9 BEST DETECTIVE GAMES

It's a renaissance for investigation games, and we're on the case

- By Abbie Stone

The Séance of Blake Manor

Mansion mischief

You've been summoned to Blake Manor to investigate the disappearance of Evelyn Deane. Could something sinister be afoot? Well, on my first morning of investigating I met two people who were planning on killing her before I'd barely even had breakfast, so let's call that a 'yes'.

Blake Manor is crammed with suspicious guests who are a delight to irritate. Break into their rooms, rifle through their belongings, then innocently ask why they keep a half-empty vial of poison on the table. Impeccable presentation perhaps disguises that this is more of a traditional point-and-click than it initially seems. But what kind of detective can't appreciate a disguise?

Strange Antiquities

Forbidden knowledge

Customers come into your horrible little shop with queries like "my neighbour forgot my birthday, got any cursed talismans that'll ruin her life?" or "I'd like a Munted Leg please! No, I don't care to offer any details as to what that is". You then use your almost-helpful books, along with your senses of sight, touch, smell, and general vibes, to deduce which antiquity they want. And hand it over to a clearly dangerous individual instead of calling the police.

This game is packed with puzzles, like a macabre remake of Professor Layton and the Curious Village, if the professor decided to drown Luke in goat's blood to make a nifty totem. Very satisfying to chip away at, even if with each new sale you suspect you're probably making the world worse. Ah, I'm sure that curse isn't that bad anyway. Well, maybe.

Asbury Pines

All hail sloth!