The Samaritan Paradox Thumbnail

The Samaritan Paradox similar games & best alternatives

The Samaritan Paradox

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2014

Related articles

Quick resume

A writer has died. His daughter seeks the help of you, Ord Salamon, to find his secret last novel. During the search, questions will emerge. Did her father really kill himself? What is the secret novel all about? What is going on at the island of Fardo?

Global score

71/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click

Pros

  • Engaging and complex story with plot twists
  • Challenging and varied puzzles
  • Atmospheric music and voice acting
  • Dual narrative structure with fantasy and realistic elements
  • Good value for price

Cons

  • Pixel hunting and small clickable areas
  • Some frustrating or obscure puzzles
  • Technical issues including crashes and bugs
  • Linear gameplay with limited player freedom
  • Ending considered unsatisfying or abrupt by some players

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have freedom to explore multiple locations and solve puzzles at their own pace, but the game is overall linear with a fixed story progression."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game features challenging and varied puzzles that require skill and logical thinking, with some players needing guides for difficult parts."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; gameplay is single-player and focused on personal puzzle solving."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Many players report being engaged and eager to continue due to the story and puzzles, though some frustration with pixel hunting and difficulty may reduce long sessions."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative gameplay or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players engage in puzzle solving and exploration within a crafted narrative, but no creation or modification of game elements."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power dynamics; interactions are limited to story and puzzle solving."

  • Escapism
    4

    "The dark, immersive story and fantasy elements provide strong escapism from real life."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest in puzzles and story; no evidence of obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players explore two intertwined storylines and try different puzzle approaches, though gameplay is mostly structured."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players discover new locations and story elements, including switching between real world and fantasy book worlds."

  • Expression
    -5

    "No character customization or player expression options; presentation is fixed."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "The game mixes realistic detective story with a fantasy narrative within the book, providing imaginative fiction elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; purely single-player experience."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop problem-solving skills and progress through a complex narrative, learning through puzzles."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity involved; sedentary gameplay."

  • Idle
    -3

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

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building with other players."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements present."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players accumulate clues, items, and story knowledge to advance through the game."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Some players find the game relaxing and immersive, but others report frustration with pixel hunting and difficult puzzles."

  • Sensation
    1

    "The game offers atmospheric music and voice acting, but sensory stimulation is moderate and subdued."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status elements; single-player focus."

  • Story
    4

    "Strong narrative immersion with dual storylines, voice acting, and plot twists praised by players."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players engage in logical puzzle solving and planning to progress, requiring mental challenge."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense and tension from mystery and timed puzzles, though not extreme."

  • Value
    4

    "Players generally perceive good value for the price, especially on sale, given length and content."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No enjoyment of combat or destruction; focus is on investigation and puzzle solving."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat avoidance mechanics; stable game conditions."

Similar games

    Last update: 06/03/2026