Highlights

  • Games like Danganronpa, AI: The Somnium Files, and Pentiment offer similar crime-solving and detective experiences to L.A. Noire.
  • The Sherlock Holmes game series, including Sherlock Holmes Chapter One, provides a captivating and immersive detective experience.
  • Heavy Rain and Disco Elysium offer complex narratives and decision-making gameplay, appealing to fans of L.A. Noire's storytelling style.

The brilliant world of L.A. Noire shaped an entire generation of gamers all around the world. The graphics and design efforts that went into creating the facial movements of characters alone were revolutionary for its time. But as many years have gone by since its release, games have gotten more and more evolved throughout the years.

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While nothing can bring back the feeling of playing with the good old L.A. Noire, some games get considerably close to it. Games that involve making choices that revolve around crimes and detective work are highly sought-after, and fans everywhere are trying to find the next best thing. Thankfully, there are many games like L.A. Noire for those missing the murder, arson, scotch, and crime-filled fifties.

Updated on January 25, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: A game that had a troubled development process, it's a testament to L.A. Noire's technical prowess that fans still had a great time with this incredible game. Cole Phelps is a great protagonist and plays a central role across the game's many mysteries and cases. Solving every case makes for a great time, with cinematic action sequences and an immersive open-world making it clear why most people would want to check out more titles in the same vein.

16 Judgment

An RGG Game With Detective Elements

judgment ps4, Takayuki Yagam
Judgment

Platform(s)
PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Stadia
Released
June 25, 2019
Developer(s)
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Genre(s)
Action RPG

A spinoff of the Yakuza series with a new protagonist at the helm, players control a detective named Takayuki Yagami who's hot on the heels of a serial killer. The investigation sections can be slightly rough at times but still do a great job of letting players solve cases and follow up on leads.

Of course, the best parts of this game are the high-budget cutscenes and a combat system that's as engaging and fast-paced as it gets. Judgment is a perfect recommendation for fans of L.A. Noire who want to check out a game with better and more engaging hand-to-hand combat.

15 Mafia 2

A Story-Driven Action Game Documenting The Journey Of A Mafioso In America During The Throes Of The World War

scaletta pointing a gun
Mafia 2

Platform(s)
PS3 , Xbox 360 , PC
Released
August 24, 2010
Developer(s)
2K Czech
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure

The Mafia trilogy features some of the best video games that fans can check out. The stories in all three games are a blast, with the second game a personal favorite for many fans who've been lucky enough to experience these masterful open-world games for themselves.

The story of Vito Scaletta who comes back from war to use his skills to become a high-ranking member of the Mafia makes for a great time. Mafia 2's open world may not be that reactive, but the vintage vibes that are rife throughout the game will make players reminisce about L.A. Noire in more ways than one, even if the game lacks any investigative elements.

14 The Danganronpa Series

Detective Work Combined With Intense Class Trials And Brief Moments Of Levity

the cast of danganronpa 1
DanganRonpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Platform(s)
PS4 , PSP , PS Vita , Xbox One , Switch , PC , Android , iOS
Released
November 25, 2010
Developer(s)
Spike
Genre(s)
Visual Novel , Adventure

Danganronpa is one of the weirdest and most entertaining mystery games that fans can check out if they love this genre. All three games focus on a bunch of high schoolers with ultimate talents who end up being trapped in a ruthless killing game that is about as twisted as most people would expect.

All three games in the series are pretty great in their own right, although the final title's ending elicited a ton of mixed reception from fans. Regardless, there's no denying that Danganronpa's cases are quite brilliant, with the Class Trials being some of the most engaging segments in these games.

13 AI: The Somnium Files

A Detective Game Based In A Futuristic Version Of Tokyo

AI: The Somnium Files
AI: The Somnium Files

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , PlayStation 4 , Microsoft Windows , PC
Released
July 25, 2019
Developer(s)
Spike Chunsoft
Genre(s)
Adventure , Puzzle

A unique detective game that focuses on a futuristic depiction of Tokyo, the concept present in AI: The Somnium Files is pretty intriguing indeed. This game boasts a wealth of interesting characters and features a unique mechanic where players enter the memories of certain PoIs to figure out the mystery behind a serial killer on the loose.

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The plot is one of this game's strongest points. AI: The Somnium Files may not be a game for everyone but it's still worth checking out for fans of unique mystery games that will keep them hooked from start to end.

12 Pentiment

A Unique Mystery Game Spanning Multiple Generations

Andreas finds yellow gentian in Pentiment
Pentiment

Released
November 15, 2022
Developer(s)
Obsidian Entertainment
Genre(s)
Adventure

Pentiment is a unique mystery game that spans multiple generations and has multiple answers for its central mystery. While this approach was met with a divisive reception, there's no denying that Obsidian's attempt at such a unique title paid dividends in every way, with fans loving the central narrative and how it seamlessly connected several generations.

It helped that Pentiment's visual design was striking and brilliantly conveyed how times were changing, with each generation feeling quite distinct and memorable. Fans of mystery games who want to experience something new and exciting can't go wrong with this excellent title that more people should check out for themselves.

11 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy

Combines Investigative Work With Catharic Trials In Court

Phoenix Wright pointing to someone off-screen in the court room.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy

Platform(s)
Xbox One , PC , PS4 , Switch , Android , iOS
Released
February 7, 2012
Developer(s)
Capcom
Genre(s)
Visual Novel , Mystery

Phoenix Wright is one of the most likable characters in video game history, with no one even imagining that the act of being a lawyer and unraveling a case could be so engaging. Of course, while the series doesn't portray an accurate depiction of this job, most people don't care because of how entertaining each case is in Ace Attorney.

The trilogy compiles these three legendary games, allowing players to experience the magic of the series with updated visuals as they unravel each case and figure out the true culprit in scintillating court battles. The investigation segments are also pretty riveting, especially with the many unique minigames added to the mix that keep things interesting.

10 The Wolf Among Us

Control Fabletown's Sheriff In A Bid To Solve A Dark Mystery

Bigby Wolf stands in a air, fixing a character off screen with a look of suspicion.
The Wolf Among Us

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , PS Vita , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , PC , Android , iOS
Released
October 14, 2013
Developer(s)
Telltale Games
Genre(s)
Adventure

Given that The Wolf Among Us is a Telltale game, most people shouldn't expect the investigation segments to be too challenging. Players are gently led through each sequence, and it's pretty obvious what players need to interact with to push the story forward. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing — what The Wolf Among Us lacks in detective work is more than made up for with its gritty aesthetic, engrossing narrative, and a great setting that brings characters from regular fairytales into the real world.

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The story of Bigby as he uncovers a chilling mystery that threatens to rock Fabletown to its very core makes for a great time in every way. Many fans are thrilled that a sequel is finally coming out for this noir mystery, with the problems that Telltale faced making fans worry if the story would end on a tantalizing cliffhanger. Thankfully, this wasn't the case, and finally, getting a satisfying conclusion to this story will make this wait pretty worthwhile.

9 Max Payne

A Neo-Noir Action-Adventure With A Hard-Broiled Detective At The Helm

Max Payne aiming a handgun
Max Payne

Released
July 23, 2001
Developer(s)
Remedy Entertainment
Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter

Although Max Payne has culminated in an action-packed finale, the original games were pretty dark and L.A Noire-like in terms of their narrative. Players were able to explore Max's damaged psyche while simultaneously dealing with criminals and other semi-supernatural and psychological dangers.

The real bread-and-butter for the Max Payne games is the inclusion of "Bullet Time," which slows down projectiles and allows Max to expertly dodge on the battlefield. That said, the story for Max Payne is quite engaging and dark, making it the perfect subject material for those craving something else story-driven.

8 The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter

Uncover A Mystery In A Haunting Game About The Carter Family

a picturesque house in the mountains in the Vanishing Of Ethan Carter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC
Released
September 26, 2014
Developer(s)
The Astronauts
Genre(s)
Adventure

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a 2014 horror-adventure video game developed by The Astronauts. The game starts by stating it will not be holding the player's hand; therefore, everything, including the mechanics, has to be explored while playing the game.

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The Vanishing of Ethan Carter takes place in an open-world environment, where players have to solve the deaths in the Carter family to piece together the story. The character is also equipped with paranormal abilities, allowing him to recreate events (much like what is seen in Detroit: Becoming Human). The game also features some side-quest-like additional stories players can uncover on the way.

7 Mafia: Definitive Edition

An Intriguing Story-Driven Game Featuring The Mafia, Set In America's Past

Mafia: Definitive Edition
Mafia: Definitive Edition

Platform(s)
PC , Xbox One , PS4
Released
September 25, 2020
Developer(s)
Hangar 13
Genre(s)
Action , RPG , Adventure

Although it's a bit earlier than L.A. Noire in terms of the time period, Mafia: Definitive Edition is perhaps one of the closest games to the detective title in terms of "look and feel." Featuring the same open-world explorative style, as well as a crime-ridden cityscape, Mafia is a blast for players who are seeking a similar aesthetic.

An "old-school Grand Theft Auto," Mafia puts players on the other side of the fence, giving them the means to experience life as a criminal rather than a detective looking to clean up the streets. The Definitive Edition is a remake of the original and brings Mafia into the new age with beautifully updated graphics and gameplay.

6 Murdered: Soul Suspect

A Fun Detective Game With An Interesting Protagonist

Murdered: Soul Suspect
Murdered: Soul Suspect

Platform(s)
PC , PS3 , PS4 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One
Released
June 3, 2014
Developer(s)
Airtight Games
Genre(s)
Action-Adventure

Murdered: Soul Suspect surprisingly flew under the radar when it was released back in 2014. The game features a stubborn criminal-turned-detective in a dark and spooky town, and right at the beginning of the story, this faulty protagonist is shot and killed.

The story continues to follow the ghostly protagonist trying to solve his murder. While the storyline is a bit scattered, the destination is worth it, as players can't wait to get answers to all their questions. Overall, the game is a great experience for detective noir fans, and the story is well put together.

5 Sherlock Holmes Chapter One

Control The Famous Detective Sherlock Holmes In A Fun Detective Adventure

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
November 16, 2021
Developer(s)
Frogwares
Genre(s)
Action-Adventure

When trying to find the best detective game out there, one name comes to mind: Sherlock Holmes. And there's bound to be at least one Holmes game that encapsulates the meaning of being a good detective solving seemingly unsolvable crimes. So after sailing through the L.A. Noire cases with 5 stars and binge-watching Sherlock on Netflix, hop on over to the Sherlock Holmes game franchise.

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The Sherlock Holmes game series developed by Frogwares consists of 12 games in total, one of which was released in November of 2021. While it's an incredible journey going through all of the classically-inspired Sherlock Holmes games, Chapter One is unique, as it's the first in the series to be self-published by Frogwares. It's also the first open-world game in the franchise, exploring the "origin story" of Sherlock Holmes as he investigates a mystery in his family's home.

4 Detroit: Become Human

Involves Detective Work Carried Out By An Android In An Intriguing Narrative About What It Means To Be Human

Detroit: Becoming Human
Detroit: Become Human

Platform(s)
PS4 , PC
Released
May 25, 2018
Developer(s)
Quantic Dream
Genre(s)
Adventure

Detroit: Become Human is a highly complex game with underlying political, social, and even psychological elements embracing the incredibly well-written storyline. The reason it can be recommended for L.A. Noire fans is the crime aspect of the storyline. Like the hero of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, the detective in Detroit can also recreate events, helping him solve crimes.

Spiced with amazing gameplay and plot, this is a perfect game for L.A. Noire fans who are craving more content and a mind-blowing experience. The game runs on three storylines, each of them representing a different side of the story. One of these is played as a detective solving a series of crimes in exciting ways.

3 Backbone

A Great Detective Game Where The Protagonist's Past Is Also A Mystery

Backbone
Backbone

Platform(s)
PlayStation 5 , Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , Microsoft Windows , macOS , Linux
Released
April 24, 2019
Developer(s)
EggNut
Genre(s)
Adventure , Indie Games

Backbone is an homage to games like L.A. Noire and Disco Elysium. Ever since the first trailer for the game launched, fans of the games mentioned earlier have been eagerly waiting for the chance to experience this unique world firsthand. Just like the most successful detective game, Backbone features a less-than-perfect, broken protagonist.

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The game kickstarts with a murder, a mystery to be solved, and throughout the gameplay, players must also recover the protagonist's past and other side stories in dystopian Vancouver. The gameplay is smooth, the plot is incredibly well-written, and the characters are very colorful. For fans of L.A. Noire, possibly the best game to dive into.

2 Heavy Rain

A Thrilling Mystery Game Where Players Move Heaven And Earth To Find And Save Shaun

Heavy Rain
Heavy Rain

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , PC
Released
February 23, 2010
Developer(s)
Quantic Dream
Publisher(s)
Sony , Quantic Dream
Genre(s)
Adventure

Heavy Rain is an interactive drama-action game in which players control four different characters. Much like Detroit: Becoming Human, it revolves around a branching storyline in which each character may die depending on the player's decision-making.

The script is incredibly well-written, and the plot is super satisfying. It's also one of the few games in which the player's decisions matter in the bigger picture. The gameplay is smooth and somewhat challenging (in the best way possible), and the underlying story of the serial murderer called the "Origami Killer" is very enticing.

1 Disco Elysium

One Of The Best Fusions Of A Detective Game And The CRPG Genre

Disco Elysium cover art cropped
Disco Elysium

Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Stadia
Released
October 15, 2019
Developer(s)
ZA/UM
Genre(s)
RPG

The almost too-realistic nature of human nature shines through in this dark, somewhat abstract game. In a world where people must be careful how they balance their job, their lives, and even various drugs on the market, Disco Elysium paints a realistic picture of a faulty hero, much like the fan-favorite detective in Detroit: Becoming Human.

The game follows a tragic protagonist, a drunk and seemingly pathetic detective. Players gain a deeper connection with the anti-hero of the plot by navigating through the harsh environment of the game. Since its release in 2019, Disco Elysium has become a great hit. Fans praise the game for its beautiful soundtrack, innovative gameplay, and amazing storyline.

LA NOIRE
LA Noire

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , Switch , PC
Released
May 17, 2011
Developer(s)
Team Bondi
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure