Detroit: Become Human has no match when it comes to interactive storytelling. It has narrative, depth, and everything a single-player gamer could ever want.
Unfortunately, the fun ends as soon as the game ends. With so many games being released every month, finding a similar experience can feel like a pipe dream.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of 20 Games Like Detroit: Become Human that offer a gripping narrative, unique gameplay mechanics, and a boatload of choices to shape your experience.
With that said, let’s dive in, shall we?
20. Control
Welcome to a world teeming with the inexplicable and the extraordinary in Control. The brainchild of Remedy Entertainment, this action-adventure game orchestrates a complex narrative set within an environment shaped by supernatural phenomena.
As Jesse Faden, the new director of the Federal Bureau of Control, players navigate the shifting halls of the Oldest House – a place fraught with enigmatic powers, mysterious entities, and ever-changing architecture.
The core gameplay blends combat elements and explorative sequences masterfully, lending players the satisfaction of solving intricate puzzles and battling formidable foes in equal measure.
Playability Review
As Jesse uncovers the house’s secrets, players gain access to supernatural abilities, adding depth to combat strategies and exploration methods. T
he narrative excels in crafting an intriguing balance between cryptic and concrete, revealing just enough to keep the players’ curiosity aflame.
Control elegantly weaves its supernatural theme into an unforgettable narrative tapestry, a must-play for those fond of the extraordinary.
19. Observer
Observer, the brainchild of Bloober Team, plunges players into a dystopian future like no other. You’ll step into the shoes of Dan Lazarski, a neural detective known as an “Observer”, played by the late Rutger Hauer. (Klonopin Online)
The game blends cyberpunk aesthetics and atmospheric horror to produce a unique experience.
Set in the year 2084 after a digital plague and war have devastated humanity, the remaining society leans heavily on neural implants.
As an Observer, you hack into people’s minds as a method of investigation, making for a unique twist on detective work.
Playability Review
The game’s strength lies in its striking presentation of the grim future. The level of detail in each scene paints an effective picture of a society grasping onto the last threads of humanity.
Observers navigate a claustrophobic apartment complex, speaking to residents and uncovering secrets.
As you dive into the minds of the various characters, you’ll be treated to visually stunning and disturbing sequences. Its well-paced narrative reveals the dark side of technology, and the dystopian society that’s the result.
Observer is a standout title for fans of narrative-driven games, delivering a unique blend of detective work and psychological horror.
18. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
The world is brimming with haunting, mythical Norse and Celtic lore.
Every moment, every hallucination, every spectral whisper paints an accurate portrait of the torment that one faces in a struggle against their own mind.
Here’s a game that doesn’t just narrate a story, it places you right in the middle, threading the line between reality and illusion.
Ninja Theory, the developer, does a splendid job of creating a deeply personal and emotional narrative, exploring the struggles of mental illness. Senua, the protagonist, is not just another character in a game.
She becomes your guide, your companion, someone you deeply empathize with.
Playability Review
You’re there, alongside her, battling not just against ferocious mythological creatures, but against the demons that lurk within the corners of her mind.
Through visual distortions, auditory hallucinations, and thought-provoking puzzles, the game delivers a psychological experience that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
A game that not just entertains, but also educates about the struggles of psychosis, without ever feeling preachy. Now, that’s truly a standout.
17. Twin Mirror
Diving headfirst into the pool of Dontnod Entertainment’s narrative masterpieces, Twin Mirror stands tall.
As a psychological thriller, this title effortlessly pulls players into a universe of intrigue and mystery.
The protagonist, Sam, returns to his hometown for a friend’s funeral, only to find himself entangled in a puzzling investigation that tests his mental fortitude.
Sam’s mind palace, a realm within his own psyche, serves as an arena for his inner demons and memories.
This fantastical space, rendered beautifully in-game, becomes a key element in piecing together the truth behind the town’s mysteries.
Playability Review
Twin Mirror’s narrative design leans heavily on player choices, each decision shaping Sam’s reality. It’s a psychological expedition into the mind, where no corner is safe from inspection.
This mind-bending feature keeps players constantly engaged, urging them to seek the truth lurking in Sam’s past and present.
An added dose of drama manifests in Sam’s alter ego, “The Double.” He’s Sam’s inner voice given form, guiding and taunting him simultaneously.
This adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, causing players to question the very reality of events unfolding before their eyes.
16. Man of Medan
The crown jewel of the Dark Pictures Anthology, this interactive drama horror game developed by Supermassive Games spins a chilling tale based on the eerie legend of the SS Ourang Medan.
As a group of friends embark on an underwater diving trip to uncover a rumored World War II wreckage, they become trapped on a cursed ghost ship where survival seems grim.
The decisions you make and the relationships you nurture (or ruin) shape the outcomes for each character, demonstrating the consequences of every action.
Let’s delve into the horror aspects of this title – it’s a terrifying experience, to say the least. The setting, a massive, abandoned ship, is hauntingly atmospheric.
Playability Review
Long, decaying hallways, flickering lights, and strange noises all add to the sense of dread and unease, keeping you on edge at all times.
The narrative keeps you guessing, throwing unexpected twists at every corner, challenging you to keep your wits about you as you unravel the mystery of the ship and its former crew.
The graphics are top-notch and the performance capture for the characters brings them to life, lending a sense of realism to their fears and hopes.
It’s easy to become invested in the fate of these characters. Their stories intertwine seamlessly, heightening the game’s overall sense of urgency and dread.
15. The Last of Us Series
Developed by Naughty Dog, the creators who brought us the beloved “Uncharted” series, “The Last of Us” expertly intertwines themes of survival, loyalty, love, and the human condition in a post-apocalyptic world.
In the first game of the series, players find themselves navigating the harrowing tale of Joel and Ellie.
Joel, a hardened survivor, reluctantly becomes the protector of Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to curing the global infection that has led to society’s downfall.
Throughout the game, the dynamic between these two characters evolves beautifully, providing a deep, emotional narrative that pushes players to question what they would do in the face of desperate circumstances.
Playability Review
Now, let’s jump into “The Last of Us Part II”. This second installment takes a darker turn, thrusting players into a moral quandary where the line between right and wrong isn’t just blurred—it’s obliterated.
Players take on the role of Ellie, now older and embittered by the events of the first game.
She embarks on a mission of revenge that will test her humanity and force players to confront their own perceptions of justice.
It’s a testament to the depth of storytelling that can be achieved in the medium of video games. A must-play series for any fan of narrative-driven games.
14. GoneHome
Gone Home takes you, quite literally, home. As Kaitlin Greenbriar, a young woman returning after a year abroad, you arrive at an empty family residence filled with secrets.
Anticipation hangs heavy in the air, and in the rooms, silence whispers stories waiting to be discovered.
You find yourself questioning, “Where did everyone go?” The exploration of this question forms the spine of the narrative.
Exploring the Greenbriar residence feels like walking through a time capsule. Rooms feel lived in; they are messy and crammed full of ’90s cultural references.
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Each scribbled note, discarded soda can, or random knick-knack forms a breadcrumb trail to understanding the happenings within these walls.
The storytelling doesn’t involve cut-scenes or interactions with other characters.
Instead, the game nudges players to piece together a story from subtle environmental clues, slowly revealing a moving narrative of identity, growing up, and acceptance.
And while it falls into the ‘walking simulator’ genre, Gone Home feels far more immersive than most games of its ilk, delivering a meaningful narrative experience that remains in players’ hearts long after the credits roll.
13. Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods – a quaint title that’s more than meets the eye. Here’s a game that embraces the ordinary and mundane only to spin them into threads of compelling narrative and meaningful interactions.
Mae Borowski, our protagonist, drops out of college and returns to her hometown of Possum Springs.
As players, we experience this seemingly ordinary town through Mae’s eyes, running into old friends and discovering the changes that have occurred in her absence.
There’s Bea, Mae’s old friend running the family store, the ever-enthusiastic Gregg, and his quiet boyfriend Angus.
These characters feel real, their interactions and dialogues hint at histories and relationships far beyond the scope of the game.
Playability Review
The town itself, Possum Springs, might seem like an ordinary rustbelt town at first glance, but the more you explore, the more it reveals its layers.
Shops are closing down, the youth are discontent, and jobs are hard to come by – a mirror of many real-world towns facing economic decline. Yet, it’s not all gloom.
There are light moments too, small-town charm, band practices, and mischief around town. A layer of mystery adds a dash of spice to the everyday life of Possum Springs.
Strange dreams and eerie happenings hint at a darker undercurrent, a supernatural tone that lurks beneath the surface of the town’s mundane reality.
As Mae, you’ll delve into these mysteries, while also navigating your relationships and place in this town you once called home.
12. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
This gem from The Astronauts focuses heavily on the world-building aspect, enveloping the player in a narrative that’s both intriguing and heart-tugging.
You step into the shoes of paranormal investigator Paul Prospero, who receives a distressing letter from the titular Ethan Carter and decides to delve deeper into the matter.
As you traverse through the visually stunning game environment, the pieces of an increasingly eerie puzzle start to fall into place.
A touch of the supernatural permeates the entirety of the game, adding a layer of suspense that keeps you on your toes.
Playability Review
The emphasis on exploration over combat allows for a peaceful, yet mysterious atmosphere. Its non-linear narrative allows for various outcomes and interpretations, providing ample replay value.
In the midst of such charm and mystique, you’ll find yourself entranced by the game’s exceptional storytelling.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a remarkable example of the narrative potential video games can offer, serving as a testament to how a game can be engaging and entertaining in its simplicity and nuance.
The narrative can leave you both enthralled and pensive, making this game a standout in the genre.
11. What Remains of Edith Finch
As players step into this intriguing narrative, they assume the role of Edith Finch, the last surviving member of the Finch family, known far and wide for its peculiarly unfortunate luck.
The game skillfully beckons players into a collection of beautifully crafted tales about each family member, all ensconced within the family’s enchanting, albeit somewhat eerie, house.
Players delve into an array of finely tuned tales, each meticulously crafted and distinctive in its style, reflecting the individual family member it represents.
Playability Review
From comic book panels to flip-book animations, the game exhibits an artistic mastery that breathes life into the narrative.
Every tale within the Finch house invites players to explore the unique stories and perspectives of each family member, rendering the family tree in an entirely new light.
Unraveling the secrets of the Finch family gives players a fresh appreciation for narrative storytelling in games.
The mesmerizing world of Edith Finch leaves no stone unturned and beckons players back for more, long after the initial playthrough.
10. Her Story
In the realm of interactive gaming, “Her Story” takes a unique approach. It’s less of a game in the traditional sense and more of an interactive cinematic experience.
Players find themselves peering into a police database of video footage, acting as an investigator of sorts. The focus? A series of interviews with a woman regarding her missing husband.
There’s no prescribed order for viewing these snippets; instead, players have the freedom to explore the database as they wish.
Playability Review
This creates an intriguing, non-linear narrative that allows gamers to piece together the story at their own pace.
The performance of Viva Seifert, who plays the woman under investigation, lends an extra layer of authenticity to the game, pulling players into the narrative’s web.
It’s an engrossing experience that mirrors the intrigue of real-life detective work, keeping you engaged from start to finish.
9. Firewatch
Firewatch tosses you into the role of Henry, a man who decides to escape his unsettling life by taking up a summer job in the Wyoming wilderness.
In the heart of this enchanting, pixel-rich world, you find yourself secluded from the world, separated by nothing but lush greenery, lofty mountains, and an endless blue sky.
Maintaining communication via radio with your supervisor, Delilah, you set about your tasks, the tranquillity only disturbed by the occasional call to extinguish a campfire or investigate a mysteriously empty camp.
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However, strange occurrences begin to unfurl, and the solitary serenity of the Wyoming wilderness begins to feel less comforting.
Engaging, intriguing, and at times mysterious, Firewatch offers an incredible narrative experience that ensnares you right from the get-go and keeps you thoroughly engaged till the credits roll.
8. Oxenfree
Oxenfree, an indie gem from Night School Studio, plunges you into a supernatural thriller set on an abandoned island.
You find yourself in control of Alex, a rebellious teenager attending an overnight party gone sideways.
It doesn’t take long before she’s communicating with ghostly entities through an old radio, leading to a spiraling narrative that flips reality on its head.
Twists and turns abound in this mesmerizing and eerie setting, as the dialogue options allow you to mold Alex’s personality and the plot’s course.
Playability Review
The standout feature is the organic and immersive dialogue system. Gone are the standard cutscenes that separate gameplay from story.
In Oxenfree, the narrative flows smoothly as you continue to explore and interact. As Alex, you’re free to respond, interrupt, or ignore your friends during discussions, leading to organic and authentic exchanges.
This free-form approach fosters an air of spontaneity and reality, adding depth to your interactions.
7. The Wolf Among Us
“The Wolf Among Us” swings open the doors to a gritty, neon-tinted universe drawn straight from the pages of Bill Willingham’s “Fables” comic book series.
This interactive drama ushers you into a world where fairy tale characters live undercover in New York City, wrestling with real-life problems.
Mystery unfolds, danger lurks around every corner, and morality often balances on the edge of a knife.
Our protagonist, Bigby Wolf, the reformed Big Bad Wolf now turned town sheriff, serves as our guide. His gruff demeanor and dark past create a magnetic character.
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He navigates the grim alleys and decaying apartments of Fabletown, wrestling his inner demons while tackling the mysteries and challenges he encounters.
Dialogue options and decisions create ripples through the narrative, sometimes causing devastating waves that alter relationships and outcomes.
This decision-based mechanic fosters a sense of agency, creating a unique experience for each individual.
There’s a power to knowing your actions have consequences, and “The Wolf Among Us” makes that abundantly clear.
6. The Walking Dead: Telltale Series
“The Walking Dead: Telltale Series” immerses you into a universe ravaged by a zombie apocalypse.
This isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill action game. Instead, it wraps itself in a narrative blanket, focusing on the dilemmas and emotional strife that characters endure in such desperate times.
You don’t just navigate through the broken world; you make decisions that ripple through the narrative, leaving a lasting impact on the characters and the world around them.
Every choice carries weight, painting your tale of survival in varying shades of gray. Morality isn’t as clear-cut as it used to be in this new world.
Playability Review
Each character you meet carries their own beliefs, backgrounds, and burdens – giving them a depth that enriches the overall narrative.
The dialogues are well-crafted, stirring up a pot of emotions, from nail-biting suspense to heart-wrenching sorrow.
It’s less about the destination and more about the personal stories that unfold along the way, as each episode delivers its own self-contained narrative while also contributing to the overarching storyline.
It’s a testament to interactive storytelling, where the protagonist is only as strong as the choices you make.
5. Fahrenheit / Indigo Prophecy
Fahrenheit, also known as Indigo Prophecy in North America, teases the line between video games and cinematic storytelling, offering an interactive drama and action-adventure cocktail that goes down smoother than your favorite film noir.
Quantic Dream takes the spotlight here, unfolding a complex and unique narrative that revolves around a series of mysterious and violent murders in New York City.
It puts a great emphasis on a multi-perspective storytelling approach. You’ll find yourself experiencing the narrative from different angles, swapping between characters as the plot thickens, and their paths intersect.
Playability Review
This game isn’t about how swift you are with a controller or how many hours you can commit, but how well you can manage the psychological stability of your characters.
It’s like you’re the puppeteer of a grand play, controlling the characters’ decisions and actions that lead to one of the many endings.
The twist? Every choice you make, every interaction, even how much you know about each character, can affect the narrative outcome.
4. Life is Strange Series
“Life is Strange” pulls you into a whirlwind of teenage angst and supernatural phenomena, beautifully woven into a tapestry of small-town life.
As Max Caulfield, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time, you navigate the tribulations of adolescence, secrets of the past, and perils of the future.
Playability Review
The strength of this title lies not only in its supernatural aspect but in its relatable and tangible reality.
There’s a sense of familiarity found within the school halls of Blackwell Academy and the quaint town of Arcadia Bay.
The game skillfully tackles topics like friendship, coming of age, and the heavy decisions one must face as a young adult.
It’s a gem in the gaming realm that certainly leaves an indelible mark.
3. Until Dawn
Until Dawn serves as an iconic representation of the interactive drama genre.
Nestled in the chilly heart of a snow-capped mountain range, the game revolves around a group of friends who gather at a remote cabin on the anniversary of their friends’ mysterious disappearance.
Unaware of what the night holds, the characters must navigate through eerie woods and unsettling revelations.
Playability Review
The setting, coupled with a compelling narrative, amps up the thrill quotient. Each decision made has weight and can lead to potentially dramatic outcomes, even character deaths.
Hence, replayability emerges as one of the game’s strong points, tempting users to experiment with various decisions and observe their rippling effects.
To enhance its replay value, the developers offer multiple endings, subtly urging users to revisit the tangled narrative web spun by Until Dawn.
The element of unpredictability keeps the suspense alive, right until the final frame.
2. Beyond: Two Souls
Right off the bat, it provides an enthralling narrative experience that revolves around Jodie Holmes, a woman who shares a unique bond with an entity named Aiden.
You’ll find yourself stepping into Jodie’s shoes from her childhood to adulthood, experiencing her highs, lows, and uncanny encounters.
The entity, Aiden, though invisible, plays a significant role in the storyline, offering both assistance and conflict throughout Jodie’s life.
This invisible companion isn’t a tool but a character, painting a narrative landscape where the supernatural coexists seamlessly alongside the mundane.
Playability Review
The interactive drama and action-adventure game truly stands out for its cinematic qualities. It resembles a film, yet it’s interactive, encouraging you to steer the course of the story.
Thanks to the cutting-edge performance capture techniques, the emotions of the characters are portrayed remarkably well, adding depth to every scene.
The graphics are top-notch and the environments are incredibly detailed, immersing you into Jodie’s world. The real highlight, however, is the game’s decision-making aspect.
Each choice made in the game has consequences, further shaping the narrative and leading to one of the many possible endings.
The power of choice and the element of unpredictability it introduces keeps you on the edge of your seat, ensuring every playthrough feels fresh and unpredictable.
1. Heavy Rain
“Heavy Rain” unspools a tale that could easily be taken from a Hollywood thriller script. It’s a gritty, rain-soaked narrative about a father’s relentless pursuit to save his son from a serial killer known as the Origami Killer.
As we navigate the grim landscape, every decision carries weight, impacting the fate of the story’s four protagonists.
Just like a puzzle, each choice contributes to the final picture, making the game a dynamic tableau of suspense and emotion.
The game showcases the potential of interactive storytelling, where you’re not merely a spectator but an active participant shaping the narrative.
Playability Review
Characters might live or meet an untimely end based on your actions, giving a real sense of gravity to your decisions.
From tense confrontations to emotional dialogue, “Heavy Rain” draws you in, leaving you in anticipation of what will happen next, constantly second-guessing your decisions.
You’re not just playing a game, you’re living the characters’ lives – with all their tribulations, moral dilemmas, and small triumphs.
Hopefully, you enjoyed reading about the 20 Games Like Detroit: Become Human.
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