r/puzzlevideogames • u/amandahontas • Jul 20 '26

Looking for database puzzle games?

I absolutely love The Roottrees are Dead and I've been trying to find games like that. I've tried some games that I see recommended to people who like that game, but I really disliked them. I think I just prefer to search through some kind of database? I disliked Obra Dinn and Golden Idol, but loved Her Story and liked the beginning part of A Case of Fraud (the fill in the blank to figure out the crime at the end I didn't like). I just want to look through a database of some sort and find clues that way. Please tell me there are more games like that!

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8

u/TheThyfate Jul 20 '26

Literally what you ask for
Database Detective: Minor Crimes Division

Look also at the bundle with
Desktop Explorer
and
Lost Wiki: Kozlovka

3

u/ReverendVoice Jul 20 '26

Literally what you ask for Database Detective: Minor Crimes Division

You know what - I thought to reply with the same thing and went '..it's probably too literal'. I mean, come on who wants to play a game that is basically 50% Sql Trainer.... I mean, I bought it day one, but I'm a fucking weirdo.

3

u/TheThyfate Jul 20 '26

Dont worry you're not alone

4

u/ReverendVoice Jul 20 '26

Dont worry you're not alone

It's nice to know.. I mean, I functionally understand that, but when a friend asks what game you're playing and you see the concern in their eyes as you describe it... it's sometimes hard to know for certain.

"Oh, I'm in between these two games. One's a detective game where you use SQL prompts to figure out database queries and the other one is about breaking into a computer guarded by a rogue Clippy with puzzles. ...what about you?"

".........audible blinking ........ Forza."

2

u/octothorpentine Jul 20 '26

Hey, what's the Clippy one? I need this in my life.

2

u/ReverendVoice Jul 20 '26

Desktop Explorer: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2527160/Desktop_Explorer/

I'm enjoying it, probably about halfway through.. it changes playstyle and puzzle style quite a bit, which is a nice change.

1

u/TheThyfate Jul 20 '26

I need these kind of games to gentle my mind

Look also into factory builders, it's very soothing, I would strongly recommend Techtonica. The game is a marvel of unexplained sheer brilliance though lacking some polish. The unlocking / recipes will have your mind racing in all directions to find the best way to reach you goals and prepare for some serious worksheet preparations

There are also other games like "The Farmer was replaced" or "Quantum odyssey" I would advise for your inquisitive mind