The 14 best detective games brands
Parker Brothers, Hansen and Ideal lead our ranking of 14 detective games brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Detective Games brands, ranked
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1
Parker Brothers
Clue, the classic whodunit with rooms, weapons and suspects, is the game that made this name famous in detective board games.
Top products: Clue Classic· Clue
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Hansen
Hansen's signature line is its range of classic board games, including chess, backgammon, Go, and mahjong sets, sold through the Game Gift & Toy Company. The Go sets feature wooden boards with felted corners and included stones.
Top products: 221B Baker Street
Popularity 5.3/10
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3
Ideal
Early computerised whodunit with a built-in electronic deduction system, a 1979 novelty that still turns up with its parts intact.
Top products: Electronic Detective Game
Popularity 2.3/10
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4
University Games
University Games produces entertaining goods that anybody may use. Various tabletop games from University Games encourage learning while having fun and interacting with others. They provide instructional card games, board games, and puzzles for children and families to enjoy together. They provide instructional games for kids that are founded on the same ideas as the adult games, but many of their games are made to be played at parties and other social occasions. University Games has the perfect matches for every occasion, whether a party or a weekend trip.
Website: universitygames.com |Brands like University Games
Popularity 1.7/10
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5
Avalon Hill
Betrayal at House on the Hill and Advanced Civilization are among the titles Avalon Hill, a game publisher started in 1954 in Baltimore, has released. The company, now owned by Hasbro, has produced board games, sports simulations and role-playing games. Its board games use counters and number-based pieces for play.
Website: avalonhill.wizards.com |Brands like Avalon Hill
Popularity 1.3/10
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6
Hasbro
Owns the Clue brand and runs its modern releases, from retro-look reissues to wooden-box and signature collector editions.
Top products: Clue Signature Collection· Clue Retro Series· Clue Rustic Series
Website: hasbropulse.com |Brands like Hasbro
Popularity 1.1/10
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7
Pressman
Retro-packaged Clue Classic reprints and a catalogue of family games, distributed under the Goliath name in the US.
Top products: Clue Classic
Website: pressmantoy.com |Brands like Pressman
Popularity 1.0/10
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8
Ravensburger
Scotland Yard is the German-made chase game where one player moves secretly as Mister X through the city.
Top products: Scotland Yard
Website: ravensburger.us |Brands like Ravensburger
Popularity 1.0/10
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9
Mattel
Mattel makes dolls, action figures, games and toys under well-known names such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price. Harold Matson and Elliot Handler founded the company in 1945, and its name combines their surnames. Its products are aimed at children...
Website: shop.mattel.com |Brands like Mattel
Popularity 0.7/10
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10
Mayfair Games
MayFair Games was established in 1981 as a publisher of board, card, and roleplaying games. Due to financial strains, it was acquired by Iron Crown Enterprises. The website is an exhibition site for the assemblage of games under MayFair and...
Website: mayfairgames.wordpress.com |Brands like Mayfair Games
Popularity 0.7/10
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11
Asmodee
Parent group behind Fantasy Flight and Days of Wonder, with many of its investigation titles sold as large boxed sets.
Top products: Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
Website: store.us.asmodee.com |Brands like Asmodee
Popularity 0.5/10
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12
Winning Moves
Licensed Clue Master Detective editions with a gazebo location card and updated packaging, sold through its own games catalogue.
Top products: Clue Master Detective
Website: winning-moves.com |Brands like Winning Moves
Popularity 0.3/10
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13
Funko
Pop! vinyl figures from Funko are stylized collectible figures drawn from movies, TV, games and comics. The line covers Star Wars and Harry Potter characters, along with action figures and bobbleheads that suit fans who collect a particular franchise.
Website: funkogames.com |Brands like Funko
Popularity 0.3/10
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14
Kosmos
Cooperative escape-room style puzzle games where players open sealed cards and solve clues to finish a mystery.
Website: kosmosgames.co.uk |Brands like Kosmos
Popularity 0.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Games | universitygames.com | /UniversityGamesUSA | universitygames | @universitygames | – |
| Avalon Hill | avalonhill.wizards.com | /AHGames | – | @avalonhill2 | – |
| Hasbro | hasbropulse.com | /hasbropulse | hasbropulse | – | – |
| Pressman | pressmantoy.com | /PressmanToy | pressmantoy | @pressmantoy | pressmantoy |
| Ravensburger | ravensburger.us | /Ravensburger | – | – | Ravensburger North America |
| Mattel | shop.mattel.com | – | – | – | – |
| Mayfair Games | mayfairgames.wordpress.com | – | – | – | – |
Detective Games Buying Guide
Become a detective and solve mysteries with these exciting detective games. From classic board games to modern video games, there are many options to choose from. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gamer, this buying guide will help you choose the best detective game for your needs.
Types of Detective Games
There are many types of detective games, each with its unique gameplay and theme. Here are some of the most popular types of detective games:
- Board Games - These games are played on a physical game board and typically require players to solve a mystery by collecting clues and solving puzzles. Some popular examples of board games include Clue, Scotland Yard, and Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective.
- Card Games - These games use a deck of cards to represent clues or suspects, and players must use deduction to solve a mystery. Some examples of card games include Antiquity Theft and Noir: Killer vs. Inspector.
- Video Games - These games are played on a computer or gaming console and typically feature immersive visuals and sound effects. They allow players to explore open worlds and solve mysteries at their own pace. Some popular examples of video games include LA Noire, Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments, and the Phoenix Wright series.
- Mobile Games - These games are played on smartphones and tablets, and they offer quick and easy gaming experiences. Some popular examples of mobile games include Detective Grimoire, Hidden Folks, and Agent A: A Puzzle in Disguise.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Detective Game
When selecting a detective game, there are several factors to consider:
- Complexity - How easy or difficult is the game? Some games are designed for beginners, while others are more challenging and require advanced problem-solving skills.
- Gameplay - What is the objective of the game? Does it offer different modes or options? Does it rely on luck or skill?
- Theme - What is the game's storyline or setting? Is it a murder mystery, a spy thriller, or a supernatural thriller?
- Replayability - How much replay value does the game offer? Will it become repetitive after multiple plays or is there enough variety in the gameplay to keep it interesting?
- Price - How much does the game cost? Is it worth the price?
Top Detective Games to Consider
Here are some of the best detective games on the market:
Clue
Clue is a classic board game that has been entertaining players for over 75 years. The objective of the game is to solve a murder mystery by collecting clues and deducing the identity of the killer. It is a simple and easy-to-learn game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. The game offers different modes and challenges, making it a great game for replayability.
LA Noire
LA Noire is a video game that takes place in 1940s Los Angeles. The game features a detective named Cole Phelps, who must solve a variety of crimes, including murders, arsons, and thefts. The game offers an immersive gaming experience, with realistic visuals and sound effects. Players can explore the open world of Los Angeles and solve mysteries at their own pace. The game offers multiple modes and options, making it a great game for replayability.
Hidden Folks
Hidden Folks is a mobile game that offers a unique twist on the detective genre. The game features hand-drawn, interactive scenes, where players must find hidden objects and characters. The game is easy to learn and offers different modes and challenges, making it a great game for replayability. The game also offers cute and humorous visuals and sound effects, making it a great game for all ages.
Conclusion
Detective games offer hours of entertainment and challenge for players of all ages. By considering the factors mentioned in this buying guide, you'll be able to find the perfect game for your needs. Whether you prefer classic board games or modern video games, there are many options to choose from. So put on your detective hat and get ready to solve some mysteries!
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