Best Mystery Video Games
Mystery video games captivate players with their intricate plots, intriguing characters, and the thrill of unraveling secrets. These games often blend elements of adventure, puzzle-solving, and narrative-driven storytelling, inviting players to immerse themselves in enigmatic worlds filled with suspense and surprise. From classic whodunits to modern psychological thrillers, the best mystery games challenge players to think critically and piece together clues to unlock the truth.
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One standout in the genre is "The Vanishing of Ethan Carter," which combines a haunting narrative with stunning visuals, allowing players to explore a beautiful yet eerie environment while solving the mystery of a missing boy. Another noteworthy title, "Her Story," employs a unique non-linear storytelling approach, where players sift through video clips to uncover the story of a woman suspected of murder. "Return of the Obra Dinn" offers a retro aesthetic and compelling gameplay, requiring players to deduce the fate of a ship's crew through logic and deduction. Each of these games exemplifies the depth and creativity found in the mystery genre, appealing to those who enjoy a cerebral challenge paired with engaging storytelling.
The WitnessView AllThe Witness - A puzzle game set on a mysterious, deserted island.
Return of the Obra DinnView AllReturn of the Obra Dinn - Mystery puzzle game about a lost ship's tragic fate.
Her StoryView AllHer Story - Interactive narrative game exploring a woman's mysterious disappearance.
FirewatchView AllFirewatch - First-person exploration game set in a Wyoming forest.
What Remains of Edith FinchView AllWhat Remains of Edith Finch - Explorative narrative about family tragedy and hidden stories.
The Vanishing of Ethan CarterView AllThe Vanishing of Ethan Carter - Mystery adventure game focused on exploration and supernatural elements.
The Last ExpressView AllThe Last Express - Mystery adventure aboard a train in 1914 Europe.
Gone HomeView AllGone Home - Exploratory narrative game about family secrets and discovery.
The Sexy BrutaleView AllThe Sexy Brutale - Murder mystery game set in a time-looped casino.
Outer WildsView AllOuter Wilds - Exploration of a mysterious universe with time loops.
Best Mystery Video Games
1.
The Witness
"The Witness" is a first-person puzzle adventure game developed by Jonathan Blow. Set on a mysterious, vibrant island filled with intricate puzzles, players explore a beautifully crafted environment while uncovering the deeper themes of knowledge and enlightenment. Each puzzle involves drawing lines on panels, requiring observation and logic to solve. As players progress, they encounter increasingly complex challenges that reveal philosophical insights about perception and understanding. With its minimalist design, captivating visuals, and thought-provoking narrative, "The Witness" invites players to engage in a meditative experience that encourages exploration and critical thinking.
Pros
Stunning visuals- challenging puzzles
- immersive exploration.
Cons
Steep learning curve- minimal narrative
- can feel isolating or frustrating for some players.
2.
Return of the Obra Dinn
"Return of the Obra Dinn" is a unique puzzle-adventure game developed by Lucas Pope, set in the early 1800s. Players assume the role of an insurance investigator tasked with uncovering the fate of the ill-fated ship, the Obra Dinn, which mysteriously reappeared after being lost at sea. Using a magical pocket watch, players witness the moments of the crew's demise, piecing together clues to solve the mystery. The game features a distinctive monochromatic art style and challenges players to deduce the identities and fates of all 60 crew members through deduction and logical reasoning.
Pros
- Unique art style
- engaging mystery
- innovative gameplay.
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- can be frustrating
- limited replayability.
3.
Her Story
**Her Story** is an innovative interactive video game that revolves around a police investigation into a man's disappearance. Players sift through a database of video clips featuring a woman named Hannah, who is being interviewed about her husband’s case. The unique gameplay allows players to search for keywords to uncover different segments of her story, piecing together the narrative through nonlinear storytelling. The game's emotional depth, compelling performances, and engaging mechanics challenge players to interpret the truth from Hannah's fragmented accounts, creating a captivating and immersive experience.
Pros
- Innovative narrative
- engaging gameplay
- strong character depth.
Cons
- Limited replay value
- reliance on video clips
- potential confusion for some players.
4.
Firewatch
"Firewatch" is a first-person adventure game set in the Wyoming wilderness, where players assume the role of Henry, a fire lookout tasked with monitoring the forest. The game unfolds in 1989, as Henry grapples with personal issues and isolation. Players explore a beautifully rendered open world, uncovering mysteries and engaging in dialogue with his supervisor, Delilah, via radio. The narrative-driven experience emphasizes choice and emotional connection, focusing on themes of solitude, relationship, and the impact of nature on mental health. Its captivating storytelling and atmospheric visuals create a poignant gaming experience.
Pros
- immersive storytelling
- beautiful visuals
- emotional depth.
Cons
- limited gameplay mechanics
- short playtime
- may not appeal to action gamers.
5.
What Remains of Edith Finch
"What Remains of Edith Finch" is a first-person exploration game that invites players to uncover the mysterious history of the Finch family through a series of captivating vignettes. Set in a sprawling, decaying family home on a remote Washington state island, players assume the role of Edith Finch, the last surviving member of the Finch lineage. As she explores the house, players experience the unique stories of her relatives, each linked to their untimely deaths. With its poignant narrative, immersive gameplay, and stunning visuals, the game explores themes of memory, loss, and the human experience.
Pros
- Unique storytelling
- immersive atmosphere
- emotional depth.
Cons
- Short playtime
- may feel disjointed
- not for action-oriented gamers.
6.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
"The Vanishing of Ethan Carter" is a first-person adventure game that blends exploration and narrative-driven gameplay. Players assume the role of Paul Prospero, a paranormal investigator, who seeks to uncover the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a young boy named Ethan Carter in the eerie, picturesque setting of Red Creek Valley. The game emphasizes environmental storytelling and features a unique mechanic that allows players to visualize the events leading up to Ethan's vanishing. With stunning visuals and a haunting atmosphere, it offers a deeply immersive experience that challenges players to piece together the story through exploration and intuition.
Pros
- Stunning visuals
- immersive storytelling
- rich atmosphere.
Cons
- Slow pacing
- minimal gameplay mechanics
- may frustrate some players seeking action.
7.
The Last Express
"The Last Express" is a unique adventure game released in 1997, set on the Orient Express in 1914, just before the outbreak of World War I. Players assume the role of Robert Cath, an American expatriate, who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery aboard the luxurious train. The game features real-time gameplay, gorgeous hand-drawn graphics, and a richly detailed narrative filled with historical references and diverse characters. Players must navigate complex relationships and make critical choices that influence the story’s outcome, all while racing against time to solve the mystery before the train reaches its destination.
Pros
- Unique storytelling
- immersive atmosphere
- rich historical detail.
Cons
- Slow pacing
- complex controls
- limited replay value.
8.
Gone Home
"Gone Home" is a first-person exploration video game developed by The Fullbright Company, released in 2013. Set in 1995, players assume the role of Katie Greenbriar, who returns to her family’s mysterious home after a year abroad. As she navigates the empty house, players uncover the story of her family through letters, diary entries, and environmental clues. The game focuses on themes of identity, family, and the complexities of growing up, offering a poignant narrative experience without traditional puzzles or combat. Its immersive storytelling and atmospheric design have earned critical acclaim.
Pros
- Immersive storytelling
- emotional depth
- exploration of themes
Cons
- mechanics
- may not appeal to action-oriented players
9.
The Sexy Brutale
**The Sexy Brutale** is a unique puzzle-adventure game developed by Tequila Works. Set in a lavish casino mansion during a mysterious masquerade ball, players assume the role of Lafcadio Boone, a priest with the ability to relive the same day over and over. The objective is to prevent the murders of guests by manipulating time, collecting clues, and solving intricate puzzles. With its captivating art style, engaging narrative, and innovative gameplay mechanics, players must unravel the secrets of the mansion while encountering bizarre characters and uncovering the dark truth behind the event.
Pros
- Unique time-loop gameplay
- engaging story
- beautiful art style.
Cons
- Puzzles can be confusing
- repetitive mechanics
- may not appeal to all players.
10.
Outer Wilds
**Outer Wilds** is an award-winning exploration and puzzle game developed by Mobius Digital. Set in a mysterious, hand-crafted solar system, players take on the role of a space explorer tasked with uncovering the secrets of an ancient civilization. With a unique time loop mechanic, each 22-minute cycle allows players to explore diverse planets, solve intricate puzzles, and piece together the enigmatic history of the cosmos. The game emphasizes curiosity and discovery, offering a rich narrative experience that challenges players to think creatively while navigating the dangers of space.
Pros
- Unique exploration
- engaging story
- beautiful visuals.
Cons
- Puzzles can be challenging
- some may find gameplay repetitive.