Top mystery games to play it like a detective
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Who doesn’t love a good old mystery? Picking up steam in the 19th century, mystery fiction has kept millions of readers spellbound ever since. The first-ever detective story put in print dates back to 1841 with the publication of “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” Countless authors walked in Edgar Allan Poe’s footsteps, and names like Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes have long entered the hall of fame of iconic literary detectives.
Just as many game creators have put their own spin on the genre, crafting tight crime stories that exploit the unparalleled layers of immersion offered by such an interactive medium. So, are you ready to crack even the most puzzling of cases? Here are some mystery games worth discovering to get those little grey cells working.
What remains of Edith Finch
What remains of Edith Finch isn’t your standard detective story, at least not in the traditional sense. Halfway between a walking simulator and a visual novel, this atmospheric title draws upon Gothic themes and motifs to build tension whilst its titular character revisits her family’s old home after many years. As the sole surviving member of the Finch family, seventeen-year-old Edith embarks on a quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding the tragic deaths that haunt her past.
During her exploration of the vast Finch mansion, she experiences the final moments of each of her family members, determined to find inner peace despite the emotional toll this journey takes on her. Both beautiful and bittersweet, this dramatic story reads like an addictive page-turner. Interweaving reality and fantasy, this collection of melancholic tales is a brilliant ode to the magic of storytelling.
Pentiment
Pentiment puts you in the shoes of a detective that wasn’t meant to be. Set in medieval Europe, this adventure RPG transports you to the fictional town of Tassing in Upper Bavaria, and the nearby Keirsau Abbey. When a string of murders strikes this otherwise tranquil town, artist and journeyman Andreas Maler gets caught up in the turmoil. Acting as Maler, you conduct an investigation that draws you closer to the truth of a veiled conspiracy.
Each decision you make can have lasting consequences on the community, all the more so at such a troubled time in history, marred by religious feuds and political unrest. Spanning twenty-five years, the story itself is compelling enough to satisfy every fan of gripping murder mysteries. But the game’s attention to historical detail is even more of a treat for history buffs willing to navigate a complex world, whose unique visual style inspired by illuminated manuscripts takes you straight to the Middle Ages.
Danganronpa
Both twisted adventure games and gory crime stories, all titles in the Danganronpa series are as over-the-top as they are riveting. The first instalment ensnares its characters within the confines of an elite school cut off from the outside world, where a psychopathic robot bear coerces them into killing each other for a chance at freedom. Class trials are convened after each murder to unveil the identity of the killer, with the fate of everyone else hanging in the balance as picking the wrong culprit means instant execution. A direct sequel adds further complexity to that overarching narrative.
The subsequent Danganronpa V3 chapter brings new gameplay elements, from high-stakes puzzle games to casino minigames likely to give players a taste for the real thing. In that case, they may grab lofty deals coming soon to Bonuses.com. Gamers can join the platform to keep track of the best ongoing promotions. By signing up online, they may receive top deals in their inbox. With industry experts doing all the heavy lifting, players no longer need to hunt for promos to claim handsome rewards – and have a go at detective-themed slots.
The Wolf Among Us
Adapted from Bill Willingham’s comic book series, The Wolf Among Us transports players to 1980s New York City. In this alternate reality, portions of Manhattan are now home to fairytale characters in human form seeking shelter from an abusive tyrant. All isn’t well in Fabletown, as Sheriff Bigby Wolf investigates a series of brutal murders shaking the community to its core.
From Blue Beard to Little Red Riding Hood, players cross paths with iconic characters in this neo-noir episodic adventure game that subverts the usual fairytale tropes to weave a captivating, if gritty story. Despite facing many challenges in its development, a long-awaited sequel to this cult classic is scheduled for release in 2024.
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