 15.7%, Mystery 11.9%, Investigation 10.6%, Point & Click 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A charming mystery game that combines point-and-click exploration with a unique logic-based interrogation system.

A hardcore deductive reasoning game for fans of the “true crime” genre. Only by unraveling the logic and grasping at the motivations behind each case can the crimes be completely solved. Perfect as a social-style mystery fiction.

Why similar: Investigation 26.9%, Detective 23.6%, Crime 19.1%, Mystery 13.9%, Puzzle 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A hardcore deduction game that strips away all hints, forcing you to rely entirely on your own observation and reasoning skills.

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 33.7%, Investigation 17%, Crime 14.7%, Mystery 12.6%, Puzzle 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a robust detective experience that emphasizes gathering clues and forming your own conclusions about the culprit.

Step into a living illustrated world in a time when Europe is at a crossroads of great religious and political change. Walk in the footsteps of Andreas Maler, a master artist who finds himself in the middle of murders, scandals, and intrigue in the Bavarian Alps.

Why similar: Investigation 17.9%, Conspiracy 17% ★, Detective 14.4%, Historical 10.9%, Mystery 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy historical mystery that forces you to make difficult choices and live with the consequences of your investigation.

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: Investigation 26.2%, Detective 24.9%, Crime 20.5%, Interactive Fiction 9.2%, Puzzle 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A groundbreaking non-linear mystery where you piece together a narrative by searching through a database of police interview clips.

Investigate an infamous cold case in the eerie, abandoned town of Painscreek. Search for evidence, connect the dots and uncover who killed Vivian Roberts. Can you expose the truth behind this town’s dark secrets?

Why similar: Investigation 30.6%, Detective 28.7%, Mystery 18.2%, Puzzle 7.6%, Atmospheric 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A pure investigation game that drops you into an abandoned town and tasks you with finding clues to solve a cold case without objective markers.

Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.

Why similar: Mystery 40%, Puzzle 16.4%, Exploration 16.2%, Atmospheric 12.9%, Adventure 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: While a space exploration game, its core loop is entirely knowledge-based, requiring you to piece together the history of a solar system to progress.

Four private lives. One big lie. Search through secretly recorded video conversations to discover the truth. The successor to the acclaimed Her Story.

Why similar: Detective 20.6%, Investigation 18.1%, Crime 16%, Mystery 12.6%, Interactive Fiction 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A spiritual successor to Her Story that expands the investigation mechanics with a larger database of video files to analyze.

A steampunk-ish detective adventure from the creator of A Golden Wake and Shardlight! Can you help private investigator Miles Fordham find justice for his clients and track down his partner's killer before his entire world comes apart?

Why similar: Detective 32.1%, Mystery 18.5%, Dark 10.9%, Point & Click 8.8%, Interactive Fiction 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A steampunk detective adventure that allows you to solve cases in multiple ways, including the possibility of failing or accusing the wrong person.

The classic multi-award winning adventure "Broken Sword - the Shadow of the Templars" returns with glorious 4K visuals and iconic remastered audio, pitching intrepid tourist George Stobbart and fearless journalist Nico Collard into a journey of perilous adventures and ancient conspiracies.

Why similar: Conspiracy 22.7% ★, Detective 17.2%, Investigation 16.5%, Narrative 12.4% ★, Mystery 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic point-and-click adventure that features intricate puzzles and a deep, conspiracy-laden mystery.

Chinatown Detective Agency is a cybernoir point and click adventure blending stunning retro design with innovative mechanics. Play as Amira Darma, an ex-cop who has just opened her own detective agency. Choose your clients, travel around the world and solve dangerous cases using real world research.

Why similar: Detective 22.1%, Investigation 20.3%, Crime 16.6%, Mystery 11.2%, Dark 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A detective game that requires real-world research and time management to solve complex cases across the globe.

Spot the lie and beat the liars in 'Contradiction' - the all-video murder mystery adventure!

Why similar: Detective 18.8%, Conspiracy 17.3% ★, Investigation 16.7%, Crime 15.8%, Mystery 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: An FMV detective game that challenges you to identify inconsistencies in the testimonies of various suspects.

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%, Investigation 17.6%, Crime 16.7%, Mystery 11.1%, Puzzle 8%

Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted mystery game that uses a simple but effective interface to help players organize their thoughts and solve the crime.

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 26.7%, Investigation 18.3%, Mystery 14.6%, Puzzle 7.2%, Point & Click 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A humorous take on the detective genre that uses clever inventory puzzles to solve supernatural mysteries.

A reverse-detective adventure, where you control your character's face

Why similar: Detective 41.3%, Interactive Fiction 14.8%, Choices Matter 12.3%, Puzzle 11.7%, Point & Click 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal mystery game featuring a unique facial expression system that impacts how you interact with characters and solve the plot.

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 42.9%, Mystery 19.2%, Crime 18.8%, Puzzle 6.4%, Point & Click 5%

Why You'll Like It: The quintessential courtroom deduction series that focuses on finding contradictions in testimony and presenting evidence to reveal the truth.

Investigate a broken mind to unravel a twisted case. Deduce the truth. Restore lost memories. Listen to private conversations. Draw your own conclusions. Mind Diver is a murder mystery, where the victim is love.

Why similar: Detective 21%, Investigation 19.7%, Crime 16.1%, Mystery 12.6%, Interactive Fiction 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A unique mystery game where you dive into the memories of a suspect to uncover the truth behind a crime.

A thrilling point-and-click adventure game where you play as Di Renjie, ancient China's most famous and gifted investigator, as he tracks a serial killer in the heart of the Tang Dynasty's capital city.

Why similar: Detective 19.8%, Investigation 17.7%, Narrative 12.5% ★, Historical 11.3%, Mystery 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A historical mystery set in ancient China that focuses on gathering clues and engaging in logical debates to solve cases.

In this point-and-click urban thriller, down-and-out private eye Kathy Rain will embark on her most dangerous case yet — the pursuit of the notorious serial killer known as the Soothsayer. Find clues, gather evidence, connect the dots, and confront the murderer before the hunter becomes the hunted…

Why similar: Conspiracy 21.4% ★, Investigation 17.9%, Detective 17.8%, Mystery 10.8%, Interactive Fiction 5.8%

Discover an untold crime story from the mysterious youth of the famous detective Hercule Poirot.

Why similar: Detective 23.4%, Investigation 19%, Crime 17.6%, Mystery 12.2%, Puzzle 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic mystery experience that focuses on dialogue-driven investigation and mapping out character relationships.

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: Detective 37.5%, Mystery 15%, Point & Click 14%, Interactive Fiction 10.4%, Puzzle 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: An investigation game set in a 90s-style internet simulator where you must hunt for clues and policy violations.

Murder. Nothin’ nice about it. In this old school detective adventure, step into the boots of whip-smart Inspector Waffles and travel the city to track hidden clues, interrogate shady suspects, and unravel a dangerous mystery. But be warned: curiosity killed the cat...

Why similar: Detective 23.7%, Crime 21.9%, Investigation 18.4%, Mystery 11.7%, Point & Click 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A charming point-and-click detective game that features a solid mystery and classic adventure game mechanics.

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: Detective 43.8%, Mystery 32.8%, Atmospheric 10.5%, Adventure 7.7%, Story Rich 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: A social deduction game that blends visual novel elements with complex logic puzzles to identify the hidden threat.

A murdered priest. A secret list. Hunt Nazi fugitives across the globe in this gritty 1971 detective thriller. Analyze evidence, follow leads, and make sharp deductions before the trail goes cold. From the creators of Family, Rivals, Conspiracy, Echo Beach and Riley & Rochelle.

Why similar: Detective 24%, Investigation 21.7%, Conspiracy 19.2% ★, Mystery 11.4%, Puzzle 5.1%

The Séance of Blake Manor is a supernatural detective mystery, set in 1897 Ireland, where you investigate the disappearance of Evelyn Deane in a remote hotel full of secrets and other-worldly occurrences.

Why similar: Detective 22%, Investigation 17.6%, Narrative 11.8% ★, Mystery 11.6%, Historical 9.5%

A series of murders is shocking Hollywood! Use your detective skills: search the crime scene, find clues, solve the mystery. Who is pulling the strings behind these Confidential Killings?

Why similar: Conspiracy 30.2% ★, Detective 18.2%, Investigation 16.7%, Mystery 10.1%, Interactive Fiction 6.1%

A short non-linear detective adventure where every clue is hidden in plain sight. Carefully read and cross-reference documents to unravel a CEO’s disappearance and expose a case of fraud.

Why similar: Detective 23.6%, Investigation 20.9%, Crime 14.7%, Mystery 12.1%, Conspiracy 11.4% ★

The award-winning point-and-click adventure returns in the Director's Cut with an extended story, additional puzzles, and new areas to explore. Witness the rise of an iconic detective as you uncover a dark and sinister truth hiding behind the calm exterior of a small rural town.

Why similar: Detective 23.3%, Investigation 20.5%, Mystery 12.8%, Narrative 8.1% ★, Point & Click 6.5%

Investigate. Interrogate. Descend into a world of intrigue to untangle the Mystery of the Malign.

Why similar: Investigation 25.7%, Mystery 20.3%, Conspiracy 14.6% ★, Puzzle 9.7%, Crime 7.4%

Uncover high drama in this whodunnit set in a small-town community theater. Gather clues by investigating the sets, casts and backstage crews of 10 theatrical productions, and piece together the story of each deadly crime.

Why similar: Conspiracy 17.7% ★, Detective 16.4%, Investigation 14%, Crime 12.7%, Mystery 11.4%

A Pulp Adventure Thriller - A murdered drifter awakens. Alive again, seconds before his death. Hunted and haunted, help him untangle a mad web of conspiracy in this fast-paced point 'n click thrill-ride.

Why similar: Investigation 28.5%, Conspiracy 22.7% ★, Mystery 17%, Point & Click 8.1%, Dark 5.9%

Play as a sharp-witted detective in late 19th-century Leipzig, Germany, in this retro pixel-art point & click adventure. Search for clues, question suspects, and piece together evidence on your deduction board to solve four gripping murder cases.

Why similar: Detective 22.6%, Investigation 20.1%, Crime 17%, Historical 11.1%, Point & Click 6.8%

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: Detective 23%, Crime 19.5%, Investigation 19.2%, Mystery 11.3%, Puzzle 6.6%

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 31.9%, Detective 22.8%, Interactive Fiction 12.1%, Puzzle 10%, Point & Click 7.9%

A private investigator, tracking a missing person, uncovers a conspiracy between humans and androids and a secret that could change everything. Neon Hearts City is a retro point-and-click adventure that thrusts you into a grungy cyberpunk city of the future.

Why similar: Detective 21.4%, Investigation 19.8%, Crime 13.6%, Interactive Fiction 8.8%, Mystery 7.5%

"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 36%, Investigation 18.7%, Mystery 13.4%, Puzzle 9.9%, Historical 9.4%

Explore a wikipedia-like database and solve a small town mystery in Eastern Europe. Step into the shoes of a journalist in the 90s as you sprawl through articles and uncover the secrets that have been laid in front of you.

Why similar: Conspiracy 26.9% ★, Detective 21.6%, Investigation 19.5%, Mystery 14.4%, Interactive Fiction 5.4%

Detective Reiji Tokisaka is back to face down a mystery that spans decades, if not centuries. With the aftermath of his last case weighing on his soul and a long-silent cult resurgent, can he solve the crime—or will it become his curse?

Why similar: Conspiracy 22.2% ★, Detective 20.5%, Investigation 18.2%, Mystery 10.1%, Historical 9.6%

It’s the 1920s and the world’s foremost detective is about to embark on his most challenging case yet. Thankfully, in this world that’s not quite like our own, there’s nobody better to crack the case than the great detective and gentleman giraffe, Lord Winklebottom.

Why similar: Detective 21.1%, Investigation 17.4%, Crime 16%, Narrative 14.9% ★, Mystery 11.6%

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: Detective 26.5%, Crime 19.8%, Mystery 15.2%, Investigation 12%, Choices Matter 8.6%

Legends of the past come back to life in this charming point-and-click adventure. Pack your bags and journey with Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit through modern day Europe to uncover the conspiracy behind a cursed relic and the secrets of the King who was never crowned.

Why similar: Detective 20.6%, Conspiracy 16.7% ★, Mystery 14.6%, Investigation 11.9%, Point & Click 7.6%

Strange Horticulture is an occult puzzle game in which you play as the proprietor of a local plant store. Find and identify new plants, pet your cat, speak to a coven, or join a cult. Use your collection of powerful plants to influence the story and unravel Undermere’s dark mysteries.

Why similar: Detective 22.2%, Investigation 20.4%, Mystery 13.6%, Dark 7.8%, Puzzle 6.8%

Become the custodian of a store dealing in occult antiquities. Explore the quaint and gloomy town of Undermere, where strange goings-on and dark mysteries abound. Find and identify arcane artefacts, use your collection to aid the townsfolk with their unusual problems — and remember to pet your cat!

Why similar: Detective 21.8%, Investigation 20.5%, Mystery 13.1%, Dark 7.7%, Choices Matter 7.5%

Germany, 1956. The war is over, but justice is not served. Former Nazis walk free, while their victims lie in unmarked graves. As a prosecutor, you'll unearth long-buried evidence, confront witnesses and hunt down perpetrators. Will you have the courage to bring these "ordinary men" to court?

Why similar: Detective 31.3%, Investigation 19.1%, Historical 16.6%, Mystery 9%, Puzzle 8.8%

Unravel a real conspiracy from deep within the CIA’s archives. Search classified documents and follow new leads in this non-linear investigative thriller.

Why similar: Conspiracy 35% ★, Investigation 26.1%, Mystery 12.7%, Historical 11.1%, Detective 10.3%

Crime O'Clock is a hidden objects investigation and time exploration game with a deep storyline. Investigate cases through time and evolving maps by unveiling a multi-eras linked story. Will you be observant enough to solve the mysteries? Crime waits for no man!

Why similar: Detective 22%, Investigation 22%, Crime 17.5%, Mystery 12%, Puzzle 6.5%

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 41.4%, Mystery 21%, Point & Click 11.1%, Puzzle 8%, Adventure 5.7%

Follow the meaning is a surreal point-and-click puzzle adventure. Join detective Paul Trilby as he works to unravel the mysteries of a peculiar town, seemingly ruled by the local Hospital. Over the wall and behind tightly shut gates, a dark secret lies in wait…

Why similar: Detective 23.7%, Investigation 17.5%, Mystery 16%, Puzzle 10.7%, Point & Click 8.9%

Pick up your magnifying glass as writer-turned-detective Penelope Pendrick in this first-person point and click mystery adventure! Three people have suddenly vanished from the sleepy town of Carlisle. Follow the clues, interrogate suspects, and solve puzzles to end this case - before it ends you.

Why similar: Mystery 25%, Detective 23.1%, Investigation 18.6%, Point & Click 9.8%, Puzzle 7.6%

A demon has possessed you and used your body to tear a swath of bloodshed through New York. You are now free, but life as you knew it is over. Your only path forward is joining the Unavowed - an ancient society dedicated to stopping evil. No matter what the cost.

Why similar: Detective 26.3%, Mystery 17.6%, Point & Click 14.3%, Choices Matter 9.7%, Adventure 8.5%

A macabre ritual murder puts Arkham PD detectives Jack Foster and Harvey Whitman to the test. As the investigation progresses, they will unveil a disturbing connection between the Salem witch trials of the 17th century and the end of humankind.

Why similar: Detective 25.6%, Investigation 20.4%, Mystery 12.5%, Point & Click 10.2%, Adventure 8.3%

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: Investigation 20.7%, Detective 19.7%, Conspiracy 17.2% ★, Crime 13.7%, Mystery 8.7%

An anime-inspired supernatural detective game. Uncover the identities and powers of your adversaries using a conspiracy board full of evidence.

Why similar: Conspiracy 25.6% ★, Detective 24.7%, Investigation 22.5%, Mystery 13.1%, Puzzle 6%