- #1 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
97% 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: Great Soundtrack 34%, Visual Novel 27.3%, Mystery 19.3%, Story Rich 9.3%, Anime 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: This is the essential predecessor from the same creator, offering a masterclass in complex, meta-fictional mystery storytelling.
- #2 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,457 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24.7 hrsMean: 46.6 hrs≥1hr: 87%
This is the 2nd half of the Umineko When They Cry sound novel series, featuring episodes 5 through 8. This steam version features multi-language options, swap-able renewed character sprites, as well as the original BGMs and un-cut content.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 33.3%, Visual Novel 26.9%, Mystery 18.6%, Story Rich 8.8%, Anime 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: The conclusion to the Umineko saga provides the necessary payoff to the intricate puzzles established in the question arcs.
- #3 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
96% 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 38.4%, Mystery 20.8%, Anime 15.1%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Story Rich 9%
Why You'll Like It: This entry perfectly captures the unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension that defines the When They Cry series.
- #4 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 753 reviews2020
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 19.6 hrsMean: 76.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 42%, Great Soundtrack 22.8%, Adventure 14%, Anime 11.6%, Story Rich 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: As the grand finale of the Higurashi series, it provides the high-stakes resolution that fans of intense narrative payoffs will appreciate.
- #5 CHAOS;CHILD
94% 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 27.9%, Violent 16.7%, Mystery 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 13.6%, Anime 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: This title offers a dark, gripping mystery with psychological depth that aligns well with the tone of Ciconia.
- #6 STEINS;GATE
94% 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 34%, Great Soundtrack 20.4%, Anime 14%, Sci-fi 11.1%, Story Rich 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: A seminal sci-fi visual novel that, like Ciconia, masterfully balances character development with complex, time-bending mystery.
- #7 CHAOS;HEAD NOAH
93% matchVery Positive89% of 1,696 reviews2022
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 52.6 hrs≥1hr: 82%
CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.1%, Mystery 15.4%, Violent 13.4%, Anime 11.7%, Story Rich 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a foundational look at the Science Adventure universe's themes of reality-warping and psychological instability.
- #8 ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE
92% matchVery Positive91% of 653 reviews2020
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 38.0 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Thanks to the rising popularity of the PhoneDroid—a device which features augmented reality (A.R.)—the age of advanced technology has finally reached Tanegashima. On that island, Central Tanegashima High's "Robot Research Club" is about to have their club disbanded.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.3%, Great Soundtrack 17.7%, Adventure 12.4%, Mystery 11.6%, Sci-fi 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: This entry brings a more grounded sci-fi approach to the Science Adventure series while maintaining a strong, story-rich focus.
- #9 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
91% matchVery Positive93% of 6,967 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 21.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Kidnapped and taken to an unfamiliar location, nine people find themselves forced to participate in a diabolical Nonary Game by an enigmatic mastermind called Zero. Why were they there? Why were they chosen to put their lives on the line? And more importantly, who can be trusted?
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.5%, Mystery 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.5%, Story Rich 10.5%, Anime 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: This collection features high-stakes death games and complex sci-fi puzzles that mirror the intensity of Ciconia's narrative.
- #10 AI: The Somnium Files
90% 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 27%, Mystery 16.7%, Anime 13.1%, Violent 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: A modern detective thriller that blends surreal sci-fi elements with a deeply engaging, character-driven mystery.
- #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 35.3%, Anime 12.5%, Mystery 12.5%, Violent 10.9%, Story Rich 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A complex, multi-perspective thriller that shares the high-stakes, sci-fi mystery DNA of Ciconia.
- #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 28.5%, Great Soundtrack 23.3%, Mystery 18.8%, Anime 15.8%, Story Rich 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential mystery visual novel that excels at building tension through a high-stakes, enclosed environment.
- #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 30.5%, Mystery 18.9%, Anime 15.4%, Sci-fi 14.5%, Story Rich 11%
Why You'll Like It: This sci-fi social deduction game offers a unique, looping narrative structure that rewards deep investigation and character analysis.
- #14 Fate/stay night REMASTERED
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 4,307 reviews2024
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 47.6 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Seek the root of the Fate franchise. Return to where it all began.
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.9%, Anime 18.3%, Great Soundtrack 17.4%, Story Rich 11.4%, Adventure 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: An iconic visual novel that delivers intense, high-stakes action and deep lore, much like the conflict-heavy nature of Ciconia.
- #15 The 25th Ward: The Silver Case
88% matchVery Positive92% of 499 reviews2018
Dev: GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 85%
In the bayside area of Kanto, a murder with unknown motivations sets off a series of seemingly random events bringing together peculiar individuals, one of whom is detective Tokio Morishima. When their ambitions begin to collide, a truly shocking pattern emerges…
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.2%, Violent 25%, Great Soundtrack 19.6%, Mystery 13%, Adventure 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: A stylish, avant-garde mystery from Suda51 that matches the experimental and violent nature of Ciconia.
- #16 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 873 reviews2018
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 40.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 30.7%, Mystery 16.1%, Violent 15.2%, Anime 13.3%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: This entry is celebrated for its intense emotional climax and its role in shifting the series toward a more hopeful resolution.
- #17 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 7,330 reviews2023
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 14.0 hrsMean: 62.4 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A tale told with vivid colors and rich sound in a classic TYPE-MOON visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 46.5%, Great Soundtrack 20.8%, Anime 15.7%, Story Rich 7.9%, Adventure 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A visually stunning narrative experience that showcases high-quality production values and a compelling, supernatural mystery.
- #18 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 663 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.8 hrsMean: 91.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 28.1%, Mystery 18.1%, Violent 17.4%, Anime 15.5%, Adventure 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: A critical turning point in the series that brings the various narrative threads together for a powerful confrontation.
- #19 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 867 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 20.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 25.2%, Violent 18.9%, Great Soundtrack 18%, Mystery 13.8%, Anime 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: A shorter, focused mystery that provides essential context for the broader events of the series.
- #20 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,766 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 17.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 33.4%, Mystery 16.8%, Great Soundtrack 13.6%, Anime 13.3%, Violent 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: This chapter deepens the mystery of the series with a focus on psychological horror and character secrets.
- #21 STEINS;GATE 0
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 7,939 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 124.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
If you can't save the one you love… How can you save humanity? Sequel to the visual novel cult classic. Experience an alternate worldline of STEINS;GATE.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.6%, Great Soundtrack 21.3%, Anime 13.3%, Story Rich 11%, Sci-fi 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: A darker, more melancholic continuation of the Steins;Gate saga that explores the consequences of failure and sacrifice.
- #22 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,224 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 22.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 28%, Great Soundtrack 18%, Mystery 15.5%, Violent 13.2%, Anime 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: This chapter is known for its brutal exploration of social isolation and the consequences of desperate actions.
- #23 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
81% 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 39.5%, Anime 25%, Story Rich 16.6%, Adventure 14.1%, Singleplayer 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: This title features a gripping death game scenario that forces players to make difficult moral choices under extreme pressure.
- #24 STEINS;GATE ELITE
82% matchVery Positive90% of 1,627 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 272.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
STEINS;GATE ELITE follows a rag-tag band of tech-savvy young students who discover the means of changing the past via e-mail using a modified microwave.
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.9%, Anime 15.9%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Sci-fi 11.5%, Violent 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: An enhanced version of the original classic that utilizes animated sequences to heighten the emotional impact of its sci-fi story.
- #25 428: Shibuya Scramble
81% matchVery Positive95% of 3,587 reviews2018
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 82%
A kidnapping on the streets of Shibuya brings together a hot-blooded detective, hard-hitting journalist, former gang leader, the head researcher of a big pharma manufacturer and a part-timer stuck in cat costume for a series of events each more unexpected and outrageous than the last.
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.3%, Mystery 19.1%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Violent 11.9%, Story Rich 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A masterpiece of narrative structure that uses multiple perspectives to weave a complex, city-wide mystery.
- #26 Muv-Luv Alternative
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 3,575 reviews2018
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 34.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Playtime's over. Time for despair. Experience the definitive version of a masterpiece in the Muv-Luv trilogy's thrilling conclusion. Note: therapy not included.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.5%, Violent 24.7%, Anime 14.8%, Sci-fi 11.6%, Story Rich 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: This title is a landmark in sci-fi visual novels, featuring the same blend of character drama and large-scale, brutal military conflict.
- #27 Analogue: A Hate Story
79% matchVery Positive93% of 2,291 reviews2012
Dev: Love Conquers All Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 57%
A dark visual mystery novel featuring transhumanism, traditional marriage, loneliness, and cosplay. Two pursuable characters. Five endings. Welcome to the future.
Why similar: Visual Novel 57.1%, Anime 14.4%, Sci-fi 12.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.2%, Story Rich 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: A thought-provoking sci-fi mystery that uses text-based logs to uncover a dark, historical narrative.
- #28 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,008 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 21.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 23.8%, Great Soundtrack 22.5%, Mystery 14%, Violent 13.2%, Anime 12%
- #29 Higurashi When They Cry Hou+
77% matchVery Positive88% of 163 reviews2023
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The tragedy of Hinamizawa is over. Those held captive within its grip are free from the fate that bound them to June 1983. Yet the tale of Hinamizawa is not truly complete. There are many worlds not yet explored.
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.2%, Violent 20.8%, Anime 16.7%, Adventure 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%
- #30 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Rei
76% matchVery Positive98% of 252 reviews2022
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 197.5 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 48.3%, Anime 16.8%, Adventure 14.9%, Story Rich 10.5%, Mystery 7.7%
- #31 ENIGMA:
78% matchVery Positive95% of 144 reviews2016
Dev: UzumeyaPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Enigma is an atmospheric, full-length visual novel where you discover the secrets of Enigma, a worldwide epidemic, and a forest on a lonely island that bears its name.
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.1%, Great Soundtrack 23.6%, Anime 14.7%, Mystery 13.9%, Adventure 12.8%
Why You'll Like It: A haunting, atmospheric visual novel that focuses on mystery and character relationships in a secluded, supernatural setting.
- #32 Hate Plus
79% matchVery Positive84% of 589 reviews2013
Dev: Love Conquers All Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 9.4 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Let's spend the next three real-time days together uncovering the mystery of what went horribly wrong on a derelict generation ship, with the help of a spunky/more-than-slightly-traumatized AI sidekick! A sequel to Analogue: A Hate Story that tells a whole new hate story of its own.
Why similar: Visual Novel 54%, Anime 13.8%, Sci-fi 13.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, Story Rich 6%
Why You'll Like It: The direct sequel to Analogue, offering a deeper dive into the sociopolitical themes of its sci-fi setting.
- #33 Harmonia
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 777 reviews2016
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 89.6 hrs≥1hr: 87%
From renowned visual novel studio Key, which brought you the highly rated visual novel “planetarian~the reverie of a little planet~”, this is “Harmonia”, the latest kinetic novel in the series.
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.8%, Great Soundtrack 17%, Anime 16.5%, Violent 14.4%, Adventure 10.2%
- #34 Muv-Luv photonmelodies♮
76% matchVery Positive88% of 249 reviews2020
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Fall in Luv all over again! Familiar faces and worlds collide in three massive new adventures, including the long-awaited follow-up to Muv-Luv Alternative!
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.5%, Violent 18.1%, Anime 17.3%, Adventure 9.2%, Sci-fi 8.4%
- #35 STEINS;GATE: Linear Bounded Phenogram
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,225 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 129.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A story for every lab member. Discover a new side of each STEINS;GATE character and get a glimpse of their inner thoughts through 10 new stories.
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.5%, Adventure 15.6%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, Anime 13.1%, Sci-fi 12.1%
- #36 CLANNAD
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,460 reviews2015
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 105.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
From the world renowned visual novel studio Key, the highly rated story of CLANNAD is now available on Steam! Improved visuals, achievement integration, and Dangopedia make this the best version of CLANNAD to date.
Why similar: Visual Novel 43%, Great Soundtrack 24.6%, Anime 18.4%, Story Rich 11%, Adventure 1.9%
- #37 Grisaia Phantom Trigger Vol.1
75% matchVery Positive92% of 352 reviews2017
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 53.4 hrs≥1hr: 88%
"Grisaia: Phantom Trigger" is a visual novel, specifically a kinetic novel (without branching routes). Returning character artist Akio Watanabe and writer Ryuta Fujisaki bring you the latest installment in the acclaimed Grisaia series.
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.7%, Violent 29.7%, Anime 16.2%, Story Rich 9.3%, Adventure 9%
- #38 Muv-Luv
74% matchVery Positive94% of 1,935 reviews2018
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 20.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
One of the most highly-acclaimed visual novel series arrives on Steam, newly revamped and officially in English! An interdimensional love story that takes high school romance on a roller-coaster ride through the depths of despair, culminating in a sci-fi grand finale of epic proportions.
Why similar: Visual Novel 36.8%, Anime 19.1%, Sci-fi 13.8%, Story Rich 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%
- #39 Revue Starlight El Dorado
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 949 reviews2024
Dev: FrontwingPub: Bushiroad Inc.
Windows
The first console game of the stage-themed multi-media franchise "Revue Starlight" is on its way!
Why similar: Visual Novel 46.4%, Anime 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 16%, Adventure 11.5%, Story Rich 6.6%
- #40 Symphonic Rain
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,136 reviews2017
Dev: KOGADO STUDIOPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 33.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
The reborn HD edition, Remastered by Siro! Set in Piova, the city of music and endless rain. Guide Chris Vertin on the path to become a master musician in a harmonious fusion of Visual Novel and Music-based gameplay.
Why similar: Visual Novel 44.8%, Anime 23.5%, Story Rich 16.8%, Adventure 11.5%, Singleplayer 3.4%
- #41 eden*
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 5,041 reviews2015
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 60.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
A tale of the planet's final love story told using the full force of minori's critically acclaimed illustrative style, engaging musical compositions, and the highly talented staff that has led fans coming back for more every single time!
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.1%, Anime 23%, Great Soundtrack 16.5%, Story Rich 8.3%, Adventure 5.1%
- #42 CROSS†CHANNEL: Steam Edition
73% matchVery Positive90% of 430 reviews2018
Dev: MoeNovel
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 20.6 hrs≥1hr: 52%
"This is the Gunjo Broadcasting Club. Is there anyone left out there?” CROSS†CHANNEL is now available to the whole world for the first time ever. Eight students relive an eternally looping week as tensions rise. Can they mend their broken friendships, or are they too far gone to salvage...?
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.5%, Great Soundtrack 23.2%, Anime 13.5%, Violent 12.7%, Adventure 9%
- #43 The House in Fata Morgana
72% 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 28.8%, Great Soundtrack 24.1%, Mystery 17.5%, Anime 11.6%, Story Rich 10.2%
- #44 Iwaihime
72% matchMostly Positive79% of 873 reviews2020
Dev: DMM GAMESPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 17.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
From hit writer Ryukishi07, the creator of When They Cry, comes a story on the theme of “curses.” Strike down the dark riddle of dolls and soot in this supernatural horror visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 49.6%, Anime 25.9%, Adventure 13.1%, Story Rich 10.2%, Singleplayer 1.2%
- #45 Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole
71% matchVery Positive93% of 2,444 reviews2017
Dev: KeroQPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 9.4 hrsMean: 168.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Wonderful Everyday is a visual novel with multiple routes which develops a story based on a few concepts: "the sky and the world", "the beginning and the end", "literature and science", "savior and hero", "brother and sister".
Why similar: Visual Novel 36.8%, Violent 23.2%, Mystery 13.6%, Anime 11.1%, Story Rich 9.9%
- #46 ANONYMOUS;CODE
70% matchMostly Positive80% of 513 reviews2023
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Hack Into God
Why similar: Visual Novel 45.9%, Anime 21.3%, Adventure 19.6%, Story Rich 11.4%, Singleplayer 1.8%
- #47 Lucid9: Inciting Incident
71% 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 38.8%, Mystery 18.9%, Anime 17.1%, Violent 9.7%, Story Rich 8.3%
- #48 Seventh Lair
69% matchVery Positive94% of 398 reviews2022
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac
Seventh Lair is a short visual novel featuring some cast members of The House in Fata Morgana. It exists in a parallel universe to the original game, so it can be enjoyed even by those unfamiliar with it.
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.4%, Anime 15.4%, Mystery 13.1%, Violent 11.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%
- #49 Little Busters! English Edition
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,092 reviews2017
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 42.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Capturing the hearts of countless fans since 2007, Little Busters! is an emotional visual novel from Key, the minds behind Angel Beats! and CLANNAD. This special English release supports touch controls and dynamic switching between English and Japanese text, and is in HD for the first time on PC.
Why similar: Visual Novel 44.5%, Great Soundtrack 22%, Anime 15.6%, Story Rich 8.8%, Adventure 8.5%
- #50 Hashihime of the Old Book Town
68% 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 41.3%, Violent 21.2%, Anime 9.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Story Rich 8.8%
- #51 CLANNAD Side Stories
70% matchVery Positive88% of 397 reviews2016
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 156.6 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Delve further into the world of CLANNAD and experience the stories beyond the original visual novel adventure. Known as CLANNAD Hikari Mimamoru Sakamichi de in Japan, This Steam version features high resolution assets and is translated into English for the very first time.
Why similar: Visual Novel 56.9%, Great Soundtrack 19%, Anime 14.7%, Story Rich 9.4%
- #52 An Octave Higher
70% matchVery Positive83% of 298 reviews2015
Dev: KidalangPub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Fall into the magically complicated world of Overture as the three main characters embark on an adventure that will shake their lives and the world around them. Will they fan the flames of the growing revolution, or will they be the key to extinguishing it?
Why similar: Visual Novel 47.5%, Anime 16.9%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%, Adventure 11.5%, Story Rich 8.2%
- #53 Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,456 reviews2020
Dev: AQUAPLUSPub: DMM GAMES
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 184.4 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Haku has sacrificed a lot to inherit a mask. With his natural wiles and the reputation of his departed friend, he strikes out on the path to a new future. The curtains rise on an era of strife that will shake Yamato to its very foundations.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.4%, Great Soundtrack 21.2%, Violent 14.4%, Anime 13.6%, Adventure 10.5%
- #54 The Song of Saya
67% matchVery Positive90% of 9,092 reviews2019
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 56.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Bear witness to a love that will change the world, in this classic horror romance visual novel from acclaimed writer Urobuchi Gen.
Why similar: Visual Novel 54.5%, Great Soundtrack 20.6%, Anime 12.3%, Story Rich 8.7%, Adventure 3.1%
- #55 The Melody of Grisaia
69% matchVery Positive94% of 90 reviews2016
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 31.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A side story for The Labyrinth of Grisaia, this episode takes place just after Kusakabe Asako officially names Kazami Yuuji her successor as number 9029, and details his globe-hopping exploits thereafter. Yet more secret passages of The Labyrinth of Grisaia are revealed within...
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.7%, Violent 29.8%, Anime 16.3%, Story Rich 9.1%, Adventure 9.1%
- #56 Dies irae ~Amantes amentes~
68% matchVery Positive87% of 687 reviews2017
Dev: lightPub: views Co., Ltd
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 25.5 hrs≥1hr: 53%
Night after night, the same dream of a guillotine. A headhunting serial killer. And the "knights" in black who follow soon after. Irrationality that defies the realm of common sense begins to assault and devour the city.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34%, Violent 21.1%, Great Soundtrack 16.4%, Anime 13.4%, Story Rich 7.7%
- #57 Umineko: Golden Fantasia
68% matchVery Positive92% of 511 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 7.3 hrs≥1hr: 74%
The tag-team fighting game based on the original "Umineko When They Cry" series, finally released on Steam, in English and with improved rollback netplay!
Why similar: Visual Novel 40.8%, Anime 26.8%, Great Soundtrack 24.7%, Action 4.9%, Singleplayer 2.8%
- #58 The Shell Part I: Inferno
65% 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 46.6%, Mystery 29.4%, Anime 11.2%, Adventure 7.4%, Story Rich 4.1%
- #59 Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen
66% matchVery Positive94% of 1,340 reviews2021
Dev: AQUAPLUSPub: DMM GAMES
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 135.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
The first game in the Utawarerumono trilogy of story-rich tactics RPGs. Into a world filled with verdant nature, populated by folk with fluffy ears and fuzzy tails, awakens Hakuowlo, a man of masked mien and missing memory.
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.7%, Anime 22.4%, Sci-fi 16.6%, Story Rich 14.8%, Adventure 4%
- #60 Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception
66% matchVery Positive93% of 1,346 reviews2020
Dev: AQUAPLUSPub: DMM GAMES
Windows
Median: 6.9 hrsMean: 169.6 hrs≥1hr: 93%
You awaken in a field of snow with no memory of even your name. The local monstrosities nearly devour you before you meet your rescuer, a beautiful girl named Kuon—who has animal ears and a tail. She names you Haku⸺ The Japanese hit tactics-RPG visual novel series returns to PC at last!
Why similar: Visual Novel 34%, Great Soundtrack 23.1%, Anime 17%, Violent 14.3%, Adventure 7.3%
