Image via Complex Original
Solving crime just isn't everyone's forte.
It takes a special kind of person to be able to make the kinds of brilliant deductions you see in narratives that follow the greats of the investigative world. Some games, however, let you pretend as though you do, and they should be lauded for it.
We're talking about crime-solving adventures. Whether you're a lawyer, a detective, or a student looking to get to the bottom of some crazy happenings, these games hit all the high points of the career. Check 'em out for some high-octane thrills.
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Hotel Dusk: Room 215
This love letter to noir film is an interesting specimen, and a game that simply doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
The style of ex-police detective Kyle Hyde is one that keeps you playing to the end, especially when you learn about Room 215's "real" implications: it can supposedly grant wishes. Who wouldn't want to get all up in that?
Sam and Max Hit the Road
The Freelance Police appear in several fantastic point and click adventures, but there's nothing better than the original.
This motley crew of a detective team has amassed a massive following over the years, even branching out into the world of cartoons and machinima. The iconic dog and rabbit pair are a strange pair, but investigating with them, as LucasArts fans can attest to, one of the defining moments of the golden years of adventure games.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Oh, the cases you will investigate! The Phoenix Wright series (and all of the spinoffs) make for some truly engaging games, serving up some hilarious dialogue, analytical situations, and goings-on that are just realistic enough to make you feel as though you're truly a defense attorney. You just don't want to head up against Edgeworth in real life, though.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
This fan-favorite from Capcom centers on protagonist Sissel and his struggle to find out who he was before he was murdered.
It's a tale with plenty of twists and turns, just like a great movie, and before you know it you'll be completely absorbed within its confines. Plus, adorable dogs! Excellent writing! Need we say more? Oh, wait -- it's from the creator of the Ace Attorney series. Done.
Danganronpa
Danganronpa is an excellent visual mystery novel that's making its way Stateside next year, but you can check it out now if you're crafty.
Every scene, every backing track, and every crazy moment is translated for hungry English-speaking fans without an official translation. It's a deliciously creepy ride, and by the end of it you'll be hungry for more. Danganronpa is, for lack of a better description, Persona + Phoenix Wright + Battle Royale mixed thoroughly in a blender and sprinkled with guro for good measure. It's fantastic, addictive, and should absolutely be on your radar.
L.A. Noire
If we were alive to see the events that unfold within the L.A.P.D. in L.A. Noire, we'd want to be paired up with Cole Phelps.
The title managed to be one of the most engrossing crime dramas we've seen. A far cry from his snarky, bumbling Mad Men role, Phelps is nearly the picture of a "hero" -- you know, if you excuse all of his indiscretions. The banter and the rampant self-loathing surrounding Phelps and most of his partners is both hilarious and sometimes distressing, but it makes for some entertaining situations, except for that one guy, that one time...we know he can't be trusted.
The Arson desk isn't particularly interesting, but it's a strong game through and through.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Amnesia may not be first on your list when you rattle off detective games, but hear us out.
Aside from being a collection of one chilling encounter after another, Amnesia is an investigative adventure that's definitely worth your time. What's going on with the mysterious Orb and Alexander of Brennenburg? Daniel's story is a slow burn, but you owe it to yourself to get to the bottom of things.
Deadly Premonition
While Deadly Premonition is, by all definitions of the word, a wreck, it's compelling in ways that even triple-A games haven't yet matched completely.
It takes you to a dark place and never comforts you with familiar rules and regulations. It's obtuse, frustrating, and weird. And once you've set foot into the world of Greenvale, you may never come back again. Isn't that right, Zack?
Heavy Rain
Though it became the butt of many jokes after its release due to some bizarre moments in voice acting and some truly strange gameplay mechanics, you can't deny the allure of Heavy Rain as a detective story.
Especially with its dynamic endings and the changes made to the narrative by the player. Who is the Origami Killer? It could even be you. Now that's a crime that'd be tough to solve.
Alan Wake
One of the sleeper hits of its release year, Alan Wake was a suspenseful thrill ride that wasn't so much a detective story as a survival horror trip, but unraveling the mysteries was sure part of the fun. Also, destroying baddies with flares and flashlights was pretty fun too. We recommend Alan Wake to scratch that distinct Twin Peaks-esque itch, especially if you want to know what really happened to Alan's wife.