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 14.8%, Investigation 13.7%, Mystery 9%, Crime 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct predecessor, it shares the exact same unique deduction-based mechanics and distinctive art 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 32.7%, Investigation 21.3%, Mystery 17.7%, Puzzle 9.4%, Point & Click 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the same feeling of deep, text-heavy investigative puzzle-solving as you untangle a complex family history.

Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.

Why similar: Detective 46.7%, Mystery 24.8%, Puzzle 10.3%, Historical 7.2%, Atmospheric 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: It is the gold standard for deduction-based investigation, requiring you to piece together the fates of a crew through careful observation.

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 27%, Detective 23.8%, Crime 18.7%, Mystery 13.9%, Puzzle 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses entirely on the core mechanic of deducing the 'who, what, and why' from static, detailed crime scenes.

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 71%, Puzzle 12.4%, Atmospheric 5.9%, Adventure 5.5%, Pixel Graphics 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A procedural detective game that forces you to act as a real investigator, gathering evidence and connecting clues in an immersive city.

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 22.5%, Crime 18.6%, Investigation 16.8%, Mystery 13.1%, Puzzle 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a unique twist on deduction by forcing you to solve crimes purely through spatial audio investigation.

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 23% ★, Detective 17.9%, Investigation 16.5%, Crime 10.6%, Mystery 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, interface-based mystery that captures the feeling of uncovering a conspiracy through digital evidence.

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 30.5%, Detective 28.8%, Mystery 18.1%, Puzzle 7.7%, Atmospheric 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A pure investigation game that rewards meticulous note-taking and observation without hand-holding.

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 33.8%, Investigation 16.9%, Crime 14.5%, Mystery 12.6%, Puzzle 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features classic deduction mechanics that allow you to link evidence and draw your own conclusions about the culprit.

In this award-winning puzzle adventure game, play as the Traveler on a quest to reunite the Peoples of the Tower. Observe, listen, and decipher ancient languages in a fascinating universe inspired by the Myth of Babel.

Why similar: Puzzle 28.4%, Detective 27.7%, Point & Click 10.8%, Mystery 9.8%, Adventure 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: While linguistic in nature, it requires the same rigorous pattern recognition and logical deduction found in the Golden Idol series.

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 31.3%, Crime 15.4%, Mystery 11.8%, Investigation 10.8%, Point & Click 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A charming mystery game that emphasizes character-based deduction and clever evidence-linking puzzles.

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 22.6%, Investigation 21.9%, Crime 18.4%, Mystery 12.7%, Choices Matter 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: An open-ended investigation where you must explore, gather evidence, and build your own case to present at trial.

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 17.6%, Conspiracy 16.8% ★, Detective 14.5%, Historical 11%, Mystery 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A deep historical investigation where your choices and information gathering significantly impact the narrative outcome.

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 25.1%, Crime 20.2%, Interactive Fiction 9.1%, Puzzle 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A brilliant narrative investigation game that tasks you with piecing together a fragmented story through database searching.

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 23.4%, Investigation 20.4%, Mystery 12.7%, Narrative 8.1% ★, Point & Click 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric investigation game that captures the gritty, mystery-focused vibe of 90s detective stories.

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 37.9%, Mystery 14.9%, Point & Click 14.4%, Interactive Fiction 10%, Puzzle 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: An investigative exploration of a simulated 90s internet that rewards curiosity and pattern matching.

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 20.7%, Investigation 18.1%, Crime 15.7%, Mystery 12.6%, Interactive Fiction 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A non-linear narrative investigation that challenges you to find the truth hidden within fragmented video clips.

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 20.8%, Crime 14.3%, Mystery 12%, Conspiracy 11.5% ★

Why You'll Like It: Focused detective work that utilizes a classic point-and-click interface to solve complex mysteries.

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 32.2%, Mystery 18.5%, Dark 10.8%, Point & Click 8.9%, Interactive Fiction 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A detective adventure that emphasizes deduction and the consequences of your investigative choices.

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 26.2%, Investigation 17.6%, Crime 16.5%, Mystery 11.2%, Puzzle 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A solid point-and-click mystery that emphasizes evidence collection and logical synthesis.

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 22.6% ★, Detective 17.3%, Investigation 16.4%, Narrative 12.3% ★, Mystery 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic mystery adventure that balances narrative depth with investigative puzzle-solving.

Solving crime is no walk in the pond. You are a down-on-his-luck detective who also happens to be a duck. Use your powers of de-duck-tion to inspect evidence, fill in the blanks, and bust the case wide open! This is a short but twisty detective case.

Why similar: Detective 36.4%, Investigation 28.2%, Mystery 13.3%, Interactive Fiction 5.9%, Point & Click 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A short, punchy mystery that relies on deduction-based dialogue and observation to solve the case.

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

Why similar: Detective 18.9%, Conspiracy 17.2% ★, Investigation 16.8%, Crime 15.6%, Mystery 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: An interrogation-based mystery that focuses on spotting inconsistencies in witness testimony.

Big Brother has arrived - and it’s you. Investigate the lives of citizens to find those responsible for a series of terror attacks. Information from the internet, personal communications and private files are all accessible to you. But, be warned, the information you supply will have consequences.

Why similar: Investigation 63.6%, Choices Matter 23.2%, Detective 5.6%, Mystery 3.2%, Interactive Fiction 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the investigative process of connecting dots and analyzing information to uncover a larger conspiracy.

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 22.4%, Investigation 17.6%, Mystery 11.7%, Narrative 11.7% ★, Historical 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A supernatural-tinged investigation that relies on puzzle-heavy gameplay to uncover 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 21.1%, Investigation 19.6%, Crime 15.8%, Mystery 12.6%, Interactive Fiction 7%

Why You'll Like It: A unique investigative experience centered on exploring memories to uncover hidden truths.

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 26.8%, Investigation 18.2%, Mystery 14.6%, Puzzle 7.3%, Point & Click 7%

Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted investigation game with clever puzzle design and a focus on supernatural mysteries.

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

Why similar: Detective 41.4%, Interactive Fiction 14.6%, Choices Matter 12%, Puzzle 11.9%, Point & Click 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal mystery that requires careful observation of character expressions and environmental details to progress.

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

Why similar: Investigation 25.5%, Mystery 20.2%, Conspiracy 14.6% ★, Puzzle 9.9%, Crime 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Provides an atmospheric exploration experience centered on solving mysteries through environmental clues.

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 21.3% ★, Detective 17.9%, Investigation 17.9%, Mystery 10.8%, Interactive Fiction 5.7%

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 44%, Mystery 32.5%, Atmospheric 10.3%, Adventure 7.9%, Story Rich 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A social deduction mystery that requires logical reasoning to identify the culprits among a group.

In 1936, something terrible happened at Galley House. Decades later, with a strange contraption that reveals echoes of the past, you must uncover the truth behind this grisly mystery. A new puzzle from the creators of The Roottrees are Dead.

Why similar: Detective 36.9%, Mystery 29.2%, Puzzle 13.1%, Investigation 6.2%, Atmospheric 5.1%

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 24.1%, Investigation 21.6%, Conspiracy 19.2% ★, Mystery 11.4%, Puzzle 5.2%

Play as Conrad, the town's executioner. Investigate a mysterious death, gather clues, question suspects and solve puzzles in this classic point-and-click mystery where witchcraft and superstition conceal a far darker truth.

Why similar: Conspiracy 20.7% ★, Detective 18.9%, Investigation 15.4%, Crime 11%, Mystery 8.3%

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 18.3%, Investigation 16.7%, Mystery 10.1%, Interactive Fiction 6%

In 1921: a kidnapping, a revolution... Investigate and uncover the truth behind a dark, mysterious story.

Why similar: Detective 29.4%, Investigation 19.4%, Mystery 16%, Historical 11.1%, Puzzle 8.3%

Rummage through the abandoned profiles of an old PC to unravel an inherited mystery. What secrets hide in this eerie adventure of cryptic games and outdated software? Who was using this computer? And what happened to them?

Why similar: Detective 23.7%, Investigation 23.3%, Mystery 13.1%, Interactive Fiction 8.1%, Puzzle 7.6%

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 22.8%, Investigation 20%, Crime 16.8%, Historical 11.2%, Point & Click 6.9%

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 17.5% ★, Detective 16.8%, Investigation 14.2%, Crime 12.3%, Mystery 11.5%

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 22.6% ★, Mystery 16.9%, Point & Click 8.3%, Dark 5.9%

After five years in hiding, former Miami detective Lazarus “Lars” Bundy is swept up in another globe-trotting supernatural mystery whose origins trace back to a legend about the creation of Earth itself.

Why similar: Conspiracy 22% ★, Detective 18.8%, Investigation 18.5%, Mystery 7.5%, Puzzle 7.2%

Amsterdam, 1988. A dead body in the Red Light District, the Dutch capital of sex and drugs, is a washed-up detective’s one shot at redemption. Explore the seedy underbelly of Europe’s most notorious city, solve complex puzzles, and crack the case while experiencing Amsterdam at its worst.

Why similar: Conspiracy 20.4% ★, Detective 19.3%, Investigation 18%, Mystery 11.6%, Crime 10.5%

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 19.9%, Investigation 17.6%, Narrative 12.4% ★, Historical 11.4%, Mystery 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 21.5%, Investigation 19.8%, Crime 13.4%, Interactive Fiction 8.8%, Mystery 7.5%

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 23.3%, Interactive Fiction 11.9%, Puzzle 10%, Point & Click 7.8%

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 23.1%, Crime 19.3%, Investigation 19.2%, Mystery 11.3%, Puzzle 6.8%

Discover a digital realm shrouded in mystery. Sequel to an award-winning narrative driven hacking simulator puzzle game. Play as an AI assistant in a major corporation. Deploy intricate social engineering tactics and expose hidden truths in a world of ambition and high-tech deception.

Why similar: Detective 27.5%, Investigation 24.7%, Mystery 15.5%, Puzzle 8.3%, Choices Matter 7.3%

An impossible locked-room murder: Captain Mortuga lies dead beside an ancient cauldron aboard the world’s strangest submarine, crewed by sketchy suspects. A handcrafted point-and-click with sharp humour and tricky puzzles. Dive into the next mystery from the creators of Tangle Tower & Crow Country.

Why similar: Detective 22.4%, Investigation 18.1%, Crime 16.3%, Mystery 11.4%, Interactive Fiction 7.6%

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 26.3% ★, Detective 22.3%, Investigation 19.7%, 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 20.6%, Investigation 18.1%, Mystery 10.1%, Historical 9.7%

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 31.4%, Investigation 19.2%, Historical 16.6%, Puzzle 8.9%, Mystery 8.9%

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 26.7%, Crime 19.6%, Mystery 15.2%, Investigation 12%, Choices Matter 8.4%

"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 35.9%, Investigation 18.5%, Mystery 13.4%, Puzzle 9.9%, Historical 9.7%

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 20.7%, Conspiracy 16.7% ★, Mystery 14.6%, Investigation 11.8%, Point & Click 7.6%

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 22.2%, Investigation 20.3%, Crime 16.4%, Mystery 11.2%, Dark 6.2%

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 21.2%, Investigation 17.4%, Crime 15.8%, Narrative 14.8% ★, Mystery 11.7%

Journey to the far corners of the Earth and unearth ancient horrors in this Lovecraftian narrative puzzle adventure and sequel to 2020’s critically acclaimed Call of the Sea.

Why similar: Investigation 30.7%, Mystery 18.7%, Puzzle 11.5%, Narrative 11% ★, Dark 7.8%

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 22.1%, Investigation 20.4%, Mystery 13.2%, Dark 7.7%, Choices Matter 7%

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 22.2%, Investigation 21.9%, Crime 17.3%, Mystery 12%, Puzzle 6.7%

Staffer Retro is a mystery adventure game where you uncover past incidents related to ‘Mana’, the source of supernatural powers. Gather information through dialogue and exploration, and piece together clues found in documents to guide the choices of Verita Retro, the protagonist.

Why similar: Detective 27.5%, Investigation 19.5%, Mystery 14.9%, Crime 13.6%, Puzzle 5.9%