Two decades ago, my life was altered forever. Okay, maybe it was not that dramatic, but it was surely significant for my future love for games. While I've been playing games for a long time, like 20 years, it was Professor Layton who made me love the genre of puzzle adventure games. Since that fateful moment, these games with puzzles, a story, and a hint of mystery have me in a chokehold. So, if you are like me, and on a constant hunt for the next best game in this very specific genre, you should definitely try out some of the games mentioned!
Good to know: most of the games mentioned are also available on other platforms. Also be warned that games can be too much for some gamers, because of gore or horror elements. So please, if that’s not your cup of tea, you can skip those!
1. Famicon Detective Club: The Missing Heir & The Girl Who Stands Behind
If you’ve never heard of Famicom Detective Club or are a long-time fan, it’s about time to dive in. This game is a remake of the classic 1989 titles. You get two games when you buy: The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind.
In The Missing Heir, our hero wake up with amnesia. When you start searching for the truth of what happened, you are given another task: figure out who the killer is in a complex murder mystery involving a wealthy family.
The Girl Who Stands Behind serves as a prequel to the first game. Here, Ayumi is devastated when the body of her friend Yoko is discovered in Tokyo. And no, this was not an accident. Meanwhile, our hero is searching for his missing parents. But then he gets pulled into the investigation of Yoko's death. Together, you will get to the bottom of what happened.
Before jumping in, don’t expect tons of flashy, modern features since it is a remake. And yes, sometimes the game makes you want to throw your Switch because it is unclear of how you have to progress, but hey: if I can do it, so can you! Though frustrating at times, if you love visual novels with a detective twist, this game is a treat! And with The Smiling Man recently released, let’s hope this revival of detective adventures continues.
Digital copy: € 59,99 (Get yours with Nintendo Vouchers)
2. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
How many times has Toad been there to save you? Okay, maybe not that often, since you’re usually the one saving him—but that doesn’t mean he didn’t deserve his own game, right? Google "best puzzle games," and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker will be right there. And for good reason! Our little mushroom friends deserve their spot in the top puzzle games list.
If you have seen the game before, that's possible, as it was originally made for the Wii U. But the perks of the Switch version make it an even more enjoyable adventure for puzzle lovers. This game is fun—a lot of fun. You have to think about the layout of each level, solve puzzles, and, best of all, you can play together!
Speaking from personal experience, playing with a sibling is half of the fun. Or a friend, up to you. Yelling at each other to move platforms! Or jump in the right direction! can only strengthen a friendship, right? Honestly? It’s great.
Digital copy: € 39,99 (Get yours with a Nintendo Gift Card)
3. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Hi, this is Sissel. Am I… dead? The bad news is, yes you are. The good news is that manipulating objects is how you get closer to finding the killer. Yay! In Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, you will use your ghost powers to solve spooky puzzles. Discover the story by interacting with your environment. Possess a pile of donuts, rewind time to save lives and solve your own murder!
The story is full of twists, and there are plenty of moments where you'll think, "OMG, I wish I could rewind time!" And guess what? You can! At least in Ghost Trick. You can go back four minutes before someone's death to change fate. This is how the game becomes a clever mix of puzzle-solving and time manipulation. It's fun, engaging and keeps you hooked until you discover what exactly happened to Sissel.
Digital copy: € 29,99
4. Tangle Tower
He says he’s just the gardener, but what else is Fitz hiding? As you can probably tell, I love a good detective-solving game, and Tangle Tower is no exception. It's a charming point-and-click adventure set in a mysterious mansion. Where? Tangle Tower duh. This is where Detective Grimm and Sally are on the case to solve the murder of Freya Fellow. It’s on you to interview friends and family and figure out what they are hiding.
The game feels pretty short, and goes by too quickly. But the witty dialogue makes up for this. Tangle Tower gives you cosy gameplay that’s perfect for a rainy day. Piece together character statements and clues you find to fully grasp the story. The visual style and soundtrack add to its overall charm. This makes the experience both engaging and aesthetically pleasing.
Pro tip: the first game in this franchise called Detective Grimoire: Secret of the Swamp is out on Steam, but also on Apple Arcade and the Google Play Store. And Mermaid Mask is next coming out soon!
Digital copy: € 16,79
5. Layton's Mystery Journey
The puzzle that started it all for me was Professor Layton and the Curious Village. And even though we have been waiting for a new Professor Layton game on the Switch, Katrielle Layton makes up for the Layton-sized gap in my heart. Or rather, filled it, as this game already dates back to 2017. That does not mean, however, that it's not enjoyable.
On long flights, I still go back to explore a slightly whimsical version of London, solving mysteries. In Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy you get to do some brain training. Find and solve the puzzles scattered throughout London. Discover what the real mystery is by solving smaller cases. And don’t forget to admire Katrielle as she serves looks with the wardrobe option. The game offers a lighter tone and more bite-sized mysteries compared to the original series. But it still gives you that familiar charm of puzzle-solving that fans of the Layton series will appreciate.
Digital copy: € 39,99 (Can be used with Nintendo Vouchers)
6. Fran Bow
On the hunt for a new gem, I stumbled upon a play through of Little Misfortune. Not very puzzle-y, but I kept searching, and then I found it. Fran Bow is a point-and-click adventure game with strong horror elements. The game follows the story of Fran, a young girl struggling with mental illness after witnessing the brutal murder of her parents.
You walk with her through disturbing realities and dreamlike worlds. Here you will be faced with a deeply unsettling narrative. Fran Bow is a unique blend of psychological horror and puzzle-solving. The almost Tim Burton-like hand-drawn art style ties it all together. I did not expect to love it as much as I did, but its dark atmosphere and engaging storytelling left a lasting impression on me.
Digital copy: € 19,99
7. Little Nightmares
It’s horror, it’s adventure, and it’s a puzzling platformer. It's Little Nightmares! Whether it's the first or second game, both games offer puzzles that keep you on the edge of your seat. Because you never know what’s coming next. Every turn might bring you face-to-face with a monster. A terrifying hunter. A sinister schoolteacher or something even worse.
Even worse? Yes. But if you're a fan of suspense and love eerie, unsettling things, this game is a must-play. Oh, and exciting news—Little Nightmares 3 is on the way, so with a bit of patience, you can dive into an even bigger nightmare. Yay!
Digital copy: € 49,99 for both Little Nightmares 1 and 2.
8. Ace Attorney Series
Objection! Is it even possible to make the best puzzle games list without mentioning our trusty Ace Attorney? No, it is not. The list just would not be complete. If you haven’t played or even heard of these games, stop reading and go buy them. Experience the joy of smashing objection to destroy the prosecution with evidence.
On Nintendo Switch you will find the classic Phoenix Wright trilogy. But there is more. Apollo Justice is also there and charming prosecutor Miles Edgeworth recently joined this lineup. In Ace Attorney, you investigate crime scenes, gather clues, and take your findings to court. Press witness statements and present evidence to prove your client’s innocence. It’s a battle that can get surprisingly heated in the courtroom. But you know what the best of all is? You don’t even need to go to law school!
Digital copy: € 59,99 for the bundle of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy en Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy.
9. PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
Okay, okay, I am becoming predictable. But still, this one is a must-play if you love visual novels. Another visual novel, but one with more interaction and clever puzzles to solve along the way. The story takes you to Tokyo. In Japan's bustling capital, you will follow several characters that each have their dark motivations. To curse people.
Wait, what?! Yes, the story involves mysterious curse stones! And some of them are pretty wild but very creative. As are the solutions for survival. But I won’t spoil too much. The game has many endings that are influenced by the choices you make. All are nicely laid out in a timeline so you can track different story branches. Easy peasy. The whole atmosphere is just eerie, with an occasional jump scare. Or is it just me who didn't see it coming? Make sure to pay close attention to details, as you’ll need to decide if you want to curse people or not —or risk being cursed yourself. It's creepy and intriguing, and the story keeps you on your toes!
Digital copy: € 19,99
Honourable Mentions:
There are games that I also like but did not make the list. Or that I still need to play. But hey! You can beat me to it:
- Tales from Candleforth
- Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection
- Arranger
- On Your Tail (TBA)
- Angel Whisper
- Detention
- The Star Named EOS
- Scar of the Doll: A Psycho-Horror Story about the Mystery of an Older Sister
- Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club
- Murder by Numbers
- Strange Horticulture
- When the Past was Around
Make sure to save your game and save on your games!
A discount is always welcome if you buy your games through the Nintendo Store like I do. Especially when you are kind of addicted. So I pay with a Nintendo Gift Card and save some extra money! How so? There are multiple sites where you can buy Nintendo gift credit at a discount. So I buy € 100 in credit and only pay € 95 for example. And every euro you save, you can spend on something else. Of course, you can save your gold coins every time you buy something, which means even more discounts!
Together we solved the puzzle of finding good Puzzle games for Nintendo Switch
Soon we can play more nice games like Little Nightmares 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. So there will be no lack of games to keep me entertained. Each new release promises to challenge your mind and immerse players in fictional worlds. And you know what, when I’ve explored all the latest titles, I will always go back to my classics. After all, they never go out of style. There’s something timeless about revisiting old favorites. The nostalgia, the familiarity, the joy of replaying memorable levels. You know that whatever you get, will be a good one.
