From solving puzzles to investigating crimes, these new mystery games offer an intriguing adventure with an immersive environment and unexpected twists. If you enjoy diving into mysterious adventures, you should check out this list and discover some recently released games that are worth trying.

1. Sherlock Holmes The Awakened

Whenever we talk about the detective genre, we always mention the name of the most famous investigator of all time. The entire collection of games featuring Sherlock Holmes deserves your attention, especially the recent remake of a classic title. With a completely rewritten script, modernized gameplay, and enhanced graphics, The Awakened takes us on a sinister journey to uncover the secret behind a series of disturbing disappearances.

With a fairly rich Lovecraftian vibe, this installment continues from the previous opus, Sherlock Holmes Chapter One. The game offers a captivating yet terrifying adventure, plunging us straight into the core of the Cthulhu Mythos. For the first time, the world’s most talented detective is facing a case that defies his logic. How can the rational mind solve a paranormal phenomenon? It’s for you to find it out.

2. DREDGE

Designed as a fishing simulator, Dredge goes beyond the genre and offers much more than that. We take on the role of a fisherman as he sails through an archipelago in search of a catch, only to find himself surrounded by Lovecraftian-inspired creatures. The game can be very chill when you’re out fishing during the day, but it quickly becomes grim and frightening as soon as the sun goes down.

You’ll have the chance to explore several islands, and each one of them has something new to see. As you progress through the story, you’ll uncover the secrets of your surroundings… but at the price of sinking into the depths of the sea and facing horrifying events. With its atmospheric music and stunning visuals, Dredge will certainly impress you.

3. FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse

If you like survival horror games, you’re probably familiar with the Fatal Frame series. It’s known for its exceptional atmosphere, creepy ambiance, and immersive story. But even if you are new to the saga, you may find it interesting to discover Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, a remake of an eponymous title. The story takes place on a remote island where several violent events took place. The main one concerns the kidnapping of five young girls who were rescued but later had to face their fate in this dark place.

You’ll navigate through abandoned buildings with the help of an old camera that can ward off ghosts and protect you from Rogetsu Island’s most terrifying dangers. By reading articles, exploring the environment, and encountering gruesome anomalies, you’ll uncover the truth about the girl’s abduction. Made with great respect for Japanese horrors, Mask of the Lunar Eclipse offers an intense and unforgettable journey.

4. Shadows of Doubt

This early access title has truly exceeded all expectations. Set in an alternate reality, Shadows of Doubt puts you in the shoes of an investigator who must solve a series of murders the way you want to. You’re free to explore the world, collect evidence, break into houses, and interrogate citizens. The whole environment is full of clues; you only need to observe your surroundings better to gather enough proof and unmask the serial killer.

Thanks to procedural generation, this game features excellent replayability for those who like to take on new challenges. The fascinating art style makes you forget time as you search for leads. Although it has a few bugs, Shadows of Doubt could become a veritable quintessence of the detective genre with a few updates and more content. If you like solving crimes, this is a good pick for you.

5. Tails: The Backbone Preludes

A prequel to the narrative game Backbone with a noir style, this title takes us years before its events to shed further light on the plot and characters we’ve seen. Although slightly shorter than its predecessor, it offers more paths and choices throughout the story. Out of that, Tails: The Backbone Preludes has been greatly improved in terms of gameplay and dialogues.

The music, the images, the story – everything about this game is captivating. The developers acknowledged the community’s feedback and made a few changes where they were needed. While the original game was rather linear, Tails now features more conversation phrases and a few puzzles here and there. Moreover, the decisions you make will greatly influence the outcome, thus increasing the importance of your actions. Even though the game is quite short, it’s well worth replaying to make other choices and deal with the inevitable consequences.

Conclusion

These new mystery games are engaging, and they leave us with a strong impression after we’ve finished the story. The titles mentioned above are just a few of those released this year, but the genre will soon be enriched by many more breathtaking games. Try them out for yourself and test your ability to be an investigator, or simply a traveler embarking on a new adventure.