Written by Edge Akademi on June 29, 2024

Best Mystery Novels That Were Turned Into Video Games

Mystery novels have captivated readers for centuries, offering thrilling plots, complex characters, and a sense of suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With their intricate storylines and enigmatic plots, it’s no wonder that many of these novels have been adapted into video games, allowing fans to dive even deeper into the world of mystery-solving. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best mystery novels that were turned into video games, and how these adaptations maintain the essence of the original works while offering interactive gameplay.

1. Sherlock Holmes Series – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

One of the most iconic detective characters in literary history, Sherlock Holmes, has been featured in numerous video game adaptations. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective first appeared in A Study in Scarlet in 1887, and since then, he has been the subject of countless novels, short stories, films, and games.

The Sherlock Holmes video game series, developed by Frogwares, allows players to step into the shoes of the famous detective, solving intricate mysteries in Victorian London. The series includes games like Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2007), Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper (2008), and Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments (2014). These games combine traditional detective work with engaging puzzle-solving mechanics and immersive storylines.

The charm of the Sherlock Holmes games lies in their ability to capture the intellect and reasoning behind Holmes’ deductive methods. Players must gather clues, interrogate witnesses, and make logical connections to solve each case. The interactive nature of the games allows players to experience the detective’s process in a way that reading a book never can. For more information on Sherlock Holmes’ legacy, check out his entry on Wikipedia.

2. The Agatha Christie Series

Agatha Christie is one of the most famous authors in the mystery genre, with works such as Murder on the Orient Express, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, and And Then There Were None. Christie’s complex plots and rich characters have provided endless inspiration for video games.

The Agatha Christie: Murder on the Orient Express (2006) is a notable game based on one of her most famous novels. Developed by AWE Games, it invites players to take on the role of either Hercule Poirot, Christie’s iconic Belgian detective, or one of the other characters on the train. Players must navigate through the story, interact with suspects, and gather clues to solve the murder. The game stays true to the spirit of Christie’s writing, balancing puzzle-solving with character interaction and investigation.

Additionally, Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None (2009) takes the player through a thrilling murder mystery set on a secluded island. The game focuses on the story’s suspense and elements of paranoia, making it an engaging adaptation for fans of the novel and mystery games in general. Did you like the article? Read also about ‘The Lord of the Rings’.

3. The Last Express – Jordan Mechner

While not based on a specific novel, The Last Express (1997) is heavily influenced by the narrative-driven mystery genre and draws inspiration from the works of Agatha Christie and other classic mystery writers. The game, designed by Jordan Mechner (the creator of Prince of Persia), is set aboard the luxurious Orient Express train in 1914. The story follows a character named Robert Cath, who finds himself caught in a web of murder, political intrigue, and deception.

What makes The Last Express unique is its real-time gameplay, where every passenger on the train moves around and interacts with each other independently of the player’s actions. The game’s structure encourages players to explore, observe, and listen to conversations to piece together the mystery. This immersive approach gives the player the sensation of being inside a living, breathing world that constantly shifts as the story unfolds.

While the game is not directly adapted from a particular novel, its atmosphere and themes strongly resemble the works of Agatha Christie. It is often praised for its narrative depth and attention to historical detail.

4. L.A. Noire – Rockstar Games

Although not based on a specific mystery novel, L.A. Noire (2011) is an interactive crime drama that draws heavily on the hard-boiled detective fiction genre, which includes the works of authors like Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. Set in post-World War II Los Angeles, L.A. Noire follows Cole Phelps, a police detective, as he solves a series of complex crimes, including murder, arson, and corruption.

The game stands out for its innovative facial animation technology, which allows players to read suspects’ facial expressions to determine if they’re telling the truth or lying. The game’s narrative structure is divided into cases, much like a mystery novel, and the player must gather clues, question witnesses, and connect the dots to solve each crime.

With its dark, gritty atmosphere and compelling storylines, L.A. Noire offers a gameplay experience that feels like a living mystery novel. The game captures the essence of detective fiction while adding interactive elements that put the player at the heart of the investigation.

5. The Wolf Among Us – Telltale Games

Telltale Games’ The Wolf Among Us (2013) is based on the Fables comic book series by Bill Willingham, which is deeply rooted in mystery and noir storytelling. The game centers around Bigby Wolf (the Big Bad Wolf), who is now the sheriff of Fabletown, a hidden community of fairytale characters living in New York City. The plot revolves around solving the murder of a mysterious woman who turns out to be a fable from the community.

While The Wolf Among Us is not a direct adaptation of a traditional mystery novel, its narrative structure, themes, and atmosphere owe much to the mystery genre, particularly the gritty noir detective stories. Players must investigate crime scenes, question suspects, and make critical choices that affect the outcome of the story.

The game’s unique blend of fairytale elements and noir mystery offers a refreshing take on the genre and is highly recommended for fans of narrative-driven mystery games.

The intersection of literature and gaming has created some of the most memorable interactive experiences, particularly in the mystery genre. Whether based on iconic detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot or inspired by hard-boiled crime fiction, these games offer players a chance to immerse themselves in the world of crime-solving and suspense. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more mystery novels to be adapted into video games, bringing thrilling stories to life in new and exciting ways.