Games like Murders on the Yangtze River

A horizontal detective game with a brush painting art style. Players use logical reasoning to investigate crime scenes and interrogate suspects to solve mysteries.

96% positive from 1,055 · 2024 · Steam Deck Playable · $14.99 $8.99 -40% · Lowest ever $8.99 (2026-06-10)

DetectiveAdventurePuzzle Story RichIndieExploration

Six games like Murders on the Yangtze River

The Painscreek Killings

91% positive from 6,156 reviews2017Deck Playable

This is a story-rich, first-person investigation game. Players explore a semi-open world, collecting clues and solving logical puzzles to uncover a murder mystery.

What players likedPlayers praise this challenging, open-world detective game for its immersive, unguided investigation and gripping story, feeling like a real murder mystery.

The catchNot a deduction game; mostly hunting keys and notes

Both are tagged Detective, Exploration and Story Rich.

Games like The Painscreek Killings →

Tangle Tower

95% positive from 3,117 reviews201959% finish itDeck Verified

A narrative adventure game with point-and-click investigation, clue gathering, and dialogue puzzles. It features a fully voiced cast and atmospheric, hand-painted environments.

What players likedPlayers praise Tangle Tower as an engaging, fully-voiced point-and-click detective game with beautiful art, reminiscent of Professor Layton.

The catchEnding and plot resolution fall flat

Both are tagged Detective, Exploration and Story Rich.

Games like Tangle Tower →

Paradise Killer

93% positive from 4,458 reviews202021% finish itDeck Verified

This is an open-world detective game where players investigate a murder on a surreal island. The core loop involves exploring, gathering evidence, and building a case to present in a trial.

What players likedPlayers praise Paradise Killer as a unique open-world detective game akin to Disco Elysium, Danganronpa, and Ace Attorney, for its deep lore and engaging mystery.

The catchMost of the time goes to aimless wandering and collecting, not actual deduction.

Both are tagged Detective, Exploration and Story Rich.

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Detective Grimoire

95% positive from 1,727 reviews2014

This is a point-and-click adventure game where players investigate a murder by exploring, gathering clues, and interrogating characters. Its core loop involves assembling thoughts to solve puzzles and uncover the swamp's secret.

What players likedPlayers praise its art style, full voice-over, and intriguing story, finding it a pleasant, easy point-and-click detective adventure.

The catchThe mystery and puzzles are far too easy for adults, and it is over in two hours.

Both are tagged Detective, Exploration and Puzzle.

Games like Detective Grimoire →

Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express

84% positive from 1,218 reviews202339% finish itDeck Playable

This is a modern detective adventure game where players solve a murder mystery on a train. It features two detectives and a focus on deduction and uncovering secrets.

What players likedPlayers praise its good balance of story, gameplay, voice acting, and puzzles, making it a polished and classic mystery experience.

The catchThe detective work is far too easy and the game holds your hand at every step.

Both are tagged Detective, Exploration and Puzzle.

Games like Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express →

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

97% positive from 2,128 reviews2023Deck Verified

A narrative puzzle adventure where you possess objects to alter events and solve your own murder. It features quirky humor and charming characters.

What players likedPlayers praise its unique mystery, engaging puzzles, and strong story with Ace Attorney vibes.

The catchFailing a puzzle means sitting through the same long dialogue and animations again.

Both are tagged Detective, Story Rich and Puzzle.

Games like Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective →

More like this: Story Rich Puzzle Exploration Detective

More about Murders on the Yangtze River

What players liked

Players praise this Ace Attorney-like detective game for its immersive mechanics, intricate historical narrative, and well-connected cases.

The catch

Deductions demand leaps of logic the evidence never actually supports.

Reviews: 96% positive from 1,055
Released: 2024
Steam Deck: Steam Deck Playable
Price: $14.99 $8.99 -40% · Lowest ever $8.99 (2026-06-10)
Play: Single-playerFull controller support

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 96% positive, but with 1,055 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View Murders on the Yangtze River on Steam

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