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Detention similar games & best alternatives

Detention

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2017

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Quick resume

Detention is an atmospheric horror game set in 1960s Taiwan under martial law. Incorporated religious elements based in Taiwanese/Chinese culture and mythology, the game provided players with unique graphics and gaming experience.

Global score

96/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click

Similar games

    Pros

    • Deep and meaningful story
    • Unique art style and atmosphere
    • Engaging puzzles
    • Historical and cultural education
    • Strong emotional impact

    Cons

    • Short gameplay length
    • Limited replay value
    • Some puzzles can be obtuse
    • Lack of multiplayer or social features
    • Minimal character customization

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Expression, Fellowship, Cooperation, Competition. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Value, Story. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Expression.

    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 navigate the story-driven point-and-click gameplay with freedom to explore and solve puzzles, reflecting personal agency within the narrative."

    • Competence
      2

      "Puzzles provide moderate challenge requiring problem-solving skills, but gameplay is generally straightforward and accessible."

    • Competition
      -5

      "No competitive elements; focus is on personal narrative experience without comparison to others."

    • Continuation
      1

      "Players engage deeply to finish the story, but limited replay value beyond alternate endings suggests moderate habitual play."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Single-player experience focused on individual exploration and story progression without multiplayer or cooperative features."

    • Creativity
      2

      "Players creatively solve puzzles and interpret story symbolism, though within a fixed narrative and environment."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are solitary and narrative-driven."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Strong immersion in a fictionalized historical and psychological horror setting provides escape from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily driven by interest in story, atmosphere, and cultural themes rather than obligation."

    • Experimenting
      1

      "Some exploration and puzzle experimentation occur, but mostly within established game mechanics and story progression."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Players explore new environments and uncover story elements and secrets in a narrative-driven setting."

    • Expression
      -4

      "Limited customization or self-expression; players experience a fixed protagonist and environment."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Game blends Taiwanese mythology and supernatural elements with historical fiction, creating an imaginative experience."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "Solo play with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

    • Growth
      2

      "Players develop problem-solving skills and gain understanding of historical and cultural context through gameplay."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention to solve puzzles and follow story; not designed for casual or background play."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "Emotional engagement with story and characters but limited social or relational interaction."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management elements; entirely single-player narrative."

    • Progression
      2

      "Players progress through story and unlock alternate endings; some item collection and puzzle completion."

    • Relaxation
      1

      "Atmosphere is tense and eerie but gameplay pacing allows moments of calm and reflection."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Strong sensory engagement through unique art style, sound design, and atmospheric music."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social status or recognition systems; focus is on personal experience."

    • Story
      5

      "Narrative immersion is central, with a deep, meaningful story exploring historical and psychological themes."

    • Strategy
      1

      "Some puzzle-solving requires logical thinking, but overall gameplay is straightforward."

    • Thrill
      2

      "Psychological horror and suspense create tension and unease rather than frequent jump scares."

    • Value
      4

      "Highly praised for storytelling and atmosphere, offering strong perceived value especially at discounted price."

    • Violence
      1

      "Contains themes of death and oppression but gameplay focuses on avoidance and puzzle-solving rather than combat."

    • Survival
      2

      "Players must avoid supernatural threats by stealth and timing, adding survival tension to gameplay."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026