Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Maniac Mansion (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Maniac Mansion on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, which both story-rich and puzzle.
- Maniac Mansion is tagged Adventure, Classic, Point & Click, Remake, 1990's, Retro, Story Rich, Pixel Graphics by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 1 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: Grim Fandango.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 13 player tags including Point & Click, Comedy and Classic.
Back by popular demand, The Secret of Monkey Island™: Special Edition faithfully re-imagines the internationally-acclaimed classic game (originally released in 1990) for original and new audiences alike.
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition at a glance Released 2009 Studio LucasArts Player sentiment 95% positive of 6,227 Price $9.99 Point & ClickComedyClassicFunnyRemakePuzzle1990's2D
- 2
Grim Fandango
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Lucasfilm Games; both story-rich and puzzle; shares 11 player tags including Point & Click, Classic and Story Rich.
One of the most acclaimed adventure games of all time is now back, better than ever. Grim Fandango Remastered has the all the beautiful art and engaging story fans remember, but has also been remastered to look, sound, and control even better than the award-winning original release.
Grim Fandango at a glance Released 1998 Studio Lucasfilm Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 8,905 Price $14.99 Point & ClickClassicStory RichComedyCult ClassicGreat SoundtrackPuzzleRemake
- 3
Deponia
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 10 player tags including Point & Click, Comedy and Puzzle.
In Deponia, the world has degenerated into a vast garbage dump, in which the crotchety Rufus ekes out his sorry existence.
Deponia at a glance Released 2012 Studio Daedalic Entertainment Player sentiment 86% positive of 14,513 Price $0.99 Point & ClickComedyPuzzleFunnyStory Rich2DGreat SoundtrackClassic
- 4
Broken Age
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 10 player tags including Point & Click, Story Rich and Comedy.
A family friendly, hand-animated, puzzle-filled adventure game with an all-star cast, including Elijah Wood, Jack Black and Masasa Moyo. Funded by a record breaking crowdfunding campaign and designed by industry legend Tim Schafer, Broken Age is a timeless coming-of-age story.
Broken Age at a glance Released 2014 Studio Double Fine Player sentiment 84% positive of 8,219 Price $14.99 Point & ClickStory RichComedyFunnyGreat SoundtrackPuzzle2DRetro
- 5
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 9 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Puzzle.
Become Phoenix Wright and experience the thrill of battle as you fight to save your innocent clients in a court of law. Play all 14 episodes, spanning the first three games, in one gorgeous collection.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy at a glance Released 2019 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 98% positive of 44,855 Price $29.99 Story RichGreat SoundtrackPuzzlePoint & ClickFunnyClassicCult ClassicComedy
- 6
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Story Rich and Great Soundtrack.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, the classic puzzle-solving mystery adventure directed by Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi, is back! This long-awaited HD remaster features upgraded visuals and sound and new gallery content.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective at a glance Released 2010 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 97% positive of 8,549 Price $29.99 PuzzleStory RichGreat SoundtrackPoint & ClickCult ClassicFunnyClassicComedy
- 7
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Point & Click and Great Soundtrack.
Traverse a mythic little realm, use a sword to do battle & evoke sworcery to solve mystical musical mysteries.
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP at a glance Released 2012 Studio Capybara Player sentiment 77% positive of 2,654 Price $7.99 Pixel GraphicsPoint & ClickGreat SoundtrackPuzzle2DStory RichExplorationRetro
- 8
Gunpoint
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, 2D and Pixel Graphics.
Gunpoint is a stealth puzzle game that lets you rewire its levels to trick people. You play a freelance spy who takes jobs from his clients to break into high security buildings and steal sensitive data.
Gunpoint at a glance Released 2013 Studio Suspicious Developments Player sentiment 98% positive of 13,326 Price $9.99 Puzzle2DPixel GraphicsComedyGreat SoundtrackFunnyStory Rich
- 9
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Point & Click, Pixel Graphics and Puzzle.
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Papers, Please at a glance Released 2013 Studio Lucas Pope Player sentiment 97% positive of 80,337 Price $9.99 Point & ClickPixel GraphicsPuzzleStory RichRetro2DGreat Soundtrack
- 10
Undertale
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Story Rich and Pixel Graphics.
UNDERTALE! The RPG game where you don't have to destroy anyone.
Undertale at a glance Released 2015 Studio 8-4 Player sentiment 96% positive of 338,731 Price $9.99 Great SoundtrackStory RichPixel GraphicsFunny2DComedyRetro
- 11
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Puzzle.
Investigate murders, search for clues and talk to your classmates to prepare for trial. There, you'll engage in deadly wordplay, going back and forth with suspects. Dissect their statements and fire their words back at them to expose their lies! There's only one way to survive—pull the trigger.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc at a glance Released 2010 Studio Spike Player sentiment 96% positive of 38,287 Price $19.99 Story RichGreat SoundtrackPuzzlePoint & ClickFunnyComedyExploration
- 12
World of Goo
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, Great Soundtrack and 2D.
World of Goo is a multiple award winning physics based puzzle / construction game made entirely by two guys.
World of Goo at a glance Released 2008 Studio 2D Boy Player sentiment 94% positive of 6,589 Price $14.99 PuzzleGreat Soundtrack2DComedyFunnyClassicStory Rich
- 13
Little Big Adventure
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Exploration and Comedy.
Little Big Adventure is a retro action-adventure game originally released in 1994. Equipped with your Magicball, you will have to face the evil Dr. Funfrock to save your girlfriend and the world of Twinsun.
Little Big Adventure at a glance Released 1996 Studio Adeline Software International Player sentiment 88% positive of 454 Price $9.99 Story RichExplorationComedyRetro1990'sPuzzleFunny
- 14
Life is Strange 2
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Story Rich, Great Soundtrack and Point & Click.
After a tragic incident, brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz run away from home. Fearing the police, and dealing with Daniel's new telekinetic power, the boys head to Mexico. Each stop on their journey brings new friends and new challenges.
Life is Strange 2 at a glance Released 2018 Studio DONTNOD Entertainment Player sentiment 87% positive of 40,943 Price Free Story RichGreat SoundtrackPoint & ClickPuzzleComedyFunnyClassic
- 15
Cave Story
Why it matched: both story-rich; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics and 2D.
Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.
Cave Story at a glance Released 2004 Studio Daisuke Amaya Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,305 Price $14.99 Great SoundtrackPixel Graphics2DRetroClassicExplorationStory RichRemake
- 16
Final Fantasy V
Why it matched: both story-rich; shares 8 player tags including 2D, Pixel Graphics and Exploration.
The original FINAL FANTASY V comes to life with completely new graphics and audio as a 2D pixel remaster! A remodeled take on the fifth game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
Final Fantasy V at a glance Released 1992 Studio Square Player sentiment 90% positive of 2,493 Price $17.99 2DPixel GraphicsExplorationRetroRemakeStory RichGreat SoundtrackClassic
- 17
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
Why it matched: both puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Classic, Puzzle and 2D.
Selected by the fickle finger of fate, Abe™, floor-waxer first class for RuptureFarms, was catapulted into a life of adventure when he overheard plans by his boss, Molluck the Glukkon™, to turn Abe and his fellow Mudokons into Tasty Treats as part of a last-ditch effort to rescue Molluck's failing meat-packing empire.
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee at a glance Released 1997 Studio Oddworld Inhabitants Player sentiment 85% positive of 4,534 Price $2.99 ClassicPuzzle2DCult ClassicRetroFunnyComedy1990's
- 18
Final Fantasy III
Why it matched: both story-rich; shares 7 player tags including 2D, Exploration and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (1990).
The original FINAL FANTASY III comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the third game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
Final Fantasy III at a glance Released 1990 Studio Square Player sentiment 93% positive of 2,841 Price $17.99 2DExplorationPixel GraphicsRemakeRetroStory RichGreat Soundtrack
- 19
Final Fantasy IV
Why it matched: both story-rich; shares 7 player tags including Exploration, 2D and Story Rich; released around the same time (1991).
The original FINAL FANTASY IV comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the fourth game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.
Final Fantasy IV at a glance Released 1991 Studio Square Player sentiment 92% positive of 3,028 Price $17.99 Exploration2DStory RichPixel GraphicsRetroRemakeGreat Soundtrack
- 20
OneShot
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Pixel Graphics and Great Soundtrack.
OneShot is a surreal top down Puzzle/Adventure game with unique gameplay capabilities. You are to guide a child through a mysterious world on a mission to restore its long-dead sun. The world knows you exist.
OneShot at a glance Released 2016 Studio Future Cat LLC Player sentiment 98% positive of 64,849 Price $9.99 Story RichPixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackPuzzle2DExploration
- 21
Half-Life: Opposing Force
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Classic, 1990's and Story Rich.
Return to the Black Mesa Research Facility as one of the military specialists assigned to eliminate Gordon Freeman. Experience an entirely new episode of single player action. Meet fierce alien opponents, and experiment with new weaponry. Named 'Game of the Year' by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.
Half-Life: Opposing Force at a glance Released 1999 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 95% positive of 28,900 Price $4.99 Classic1990'sStory RichGreat SoundtrackPuzzleRetro
- 22
Pony Island
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Pixel Graphics and Great Soundtrack.
Pony Island is a suspense puzzle game in disguise. You are in limbo, trapped in a malevolent and malfunctioning arcade machine devised by the devil himself. It is not a game about ponies.
Pony Island at a glance Released 2016 Studio Daniel Mullins Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 18,104 Price $4.99 PuzzlePixel GraphicsGreat Soundtrack2DStory RichFunny
- 23
Wuppo: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Exploration, 2D and Great Soundtrack.
Play as an exiled 'wum' looking for a new home in this bizarre but charming world, filled with strange creatures, puzzles, monsters and political chaos.
Wuppo: Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio snekflat Player sentiment 94% positive of 5,976 Price $14.99 Exploration2DGreat SoundtrackPuzzleFunnyStory Rich
- 24
Half-Life: Blue Shift
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Classic, 1990's and Story Rich.
Made by Gearbox Software and originally released in 2001 as an add-on to Half-Life, Blue Shift is a return to the Black Mesa Research Facility in which you play as Barney Calhoun, the security guard sidekick who helped Gordon out of so many sticky situations.
Half-Life: Blue Shift at a glance Released 2001 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 93% positive of 21,191 Price $4.99 Classic1990'sStory RichPuzzleRetroGreat Soundtrack
Common questions
What game is most like Maniac Mansion?
The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, on the evidence we have. It both story-rich and puzzle. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Maniac Mansion" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Maniac Mansion. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Maniac Mansion do?
Grim Fandango is also from Lucasfilm Games, and appears in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.