2023 has been an exhilarating year for video game enthusiasts, with the holiday season promising even more excitement. While games like Forspoken and Hogwarts Legacy have had their fair share of ups and downs, there have also been some delightful surprises. 

One such surprise is the release of the highly anticipated sequel to Detective Pikachu Returns. In a similar vein, fans of Detective Pikachu Returns should definitely check out The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog for an enthralling mystery experience.

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog shares its genre with Detective Pikachu Returns, offering players a murder mystery to solve. In this game, a seemingly innocent birthday party for Amy Rose takes an unexpected turn when Sonic’s apparent demise becomes all too real. Initially released as an April Fools’ Day joke, this game may seem like a prank, but it’s a legitimate title that fuses problem-solving elements with the platforming action that the Sonic the Hedgehog series is renowned for. Therefore, it serves as the perfect recommendation for those hungry for more after completing Detective Pikachu Returns.

One defining trait of Detective Pikachu Returns and its predecessor is their simplicity. These games aim to present cases that are approachable even for younger Pokemon fans, ensuring they won’t feel overwhelmed or confused while unraveling a mystery. Some argue that the simplicity of the writing has alienated older fans who crave a greater challenge. On the other hand, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, while maintaining a simple narrative, offers an easygoing experience in its own right.

As the game revolves around Sonic and his friends attending a murder mystery birthday party for Amy, the visual novel-style adventure maintains an uplifting and simplistic tone until the surprising truth is revealed towards the end—reminiscent of the plot in Detective Pikachu Returns. However, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog sets itself apart by introducing a difficulty curve that keeps players guessing and improving their skills throughout the game.

Elevating the Mystery Experience: The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog after Detective Pikachu Returns

One of the highlights of Detective Pikachu Returns is undoubtedly the chance to embark on an adventure alongside Pikachu. The game immerses players in the enchanting world of Pokemon, where mysteries often require considering the type of creature involved and analyzing its footprint. Fortunately, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog provides a similar opportunity for players to delve into Sonic’s captivating universe, which, thanks to the carefully crafted lore of Sonic Frontiers, is anything but dull. This game serves as a perfect introduction to everything this beloved series has to offer.

Moreover, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is a delightful surprise for fans, as it unexpectedly released just before April 1st. This free game, available on Steam for PC and Mac, offers hours of gameplay, making it an ideal choice for those who have completed Detective Pikachu Returns and seek a comparable experience filled with the same humor, whimsy, and a touch more challenge.

Detective Pikachu Returns is exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch.