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detective work

I'm obsessed with detective games, and I think these 9 prove that 2025 was the best year for the genre ever
AppWizard
December 28, 2025

I’m obsessed with detective games, and I think these 9 prove that 2025 was the best year for the genre ever

Players investigate a tech startup CEO's murder by identifying employees and their details, using evidence in an office setting. Another game involves resource management where players uncover a murder mystery while engaging townsfolk in quirky tasks. A sequel features players in a shop solving puzzles related to bizarre customer requests. Posh Cat Studio shifted from murder mysteries to lighter detective scenarios like finding a lost cat. Inkle's sequel to Overboard! has players clear a protagonist's name amidst schoolyard mysteries. At Blake Manor, players investigate the disappearance of Evelyn Deane among suspicious guests. A game about the Roottree sisters requires players to build a family tree using early internet tools. A free game on itch.io challenges players to unlock a detective's hard drive to solve a murder.
The Séance of Blake Manor review
AppWizard
November 5, 2025

The Séance of Blake Manor review

The Seance of Blake Manor is a mystery game set to release on October 27, 2025, priced at £17. Developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Raw Fury, the game involves investigating the disappearance of Evelyn Deane within Blake Manor, where players interact with over 20 characters, each with unique backstories. Gameplay includes listening at doors, using stolen keys, and piecing together clues from various sources. The narrative features themes of blackmail, revenge, and addiction, with a user-friendly interface that aids in investigation. The art direction employs flat colors and bold outlines, creating an unsettling atmosphere enhanced by supernatural elements. The game offers an 18-hour experience with multiple endings, encouraging replayability and exploration.
One of my most-anticipated FPS games just got hit with a delay, so it looks like blasting bad guys as Mickey Mouse will have to wait
AppWizard
October 22, 2025

One of my most-anticipated FPS games just got hit with a delay, so it looks like blasting bad guys as Mickey Mouse will have to wait

Mouse PI For Hire, a first-person shooter by Fumi Games, is set to be released in early 2026, delayed from its original 2025 date. Players will assume the role of Jack Pepper, a detective in the city of Mouseburg, combining action and detective work. The game features voice actor Troy Baker and emphasizes both combat and investigative mechanics.
"Ambitious as f**k" Warhammer 40k RPG is the first real Baldur's Gate 3 challenger I've seen
AppWizard
September 24, 2025

“Ambitious as f**k” Warhammer 40k RPG is the first real Baldur’s Gate 3 challenger I’ve seen

The author began exploring the occult through the book "A Very Short Introduction to The Devil" and has since engaged with various tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) that examine morality and power, such as "Vampire: The Masquerade," "Call of Cthulhu," and "Candela Obscura." The universe of "Warhammer 40k" presents a complex moral landscape where heroism and villainy are blurred, and players are encouraged to embrace darker impulses. The upcoming game "Warhammer 40k: Dark Heresy" focuses on the role of an Inquisitor executing the Emperor's will, emphasizing a binary moral framework. Executive producer Anatoly Shestov explains that the narrative challenges players to define good and evil for themselves. "Dark Heresy" distinguishes itself with an emphasis on detective work, allowing players to gather clues and compile reports while also incorporating combat mechanics similar to its predecessor, "Rogue Trader." The game features a turn-based combat system with a Fallout-esque targeting system and dynamic combat scenarios that encourage strategic thinking. Shestov describes "Dark Heresy" as a culmination of Owlcat's creativity, offering a larger and more intricate experience than "Rogue Trader."
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
September 21, 2025

Shadows of Doubt’s hilarious new modifiers let you play as a wall-crawling rat detective and evade a killer snail

ColePowered Games has released updates for the detective simulator Shadows of Doubt, introducing new gameplay features and modifiers. Players can now take on the role of a detective who is a rat, and there is an "immortal snail" mode where the detective is invulnerable except for interactions with a snail. Other modifiers include Ironman Mode, House Arrest Scenario, Gambling Debt Option, and Film Noir Toggle, which can be combined for varied gameplay. The update also addresses bugs and mechanical issues, such as implementing a cooldown timer for muggers and ensuring loan sharks confront players over debts. Previous quality-of-life improvements were made in April and June.
This occult detective game is a perfect sequel that sent my witchy heart aflutter
AppWizard
September 20, 2025

This occult detective game is a perfect sequel that sent my witchy heart aflutter

Strange Antiquities is the sequel to Bad Viking's puzzle game, Strange Horticulture, and offers a more comprehensive experience with an expanded map and enhanced gameplay elements. The game introduces a substantial index filled with scientific terminology and specialized books, requiring players to actively seek clues and identify items. The detective aspect is amplified, as players must navigate back and forth to uncover information without always being given item names. The co-founders of Bad Viking, John and Rob Donkin, decided to create a sequel due to player demand and aimed to build upon the original's success while introducing more depth and detective elements. Strange Antiquities is available on Steam.
Microsoft said these 400 readers couldn't upgrade to Windows 11. They did it anyway
Winsage
September 11, 2025

Microsoft said these 400 readers couldn’t upgrade to Windows 11. They did it anyway

Microsoft is urging users with PCs older than five years to upgrade to Windows 11 as support for Windows 10 nears its end. Despite this, nearly 400 users have successfully upgraded incompatible Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11 using two methods: a registry edit for PCs with unsupported CPUs and the Rufus utility for creating custom installation media. User feedback indicates that the upgrade process is accessible, with many expressing gratitude for the guidance provided. Most issues encountered during the upgrade were minor and easily resolved, with users confirming that PCs upgraded through these methods continue to receive security updates. Concerns about Microsoft's strict compatibility checks have led to speculation about the reasons behind them, with some users questioning the clarity of the company's communication regarding security and reliability.
One of the best detective games of the decade is free to keep on Epic this week
AppWizard
August 24, 2025

One of the best detective games of the decade is free to keep on Epic this week

Strange Horticulture, a narrative puzzler blending plant care with detective work, is available for free on the Epic Games Store this week. Released in 2022, players take on the role of a plant shop owner in the alternate-history town of Undermere. The game involves identifying plants based on vague customer requests, using a magnifying glass and a horticultural textbook. It has received praise for its engaging mechanics and multiple endings. The game was created by John and Rob Donkin, inspired by a botanical text titled Breverton's Complete Herbal. Players can access the game for free until August 28, and a sequel, Strange Antiquities, is set to release in September.
Persona 4 Remake will use Denuvo on PC
AppWizard
July 17, 2025

Persona 4 Remake will use Denuvo on PC

SEGA and Atlus have announced the Steam store page for the remake of the RPG, Persona 4 Revival, which will include Denuvo anti-piracy technology for the PC version. The game features a narrative about mysterious murders in Inaba, blending detective work with self-discovery and personal relationships. It includes improved graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics, allowing players to attend Yasogami High School, engage in various activities, and take on part-time jobs. Combat utilizes a turn-based system against Shadows, focusing on exploiting enemy weaknesses and using unique Personas. An official release date and PC system requirements have not yet been announced.
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