The mystery game genre has been experiencing something of a renaissance.Disco Elysiumreceived high praise from critics and won a number of awards in 2019, meanwhile developerSpike Chunsoftbecame one of the foremost names in the genre through itsDanganronpaandAI: The Somnium Filesseries. The real-world trend of escape rooms has migrated into video gaming with titles such asEscape Simulator, Escape Academy,and999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors.This year looks to continue the trend with multiple new mystery games and remakes of existing titles.
The February 8 Nintendo Direct included major announcements for upcoming titles such asPikmin 4andThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,but it wasn’t all first-party Nintendo games. Previously announced titles includingMaster Detective Archives: RAIN CODEreceived official release dates, while other mystery games such asDecaPolicewere shown for the first time. Some classic mystery franchises will also be making their way to the Switch, including a newProfessor Laytongame and a remastered version ofGhost Trick: Phantom Detective.
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Multiple New Mystery-Themed IPs Debut in 2023
Kazutaka Kodaka, the writer behind the popularDanganronpaseries, recently announcedMaster Detective Archives: RAIN CODE,which tells the story of the titular group of master detectives charged with solving crimes in the rainy Kanai Ward. Described as a “dark fantasy detective action game,” it stars amnesiac detective trainee Yuma Kokohead and his companion Shinigami. Each detective in the game possesses a unique skill that helps the player solve mysteries, including enhanced hearing, top-tier disguise abilities, and even the ability to recreate past crime scenes to find hidden clues. The latest Nintendo Direct revealed a June 30 release date forRAIN CODE.
However, Kodaka’s offering is not the only new mystery game debuting in 2023. Also revealed during the Nintendo Direct wasDecaPolice,a puzzle/RPG hybrid from developer Level 5. Though it does not have a set release date, the game involves a group of detectives solving crimes using virtual reality and other advanced technology. In addition,Anonymous;Code,the long-running science-adventure series of mystery visual novels, will see its worldwide release this year. Other 2023 offerings include murder mysteryThe Last Case of Benedict Fox,the horror-tingedProcess of Elimination,the mystery-survival hybridSons of the Forest,and more.
Classic Mystery Series Are Returning
One of the most unexpected announcements coming from the February 8 Nintendo Direct was a new game in theProfessor Laytonseries. Developed by Level 5, this series began in 2007 and currently features six main installments alongside two spin-offs. It stars the titular Professor as he travels around with his assistant Luke solving puzzles and mysteries. No new game in the series has released since 2017, and fans were not optimistic that another one was in the works. However, near the end of the Direct, a short teaser was shown forProfessor Layton and the New World of Steam, which is expected to debut in 2023.
Also coming to the Nintendo Switch is a remastered version of Capcom’s 2011 gameGhost Trick: Phantom Detective. Ghost Trickstars Sissel, a ghost who is able to use his powers to solve crimes in both the living and spirit worlds. As the game progresses, Sissel even unravels the mystery of his very own death. A Q2 or Q3 release is currently planned; the game will release for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One alongside Nintendo Switch. Beyond that, the collection of classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games coming to Nintendo Switch Online includesAlone in the Dark,a hybrid survival-horror-mystery-puzzle game initially released in 1992. Fans of mystery games certainly have a lot to choose from this year, and hopefully this renaissance of the mystery genre will continue with more titles on the Switch and other consoles.
