Nothing like a few who dunnit mystery games to create intrigue and grab the player’s attention, right? Well, if you have a fascination with the mystery genre in your gaming, then it’s your time to jump for joy! Cause we’re about to dive into the gaming library and head on over to the mystery section.
Sometimes you don’t wanna be in the midst of gunfire or go on epic grand adventures. It’s the gritty nature, a haunting ambiance, and much more methodical pacing of mystery titles that vibe with you. That’s what we have for you if you’re into that stuff and like a more immersive experience in your games.
Which Mystery Games Are the Worth Playing?
Some of the most compelling and nail-biting stories in video games don’t involve action-heavy titles. Yep, it’s hard to comprehend, we know, but that’s the truth. These kinds of games tug away at your curiosity and get you invested with their central plot and quirky characters. The idea is to throw you way off base through deception until the plot twists unravel, leaving you windblown.
We’re doing every gamer a favor here and letting you know right off the bat every game today is multiplatform. Doesn’t matter if you own a Sony current-gen console or any from the family of Xbox systems or if you got a Nintendo Switch. Heck, if you own a PC, that works out just fine. Our mystery games today transcend these petty gamer squabbles. After all, gaming’s about that fun factor, ain’t it?
So, which 11 mystery games are captivating enough to mystify us and grab a spot on today’s list? Let’s find out; here we go!
11. The Sinking City – A Cthulhu Mystery that Delivers Impressive Narrative Twists
Kicking off the mystery games party is a relative newcomer, The SinkingCity. If you couldn’t tell, it’s got Chthullu vibes all over it; we’ve seen it a thousand times before. Having said that, The Sinking City easily stands apart from the rest of the pack because, get this, its gameplay isn’t as linear. Also, you’ve got a massive map with 7 visually distinct districts, to explore.
The Sinking City also doesn’t hold your hand. If you miss any details during the investigations, their failures are on your head. Also, there’s a unique economy going around in the game’s lore. Essentially, you deal in a barter system where bullets are the most prized currency. The reason for this strangeness is everything’s flooded, and there are abominations underneath the waters.
You shoot these abhorrent monstrosities for a temporary breather. The mysteries are entertaining and require excellent observational skills. However, you need to manage your sanity, which is more crucial than ever before in a mystery video game. If it drops, you’re literally gonna be in the deep end. Honestly, The Sinking City is similar to the best horror games, and we love it because it blends the two genres together.
10. Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy – An Intriguing Supernatural Tale of Suspense
Keeping things moving, we dive into another supernatural mystery game, Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy. This is a narrative experience which will make you care about the fate of the protagonist. Lucas is a man who’s dealt a bad hand by fate, as he’s involved in a string of murders. The thing is, he’s got not memory of them. Also, he might be possessed by a spirit, who’s going around offing people.
Players see the story play out from three perspectives, one from the protagonist, Lucas, the other two or police detectives investigating the murders. Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy doesn’t wait to immerse players into the game. You must look out for Lucas’s state of mind, maintaining a high mood is important to make him function. Also, there are a bunch of narrative threads that can steer the plot in different directions.
Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy will not spell things out for players. You’ll need to pick the right dialogue, and make the correct decisions to get the best outcome possible. The game’s threat isn’t a tangible object or a person, but a force, which adds layers to the game’s story. We highly recommend Faherenheit: Indigo Prophecy to anyone who’s looking mystery in a cinematic horror game experience.
9. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishment – The Most Authentic Sherlock Holmes Game Yet
Sherlock Holmes: Crime & Punishment is one of the best games in the franchise, with plenty of mysteries to solve. If you’re into the modern, gritty, self-serving depiction of the late great Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most prized character, you’ll love this game. Sherlock Holmes: Crime & Punishment is perhaps the most ambitious game yet in the franchise’s history. It almost feels like a PS3 RPG, where you decisions impact the game.
The game is playable from both a third-person perspective, and a first-person person view. Sometimes, you need the closer viewpoint to examine suspects as you deduce if they’re culpable or not. The game does a brilliant job of letting players see how Sherlock Holmes thinks, and solves mysteries, using the deduction board.
Since the deduction gathering is the first phase in Sherlock Holmes: Crime & Punishment You need to put the evidence and clues together to form a strong conclusion. This is where the mystery element shines. You can blame the crime on the wrong suspect either by not paying attention to the clues or deliberately. Also, if you can catch the criminal, you can choose to have them arrested, let them go, or kill them yourself.
8. L.A. Noire – The Most Unique Mystery Game We’ve Ever Played
Ah, now this is what we’re talking about! L.A. Noire is one the most brilliant mystery games of all time. If you’ve not checked it out yet, one, what’re you waiting for? And, two, you’re in for a treat if you love to examine details and going with your gut instinct. L.A. Noire has the hallmark pedigree of Rockstar Games, famous for Red Dead Redemption and GTA.
As for how L.A. Noire plays, well you will spend most of the time investigating individual cases. Depending on how well adept you are at detecting facial expressions, you can pick out lies and inconsistencies. However, there is a layer to the investigative process, you can’t always use direct and confrontational tactics. If you do, the suspects may get wise and steer you wrong, and you’ll fail.
There’s another overarching plot regarding the main character, Phelps. He starts off as a rookie patrol officer who has good eye for spotting criminal activity. Each arc he gets a promotion or a transfer to a different division of law enforcement. There’s a conspiracy and corruption in the system that he pursues. The game’s tragic saga will give serious vibes of story-driven games like the The Last Of Us.
7. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – The Visual Novel Investigation Mechanics Are Gamechaning
For the next stop on our list of excellent mystery games, we’re going with a classic title, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. The game brings a test of your memory and wits. You play as the titualr Phoenix Wright, the attorney who fights for the accused.
The main goal of the game is to conduct interviews, see the crime scene to collect evidence, and analyze everything. You need to come up with a solid defense through arguments, alibis, and throw the suspicion over the true culprits. The game’s visuals are anime-esque, and we love our anime in gaming, if you do, too, you’ll enjoy seeing our favorite CS:GO anime stickers.
Also, it’s not enough that you have the right evidence and witness testimonies, you gotta present them correctly as well. The opposing counsel are fierce. If you’ve not prepped properly by selecting the most appropriate response during arguments, you could lose the case for your client. Seriously, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a gem of a mystery game; check it out.
6. Persona 3 Portable – An Mystifying Ambiance Profoundly Exists in this JRPG
Next up, we’re going with one of the most atmospheric and addictive JRPGS of all time, Persona 3 Portable. This mystery game’s ambiance is second to none. The presentation style and soundtrack are phenomenal. The game switches tones drastically, emulating elements of a happy go lucky dating simulator like Summertime Saga, then a complete 180 with dark sinister dungen crawling segments.
Persona 3 Portable doesn’t mention exactly how to spend your time during the day, you’re free to do as you please. The mystery in Persona 3 Portable is regarding Tartatus, a mystical realm outside the confines of the real world’s time. Here you’ll engage in turn-based tactical fights and explore different levels.
The orgins of the Tartarus are a mystery, and it can be accessed every night after midnight, during the Dark Hour. Fair warning, this mystery is dark, like ordinary people are encassed in coffins, and only the Persona users are outside of it. Little by little the mystery unravels, and the game climaxes with a satisfying finale.
5. Batman: Arkham City – The Action-Adventure Title Also Has Plenty Of Juicy Mysteries
This next pick exemplifies what a great mystery game should have. Batman: Arkham City has atmosphere, and a fantastic build-up to a massive payoff, making the whole journey worth it. After the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum, every criminal in Gotham City is rounded up and shifted to Arkham City. Gameplay wise, its one of the best single-player adventures games.
Batman: Arkham City narrative is about a massive conspiracy and intrigue that leaves players wondering how things will wrap up. Dr. Hugo Strange plans for an ominous Protocol 10. All the big players from Batman’s rogues gallery are out to get him. There’s seemingly deals in place with Dr. Hugo Strange to have their territory and a degree of leverage.
When you add all of that up, there’s the Joker with in all his unpredictable glory. It’s chaos every where, and as Batman, players must navigate the ins and outs of Arkham City to stop whatever he’s planning. Batman: Arkham City also has a few highly impressive investigative segments where you trace bullet trajectories, and pick up trails to hunt down enemies. The game’s sinister ambiance and air of mystery will leave you speechless.
4. Heavy Rain – A Narrative Masterpiece With Immersive Mysteries
Heavy Rain is the mystery game from Quantic Dream, and for us, the best one from them to date. It’s got everything you love about a good mystery, a kidnapping, an underdog and likable protagonist, and plot twists that’ll make you audibly gasp. Heavy Rain is the most immersive mystery game by a mile, and one that’ll get you to replay the game to see where did you go wrong.
Yep, there are multiple endings in Heavy Rain. Depending on how well you do in the game’s investigations, or trials, the finale will vary. Also, the game’s a Quick-Time-Even bonanza, so get ready for some tense button pressing. The conversations and how interactive sessions whether you do good or bad, won’t stop the game for you. The game locks you on your trajectory.
A main character can die, and it won’t result in a game over, rather you can continue the story, but the events will play out differently. Also, one of the playable characters uses an augmented reality simulation device, which is such a delight to experience. Heavy Rain’s mystery will keep you guessing to the end, and the game does a wonderful job keeping the true antagonist under wraps.
3. Batman: The Telltale Series – A Masterclass Batman Representation With Compelling Mysteries
Batman: The Telltale Series is an awesome portrayal of the Caped Crusader. If the Arkham games focus on the action-adventure side of things, then Batman: The Telltale Series is big on mystery. The game takes creative liberties within the Batman mythos, but trust us, they’re absolutely worth checking out.
Penguin, in particular, as well as Two-Face are shown in a different light. If you thought you couldn’t despise Penguin more, well this game will test that resolve. The game’s fairly linear, in line with he rest of Telltale’s formula. However, the most fun part is when you take the time to investigate crime scenes and take critical decisions as Batman.
Oh, and you also get to play as Bruce Wayne. There are times where you can choose which persona to go as. The game’s got one heck of a finale and plot twists galore. If you love a game with deep mystery, then we highly recommend Batman: The Telltale Series.
2. The Wolf Among Us – The Big Bad Wolf’s Fable is Our Runner-up Mystery Game
Our runner-up mystery game is The Wolf Among Us. The most visceral, and bloody mystery game you’ll come across. Players take on the role of the big bad wolf but in a heroic light, as the sheriff of Fable Town. His job is to keep the peace and ensure all Fables maintain their cover among humans.
However, during a routine run, Bigby encounters a brutality, and he intervenes. This results in a chain reaction and he gets entagled in a murder mystery. Players must fully explore each place they come across and there are critical junctures where they must make a decision. The decision will further impact how the story plays out.
This game is not for the faint of heart, and is more in line with adult games because of its mature themes. The Wolf Among Us is an an absolute joy to sit through and experience, despite knowing how the mystery game will end.
1. Deadly Premonition – The Most Outrageous Mystery Game Of All Time is Our Top Pick
Our top choice for the best mystery game of all time is Deadly Premonition. The star of the show is the over-the-top protagonist detective York, Morgan. He talks to himself as if there’s someone else listening to him. Also, he has the uncanny ability to be a hilarious nuisance.
Deadly Premonition is a gosh darn terrifying, but then it’s also a game that’ll have you laughing like a maniac. It’s full of horrific imagery, and each investigation leads to small clues about the identity of the raincoat killer. Players can go around talking to people, go on side activities like fishing or driving around, and at night time, things go really bokers.
The shooting mechanics are wonky, and the enemies while mostly generic zombies, they can overwhelm you. Deadly Premonition is a polarizing game, and we’re completely on its side. It’s a mystery game that’s well executed, despite all the clunkiness.
Final Thoughts About the Best Mystery Games Ever
Wow, that list was fresh as a daisy, wasn’t it? So, what do ya’ll think? Do today’s mystery games have enough of a pull to hook you, or are you not into them? Either way, fire away your thoughts in the comments below. We’re super curious about which mystery titles you have for us in your suggestions.
In the meantime, if you’re hankering for more gaming mysteries, worry not; we got you. You see, we like to come up with our theories on unresolved gaming plot threads. As it so happens, we’ve got theories about The Quarry’s Silas’ werewolf origins. Give it a read; it’s fun stuff. Anyway, that’s all we got for you today. Take care, everybody, and happy gaming!
