Have you ever felt like being a sharp investigator, who solves complex crimes and solves very complicated enigmas just with the help of your intuitive mind? Mystery, motives behind crimes, and job satisfaction that come from solving all the puzzles within a case – are very thrilling. Here you will find seven detective games for PC that we will enjoy as much as they will put our logical reasoning to the test and transform us into real detectives. This time you will put on your deerstalker hat and take a magnifying glass, a detective story is coming!
Want to Solve Mysteries Like Sherlock? Try These PC Detective Games
1. Sherlock Holmes: A Few Lessons in Crimes and Punishments
Starting with a classic, Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments makes us a part of it and lets us feel the detective’s hat as the legendary detective. It is a game that stands out in telling an interesting story and giving the player complex mechanics to solve it. I get the impression that each case is self-contained, with its problems and culprits to deal with. What singles this out is the Moral choice system where one can solve cases in different ways and live with the consequences. It is impossible not to be pulled right into Victorian London, and how each aspect of the narrative has been coated in the historical reality of the Victorian era has been impeccable.
Sherlock Holmes on Steampowered
2. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter confuses us with the breathtaking open space and with a kind of horror in the story. In this horror mystery, we embrace the role of detective Paul Prospero where we have to investigate the disappearance of a boy in a rural town. It has one of the most atmospheric settings and the plot is as moving as eerie. To learn more of the particulars of Ethan’s vanishing and to find clues that remain concealed from ordinary observation, we employ psychic powers to represent the crime scenes, investigate, and connect the fragments of the story. It is a movie that is as much of self-discovery as it is of mystery.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter on Steampowered
3. L.A. Noire
Step into the gritty streets of 1940s Los Angeles with L.A. Noire. This game is a tantalizing blend of classic noir storytelling and innovative gameplay mechanics. We assume the role of LAPD detective Cole Phelps, solving crimes that range from arson to murder. The game’s pioneering facial animation system allows us to read suspects’ expressions and determine if they’re lying, adding a layer of realism that keeps us engrossed. Every interrogation feels like a high-stakes dance of wits, making each solved case a true victory.
4. Her Story
Revolutionizing the detective game genre, Her Story presents us with a non-linear narrative that unfolds through video clips. We play as an investigator reviewing police interviews of a woman whose husband has gone missing. The game’s unique mechanic requires us to search for keywords in a database to piece together the story. It’s a deeply engaging experience, as each found clip may reveal a shocking twist or a crucial piece of evidence. The more we uncover, the more we’re drawn into the enigmatic tale.
5. The Wolf Among Us
The Wolf Among Us transports us to a dark, gritty version of the Fabletown universe where fairytale characters live hidden in New York City. We step into the role of Bigby Wolf, the sheriff tasked with solving a brutal murder. The game’s narrative-driven approach, combined with impactful choices that shape the story, keeps tension high and the stakes even higher. Each decision feels weighty, and the stylized comic-book aesthetic adds to the immersive experience.
The Wolf Among Us on Streampowered
6. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
An extraordinary blend of visual novel and mystery-solving, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc thrusts us into a high-stakes scenario where we must solve murders to survive. We’re high school students trapped in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse by a diabolical bear named Monokuma. Each case requires us to investigate crime scenes, gather evidence, and present our findings in dramatic class trials. The game’s quirky characters and unexpected plot twists ensure that every moment is filled with suspense.
Read More: These 20 PC Bosses Won’t Die
7. Return of the Obra Dinn
Return of the Obra Dinn puts us right on an abandoned ship investigating the sad fortunes of the ship’s crew. The art style is monochromatic, which may be a questionable decision for some games but, in this case, it works amazingly. The gameplay is non-linear – there are no clear objectives until you reach a specific point, and the game welcomes you with an open level with no pop-up tutorial. The insurance investigator with a magical stopwatch allows the audience as a witness to see how the members of the crew died. It is mentally challenging, to the point where the players have to solve the mystery of the ship by paying attention to details. Every disclosure is another satisfying step in the jigsaw process of assembling the member’s story.
Return of the Obra Dinn on obradinn
8. Paradise Killer
In Paradise Killer it is possible to dive into the otherworld, the vivid and full-color island with gods, immortals, and a murder to solve. As an open-world investigation game, it abides by the rules to collect clues, interrogate humorous characters, and try to find out the truth behind the happenings on the island. Even better, it is possible to roam the island independently and solve the mystery according to the choice of the viewer. Every time we learn something new about the carefully constructed universe, we get the sense that we are real investigators unearthing a secret.
Paradise Killer onparadisekiller.com
9. Disco Elysium
In Disco Elysium, a groundbreaking RPG, we inhabit the role of a detective with a unique blend of skills trying to solve a complex murder case in a dystopian city. Our choices shape the narrative, causing the story to unfold in unexpected ways based on our decisions and interactions with the city’s colorful inhabitants. The game’s deep dialogue system and richly detailed world make each playthrough a unique detective story. We become deeply invested in solving the mystery while also navigating the detective’s struggles and flaws.
10. Heavy Rain
Nothing quite matches the emotional depth and interactive storytelling of Heavy Rain. We alternate between four characters, each deeply intertwined with the mystery of the Origami Killer—a serial murderer on the loose. The game’s gripping narrative and dynamic decision-making process lead to various outcomes, ensuring no two playthroughs are alike. Engaging in this psychological thriller, we are constantly on our toes, making split-second decisions that can lead to different fates for our characters.
11. Murdered: Soul Suspect
Murdered: Soul Suspect delivers an original twist on detective gameplay by making us solve our murder. We play as Ronan O’Connor, a detective turned ghost, who must uncover the truth behind his untimely demise. Utilizing our spectral abilities to navigate the world, possess humans, and read their thoughts, we gather clues from beyond the grave. The eerie atmosphere and supernatural elements combine to offer a uniquely thrilling detective experience.
Murdered: Soul Suspect on Streampowered
12. Contradiction: Spot the Liar!
Mixing live-action footage with classic detective mechanics, Contradiction: Spot the Liar! takes us into the quaint English village of Edenton. Here, we interview a colorful cast of characters to unmask the inconsistencies in their statements. Our goal is to catch lies and contradictions that will lead to solving a mysterious death. The game’s engaging format and charmingly tongue-in-cheek performances make it a delightful yet challenging detective adventure.
Read More: Best Sniper Game For PC
Conclusion
These PC detective games offer a mesmerizing tapestry of mysteries waiting to be solved. Each one immerses us in a different world, teasing our intellect, and propelling us into the shoes of master detectives. From the eerie corners of abandoned ships to the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles, these games ensure that every solved case is a badge of honor on our detective journey. Let’s embrace the thrill, sharpen our minds, and embark on these exhilarating investigative adventures.
Get ready to delve into these captivating mysteries and satisfy your inner sleuth with these exceptional detective games. Happy investigating!
Are these games suitable for beginners or non-gamers?
Absolutely! Each game offers different levels of complexity, making them accessible for both newcomers and seasoned gamers.
Do these detective games offer replay value?
Many of these games feature multiple endings, branching narratives, or varied paths to solve cases, providing ample reasons to replay and uncover new secrets.
How realistic are the detective mechanics in these games?
While each game varies in realism, they all strive to incorporate authentic investigative elements, enhancing the overall experience and lending a sense of true detective work.
