9 Clues 2: The Ward Thumbnail

9 Clues 2: The Ward similar games & best alternatives

9 Clues 2: The Ward

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, iOS, Windows Phone, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Linux • 2015

Related articles

Quick resume

Solve the mystery of Mnemosyne Asylum!

Global score

91/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Puzzle, Point-and-click

Similar games

    Pros

    • Engaging detective story with plot twists
    • Atmospheric and creepy asylum setting
    • Varied puzzles and mini-games
    • Option to play mahjong instead of hidden object scenes
    • Good voice acting and music

    Cons

    • Short game length
    • Need to replay for all achievements
    • Some minor bugs and animation issues
    • Limited replay value beyond achievements
    • Price considered high for content

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Expression, Fellowship, Cooperation, Competition. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Relaxation, Story. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Value.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      3

      "Players have freedom to explore the asylum, investigate clues, solve puzzles, and choose between hidden object or mahjong modes, indicating moderate autonomy."

    • Competence
      2

      "Puzzles and hidden object scenes are generally easy but require some skill and attention, providing a mild sense of competence."

    • Competition
      -4

      "The game focuses on personal investigation and story progression without competitive elements or player comparison."

    • Continuation
      1

      "Players are engaged enough to replay for achievements and collectibles, but the game is relatively short and can be completed quickly."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

    • Creativity
      1

      "Some creative elements in detective mode and puzzle solving, but mostly uses predefined scenes and puzzles."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is individual and narrative-driven."

    • Escapism
      4

      "The dark, psychological asylum setting and immersive story provide a strong escape from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for enjoyment and intrigue, not due to obligation or external pressure."

    • Experimenting
      2

      "Players try different puzzle types and modes (hidden object or mahjong), exploring game mechanics moderately."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Players explore various locations in the asylum and uncover clues, encouraging discovery."

    • Expression
      -3

      "Limited customization; players interact with preset characters and environments without personal expression."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "The game features a fictional, psychological thriller narrative with some supernatural or horror elements."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "No social or community features; gameplay is solitary."

    • Growth
      2

      "Players develop investigative skills and puzzle-solving abilities, though challenges are moderate."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention to solve puzzles and progress; not suitable for passive or background play."

    • Intimacy
      -5

      "No close social interactions or relationship-building; solitary gameplay."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management elements present."

    • Progression
      3

      "Players collect clues, achievements, and collectibles, showing progression through story and gameplay."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "The game offers a balanced challenge with atmospheric music and pacing conducive to relaxed play."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Visuals and music create a creepy, immersive atmosphere with moderate sensory stimulation."

    • Status
      -5

      "Achievements exist but social recognition or popularity is not a core focus."

    • Story
      5

      "Strong narrative immersion with a dark, suspenseful plot and character development."

    • Strategy
      1

      "Some puzzle solving and clue ordering require basic reasoning, but overall mental challenge is light."

    • Thrill
      3

      "The suspenseful and creepy atmosphere provides moderate thrill and tension."

    • Value
      -2

      "Short playtime and need for multiple playthroughs for achievements reduce perceived value at full price."

    • Violence
      3

      "Includes themes of murder and death, with some graphic scenes, fitting the psychological thriller genre."

    • Survival
      1

      "Players must avoid failure in puzzles and uncover mysteries, but no direct survival mechanics."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026