- #1 AI: The Somnium Files
97% matchVery Positive92% of 9,101 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 15.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Play as detective Kaname Date on the case of an elusive serial killer in this thrilling, sci-fi murder mystery.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.9%, Detective 23.1%, Mystery 20.8%, Anime 20.4%, Adventure 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in detective visual novels that features a complex serial killer mystery and unique investigation mechanics.
- #2 Raging Loop
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 9,674 reviews2017
Dev: KEMCO
Windows
Median: 23.9 hrsMean: 58.6 hrs≥1hr: 84%
The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.8%, Mystery 22.8%, Detective 13.4%, Anime 8.8%, Adventure 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: This psychological thriller offers a high-stakes mystery with intense narrative branching that mirrors the suspense of the seed game.
- #3 Kara no Shojo
96% matchVery Positive92% of 439 reviews2018
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 165.3 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Play as a detective tasked with catching a serial killer in this visual novel set in post-war Japan. Investigate key locations, question many complex characters, piece together clues, and try to stop the culprit before they end yet another young girl's smile.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.6%, Detective 25%, Mystery 21.5%, Anime 20.6%, Horror 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential detective visual novel that focuses on dark, atmospheric investigations and a gripping serial killer plot.
- #4 Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
95% matchVery Positive82% of 496 reviews2019
Dev: EXPERIENCEPub: Aksys Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 70%
A strange rumor is spreading through the shadows of Tokyo's H City: a mysterious disfigurement has been appearing on the bodies of certain individuals. Anyone who receives the Mark will rapidly die of unknown, horrifying causes. The countdown to death has already begun...
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.5%, Anime 16.2%, Adventure 14.9%, Horror 13%, Detective 12.3%
Why You'll Like It: A tense, horror-infused mystery game where you must investigate supernatural occurrences to survive.
- #5 The Shell Part I: Inferno
94% matchVery Positive91% of 1,325 reviews2023
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 10.7 hrsMean: 110.2 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Unravel a string of gruesome murders terrorizing Tokyo in this mystery-thriller visual novel. The secrets of a case from six years prior may just be the key to the current unending cycle of tragedy—and the thing that cracks this woeful world’s shell may be one girl’s smile.
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.4%, Detective 23.3%, Mystery 20.2%, Romance 15.5%, Anime 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: A hard-boiled detective story that captures the dark, mature tone and investigative focus of the seed game.
- #6 Tokyo Dark
94% matchVery Positive84% of 1,336 reviews2017
Dev: CherrymochiPub: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Legend tells of a door deep below Tokyo's sewers. All who enter are lost forever. Detective Ito's partner is missing. Explore Tokyo & uncover the darkness that lays beneath the streets in this Point & Click - meets Visual Novel - narrative adventure that questions the very core of Ito's sanity.
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.6%, Detective 22.9%, Anime 22.5%, Mystery 16.3%, Horror 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: Combines anime-style visuals with a detective narrative that explores dark, supernatural, and psychological themes.
- #7 SHINRAI - Broken Beyond Despair
93% matchVery Positive91% of 128 reviews2016
Dev: Gosatsu Visual Novels
Windows · Mac · Linux
A secluded mountain resort, 10 friends, 1 murderer. Investigate, interrogate and present evidence as you solve various mysteries throughout the night. Will you be able to reach the truth and uncover the culprit’s identity? Or will your deductions lead you to blame someone completely innocent...?
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.4%, Detective 25.4%, Mystery 21.3%, Anime 9.8%, Adventure 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on the investigation and deduction aspects of a murder mystery within an anime-inspired setting.
- #8 Sunlight Scream
92% matchVery Positive84% of 81 reviews2023
Dev: Faithy Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
The hero moves to a new city. However, along with him comes a masked killer who begins to kill his friends one by one... Make decisions to build your adventure. Can you stop him before it's too late?
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.8%, Detective 21%, Anime 17.2%, Mystery 17.1%, Romance 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: A focused detective mystery that captures the anime-styled investigative feel of the seed game.
- #9 Nanairo Reincarnation
91% matchVery Positive96% of 165 reviews2019
Dev: Silky's Plus WasabiPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Join spirit detective Kagami Makoto and his demon familiars as they hunt down the wandering ghosts disrupting the peace of his small town.
Why similar: Visual Novel 44.2%, Anime 28.1%, Romance 21.1%, Adventure 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: A supernatural mystery visual novel that explores dark themes through an engaging detective-like narrative.
- #10 CHAOS;CHILD
90% matchVery Positive94% of 3,800 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 81.1 hrs≥1hr: 81%
From the creators of the critically acclaimed STEINS;GATE comes a sensational new visual novel: CHAOS;CHILD. Set in Shibuya in 2015, a group of high school students who survived an earthquake six years ago find themselves at the center of a new series of bizarre murders in the city.
Why similar: Visual Novel 42.1%, Mystery 25.1%, Anime 22.1%, Adventure 5.4%, Horror 5.2%
Why You'll Like It: A deep, psychological mystery that follows a group of students investigating a series of bizarre murders.
- #11 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
91% matchVery Positive90% of 592 reviews2016
Dev: YetiPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 14.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Rescue squad captain Watase Kasasagi wakes up without his memories in the middle of his most critical mission yet-- a nuclear meltdown at a research facility. In an unfamiliar place and without his years of training, he must rescue the survivors and escape...
Why similar: Visual Novel 47.4%, Anime 24.6%, Mystery 19.6%, Adventure 6.5%, Horror 1.9%
Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes thriller that features complex characters and a branching narrative driven by life-or-death situations.
- #12 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 35,609 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Investigate murders, search for clues and talk to your classmates to prepare for trial. There, you'll engage in deadly wordplay, going back and forth with suspects. Dissect their statements and fire their words back at them to expose their lies! There's only one way to survive—pull the trigger.
Why similar: Visual Novel 27%, Detective 24%, Anime 21.7%, Mystery 20.8%, Horror 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: An iconic murder mystery visual novel that excels at high-tension investigations and character-driven drama.
- #13 GNOSIA
89% matchVery Positive94% of 4,733 reviews2022
Dev: Petit DepottoPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
The Gnosia lie. Pretending to be human, they’ll get in close, trick and deceive, and then eliminate one victim at a time...
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.9%, Anime 19.7%, Mystery 19.4%, Detective 17.5%, Simulation 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A unique blend of social deduction and visual novel that keeps the player guessing about the identity of the killer.
- #14 The Murder Hotel
88% matchVery Positive95% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: Wegenbartho Games
Windows
Interrogate suspects, search for clues, & uncover a dastardly plot, as you solve a string of mystifying murders to help reluctant detective Ilmarinen escape the foreboding Fafnir Hotel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.9%, Detective 22.8%, Mystery 20.8%, Anime 17.7%, Romance 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style mystery visual novel that puts the player in the role of a detective solving a locked-room case.
- #15 Fatal Twelve
87% matchVery Positive92% of 995 reviews2018
Dev: LYCORISPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Shishimai Rinka was a high schooler who ran a small café named Lion House in place of her grandmother. She lived her life much like any other person her age, but one day, she was caught up in an explosion while returning home on the train alongside her friend, Hitsuji Naomi.
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.8%, Anime 24.1%, Mystery 22.1%, Adventure 6.5%, Indie 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: A tense psychological mystery where characters must compete in a death game to determine their fate.
- #16 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,634 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.9 hrsMean: 40.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Umineko When They Cry is the 2nd series of Sound Novel released by 07th Expansion. The steam version features renewed character sprites which is swappable from the classic art.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.4%, Mystery 28.5%, Anime 14%, Detective 13.6%, Horror 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary murder mystery visual novel that challenges the player to solve complex puzzles and uncover the truth.
- #17 The Occult Detective
85% matchMostly Positive72% of 323 reviews2025
Dev: Battlecry Studio
Windows
A narrative detective game blended with supernatural elements. Play as a rookie investigator, discover vital clues in every case, dive into unscripted interrogations and uncover truths that break minds. But with each revelation, the world feels... less human.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.6%, Detective 23.9%, Anime 21.1%, Mystery 17.1%, Adventure 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: Blends detective work with occult themes to create a unique investigative experience.
- #18 12 Hours to Die
86% matchMostly Positive73% of 226 reviews2020
Dev: Wesley ReitsmaPub: Westeford
Windows · Mac · Linux
A mystery visual novel about six students forced to play a 12-hour long killing game.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32%, Detective 24.5%, Mystery 19.8%, Anime 13.9%, Adventure 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A time-sensitive mystery game that forces the player to solve a case before time runs out.
- #19 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,215 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 21.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.3%, Mystery 27.4%, Anime 24.8%, Adventure 3.6%, Indie 0.9%
Why You'll Like It: A masterful blend of slice-of-life and dark, suspenseful mystery that keeps the player on edge.
- #20 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 3,866 reviews2023
Dev: NankidaiPub: 0UP GAMES
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority- is a multi-ending horror adventure game. Sara Chidouin returns home from school late one night to discover that something's gone terribly wrong. When she comes to, she finds herself, her friend Joe, and 9 other people trapped in a mysterious place.
Why similar: Mystery 48.3%, Anime 38.2%, Adventure 13.5%
Why You'll Like It: A compelling death game visual novel that emphasizes character relationships and difficult moral choices.
- #21 Folie Fatale
81% matchVery Positive86% of 2,482 reviews2024
Dev: Kanmidoko (神海処)Pub: 346lab Localization
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
All capture targets are mentally "Jirai"(landmine)!? Meet these eccentric boys, reveal the truth beneath in this Psycho-love-horror VN!
Why similar: Visual Novel 37%, Mystery 23.3%, Anime 21.7%, Simulation 9.8%, Adventure 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror visual novel that features a strong female lead and a dark, branching mystery.
- #22 Yet Another Killing Game
81% matchVery Positive98% of 220 reviews2025
Dev: Soulseer Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
You wake up in a house, alone with two beautiful girls... But no one is allowed to leave until one of you DIES. Why is this happening? What is the purpose of this “killing game”? But most importantly...WHO SHOULD DIE?!
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.2%, Mystery 28.7%, Anime 28.1%, Adventure 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A suspenseful visual novel that leans into the death game genre with multiple endings and mystery elements.
- #23 A Detective's Novel
84% matchMixed68% of 890 reviews2016
Dev: Amaterasu Software
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 96%
On a cold November night in a desolate estate deep in the mountains an innocent life has prematurely perished and its up to the player to find out who did it.
Why similar: Indie 35.9%, Visual Novel 29.6%, Detective 19.9%, Adventure 14.6%
Why You'll Like It: A straightforward detective mystery that focuses on gathering clues and uncovering the truth behind a crime.
- #24 TOKYO PSYCHODEMIC
83% matchMostly Negative32% of 104 reviews2024
Dev: GRAVITY GAME ARISEPub: GRAVITY
Windows
5% of murder cases remain unsolved... it's time to open up these cases and confront the supernatural with forensic science! Solve cases by analyzing evidence and consulting with specialists. Enter a world that artfully blends 2D illustration and real-life visuals!
Why similar: Visual Novel 20.6%, Detective 20.4%, Simulation 19.6%, Mystery 16.8%, Anime 16%
Why You'll Like It: A modern investigation simulator that uses realistic evidence and deduction to solve cold cases.
- #25 STEINS;GATE
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 25,378 reviews2016
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 66.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, STEINS;GATE was awarded Famitsu magazine's coveted annual Game of Excellence award and was voted one of the most emotionally charged “tear-inducing games” ever made, in a Famitsu poll. It is a gripping and moving Visual Novel, which has already spawned manga and anime adaptations.
Why similar: Visual Novel 47.5%, Anime 28.6%, Mystery 10.4%, Romance 9%, Adventure 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: While sci-fi focused, its intense mystery and high-stakes narrative make it a strong match for fans of story-rich VNs.
- #26 The House in Fata Morgana
80% matchVery Positive95% of 6,041 reviews2016
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 27.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A gothic suspense tale set in a cursed mansion. "The House in Fata Morgana" is a full-length visual novel spanning nearly a millennium that deals in tragedy, human nature, and insanity.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.9%, Mystery 20.4%, Romance 17.2%, Anime 17%, Horror 6%
Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional and dark mystery that focuses on uncovering the truth behind a tragic history.
- #27 Magical Eyes - Red is for Anguish
82% matchVery Positive81% of 69 reviews2016
Dev: Pomera StudiosPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Magical Eyes - Red is for Anguish is a thrilling mystery story revolving around a series of unfathomable incidents in a town.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.7%, Anime 23%, Mystery 21%, Adventure 10%, Indie 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A mystery-heavy visual novel that features a unique art style and a dark, supernatural investigation.
- #28 9-nine-:Episode 1
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,894 reviews2019
Dev: PALETTEPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 145.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Help Miyako and Kakeru track down a superpowered serial killer before they strike again.
Why similar: Visual Novel 50.7%, Anime 28.7%, Mystery 14%, Simulation 6.6%
- #29 fault - milestone one
79% matchVery Positive92% of 3,231 reviews2014
Dev: ALICE IN DISSONANCE
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 29.1 hrs≥1hr: 92%
fault is a series of Science Fantasy Cinematic Novels using a unique 3D Camera system for a visually immersive reading experience. Follow Selphine, the bubbly Princess and her sharp-witted Royal Guardian, Ritona, on their journey of a lifetime back to their homeland of Rughzenhaide.
Why similar: Visual Novel 55%, Anime 38.1%, Adventure 4.4%, Indie 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: A high-quality visual novel with a strong narrative focus and a compelling mystery at its core.
- #30 Heart Cage
76% matchVery Positive98% of 292 reviews2025
Dev: RiceLoveCoffee
Windows · Mac · Linux
Yandere x Otome x Mystery A mystery Otome game with all yandere love interest, play as a detective and find out the truth!
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.9%, Mystery 24.9%, Anime 18.5%, Simulation 11.6%, Adventure 5.9%
- #31 Suicide Countdown: 7 Days
78% matchVery Positive81% of 1,081 reviews2021
Dev: 致意
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Only 7 days remain until death embraces you -- the everyday life of a young boy begins to distort little by little, unfolding into a bizarre and ghastly series of events... When fate comes knocking, will you have the courage to make a choice?
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.5%, Anime 21%, Mystery 17.1%, Detective 14.4%, Adventure 9.1%
- #32 Kill or Love
77% matchVery Positive89% of 2,191 reviews2020
Dev: Andy Church
Windows · Mac · Linux
A visual novel about obsession, loneliness, and, based on your choices, varying amounts of murder.
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.1%, Anime 26.7%, Romance 16.8%, Mystery 11.8%, Indie 4.9%
- #33 Drops of Death
75% matchVery Positive93% of 86 reviews2025
Dev: Snowhaven Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
A murder mystery visual novel with a romantic twist. The killer is randomly chosen at the start of each playthrough, and you may unknowingly fall in love with them. How will your story come to its end? Will you bring the killer to justice, fall in love with them, or die at their hands?
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.1%, Mystery 21.9%, Romance 17.1%, Anime 16.4%, Simulation 8.6%
- #34 瓔珞事件簿之誰殺了愛情
76% matchVery Positive97% of 79 reviews2022
Dev: 傅真Pub: Genuine Studio Ltd
Windows
瓔珞事件簿系列遊戲是一系列以私人偵探拍擋瓔．珞為主角的推理解謎遊戲 你將會與兩位充滿火花的偵探, 一同破解一個又一個離奇案件!
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.4%, Detective 19.6%, Anime 19.1%, Mystery 14.4%, Adventure 13.1%
- #35 Lucid9: Inciting Incident
77% matchVery Positive90% of 1,038 reviews2016
Dev: Fallen Snow Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Lucid9 is a visual novel focused on a web of intricate mysteries set in the fictional 2018 metropolis of Isamu. Lucid9: Inciting Incident is the first part of the story, focused on a string of disappearances that occur at a prestigious, uppity boarding academy.
Why similar: Visual Novel 37.6%, Anime 24.2%, Mystery 21.4%, Simulation 9.1%, Horror 4.6%
- #36 The Chrono Jotter
74% matchVery Positive94% of 2,205 reviews2021
Dev: Orca LayoutPub: 2P Games
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Rewind time to save your girlfriend in a twisted high school death game. A gripping yuri visual novel: Investigate brutal murders, unravel psychological horrors, and fight for a forbidden love that defies death itself.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.1%, Detective 22.9%, Mystery 18.8%, Anime 13.1%, Adventure 6.5%
- #37 Depraved Awakening
74% matchVery Positive91% of 611 reviews2019
Dev: PhillyGames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 69%
You are a private eye in Free City. Your latest client has found himself dead. As for how, many suspect suicide, though you're smarter than that. But poking around may get you in some hot water, but then again why would you be a private eye if you couldn't take the heat?
Why similar: Visual Novel 83.9%, Indie 16.1%
- #38 BEAST CRIMES
75% matchMixed63% of 63 reviews2022
Dev: LINK
Windows
Crimes across the times. Are you able to solve them all?
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.9%, Detective 25.8%, Anime 18%, Mystery 17.4%, Adventure 5%
- #39 The Genesis Order
71% matchVery Positive88% of 1,832 reviews2024
Dev: NLT Media
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.5 hrsMean: 33.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Murder and mystery lead a young detective to investigate a cult and to cross paths with a criminal organization. With the help of an angel and a harem of beauties, take on the challenge of saving the world from a mysterious threat.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.9%, Detective 26.4%, Mystery 20.6%, Romance 20.2%
- #40 Hashihime of the Old Book Town
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 612 reviews2019
Dev: ADELTAPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Follow the protagonist's pursuit to uncover the death of his friends during the Taisho era of Japan. An highly-acclaimed, psychedelic BL murder-mystery visual novel from indie developer ADELTA!
Why similar: Visual Novel 61.1%, Anime 20.7%, Adventure 6.9%, Mystery 6.8%, Horror 4.5%
- #41 Master Magistrate
73% matchVery Positive91% of 206 reviews2020
Dev: IRODORIPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
The samurai detective visual novel! Solve crimes and pass judgment on vigilantes, officials, inventors, and brigands to protect a city of eternal cherry blossoms.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30%, Detective 26.7%, Mystery 19.9%, Anime 16%, Adventure 7.4%
- #42 Hentai Detective
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 64 reviews2021
Dev: KuKo
Windows
Enigmatic psycho challenges famous detective. Help detective solve riddles and overcome challenges on his way to save the local town from bombing by stopping a mysterious madman.
Why similar: Anime 62.6%, Adventure 37.4%
- #43 Find Love or Die Trying
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 12,005 reviews2021
Dev: Sunseeker Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 59%
Welcome to the only killer dating show where ending up single means ending up dead! Date or die, it's up to your choices!
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.8%, Anime 27.3%, Romance 27%, Indie 3.9%
- #44 My Furry Detective 🐾
72% matchMostly Positive79% of 117 reviews2021
Dev: Dirty Fox Games
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
A mysterious crime that no one could solve now rests on your shoulders. Well, not just yours; you also have a partner from your department whom everyone makes fun of. But who knows—maybe she’s actually a great detective in disguise?
Why similar: Visual Novel 40.7%, Anime 24.8%, Romance 23.1%, Adventure 6.9%, Indie 4.6%
- #45 PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,800 reviews2026
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 13.6 hrsMean: 13.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Will you survive the curse together this summer? A new supernatural mystery adventure begins, telling a bittersweet story of the passions of youth featuring new locations, new legends and a new cast of characters.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.2%, Mystery 22.5%, Simulation 16%, Anime 12.6%, Adventure 12%
- #46 Confidential Killings - A Detective Game
68% matchMostly Positive79% of 580 reviews2026
Dev: BRANEPub: Surefire.Games
Windows · Mac
A series of murders is shocking Hollywood! Use your detective skills: search the crime scene, find clues, solve the mystery. Who is pulling the strings behind these Confidential Killings?
Why similar: Detective 45.4%, Mystery 37.6%, Adventure 17%
- #47 MMM: Murder Most Misfortunate
72% matchVery Positive82% of 124 reviews2017
Dev: Michael LongPub: Foolish Mortals Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
A gruesome murder interrupts an evening party at a secluded mansion and you are the prime suspect! Explore the mansion, search for clues, and interrogate the other guests as you strive to unmask the killer in this open-ended mystery.
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.4%, Mystery 26.1%, Adventure 19.1%, Indie 16.4%
- #48 Deliverance
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 277 reviews2022
Dev: 1Thousand
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Deliverance is a story of mystery, thrill and discovery. A choice-based adult visual novel allows you to explore the detective’s both sides. The hero, fighting to save his loved ones, or the villain willing to abandon all morality for power.
Why similar: Visual Novel 37.9%, Detective 30.9%, Romance 26%, Action 5.3%
- #49 Lachesis or Atropos
70% matchVery Positive87% of 68 reviews2023
Dev: 4nokiPub: Quill Yuri
Windows · Mac · Linux
This world is woven of strings, of fate and of hate. What do you see, detective? A horror-mystery yuri visual novel peering into the maddening darkness of love and death.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.9%, Detective 20.9%, Mystery 16.2%, Anime 15.6%, Romance 11.1%
- #50 Tokyo Detectives
71% matchMixed70% of 57 reviews2021
Dev: Rincho Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Detective Game. Murder Investigation. Interrogate witnesses. Rebut with evidence.
Why similar: Detective 26.6%, Visual Novel 25%, Anime 20.1%, Mystery 19.4%, Adventure 5.7%
- #51 Sickness
71% matchVery Positive89% of 144 reviews2016
Dev: ZetsubouPub: Unwonted Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Sickness is a visual novel centering around Suoh Tesla, an amoral high school student whose life is rapidly deteriorating. Following the deaths of his parents, a brief stay in the hospital, and the emergence of his “Sickness”, his daily life quickly devolves from carefree school days to a life of crime.
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.9%, Anime 22.3%, Simulation 13.8%, Indie 8.2%, Adventure 6.9%
- #52 Bloody Painter Dating Sim
67% matchVery Positive90% of 1,598 reviews2024
Dev: DeluCat Productions
Windows
You have unfortunately been captured by a serial killer, and you must increase your chances of survival within seven days. Your choices will determine how he treats you and the outcome of your relationship. What will your final relationship with him be...?
Why similar: Visual Novel 44.4%, Romance 19.3%, Anime 15.8%, Horror 10.7%, Simulation 6.5%
- #53 Kindaichi Mystery Series: The Honjin Murders
68% matchMostly Positive73% of 174 reviews2025
Dev: coly Inc.
Windows · Mac
Famous detective Kosuke Kindaichi's first case, the Honjin Murder Mystery. Honjin descendant Kenzo Ichiyanagi and his new wife Katsuko Kubo lay dead in a bed of blood on the night of their wedding. Kosuke Kindaichi searches for the truth about this locked room murder mystery. However...
Why similar: Visual Novel 28%, Mystery 25.1%, Detective 24.9%, Anime 15.5%, Adventure 6.6%
- #54 DETECTIVE - Rainy night
67% matchVery Positive81% of 78 reviews2025
Dev: k148 Game StudioPub: JanduSoft
Windows
Detective Rainy Night is a narrative adventure with elements of deduction. Violent crimes, mature stories, and a touch of psychological horror await you at the Motel Holiday. Grab a pencil and paper because solving this case won’t be easy.
Why similar: Detective 34.8%, Mystery 31.2%, Simulation 15.3%, Horror 10%, Adventure 8.6%
- #55 Lunar maiden, River-side Angel, and the Godlike moment
69% matchVery Positive90% of 99 reviews2023
Dev: サキュレントPub: 072 Project
Windows
"I make you real." Only he knows me. The identity of the young man who thought so was a serial killer. An 18+ novel game for maidens where a woman obtains divinity along with her ruin.
Why similar: Visual Novel 45.9%, Anime 26.3%, Adventure 10.6%, Indie 8.7%, Horror 8.5%
- #56 9-nine-:Episode 2
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,889 reviews2019
Dev: PALETTEPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.6 hrsMean: 184.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
It's Sora and Kakeru's time to shine when the action heats up in 9-nine-: Episode 2. Can they take down the murderer before it's too late for them both?
Why similar: Visual Novel 46.8%, Anime 26.6%, Mystery 14.8%, Simulation 7.1%, Action 4.6%
- #57 Romance after dark
69% matchMostly Positive73% of 51 reviews2021
Dev: Lesson of Passion
Windows
ROMANCE AFTER DARK is a noir blend of visual novel and adventure game experience. Play as Trevor, once successful private investigator and help him put his miserable life on the right track again. Use your detective hunch and interact with characters and objects.
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.5%, Detective 23.4%, Mystery 14.4%, Romance 11%, Adventure 10%
- #58 Crimson Gray: Dusk and Dawn
68% matchVery Positive94% of 124 reviews2018
Dev: Sierra Lee
Windows · Mac · Linux
A slice of life visual novel with the emphasis on the slicing. Play as a mentally unstable young woman with blood on her hands trying to adapt to a normal life.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.8%, Anime 22.6%, Alternate History 22.1%, Simulation 11.7%, Indie 7.1%
- #59 Sword of Asumi
69% matchMostly Positive72% of 376 reviews2015
Dev: Dharker Studios
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Take on the role of Asumi, a new warrior for the people of Edo. As Asumi you must root out a rebel from within a prestigious samurai academy. Now the assassin must walk in the light for all to see.
Why similar: Visual Novel 44.7%, Anime 31.8%, Indie 8.8%, Adventure 8.3%, Romance 6.3%
- #60 Isabella: Chasing Shadows
66% matchVery Positive84% of 82 reviews2024
Dev: Badtimetales
Windows · Mac · Linux
Isabella - Chasing Shadows is an erotic thriller with adult elements. After the death of your fiancée, you’ll try to uncover the city’s darkest secrets. What connection does a ‘High Fashion’ model have to your fiancée’s death and can you protect those you care about? It’s up to you!
Why similar: Visual Novel 60.2%, Romance 36.4%, Indie 3.4%
