10. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter gameplay

Set in Red Creek Valley, Wisconsin in 1973, you play as paranormal investigator Paul Prospero as he seeks to discover the truth behind a young boy’s disappearance. After receiving a cryptic letter from 12-year-old Ethan Carter, Paul visits the boy’s home and it doesn’t take long before bodies start piling up. Stranger yet is the presence of supernatural forces that disrupt the quiet lives of Ethan and his family. Focusing less on puzzle solving, the game emphasizes exploration as you traverse the open world and experience the story at your own pace.

If there was ever a perfect time to vanish, it would certainly be just prior to getting struck by an oncoming train.

The rural Wisconsin setting provides a unique backdrop for the game’s open-world.

9. The Painscreek Killings

The Painscreek Killings gameplay

A town has been abandoned and the only remaining residents have been murdered. Playing as a young journalist, you’re sent to the town to investigate what happened and uncover dark secrets about the town’s history. Perhaps the most striking aspect of The Painscreek Killings is the sense of how alone you are in the world. In a literal sense but also figuratively as the game provides no on-screen assistance to tell you what to do or where to go next. The game even suggests that you take your own notes to keep track of clues and information instead of automatically storing files in a journal. This may turn some off, but anyone looking to put their detective skills to the test in an open-world with no assistance will be instantly drawn into The Painscreek Killings.

Quiet desolation is the name of the game in The Painscreek Killings.

This luxurious family room seems like the perfect place to get together with friends and family and enjoy a nice game of Clue. Too bad everyone is gone.

8. Contradiction – Spot the Liar!

Contradiction – Spot the Liar! gameplay

After a young girl’s death by drowning is believed to be a suicide, new evidence suggests that she might have been *gasp* murdered! As Inspector Frederick Jenks, it’s up to you to question and gather information from local villagers and friends of the deceased to solve the case. The game is presented almost entirely through live-action footage with most of the gameplay focusing on interviewing suspects. The main objective is to analyze how suspects respond to your questions and identify any contradictions in their stories. For optimal effect, it’s recommended to play the game with others to get multiple opinions on a suspect’s innocence.

Fingers crossed that a sequel is made where you investigate the events of another FMV “classic,” Night Trap. 

Does this face look innocent or guilty to you? Players must carefully watch suspects’ faces to look for any signs that they’re lying.