Games Like The Shell Part III: Paradiso

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: Cult 27.9% ★, Noir 10%, Detective 8.1%, Conspiracy 7.9% ★, Historical 7.4%

Unravel a string of gruesome murders terrorizing Tokyo in this mystery-thriller visual novel. The secrets of a case from six years prior may just be the key to the current unending cycle of tragedy—and the thing that cracks this woeful world’s shell may be one girl’s smile.

Why similar: Cult 42.7% ★, Detective 15.9%, Visual Novel 10.2%, Mystery 9.1%, Dark 4.8%

Play as a detective tasked with catching a serial killer in this visual novel set in post-war Japan. Investigate key locations, question many complex characters, piece together clues, and try to stop the culprit before they end yet another young girl's smile.

Why similar: Detective 22.7%, Investigation 19.3%, Visual Novel 13.1%, Mystery 12.8%, Anime 10.2%

A mystery adventure game and visual novel set on solitary Shironagasu Island. Discover its secrets, solve its mysteries, and escape from the ominous island!

Why similar: Visual Novel 25.5%, Mystery 21.9%, Detective 20%, Horror 13.3%, Anime 11.2%

A gothic suspense tale set in a cursed mansion. "The House in Fata Morgana" is a full-length visual novel spanning nearly a millennium that deals in tragedy, human nature, and insanity.

Why similar: Philosophical 23.6%, Visual Novel 18.2%, Mystery 15.7%, Anime 10.7%, Horror 10.1%

Thrown into prison for an act of self-expression, protagonist Shuichiro must confront both a violent system and his own actions—or else try to find happiness on the inside in this visual novel from the makers of NUKITASHI.

Why similar: Cult 42.7% ★, Noir 18.4%, Crime 14.7%, Visual Novel 8.5%, Anime 6.6%

Haunted by the ability to read minds, Suteru embarks on a journey of revenge against those who wronged him. Uncovering the secrets of his tormentors, he must confront his demons in a story that explores the depths and darkness of the human mind.

Why similar: Philosophical 20%, Visual Novel 14.8%, Mystery 14.6%, Hand-drawn 12.2%, Cinematic 11%

Playtime's over. Time for despair. Experience the definitive version of a masterpiece in the Muv-Luv trilogy's thrilling conclusion. Note: therapy not included.

Why similar: Visual Novel 56.8%, Anime 37.9%, Adventure 5.3%

The third chapter in The Test Trilogy. Answer a series of in-depth questions to reveal hidden truths about yourself and unlock secrets to discover who you really are as a person. The Final Revelation is upon us... but are you sure you TRULY want the answers you seek?

Why similar: Detective 24%, Investigation 21.5%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Mystery 14%, Anime 10.5%

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 19.6%, Mystery 15.4%, Hand-drawn 14.8%, Text-Based 14.5%, Anime 13.8%

Seiran Island. Even here in paradise, there are those who work in the shadows to bring it down... Confront the tyranny of a twisted system in this long-awaited visual novel adventure.

Why similar: Visual Novel 34%, Anime 26.8%, Mystery 24.3%, Atmospheric 11.3%, Adventure 3.7%

A dark, dramatic medieval visual novel. On a stage at the boundary between life and death, an actress struggles through her hardest performance—directed by a jester, she relives her past for the the prize of resurrection...

Why similar: Philosophical 23.5%, Visual Novel 17.1%, Mystery 16.5%, Anime 14.1%, Horror 10.3%

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: Detective 22%, Investigation 16%, Mystery 13.7%, Visual Novel 12.8%, Logic 10.8%

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 22.9%, Crime 20%, Visual Novel 13.9%, Mystery 13.7%, Logic 10%

In the thrilling conclusion of the Amanda the Adventurer trilogy, follow Riley as they uncover the ultimate secrets behind Amanda, Hameln, and mysteries that have plagued Kensdale for decades.

Why similar: Horror 46.6%, Mystery 40.6%, Adventure 12.8%

Following the events of Part II, Itsuki and the gang's "Rave" business is close to getting off the ground. Itsuki looks to Meryl Hathaway, a young girl often seen accompanying Kotoko, as a counter to the violence of the Umon-kai as he searches for a way to destroy them once and for all.

Why similar: Visual Novel 30.7%, Anime 22.1%, Dark 21.4%, Logic 15.8%, 2D 5%

Will you survive the curse together this summer? A new supernatural mystery adventure begins, telling a bittersweet story of the passions of youth featuring new locations, new legends and a new cast of characters.

Why similar: Visual Novel 25.5%, Mystery 24.3%, Horror 15.3%, Anime 10.6%, Hand-drawn 10.2%

The tragedy of Hinamizawa is over. Those held captive within its grip are free from the fate that bound them to June 1983. Yet the tale of Hinamizawa is not truly complete. There are many worlds not yet explored.

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.6%, Anime 28.6%, Mystery 9.1%, Horror 9.1%, Adventure 6.4%

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: Noir 16.8%, Detective 14.5%, Conspiracy 13.4% ★, Investigation 12%, Crime 10.2%

Confronted with fragmented narratives and deceptive persons of interest, you must isolate crucial evidence. Shatter logical loopholes from testimonies and reconstruct the crime scene from subtle clues. Can you survive this immersive battle of wits?

Why similar: Detective 56.3%, Mystery 33.2%, 2D 6.5%, Adventure 4%

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: Visual Novel 22%, Mystery 21.5%, Philosophical 19.9%, Detective 14.5%, Anime 9%

Getting away with murder has never been easy. These three members of a proud and noble family are separated by five centuries, but have in common a vengeful and murderous intent. Plans must be formed, blood must be spilled and evidence must be planted ...

Why similar: Crime 30.2%, Detective 22.6%, Historical 15%, Visual Novel 10.9%, Mystery 10.5%

CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.9%, Mystery 26.4%, Anime 21.1%, Horror 6.2%, Adventure 3.4%

The Award-winning detective saga returns in this standalone sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol. Uncover the truth behind 20 strange cases of crime, death and depravity in the 1970s. The world has changed dramatically - the sins of humanity have not.

Why similar: Conspiracy 21.1% ★, Detective 17.4%, Investigation 16.2%, Crime 13.1%, Mystery 10.7%

Cyber Detective L solves Paradoxes—bizarre incidents by supernatural Demons—via the social media giant Parrotter. The Cyber Detective Squad, L and his Demon partner Nyasuteria, wield elite hacking and psychic powers to take on the final Paradox investigation.

Why similar: Detective 18.2%, Investigation 15.7%, Mystery 12.6%, Text-Based 10.4%, Crime 10.1%

The grand finale to The House of Da Vinci trilogy is here! Solve numerous new puzzles and mind benders and explore new mystifying locations of ravishing beauty.

Why similar: Historical 25.4%, Investigation 21.8%, Detective 21.3%, Mystery 15.5%, Logic 7.7%

Step into the mind of John Morley, a 1940s detective on his final case. Explore shadowed places long forgotten by time, and piece together crime scenes in a narrative adventure steeped in mystery, unexpected twists, and a truth buried for decades.

Why similar: Noir 38%, Detective 27.7%, Mystery 14.3%, Dark 9.1%, Atmospheric 6.7%

A secluded mountain resort, 10 friends, 1 murderer. Investigate, interrogate and present evidence as you solve various mysteries throughout the night. Will you be able to reach the truth and uncover the culprit’s identity? Or will your deductions lead you to blame someone completely innocent...?

Why similar: Detective 23.5%, Investigation 20.8%, Crime 15.7%, Visual Novel 13.8%, Mystery 13%

Explore the inner demons of three childhood friends on a summer retreat. Unearth secrets, fears and obsessions as you help them reconnect and rediscover themselves. A mature and treacherous visual novel from the creator of Milky Way Prince – The Vampire Star.

Why similar: Visual Novel 31.8%, Horror 22.2%, Hand-drawn 19.5%, Anime 17.2%, Dark 8%

In this final chapter of the Reversion series, you must join the Resistance to defeat the evil Sergio. Buenos Aires is in ruins, but you have a chance to reverse history. Will you have what it takes to save your city before it’s too late?

Why similar: Detective 40.6%, Mystery 21.9%, Hand-drawn 17%, 2D 6%, Atmospheric 5.8%

"Hira Hira Hihiru" is a visual novel set in a fictional Taishō Era. It tells the story of its two protagonists' struggle against Aerodema, a terrifying disease which brings the dead back to life.

Why similar: Visual Novel 45.5%, Text-Based 20.4%, Anime 12%, Atmospheric 9.9%, Adventure 8.3%

True Fear: Forsaken Souls Part 3 is the final chapter of the psychological thriller trilogy. With point-and-click mechanics, intricate puzzles, and cinematic cutscenes, immerse yourself in a dark horror experience that redefines the genre.

Why similar: Detective 31.9%, Horror 21.5%, Mystery 15.6%, Dark 12.2%, Atmospheric 9.5%

Two pairs of twins war for love, life, and limb beneath the curtain of a dark Tokyo night. From the artisans at CRAFTWORK comes a visual novel lush with art, action, and mystery; a story of GEMINISM—deformity and divinity.

Why similar: Visual Novel 24.5%, Anime 17.9%, Dark 14.4%, Horror 12.9%, Mystery 12.1%

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: Noir 21.9%, Detective 17.1%, Crime 16.5%, Investigation 15.1%, Mystery 10.1%

Play as detective Kaname Date on the case of an elusive serial killer in this thrilling, sci-fi murder mystery.

Why similar: Detective 34.5%, Visual Novel 23.2%, Mystery 20.3%, Anime 16.4%, Horror 3.1%

Staffer Reborn is a game of supernatural abilities and logical deduction set in 1960s America. It tells the story of a man trapped in a cycle of death and resurrection caused by his supernatural ability and the investigator who was recruited to help.

Why similar: Noir 20.4%, Detective 15.8%, Investigation 15.8%, Crime 12.8%, Visual Novel 9.7%

Mysterious deaths. Dreams that are reality, and reality that is a dream. Will Noah be able to move forward and solve the mystery⁠—or will he give in to the demons of his past? A story-rich BL mystery visual novel.

Why similar: Visual Novel 27.6%, Mystery 26.8%, Anime 19%, Dark 13.9%, Atmospheric 10.4%

From hit writer Ryukishi07, the creator of When They Cry, comes a story on the theme of “curses.” Strike down the dark riddle of dolls and soot in this supernatural horror visual novel.

Why similar: Visual Novel 26.1%, Anime 19.9%, Hand-drawn 17.6%, Horror 14.4%, Atmospheric 10.1%

A short visual novel where a private investigator gets reeled into a murky mystery, entangled in lies, secrets, and a family curse.

Why similar: Visual Novel 17.5%, Mystery 16.5%, Text-Based 13.4%, Noir 11.8%, Detective 11.1%

Legend tells of a door deep below Tokyo's sewers. All who enter are lost forever. Detective Ito's partner is missing. Explore Tokyo & uncover the darkness that lays beneath the streets in this Point & Click - meets Visual Novel - narrative adventure that questions the very core of Ito's sanity.

Why similar: Detective 30.9%, Visual Novel 18.8%, Anime 16.7%, Mystery 14.5%, Horror 12.9%

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 27.3%, Noir 26.1%, Mystery 15.5%, Dark 10.7%, Hand-drawn 10.6%

The second chapter in The Test trilogy. Answer a series of in-depth questions to reveal hidden truths about yourself and unlock secrets to discover how your life can change drastically with just a few, slight modifications. ...But are you sure you want the answers you seek?

Why similar: Detective 23.6%, Investigation 21.6%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Mystery 13.9%, Horror 10.5%

The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?

Why similar: Visual Novel 33.2%, Mystery 23.6%, Detective 22.5%, Anime 7.3%, Atmospheric 5.4%

Follow the protagonist's pursuit to uncover the death of his friends during the Taisho era of Japan. An highly-acclaimed, psychedelic BL murder-mystery visual novel from indie developer ADELTA!

Why similar: Visual Novel 57.3%, Anime 19.5%, Horror 11.1%, Mystery 8.5%, Adventure 3.6%

The definitive edition of the fan-favorite visual novel is here! A surreal, coming-of-age tale set in early 2010s Central Florida, Siren's Call is the small town you swore you'd always leave. Something inside you knows this is your last chance. Will you reach escape velocity?

Why similar: Philosophical 26.6%, Visual Novel 19.2%, Mystery 16.4%, Horror 12.8%, Anime 12.5%

LumineNight is a story-driven detective adventure. Play as Detective Foster and his daughter to solve a series of murders spanning a decade. Interrogate suspects, infiltrate locations, solve puzzles, and gather evidence from crime scenes. Uncover the dark truth behind these killings.

Why similar: Detective 23.4%, Noir 22.5%, Mystery 12.9%, Investigation 11.7%, Visual Novel 11.4%

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 26.7%, Mystery 21%, Anime 17.3%, Horror 13.3%, Dark 11.8%

MAMIYA is a captivating, dark mystery visual novel in which a group of young men struggle against existential dread before the end of the world.

Why similar: Noir 38.2%, Visual Novel 17.9%, Mystery 11.3%, Horror 9.4%, Anime 9.2%

"A Requiem for Innocence" is a companion to the visual novel "The House in Fata Morgana." It tells the tale of a young man dragged down by his ambitions and a girl both worshiped as a saint and maligned as a witch. For them, there is no happily ever after.

Why similar: Visual Novel 65.2%, Anime 23%, Adventure 11.8%

A private-eye must deceive a rich family into revealing their darkest secrets, before the killer amongst them silences everyone.

Why similar: Noir 30.7%, Detective 21.4%, Crime 13%, Investigation 12.9%, Mystery 8.3%

A narrative detective game blended with supernatural elements. Play as a rookie investigator, discover vital clues in every case, dive into unscripted interrogations and uncover truths that break minds. But with each revelation, the world feels... less human.

Why similar: Detective 36.1%, Visual Novel 23.5%, Anime 17.4%, Mystery 17%, 2D 3.3%

The thrilling final installment of Dark One!'s hit visual novel series! Hapless protagonist Yamada is once again at the mercy of the tender depredations of the world's worst staff of nurses... and this time, it's up close and personal with the ruthless Head Nurse who dominates all the rest!

Why similar: Investigation 27%, Visual Novel 18.6%, Horror 13.9%, Mystery 9.9%, Atmospheric 9.5%

You are a girl with a demonic heart, trapped with a group of suspicious individuals. A demonspawn arrives, setting off a chain of mysterious murders. Can you trust any of your fellow captives and find love in the chaos? Or will you fight for your life alone?

Why similar: Detective 27%, Investigation 25.3%, Mystery 17.2%, Visual Novel 17%, Anime 11.4%

The stakes grow higher in this latest episode of Muv-Luv Unlimited: The Day After! The shadow of nuclear annihilation looms over mankind, as France places the city of Seattle in the crosshairs. Can humanity overcome this crisis and unite to face the BETA?

Why similar: Visual Novel 53.3%, Anime 41.7%, Adventure 5%

THIEF’S SHELTER is a 3D Point and Click Psychological Adventure where the world mirrors a crumbling mind. Nothing stays still, and even your own thoughts can’t be trusted.

Why similar: Detective 35.4%, Investigation 31%, Dark 13.1%, Cinematic 8.7%, Atmospheric 8.7%

You have ventured this far, now there is no turning back. Uncover the island’s dark history by travelling through crumbling caverns and mysterious laboratories, but be warned, some may not be too welcoming of your presence…

Why similar: Detective 37.9%, Investigation 33%, Cinematic 19.5%, Adventure 9.5%

This year's Desire Hierarchy has begun. The stakes are now deadly. Hop into The Specter's Desire, a Visual Novel in which you play against the city's top talents to save your parents. Includes puzzling gameplay that has you tearing down arguments, hatching schemes, and revealing the truth!

Why similar: Detective 22%, Visual Novel 15.7%, Text-Based 12.9%, Crime 10.1%, Horror 9.8%

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: Investigation 21.4%, Crime 20.4%, Detective 19.1%, Mystery 12.1%, Visual Novel 11.8%

Final chapter of the trilogy. In a world where memory can be controlled, everyone is selling their souls. "I" have left everything behind, except the girl named Yin who still remains in my mind. At the end of my life, should I die with a beautiful fantasy, or go in search of sad memories of her?

Why similar: Visual Novel 58.7%, Anime 28.6%, Adventure 12.7%

Witness The Charnel House Trilogy, the chronicle of one fateful night aboard a train bound for Augur Peak. Three thrilling, horrifying adventure games in one, from the depths of the Sepulchre, starring Madeleine Roux, Peter Willington, Jonathan Grier, Jim Sterling, and Ben Chandler as Grub.

Why similar: Noir 42.4%, Horror 31.7%, Mystery 18.2%, Adventure 7.6%