Visualizing yourself as Sherlock Holmes or Batman first comes to mind when it comes to detective games. When you read a crime novel, it grips you in your seat, not wanting your emotions to get out. But playing a detective game is another experience: you imagine yourself in the shoes of a famous investigator.
From bloodstained crime scenes to dark conspiracies, the top detective games on PC draw you into worlds where clues are crucial and choices have consequences. Point-and-click classics or action-mystery hybrids: the top detective games on PC challenge your deduction to the fullest.
'The Wolf Among Us:' A Noir Fairytale Thriller
The gritty realm of Fabletown is the backdrop for the crime drama "The Wolf Among Us" by Telltale Games, where you play as Bigby Wolf—yes, the Big Bad Wolf detective.
The game subverts classic fairy tales into a murder mystery thriller. With a decapitated head on your doorstep and a cast of dubious suspects ranging from Snow White to Mr. Toad, the game compels you to make significant decisions that determine the narrative.
Although it doesn't emphasize classic clue-seeking, its dialogue and consequence-focused approach provide an engaging mystery experience.
'Batman: Arkham Asylum:' Detective Mode Activated
Before Gotham became open-world, "Batman: Arkham Asylum" presented the World's Greatest Detective in a sealed-off madhouse filled with supervillains. Although fans adored its combat system, Detective Mode really brought out Batman's detective skills.
This game had you examining crime scenes, tracking blood splatters, and cracking codes with advanced equipment—all within a well-written story. For players who crave brawn and brains, "Arkham Asylum" is still a gem in the genre.
'Grim Fandango:' A Classic Noir in the Land of the Dead
"Grim Fandango" crosses Aztec folklore with noir storytelling to become the most distinctive detective game ever created. You'll be Manny Calavera, a bony travel agent solving corruption in the Department of Death.
Its point-and-click, well-crafted puzzles and iconic cast render this dark humor a detective work of art. A new destination, mystery, and more far-reaching conspiracy per act are unfolded.
'Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments:' Be the Genius
No PC detective game list would be complete without the world's greatest sleuth. Frogwares' "Crimes and Punishments" allows you to investigate crime scenes, question suspects, and reconstruct clues on a detailed deduction board.
What sets it apart is the liberty to accuse any number of suspects based on your findings, wrong or right. Each choice feels like a roll of the dice, which makes it ideal for those who desire to challenge their detective skills.
'Discworld Noir:' A Gem for Hardcore Sleuths
"Discworld Noir" turns Terry Pratchett's humorous universe into a dark mystery with werewolves, jazz clubs, and government corruption. You're Lewton, a tough-guy PI on the case to unravel a murder that leads down a much more sinister path.
With a notebook mechanic to follow leads and untangle threads, it's a satisfying experience for those who enjoy assembling stories piece by piece. While it's a struggle to get going today, it's a real gem for any detective game enthusiast.
