If you've ever found yourself glued to the pages of a thrilling mystery novel or on the edge of your seat during a suspenseful true crime TV show, then get ready to take your sleuthing skills to the next level! The world of murder mystery video games offers an immersive and interactive experience, where you take control of the detective as they try to solve the mystery at hand.
From encountering gruesome ghostly crimes to navigating noir-inspired landscapes, these video games will plunge you into a world where every clue matters. Whether you're a fan of classic mystery novels or simply searching for the best murder mystery video games on PS4 or PC, this list has something for gamers of all ages and skill levels. So, without further ado, here are the top ten murder mystery video games you need to play!
10. Murdered: Soul Suspect
Metacritic Score: 59
Release Date: June 3, 2014
Developer: Airtight Games
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, Android
Summary:
In Murdered: Soul Suspect, you play as detective Ronan O'Connor, who is faced with solving the ultimate mystery—his own murder. Trapped between the living and the dead, Ronan must uncover the truth about his killer by exploring the eerie town of Salem, interacting with the ghosts of other victims, and piecing together clues in a spectral form. This game stands out for its unique blend of supernatural elements with traditional detective work, making it a must-try for fans of murder mystery video games on PC and consoles.
Though it didn't receive the highest critical acclaim, Murdered: Soul Suspect is worth checking out for its atmospheric storytelling and intriguing premise. The idea of solving your own murder while dealing with the limitations of being a ghost adds a fresh twist to the detective game genre. If you're looking for a different kind of mystery-solving experience, this game might just haunt you in all the right ways.
9. The Raven (Remastered)
Metacritic Score: 72
Release Date: July 23, 2013
Developer: King Art Games
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Classic Mac OS
Summary:
The Raven (Remastered) transports players to the 1960s, where you take on the role of Constable Anton Jakob Zellner, an unlikely hero tasked with catching a master thief known as The Raven. The game is a love letter to classic mystery novels, with its Agatha Christie-inspired plot and settings that range from a luxurious train ride to an Egyptian museum. As you find clues and solve puzzles, you'll find yourself wrapped up in a tale full of twists and turns.
What makes The Raven stand out is its commitment to narrative and character development. The remastered version brings improved visuals and animations, making the mystery even more engaging. For fans of classic mystery novels for teen readers, this game offers a chance to step into a story that feels both nostalgic and fresh, making it one of the best murder mystery video games on PS4 and many other modern platforms.
8. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments
Metacritic Score: 73
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Developer: Frogwares
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
Summary:
Step into the shoes of the world’s greatest detective in Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments. This game allows you to solve six different cases that range from murders to thefts and disappearances, all while making moral decisions that affect the outcome of each investigation. The gameplay involves examining crime scenes, interrogating suspects, and using Sherlock’s legendary deductive skills to piece together the truth.
Fans of classic mystery novels will appreciate the game's attention to detail and faithfulness to Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic character. The game’s branching narratives mean your decisions have real consequences, making each playthrough unique. Whether you're playing on PC or PS4, Crimes & Punishments is a standout entry in the list of best detective games.
7. Twelve Minutes
Metacritic Score: 76
Release Date: August 19, 2021
Developer: Luís António
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Summary:
Twelve Minutes is a gripping time-loop thriller where you play as a man trapped in a 12-minute cycle, trying to uncover the mystery of his wife’s murder and prevent it from happening. The game features a star-studded voice cast, including James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe, adding to the intensity of the experience. The unique top-down perspective and minimalist design keep the focus on the narrative, making every decision crucial as you attempt to piece together what’s happening.
This game stands out for its innovative storytelling and tense atmosphere. Each loop reveals new information, and it's up to you to figure out how to use it to break the cycle and solve the mystery. Twelve Minutes is perfect for mystery enthusiasts who enjoy complex, character-driven plots and are looking for one of the best mystery games on modern platforms.
6. The Wolf Among Us
Metacritic Score: 80
Release Date: October 11, 2013
Developer: Telltale Games
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Classic Mac OS, Android, iOS
Summary:
Based on the Fables comic book series, The Wolf Among Us is a gritty, noir-inspired tale set in a world where fairy tale characters live in exile. You play as Bigby Wolf, the sheriff of Fabletown, tasked with investigating a series of brutal murders. The game’s episodic structure and choice-based gameplay mean your decisions shape the story, leading to different outcomes and character interactions.
The Wolf Among Us is beloved for its dark, atmospheric storytelling and unique setting. The fusion of noir detective tropes with fairy tale elements creates a world that's both familiar and strange. For those who love mystery games with a twist, this game offers an experience that’s as compelling as it is unforgettable.
5. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Metacritic Score: 82
Release Date: September 25, 2014
Developer: The Astronauts
Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now
Summary:
In The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, you play paranormal private investigator Paul Prospero who is looking into the mysterious disappearance of a young boy named Ethan Carter. Set in the eerie, open world of Red Creek Valley, the game is known for its stunning visuals and haunting atmosphere. The gameplay focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving, with supernatural elements that allow you to communicate with the dead and piece together Ethan’s fate.
What sets this game apart is its immersive world and storytelling. The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling, making every detail in the world significant. If you’re a fan of murder mystery video games that prioritize atmosphere and narrative, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter should be high on your list.
4. Heavy Rain
Metacritic Score: 87
Release Date: February 23, 2010
Developer: Quantic Dream
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows
Summary:
Heavy Rain is an interactive drama that follows four characters as they attempt to uncover the identity of the Origami Killer, a serial killer who preys on young boys. The game’s unique control scheme and decision-based gameplay mean that every action you take affects the story’s outcome, leading to multiple endings. With its emotional depth and cinematic presentation, Heavy Rain is often cited as one of the best murder mystery video games of all time.
This game is perfect for players who enjoy intense, character-driven narratives and the thrill of making life-or-death decisions. Whether you're playing on PS3, PS4, or PC, Heavy Rain offers a deeply immersive experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
3. Return of the Obra Dinn
Metacritic Score: 89
Release Date: October 18, 2018
Developer: Lucas Pope
Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
Summary:
In Return of the Obra Dinn, you take on the role of an insurance adjuster in the early 1800s, tasked with uncovering the fate of the crew aboard the ghost ship Obra Dinn. The game’s unique art style, reminiscent of old Macintosh games, and its non-linear narrative set it apart from other titles in the genre. Using a magical pocket watch that allows you to witness the moment of each crew member's death, you must piece together what happened on the ill-fated ship.
This game is a masterclass in non-linear storytelling and puzzle design. Its minimalist presentation and complex narrative make it a standout in the world of murder mystery video games. If you're looking for something fresh and different, Return of the Obra Dinn is an absolute must-play.
2. L.A. Noire
Metacritic Score: 89
Release Date: May 17, 2011
Developer: Rockstar Games
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
Summary:
L.A. Noire transports players to the seedy underbelly of 1940s Los Angeles, where you step into the shoes of Detective Cole Phelps. As you rise through the ranks of the LAPD, you’ll investigate a series of crimes, from brutal murders to arson and drug trafficking. The game is renowned for its groundbreaking facial animation technology, which allows you to read suspects' expressions during interrogations, adding a layer of realism to the detective work.
This game is a perfect blend of classic noir aesthetics and modern gameplay mechanics, making it one of the best murder mystery video games on PS4 and other modern platforms thanks to a 2017 remastered edition. Its rich narrative, combined with the freedom to explore a meticulously recreated Los Angeles, offers an immersive experience that murder mystery enthusiasts are sure to love.
1. Disco Elysium
Metacritic Score: 91
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Developer: ZA/UM
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Classic Mac OS, GeForce Now, Google Stadia
Summary:
Topping the list is Disco Elysium, a genre-defying RPG that puts you in the shoes of a detective with a fractured mind. Set in a decaying city still reeling from a past war, you must solve a gruesome murder while also grappling with your own personal demons. The game offers unparalleled freedom in how you approach the investigation, with a branching dialogue system that allows you to shape your detective's personality and methods.
What sets Disco Elysium apart is its deep narrative, complex characters, and the sheer number of choices available to the player. It’s a game where your decisions truly matter, leading to a multitude of outcomes. Whether you're a fan of traditional detective stories or more abstract, philosophical narratives, Disco Elysium is undoubtedly one of the best murder mystery video games ever created.
Experience a Live-Action Murder Mystery in Fort Myers, Florida
When you're ready to put down the controller or keyboard, we invite you to take the next step in your quest for adventure aboard the Murder Mystery Dinner Train!
Step aboard and immerse yourself in the heart-pounding excitement of a live murder mystery performance, where every twist and turn keeps you guessing until the very end. With a delicious five-course meal, interactive entertainment, and an unforgettable atmosphere, it's the perfect way to add a touch of mystery to your night out in Southwest Florida.
So grab your magnifying glass, put on your detective hat, and book your tickets today to experience the thrill of a lifetime as you embark on a journey you'll never forget.