I’ve picked these three as the best examples of crime-solving games that are narrative based, solely driven by an unfolding story as you investigate the case. These games would be ideal for anyone looking for a juicy mystery game to get their teeth into!
Chosen for their substantial amount of gameplay, realistic storylines, satisfying conclusions, requiring thorough (even painstaking – for real dedicated detective fans – where you can really get your money’s worth!) sifting of clues and following up of leads.
If you prefer more puzzle-solving and less reading I’ve listed some great recommendations for games that really excel in driving you, as the detective through the case by cracking puzzles, ciphers and codes instead.
I have included below details of how these top 3 picks allow you to flex your sleuthing muscles with their game play, who would get the most enjoyment out of these narrative-based games and if they work as solo play games or better in a small group. As well as suggestions for alternatives for mystery-solvers who prefer puzzle-based detective games.
For more Sherlock Holmes games and solve-it-yourself interactive books, see my posts listed below.
What are Narrative Mystery-Solving Games?
The main attributes or game play mechanism of the narrative mystery-games are:
- You play the role of lead police detective, private investigator or amateur sleuth. It is your case so you choose the path of investigation.
- The game mechanism is focused on using narrative (also called paragraphs) to present the case to you and your fellow investigators; from the opening that details the crime, the victim(s) and the evidence collected so far. To how you then gather new evidence, find new leads to follow up and fill in the gaps in your knowledge of the crime. Once you are satisfied you have all the information you need, you can then make a deduction of who, what, how and why the crime was committed.
- You progress through the mystery-solving using maps, directories and your detailed notes. This means that these games will require a lot of reading, a keen eye for detail, attention to good note-taking and for you to set aside a decent amount of time to play them.
Further details of who would enjoy these games and alternative suggestions are included below.
Who would enjoy these games?
Narrative games are designed to immerse you into the world of the case using the skill of evocative story-telling, expressive dialogue, compelling characters – all in keeping with the themes and styles of the era the case is set in. As these stories are so immersive and as you need to choose your next move they could also be described as role-playing detective games. My chosen top 3 (as detailed and reviewed below) are all interactive mystery games which really get you drawn into the role of the detective. Themes/settings include: 1. Noir / gumshoe style / 1940s LA, 2. Political scandal game set in modern-day America and 3. Sherlock Holmes / 1880s Victorian London.
All 3 of these games, from Victorian England to Modern America accurately utilise the police procedures of the era and location that they are set in. You and your friends or family will enjoy these long-form mystery-solving games over a few hours (whether in one sitting or over a few days) to do a deep-dive investigation – searching for clues, following leads and analysing evidence using the large amount of reading material.
Attention to detail is key
Plus you should also allow time for you, as a team to discuss and chew over what you have unearthed so far to decide on the next course of action. These games will also need you to make detailed notes as you play through the game and test how good you are at picking up even the slightest allusion to a clue. If these are game play elements that you enjoy then these narrative-led mysteries are the games for you!
You’ll also enjoy these games if you appreciate the journey, as well as getting to the right solution that is satifying and makes sense to the story and is in-keeping with the game itself.
Who to play with?
Suitable for teens and adults (ages 14+/16+). All 3 can be played solo but as these are substantial games with a lot of clues and evidence to sift through, you might enjoy them more playing with one or two players as a co-op. This will allow you to discuss the best clues and leads to follow and talk through each others theories. Plus different players may pick up on clues so you’re less likely to miss anything. This is a great way to share your love of mystery-solving with fellow fans of detective stories.
I’d say only serious crime buffs and mystery gamers will enjoy the length of time these games take. For anyone who prefers quick detective games, see my suggestions below.
The duration of 2-3 hours is just a guide as it depends on how deep/thoroughly you investigate all leads.
Alternatives for puzzle-solving fans
If you do want a mystery-solving game but prefer less reading, here are a few suggestions of the best detective games focused on puzzle-solving game play:
- New Cryptic Killers Game List, in Order.
- EXiT Escape Rooms – 6 Game Bundle.
- Top New Printable Escape Room Game Bundle.
- iDventure Detective Stories Series including New Games.
- Hunt a Killer Mystery Subscription Boxes on Amazon UK & US.
- All in One Hunt a Killer Games on Amazon.
- All of the Unsolved Case Files Games in Order.
A few other things to note
The first detective game recommedation is a book concerning one crime and at under £15 is great value for the amount of game time you will get out of it. Whilst games 2 and 3 are about the £40 price point but they have multiple cases to solve, so again I think they are great value for money given the amount of mystery-solving game play you will get out of it.
However if you feel these are a bit pricey because these are games you’ll likely only play once, you could aim to not mark the books or papers and keep the original packaging. Instead making notes on separate paper. Then you could pass the complete unmarked kit in the original box to friends or family who would also appreciate these big detective games. Or you could re-sell them second-hand if kept in good condition on marketplaces such as eBay. This is also a good place to find them for sale online at a discount.
Top 3 Narrative Detective Games
1. Lights… Camera… Murder!
From: Mysterious Package Company | Book Released: April 2023 | Age rating: 14+ | Format: Interactive Narrative-Based Detective Book | Setting: LA, 1947.
Plot: Movie star Clara Rose and her estranged husband Joe Fletcher are found shot to death on the dusty backlots of Orpheum Pictures. Classic murder-suicide? Hollywood rivalries that became too real? Mob debts unpaid? Or perhaps something far more sinister? As the Global Detective Agency’s newest recruit, it’s up to you to uncover the truth and find the killer. [Source: Amazon]
Review
A beautifully realised noir-inspired investigation game that will immerse you in the 1940s glamour of old Hollywood, whilst hinting at it’s seedy underbelly. Full of great characters with well-written murder mystery story, engaging dialogue and realistic character arcs. Evokes a real gumshoe feel, with game play in-keeping with the era and allows you a substantial interactive detective gaming experience for a great price!
For more details of this game: Lights… Camera… Murder! Top Narrative Gumshoe Style Game.
*Lights… Camera… Murder! solve-it-yourself murder mystery book is available from UK Amazon and US Amazon.
2. Detective: A Modern Crime New Board Game (2018)
By: Przemyslaw Rymer and Ignacy Trzewiczek | Publisher: Portal Games | Released: 2018 | Number of players: 1 to 5 | Age rating: 16+ | Format: Board Game please note Internet Access Required | Setting: Modern U.S.
Plot: The state department has asked Antares to investigate a potential scandal – they want to know whether a Nazi war criminal was hiding in the US after World War II. As you may imagine, that would be very unfortunate for political reasons.
Description: Detective cases are fictional stories set in the real world, so you will have access to any data found on the Internet. On the Antares Database, you can find information stored by the police, the FBI, the military, and federal intelligence agencies.
This is a game of wits and deduction, a full game night experience – a single game session can last up to 3 or more hours. It is also rules-light, meaning that the most powerful tool at your disposal is your team, your imagination, and your mind. [Source: Amazon]
Review
As the publisher describes this game, if you are looking for a modern detective simulator check out Detective: A Modern Crime New Board Game (2018). This board game uses modern tech including information and maps from the internet. Follow modern police procedural methods to solve a challenging series of linked cases.
For more details of this game: Detective: A Modern Crime New Board Game (2018 Edition). You might also enjoy (from the same publisher and using the same game mechanics) Vienna Connection and Detective: L.A. Crimes Expansion also available on Amazon.
*Detective: A Modern Crime New Board Game (2018) is available from UK Amazon and US Amazon.
3. SHCD4: The Baker Street Irregulars
From: Space Cowboys | Number of Players: 1 to 8 players | Age rating: 14+ | Format: Mystery-Solving Board Game | Released: 2020 | Setting: 1880 Victorian London.
Plot: In 1880, Sherlock Holmes appointed a group of street children as The Baker Street Irregulars, his unofficial “police force”. This is their story, and the story of a particular year that thrusts the Irregulars and the master detective into a series of challenging and dangerous events. [Source: Amazon]
Review
Using the original Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective game mechanic of maps, directories and newspaper clippings in a unique way that will immerse you in the evocative setting of this classic Victorian detective era. A new mechanism added to this edition of SHDC adds a further challenge to see how well you measure up against Sherlock’s crime-solving talents! Written by Dave Neale, a British Sherlock Holmes specialist.
For more details of this game: Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective 4: The Baker Street Irregulars. Plus check out my list of the other games in this fantastic board game series.
*Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective 4: The Baker Street Irregulars board game is available from UK Amazon and US Amazon.
More Sherlock Holmes Games
10 Top Sherlock Holmes Board Games & Escape Rooms.
221B Baker Street Board Game for 2 to 6 Players.
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective Games.
Top Sherlock Holmes Escape Room Puzzle Books.
Plus check out my latest Sherlock Holmes Games – News and Reviews.
More Solve it Yourself Mystery Books
True Crime Inspired Detective’s Puzzle Book by Hunt a Killer.
The Paper Labyrinth The Complete Edition Puzzle Books.
Escape from a Video Game – Book Series Order.
Pirates Escape Game – Activity Book for Kids.
Free Mystery eBooks to Download.
Five-Minute Mini-Mysteries Book PDF for Kids (Age: 10+).
Super Puzzletastic Mysteries for Young Sleuths (Age: 8-12).
Outdoor Mindfulness Scavenger Hunt for Kids (Age: 3+).
Solve-It-Yourself Mystery Books for Adults: The Ripper Case Files.
Also check out my latest Solve-it-Yourself Mystery Books – News and Reviews.
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