- #1 Corpse Party: Book of Shadows
97% matchVery Positive86% of 513 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: XSEED Games
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 16.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
An anthology series that serves as a Corpse Party sequel, prequel, midquel, and alternate universe tale all in one. Rejoin old friends for a deeper dive into the haunted halls of Heavenly Host Elementary...
Why similar: Horror 20.5%, Gore 16.3%, Anime 13.1%, Psychological Horror 10.2%, Visual Novel 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: This direct sequel expands on the lore and character arcs of the original, offering a more traditional visual novel experience with the same haunting atmosphere.
- #2 The Witch's House MV
96% matchVery Positive95% of 4,019 reviews2018
Dev: FummyPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A young girl, Viola, is drawn inexorably to a mysterious manor that seems to change behind her back. It is a place of pain, turmoil and death. Plumb its detestable depths and abominable history. Untangle riddles that bar your perilous path. And flee the hellish halls of The Witch’s House.
Why similar: Horror 49%, Psychological Horror 10.8%, Anime 7.4%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%, RPG 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: This title is a staple of the RPG Maker horror genre, featuring a similar blend of atmospheric tension and sudden, lethal traps.
- #3 Mad Father
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 6,601 reviews2016
Dev: senPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Witness the tale of a most foolish family. A remake of the classic horror exploration game makes its way to Steam.
Why similar: Horror 32.3%, Psychological Horror 18.8%, Anime 18.7%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%, Survival Horror 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A classic RPG Maker horror game that shares the same focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and disturbing narrative revelations as Corpse Party.
- #4 Angels of Death
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 5,333 reviews2016
Dev: Vaka Game Magazine
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 53.5 hrs≥1hr: 83%
"Please... kill me." "Help me get outta here, and I'll kill you." ~ Angels of Death is a psychological horror-adventure game, consisting of four episodes.
Why similar: Horror 25.4%, Anime 16%, Psychological Horror 15.4%, RPG 7.3%, Survival Horror 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the anime-horror aesthetic, combining character-driven storytelling with puzzle-heavy exploration in a confined, deadly setting.
- #5 Ib
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 5,206 reviews2022
Dev: kouriPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 16.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
A 2D exploration adventure game set in a creepy, mysterious art gallery.
Why similar: Horror 27.9%, Psychological Horror 16.4%, Anime 14.8%, Multiple Endings 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A masterpiece of indie horror that uses simple exploration mechanics to build deep psychological unease and emotional investment.
- #6 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 4,226 reviews2023
Dev: NankidaiPub: 0UP GAMES
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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: Anime 21%, Psychological Horror 20.6%, Multiple Endings 13.8%, Dark 11.2%, Survival Horror 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: This death-game visual novel features high-stakes decision-making and a cast of characters trapped in a life-or-death situation, much like the students of Kisaragi Academy.
- #7 Yomawari: Night Alone
94% matchMostly Positive76% of 2,294 reviews2016
Dev: Nippon Ichi Software, Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
A quiet evening stroll takes a turn for the worse as a tragic accident befalls a little girl and her dog. When her sister goes missing later in the night, the little girl decides to venture out into the eerie darkness to search for her loved ones as evil spirits haunt the alleyways and streets of her once-peaceful town.
Why similar: Horror 52.3%, Anime 18%, Gore 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%, Adventure 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: This game excels at atmospheric horror, using a unique art style to convey the vulnerability of a protagonist navigating a world filled with vengeful spirits.
- #8 Misao - 2024 HD Remaster
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,530 reviews2017
Dev: senPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Explore a school plagued by unnatural phenomena in this horror-adventure game revolving around the missing girl Misao. Improving upon 2017's "Definitive Edition" with refreshed graphics and support for HD resolutions, you can now experience the terror in a new form.
Why similar: Horror 26.5%, Psychological Horror 16.5%, Anime 16.5%, RPG 7.5%, Survival Horror 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A cult classic RPG Maker horror game that mirrors the school-based occult mystery and high-stakes survival found in the seed game.
- #9 Doki Doki Literature Club!
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 223,416 reviews2017
Dev: Team Salvato
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 38.5 hrs≥1hr: 74%
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.
Why similar: Psychological Horror 20.8%, Horror 19.5%, Anime 18.5%, Visual Novel 14.3%, Gore 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: While it begins as a dating sim, it subverts expectations with intense psychological horror and meta-narrative elements that will resonate with fans of Corpse Party's darker turns.
- #10 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
91% matchVery Positive93% of 7,226 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 21.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 20.6%, Psychological Horror 15.2%, Anime 14.4%, Horror 10.2%, Multiple Endings 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: This collection features high-stakes death games and complex, branching narratives that reward players for uncovering the truth behind the mystery.
- #11 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 6,552 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 21.5 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 34.4%, Anime 32.2%, Story Rich 10.1%, Dark 9.3%, Great Soundtrack 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential psychological horror visual novel that masterfully transitions from a peaceful setting to a nightmare of paranoia and violence.
- #12 Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
89% matchVery Positive82% of 516 reviews2019
Dev: EXPERIENCEPub: Aksys Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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: Horror 49.7%, Visual Novel 25.6%, Anime 15.6%, Adventure 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: An occult-themed visual novel that focuses on investigating supernatural urban legends, capturing the same dread and investigative spirit as the seed game.
- #13 The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
89% matchVery Positive86% of 1,522 reviews2017
Dev: Yangyang MobilePub: Neon Doctrine
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
When seven people fall prey to a vicious curse, they will discover that horror rests not from the shadows lurking about, but within themselves. To what ends will one go in order to survive?
Why similar: Horror 30.6%, Visual Novel 17.1%, Gore 12.3%, Anime 10.2%, Psychological Horror 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: A choice-driven horror game that features multiple perspectives and a branching story where every character can live or die based on your actions.
- #14 The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 3,490 reviews2020
Dev: Dvora Studio Co., Ltd.Pub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 9.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters is a Korean survival horror-adventure. Venture from your deserted school to survive the horrors of the night. Explore the surrounding Sehwa district and uncover the shadow realm's dark secrets. Use everything at your disposal to avoid a demoness hellbent on killing you!
Why similar: Horror 40.9%, Anime 10.8%, Survival Horror 9.9%, Psychological Horror 7.4%, Gore 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A survival horror game set in a school that features a persistent stalker and a tense, anime-inspired aesthetic.
- #15 Spirit Hunter: NG
88% matchVery Positive90% of 287 reviews2019
Dev: EXPERIENCEPub: Aksys Games
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 20.3 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Beware the Creeping Horror... Face nightmares you thought were merely urban legends. Uncover a dark mystery, making deadly decisions just to survive. Play this chilling companion story to the award-winning Spirit Hunter: Death Mark game and bring the terror home.
Why similar: Horror 33.9%, Gore 29.2%, Visual Novel 20.1%, Anime 8.5%, Adventure 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: This title offers a similar investigative horror experience to Death Mark, focusing on supernatural threats and difficult choices that determine character survival.
- #16 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 37,546 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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: Anime 27.4%, Visual Novel 21%, Psychological Horror 15.2%, Horror 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: A definitive death-game visual novel that balances dark humor with intense psychological pressure and a cast of memorable, doomed characters.
- #17 CHAOS;CHILD
85% matchVery Positive93% of 3,973 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 81.1 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 19.1%, Gore 17.8%, Anime 16.3%, Horror 15.2%, Psychological Horror 12.1%
Why You'll Like It: A gripping psychological thriller visual novel that delves into gruesome mysteries and the dark side of human nature.
- #18 Corpse Party 2: Dead Patient
86% matchMixed68% of 417 reviews2019
Dev: GrisGrisPub: XSEED Games
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 25.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
High-schooler Ayame awakens from a coma in a seemingly abandoned hospital, strapped to an operating table. It turns out she’s not as alone as she thought, but she’ll come to wish she were. Step into the latest episodic installment in the Corpse Party saga, and try your best to survive treatment...
Why similar: Gore 34.3%, Horror 28.3%, Anime 17.8%, RPG 15.1%, Indie 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: A spin-off that maintains the series' signature pixel-art horror style while shifting the setting to a hospital filled with new, terrifying threats.
- #19 Corpse Party: Blood Drive
84% matchMostly Positive75% of 385 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: XSEED Games
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Set two months after Corpse Party: Book of Shadows, Corpse Party: Blood Drive is the definitive conclusion to the long-running Heavenly Host story arc. Featuring dynamic lighting, 3D sound, detailed environments, and new gameplay systems, this is a Japanese horror experience not to be missed!
Why similar: Gore 34.2%, Horror 28.3%, Anime 23.9%, Visual Novel 11.3%, Indie 2.3%
Why You'll Like It: This entry concludes the Heavenly Host arc, providing necessary closure for fans of the original game's narrative.
- #20 Tokyo Dark
84% matchVery Positive84% of 1,343 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: Horror 24.8%, Anime 21.5%, Visual Novel 14.8%, Psychological Horror 13.8%, Gore 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A detective-themed horror visual novel that features a branching narrative where your choices significantly impact the sanity and fate of the protagonist.
- #21 The Count Lucanor
83% matchVery Positive93% of 2,929 reviews2016
Dev: Baroque DecayPub: Neon Doctrine
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Pixel adventure inspired by classics like Zelda and Silent Hill.
Why similar: Horror 21.5%, Gore 18.4%, Psychological Horror 13%, Anime 11.9%, Survival Horror 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art horror game that emphasizes exploration and survival against terrifying entities in a dark, fairy-tale setting.
- #22 WORLD OF HORROR
81% matchVery Positive90% of 9,794 reviews2023
Dev: panstaszPub: Ysbryd Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Experience the quiet terror of this 1-bit love letter to Junji Ito and H.P. Lovecraft. Navigate a hellish roguelite reality with turn-based combat and unforgiving choices. Experiment with your deck of event cards to discover new forms of cosmic horror in every playthrough. The inevitable awaits...
Why similar: Horror 37.6%, Psychological Horror 18.4%, Anime 14.1%, Survival Horror 10.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: This cosmic horror game uses a retro 1-bit art style to create a sense of impending doom and occult mystery that feels very much in line with the seed game's tone.
- #23 Yomawari: Midnight Shadows
82% matchVery Positive93% of 967 reviews2017
Dev: Nippon Ichi Software, Inc.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The dark is no place to be alone. After a beautiful show of summer fireworks, two young girls begin to make their way home. However, a mysterious attacker separates them, and both must brave the haunting night filled with unspeakable terrors and survive the darkness.
Why similar: Horror 51.4%, Gore 19%, Anime 14.5%, Great Soundtrack 6.4%, Adventure 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: The sequel to Night Alone, this title refines the atmospheric survival horror mechanics and expands the terrifying world of spirits.
- #24 Corpse Party: Sweet Sachiko's Hysteric Birthday Bash
82% matchVery Positive87% of 209 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: XSEED Games
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 12.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Vengeful spirit Sachiko Shinozaki is having a birthday bash, and the lovable cast of damned souls from the Corpse Party series is invited! Join the revelers as they do their best to keep Sachiko happy and survive her twisted games in this midquel to Corpse Party and Corpse Party: Book of Shadows.
Why similar: Gore 34.2%, Horror 24.5%, Anime 19.5%, Visual Novel 16.8%, Adventure 5%
Why You'll Like It: A lighter, comedic spin-off that provides a refreshing break from the series' usual intensity while keeping the familiar cast.
- #25 The Coma: Recut
81% matchVery Positive84% of 3,040 reviews2017
Dev: Dvora Studio Co., Ltd.Pub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
You are Youngho, a Korean high school student trapped and relentlessly pursued by a psychotic killer in the hellish corridors of Sehwa High. Run, hide, explore, and survive while piecing together the mystery The Coma in this remastered version of the Korean cult classic.
Why similar: Horror 31.1%, Anime 19.5%, Visual Novel 10.6%, Psychological Horror 10.4%, Survival Horror 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: The original survival horror game in the Coma series, providing a tense experience of navigating a school at night while being hunted.
- #26 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 31,926 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.4 hrsMean: 32.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries.
Why similar: Anime 28.8%, Visual Novel 19.9%, Psychological Horror 13.2%, Horror 12.1%, Great Soundtrack 11%
Why You'll Like It: A direct sequel that continues the high-stakes death game formula with even more complex mysteries and character-driven drama.
- #27 Alicemare
79% matchVery Positive89% of 1,212 reviews2016
Dev: △○□× (Miwashiba)Pub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Alicemare is a somehow familiar yet totally unique adventure game infused with subtle hints of horror, created by △○□× (Miwashiba) using the WOLF RPG Editor.
Why similar: Horror 24.7%, Anime 19.7%, Psychological Horror 13.6%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Multiple Endings 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: A surreal RPG Maker horror game that focuses on dark fantasy elements and puzzle-solving in a dreamlike, unsettling environment.
- #28 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,894 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 16.9 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: Horror 25%, Visual Novel 17.6%, Anime 16.5%, Psychological Horror 14.6%, Gore 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: This chapter deepens the psychological horror and mystery of the series, offering more insight into the dark secrets of Hinamizawa.
- #29 Corpse Party (2021)
78% matchVery Positive91% of 1,468 reviews2021
Dev: MAGES.Pub: XSEED Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Explore the haunted halls of Heavenly Host Elementary in Corpse Party (2021), the horror cult classic now updated for the next generation.
Why similar: Horror 27.5%, Psychological Horror 15.2%, Anime 11.1%, Multiple Endings 6.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%
- #30 Seven Mysteries: The Last Page
80% matchMostly Positive74% of 62 reviews2018
Dev: Sang Hendrix
Windows
A story-driven psychological horror RPG about a group of friends who unintentionally become bound together after encountering 7 curses from a school.
Why similar: Horror 21.8%, Psychological Horror 16.7%, Anime 16%, Visual Novel 10.8%, Multiple Endings 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game leans into the school-based urban legend horror trope, making it a natural fit for fans of the Kisaragi Academy setting.
- #31 OMORI
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 87,256 reviews2020
Dev: OMOCAT, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 10.6 hrsMean: 25.2 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Explore a strange world full of colorful friends and foes. When the time comes, the path you’ve chosen will determine your fate... and perhaps the fate of others as well.
Why similar: Psychological Horror 27.5%, Horror 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Story Rich 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%
- #32 CORPSE FACTORY
77% matchVery Positive80% of 869 reviews2022
Dev: RIVER CROW STUDIO
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Discard your sense of morality and enter the world of CORPSE FACTORY. An obscure website allows users to request a death. Victims supposedly receive a photograph of their own corpse before they are killed! With English voice acting by an all-star cast.
Why similar: Horror 18.6%, Anime 18%, Psychological Horror 17.3%, Visual Novel 15.3%, Gore 14.6%
- #33 Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
77% matchVery Positive82% of 4,838 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Nine participants awaken, trapped in an underground facility. To escape, they must play a game with deadly consequences. Who will live, and who will die? The choice is yours. Let the Decision Game begin…
Why similar: Psychological Horror 18.9%, Visual Novel 18.2%, Horror 14.8%, Anime 14%, Story Rich 7.9%
- #34 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
76% matchVery Positive83% of 22,748 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 30.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death.
Why similar: Anime 25.4%, Visual Novel 22%, Psychological Horror 13.7%, Horror 13%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%
- #35 Higurashi When They Cry Hou+
75% matchVery Positive86% of 184 reviews2023
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 68%
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: Anime 24.4%, Visual Novel 20.7%, Gore 18.8%, Horror 11.6%, Psychological Horror 6.8%
- #36 Tiny Bunny
71% matchVery Positive83% of 30,327 reviews2025
Dev: Saikono
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.4 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Tiny Bunny is a non-linear horror visual novel. Those, who have heard the voice of the forest, are beyond help.
Why similar: Horror 25.7%, Visual Novel 15.9%, Psychological Horror 14%, Gore 12.4%, Dark 6.8%
- #37 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,326 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 21.8 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: Horror 20.9%, Anime 18.1%, Visual Novel 17.2%, Psychological Horror 10.7%, Gore 9.2%
- #38 Black Chapter
75% matchVery Positive93% of 56 reviews2020
Dev: Spire Studio
Windows
Your class trip to Durhal Cathedral turns into a nightmare when everyone gets trapped inside. A killer demon hides among your classmates—can you uncover the truth before it’s too late?
Why similar: Anime 22.2%, Psychological Horror 21%, Survival Horror 9.9%, Gore 9.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%
- #39 High School Dirty Secrets
72% matchVery Positive94% of 51 reviews2025
Dev: Mitsuki Game StudioPub: JanduSoft
Windows
High School Dirty Secrets is a horror/puzzle adventure where Kasuga wakes up locked inside her high school with no memory of how she got there. As she searches for a way out, strange and unsettling events unfold, leading her to uncover dark secrets hidden within the school's walls.
Why similar: Horror 23.8%, Anime 17.2%, Psychological Horror 16%, Gore 13.9%, Multiple Endings 7.9%
- #40 Ann
73% matchVery Positive94% of 2,737 reviews2021
Dev: Rong Rong
Windows
Ann, an art student finds herself trapped in the school when she accidentally broke one of the school's rules. With the help of the school's security guard, help Ann navigate her way out and uncover the secrets of the school before she becomes a permanent resident of the school.
Why similar: Horror 39.2%, Anime 17.3%, Psychological Horror 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.2%, Dark 5.9%
- #41 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 948 reviews2018
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 39.4 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: Horror 24.2%, Anime 17.1%, Visual Novel 17%, Psychological Horror 13.4%, Gore 13%
- #42 CHAOS;HEAD NOAH
72% matchVery Positive88% of 1,885 reviews2022
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 53.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!
Why similar: Gore 23.4%, Visual Novel 21.2%, Anime 18%, Psychological Horror 14.1%, Horror 8.4%
- #43 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 731 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.8 hrsMean: 88.0 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: Horror 23.6%, Anime 18.2%, Psychological Horror 14.7%, Gore 14.2%, Visual Novel 13.8%
- #44 Paper Lily - Chapter 1
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 8,592 reviews2024
Dev: Leef 6010
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Paper Lily is an RPG horror game in which you can solve puzzles in different ways. Explore a hidden world, meet strange characters, and guide Lacie as she attempts to find answers about her unusual condition.
Why similar: Psychological Horror 19.6%, Horror 19%, Anime 18.5%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%, RPG 7.5%
- #45 The Song of Saya
70% matchVery Positive89% of 9,826 reviews2019
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 61.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Bear witness to a love that will change the world, in this classic horror romance visual novel from acclaimed writer Urobuchi Gen.
Why similar: Gore 22%, Psychological Horror 18.5%, Visual Novel 17.2%, Horror 16%, Anime 9.2%
- #46 HAPPY SAIN† SHEOL
70% matchVery Positive84% of 234 reviews2024
Dev: HUNGRYCULTPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac · Linux
Two thousand years ago, the Pestis Disaster swept through the land, corrupting all living things and making it to difficult to live on the land. Having touched the darkest darkness the world has seen, one must now face the dazzling light. Thus I pose this question. Whose wings did I see that day?
Why similar: Horror 24%, Anime 18.5%, Gore 15.2%, Visual Novel 13.3%, Dark 6.9%
- #47 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,107 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 21.7 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: Horror 24.1%, Anime 16.1%, Psychological Horror 13.9%, Visual Novel 13.4%, Gore 11.9%
- #48 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 832 reviews2020
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 19.3 hrsMean: 73.8 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: Horror 26.3%, Psychological Horror 20.2%, Visual Novel 19.2%, Anime 12.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%
- #49 Viviette
71% matchVery Positive89% of 522 reviews2018
Dev: DYA Games
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Exploration, puzzles and a touch of classic horror awaits you! Uncover the secrets and mysteries of Neuville's Mansion. Test your logic against diverse puzzles, locate and use a variety of items, and don't lose your sense of direction, as navigation itself becomes an obstacle in your path!
Why similar: Horror 26.9%, Anime 14.2%, Psychological Horror 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 7.8%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%
- #50 Cursed Mansion
69% matchVery Positive90% of 68 reviews2023
Dev: Dragon Emperors
Windows
Rose must escape the Cursed Mansion - a demonic space that preys and feeds on fear and despair. In this horror RPG you'll solve puzzles and learn the mansion’s history. Mystery, malignant spirits, and misery everywhere. Cursed Mansion brings an eerie atmosphere which leaves one with goosebumps.
Why similar: Horror 26.1%, Psychological Horror 15.7%, Anime 12.2%, Multiple Endings 9.1%, Dark 7.1%
- #51 Detention
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 11,748 reviews2017
Dev: RedCandleGames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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.
Why similar: Horror 40.8%, Psychological Horror 18.2%, Gore 8.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%, Story Rich 6%
- #52 Zanki Zero: Last Beginning
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 692 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Explore the ruins, dungeons, and islands in this post-apocalyptic world through the POV of eight protagonists as they fight for survival and search for meaning in their never-ending cycles of life and death.
Why similar: Anime 21.4%, RPG 15.5%, Psychological Horror 14.6%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Horror 14%
- #53 YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 6,754 reviews2020
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 133.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story is the visual novel medium in its purest form. Will Shinichi choose Miyuki, the beautiful queen bee of the school, or the endearingly awkward misfit Aoi? With art by Tsuji Santa, these beautifully rendered romances will stay with you forever.
Why similar: Psychological Horror 22%, Visual Novel 21.2%, Anime 15.5%, Horror 13.7%, Gore 8.3%
- #54 Notch - The Innocent LunA: Eclipsed SinnerS
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 3,299 reviews2015
Dev: Angels Blue Digital EntertainmentPub: DigitalEZ
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 162.8 hrs≥1hr: 92%
This is an isolated town, a town of memories that have been forgotten by its people. However, this small town has not been quiet and peaceful since the murders began... Time passes by, where are the sinful spirits going? Are my memories reality, or just a dream?
Why similar: Horror 19.4%, Gore 16%, Anime 12.7%, Psychological Horror 12.2%, Visual Novel 9.4%
- #55 KAKUSANKIBOU / 扩散希望
69% matchVery Positive83% of 160 reviews2018
Dev: あみそ組Pub: Pujia8 Studio
Windows
Basically the story goes as visual novel form. Sometimes, the system switches into dot part, and you can control the character to continue the story.
Why similar: Horror 19.3%, Anime 17.5%, Gore 12.5%, Psychological Horror 11.2%, Visual Novel 9.3%
- #56 猫不语
68% matchMixed68% of 57 reviews2021
Dev: 库库尔坎游戏工作室
Windows
Cat Silence is a horror suspense puzzle game with urban legend themes. The story takes place in an abandoned experimental middle school. With the deepening of the investigation, the unknown and long-buried bloody stories of this school slowly emerged, putting together a chilling truth...
Why similar: Horror 26.7%, Anime 16%, Psychological Horror 15.2%, Survival Horror 6.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%
- #57 蜉蝣之国的囚徒
63% matchMostly Positive78% of 561 reviews2026
Dev: 迩来工作室Pub: WindField Games
Windows
Fourteen from across the world are abruptly abducted to an isolated structure dubbed "Ephemera Manor". They are strangers, but now forced to partake in an ancient and eerie ritual—"the Feather-Burning Rite". A bloodstained drama spanning millennia has silently unfolded...
Why similar: Horror 21.2%, Gore 16%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Anime 11.9%, Psychological Horror 11.6%
- #58 Night Loops
65% matchVery Positive89% of 166 reviews2023
Dev: JiaquariumPub: indie.io
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Journey through the psyche… Welcome to the Seaside Hotel, where the final hour of your night shift awaits. Tend to guests, explore their dreams, and lose your sense of Self – time and again. In this dark, labyrinthine adventure, unravel the path to the truth below.
Why similar: Horror 20.9%, Anime 15%, Psychological Horror 14.9%, Visual Novel 11.4%, Multiple Endings 7.2%
- #59 Gwan Moon High School : The Ghost Gate
67% matchMostly Positive78% of 64 reviews2021
Dev: Studio AWE
Windows · Mac · Linux
High school students return well after hours, each with their own agenda and an ominous feeling. Come midnight...The fears deep inside become reality.
Why similar: Horror 35%, Visual Novel 23.7%, Anime 23.2%, Gore 9.9%, Adventure 4%