Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition (2026)
Every game below overlaps with The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition 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: Grim Fandango, which both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle.
- The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is tagged Point & Click, Adventure, Comedy, Classic, Pirates, Funny, Remake, Singleplayer 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.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
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
Grim Fandango
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 12 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
- 2
Maniac Mansion
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 13 player tags including Classic, Point & Click and Remake.
Quick, Dr. Fred's Kidnapped Sandy and he's about to start the experiment...
Maniac Mansion at a glance Released 1987 Studio Lucasfilm Games Player sentiment 88% positive of 226 Price $5.99 ClassicPoint & ClickRemake1990'sRetroStory RichPixel Graphics2D
- 3
Deponia
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 11 player tags including Point & Click, Comedy and Puzzle; released around the same time (2012).
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 SoundtrackEscape Room
- 4
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Story Rich and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2010).
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
- 5
World of Goo
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Puzzle, Great Soundtrack and 2D; released around the same time (2008).
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 RichFamily Friendly
- 6
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
- 7
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Point & Click, Pixel Graphics and Puzzle; released around the same time (2013).
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
- 8
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
- 9
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Point & Click and Great Soundtrack; released around the same time (2012).
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 RichRetro
- 10
Syberia
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Point & Click, Puzzle and Story Rich.
Join Kate Walker as she travels to remote locations and time periods in this timeless voyage to discover her true destiny.
Syberia at a glance Released 2002 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 88% positive of 6,824 Price $12.99 Point & ClickPuzzleStory RichClassicEscape RoomGreat SoundtrackNostalgia
- 11
Life is Strange 2
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric 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
- 12
Machinarium
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Point & Click, Puzzle and 2D; released around the same time (2009).
Machinarium is the award-winning independent adventure game developed by the makers of Samorost series, Botanicula and CHUCHEL. Help Josef the robot save his girlfriend Berta kidnapped by the Black Cap Brotherhood gang!
Machinarium at a glance Released 2009 Studio Amanita Design Player sentiment 95% positive of 20,634 Price $3.99 Point & ClickPuzzle2DStory RichFamily FriendlyGreat Soundtrack
- 13
Puzzle Agent
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Point & Click and Comedy; released around the same time (2010).
Created with indie comic artist Graham Annable's unique narrative and visual sensibilities, delivered with the distinctive Telltale storytelling style, Puzzle Agent is sure to challenge, thrill and engage in more ways than you can shake a cryptogram at!
Puzzle Agent at a glance Released 2010 Studio Telltale Player sentiment 89% positive of 2,838 Price $4.99 PuzzlePoint & ClickComedyFunny2DStory Rich
- 14
Neighbours from Hell
Why it matched: both atmospheric and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Comedy, Classic and Funny.
INTRODUCING THE GAME OF NEIGHBOURHOOD NASTINESS AND COMMUNITY COMMOTION! Living next door to you is a real Neighbour From Hell and it's now time to have your revenge! This compilation includes the original Neighbours From Hell and it's sequel Neighbours from Hell 2: On Vacation.
Neighbours from Hell at a glance Released 2003 Studio JoWooD Entertainment Player sentiment 98% positive of 3,150 Price Not listed ComedyClassicFunnyPuzzlePoint & ClickNostalgiaGreat Soundtrack2D
- 15
The Tiny Bang Story
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Point & Click, Puzzle and Retro; released around the same time (2011).
Life on Tiny Planet was calm and carefree until a great disaster occurred - Tiny Planet was hit by a meteor! The world fell apart and now its future depends only on you! Use your imagination and creativity: in order to restore Tiny Planet and help its inhabitants you will have to fix a variety of machines and mechanisms as well as solve...
The Tiny Bang Story at a glance Released 2011 Studio Colibri Games Player sentiment 87% positive of 6,649 Price $0.99 Point & ClickPuzzleRetro2DStory RichFamily Friendly
- 16
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
Why it matched: both atmospheric and 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
- 17
Gunpoint
Why it matched: both story-rich and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Puzzle, 2D and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2013).
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
- 18
Cube Escape: Paradox
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Puzzle, Point & Click and Escape Room.
The tenth Cube Escape follows the story of detective Dale Vandermeer who finds himself trapped in two different universes and needs to escape. Cube Escape: Paradox will be released together with the accompanying Paradox: A Rusty Lake Film.
Cube Escape: Paradox at a glance Released 2018 Studio Rusty Lake Player sentiment 97% positive of 12,197 Price Free PuzzlePoint & ClickEscape RoomStory Rich2DGreat Soundtrack
- 19
Half-Life: Opposing Force
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric 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
- 20
Pony Island
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric 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
- 21
Half-Life: Blue Shift
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric 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
- 22
Unpacking
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Puzzle and Story Rich.
Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.
Unpacking at a glance Released 2021 Studio Witch Beam Player sentiment 93% positive of 40,694 Price $19.99 Pixel GraphicsPuzzleStory RichPoint & ClickFamily Friendly2D
- 23
Resident Evil
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Classic, Remake and Puzzle.
The game that defined the survival-horror genre is back! Check out the remastered HD version of Resident Evil.
Resident Evil at a glance Released 1996 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 92% positive of 36,244 Price $19.99 ClassicRemakePuzzleCult ClassicStory RichGreat Soundtrack
- 24
Resident Evil
Why it matched: both story-rich, atmospheric and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Classic, Remake and Puzzle.
The game that defined the survival-horror genre is back! Check out the remastered HD version of Resident Evil.
Resident Evil at a glance Released 2002 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 92% positive of 36,244 Price $19.99 ClassicRemakePuzzleCult ClassicStory RichGreat Soundtrack
Common questions
What game is most like The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition?
Grim Fandango, on the evidence we have. It both story-rich, atmospheric 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 The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition" 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 The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition. 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.
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.