Games Like CROSS†CHANNEL: Steam Edition

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 42%, Anime 22.2%, Great Soundtrack 15.5%, Story Rich 9.2%, Adventure 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: This title is the gold standard for time-loop narratives, blending sci-fi elements with a deeply engaging cast of characters.

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 46.5%, Anime 19.7%, Story Rich 11%, Great Soundtrack 9.2%, Adventure 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: It features a similar structure of multiple perspectives and high-tension psychological scenarios that demand the player solve a complex mystery.

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 38.9%, Great Soundtrack 18.7%, Anime 16.7%, Violent 10.2%, Story Rich 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark consequences of its characters' actions and delusions.

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 34.4%, Great Soundtrack 28.5%, Anime 16.6%, Story Rich 12.3%, Adventure 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: An emotionally heavy and deeply psychological visual novel that challenges the reader's perception of its characters and setting.

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 41.2%, Visual Novel 33.5%, Story Rich 11.5%, Anime 11.1%, Adventure 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Offers an incredibly dense and complex mystery that rewards players for analyzing the psychological state of its characters.

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 44.6%, Anime 20.9%, Great Soundtrack 14%, Story Rich 10.6%, Adventure 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Masterfully shifts from a casual school-life atmosphere to psychological horror, mirroring the tonal shift in the seed game.

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 42%, Great Soundtrack 18.2%, Story Rich 14.6%, Anime 14.6%, Adventure 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Combines a high-stakes death game with complex time-loop mechanics and psychological pressure.

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 33.6%, Anime 18.3%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Violent 11.1%, Story Rich 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Provides an intense, high-stakes narrative that is essential for those who appreciate the darker, more serious side of visual novels.

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 39.5%, Anime 23.6%, Story Rich 14.3%, Simulation 11.8%, Adventure 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A unique social deduction game that uses a time-loop mechanic to explore deep psychological character arcs.

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 36.8%, Great Soundtrack 24.3%, Anime 18.5%, Story Rich 13%, Adventure 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: A necessary follow-up for fans of the original that explores the darker, more melancholic side of the time-travel narrative.

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 40%, Great Soundtrack 22.6%, Anime 20.3%, Story Rich 10.3%, Cute 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential emotional visual novel that excels at building deep, lasting connections with its cast.

Tyler is a high schooler on a mission. He's going to use every minute of summer vacation to go on as many GPS-assisted scavenger hunts as possible. After running into some old friends during one of these hunts, strange things start happening: The day resets and today plays out exactly like yesterday

Why similar: Visual Novel 34.4%, Simulation 18.3%, Anime 16.2%, Adventure 13.2%, Casual 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: Directly deals with the concept of being trapped in a time loop and the resulting character growth and existential reflection.

CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!

Why similar: Visual Novel 43.7%, Anime 18.9%, Story Rich 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Violent 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A psychological mystery that delves into the protagonist's fragile mental state and the nature of reality.

Welcome to the club! Write poems for your crush and experience the terror of school romance in this critically-acclaimed psychological horror story.

Why similar: Visual Novel 44.8%, Anime 26.3%, Story Rich 10.2%, Violent 7.3%, Cute 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: Famous for its meta-narrative subversion of the visual novel genre, much like the unexpected turns in the seed game.

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: Cult Classic 30.1% ★, Great Soundtrack 28.2%, Visual Novel 22.8%, Anime 7.6%, Story Rich 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides the necessary resolution to the complex psychological mysteries established in the Question Arcs.

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 47.4%, Story Rich 26.6%, Adventure 20.4%, Singleplayer 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on intense character dynamics and psychological pressure within a life-or-death situation.

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 36.1%, Great Soundtrack 17.6%, Anime 15.2%, Simulation 9.6%, Story Rich 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: While lighter in tone, it shares the strong character bonding and school-club setting that serves as the foundation for the seed game.

Play as detective Kaname Date on the case of an elusive serial killer in this thrilling, sci-fi murder mystery.

Why similar: Visual Novel 37.7%, Anime 21.8%, Great Soundtrack 13%, Story Rich 12.6%, Violent 7%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi mystery that excels at character writing and uses unique mechanics to explore the subconscious mind.

Sanzenkai Setsuna awakens on the shore of isolated island Urashima with no memories of his past. Befriending three local girls, Rinne, Karen, and Sara, Setsuna's quest to discover the secrets of Urashima and how they tie into his own past - and future - begins.

Why similar: Visual Novel 38.2%, Anime 23%, Story Rich 11.1%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Adventure 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi mystery that incorporates time-loop elements and a strong sense of isolation.

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 36.1%, Anime 22.4%, Story Rich 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Casual 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: The necessary starting point for the epic Muv-Luv trilogy, establishing the character dynamics that lead to the later intensity.

Kou Kadokura, a cyber officer, seeks to uncover the truth behind the tragedy that ended his once peaceful life. A war looms, and the answers he’s looking for are locked away in him... So why can't he remember anything? Unravel the mysteries hidden in his lost memories through this fast-paced mech action game!

Why similar: Visual Novel 33.1%, Great Soundtrack 20%, Anime 14.6%, Violent 9%, Story Rich 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: An intense, action-heavy visual novel that features a dark, complex narrative and deep world-building.

In a world where flying through the sky is as simple as riding a bicycle, the sport "Flying Circus" is all the rage. Following the discovery of anti-gravitons, special shoes that allow an individual to fly, Anti-Graviton Shoes, took the world by storm.

Why similar: Visual Novel 44.5%, Anime 22.1%, Story Rich 9.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%, Casual 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a strong, character-driven narrative with a unique sports-based setting that keeps the reader invested.

planetarian HD is an engaging and emotional visual novel from legendary game studio, Key. A sub-brand of VISUAL ARTS, Key are also famed for creating Kanon, AIR, CLANNAD, Little Busters!, Rewrite, Angel Beats!, and Summer Pockets.

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.7%, Anime 23.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%, Casual 6.8%, Simulation 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A short, impactful, and emotional experience that focuses on the relationship between two characters in a desolate world.

A tale of small miracles in a snow-covered town— Kanon, the very first game from visual novel studio Key, is now available on Steam! Now featuring HD visuals and full voice support! (The protagonist is only voiced in certain scenes.)

Why similar: Visual Novel 38.1%, Simulation 16.8%, Anime 16.8%, Adventure 11.2%, Casual 10.7%

Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam!

Why similar: Visual Novel 38.7%, Great Soundtrack 27%, Anime 18.3%, Story Rich 11.4%, Adventure 2.4%

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 30.1%, Anime 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 15%, Simulation 11.3%, Adventure 8.3%

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 47.2%, Great Soundtrack 15.5%, Anime 14.6%, Casual 10.5%, Story Rich 7.9%

Swan Song is a cozy puzzle game that invites you to slow down, listen, and reflect. Set inside a magical music box, each puzzle asks players to place notes on a musical scale. When you turn the key, the composition plays, activating platforms and opening paths that guide a small swan to safety.

Why similar: Casual 56.6%, Cute 37.9%, Singleplayer 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, post-apocalyptic cult classic that explores the depths of human nature in extreme circumstances.

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: Cult Classic 24.8% ★, Visual Novel 22.9%, Great Soundtrack 16.2%, Anime 12.1%, Violent 7.5%

Time flies and never comes back. But with an incredible 1-million-word script and 100+ original CGs, this game will take you back to when you were young, simple and pure. Go and get the love of your life back, start something new, or end everything in flame, that's for you to decide!

Why similar: Visual Novel 47%, Anime 16.8%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%, Simulation 9.7%, Story Rich 4.6%

"This is a tale of 'flowers' that never bloom." Shirohime, a girl who has lost her memory, and Kurofude, a mysterious boy, traverse through classic Japanese fairy tales within the land of Adabana, a realm of illustrated books. What awaits them after they mend the distorted tales?

Why similar: Visual Novel 29.6%, Great Soundtrack 18.9%, Adventure 16.2%, Casual 15.7%, Story Rich 11.3%

In a desperate attempt to exterminate the BETA, mankind has forsaken the Earth. Stranded onboard a TSF carrier in the South Pacific, a handful of survivors scramble to find a way back home to America. This is where Muv-Luv Unlimited: The Day After begins.

Why similar: Visual Novel 31.6%, Anime 18.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%, Violent 7.6%, Adventure 7.1%

“Are things OK as they are?” In every second of every minute of the life the young man had lived, the same thought recurred in his mind. Looking back on his past, the girls he’d met in this peaceful life made him feel guilty, and his heart was tormented with that guilt.

Why similar: Visual Novel 35.4%, Anime 21%, Story Rich 10.4%, Violent 9.5%, Adventure 7.5%

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 37.7%, Anime 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 16.8%, Adventure 16.2%, Story Rich 10.5%

This is a story of disease and suffering; of medication and adverse effects; of thoracotomy scars and cellular poisons; of the living who cannot help but to die and of the dying who cannot help but to live; of a resting place other than "on 7F" or "at home".

Why similar: Visual Novel 52.2%, Anime 22.3%, Great Soundtrack 16.4%, Story Rich 6.1%, Casual 1.7%

In this city built upon the ideal coexistence of civilization and the environment, Tennouji Kotarou spends his days with his friends, Kanbe Kotori and Yoshino Haruhiko. In this peaceful city, a tumultuous event shakes the foundations of Kazamatsuri once a year.

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.1%, Anime 23.7%, Simulation 11.7%, Casual 9.2%, Adventure 9.2%

From renowned visual novel studio Key, this is the sequel to the highly acclaimed visual novel CLANNAD. Featuring a truly memorable continuation to Tomoya and Tomoyo's journey, Tomoyo After promises to draw you even further into CLANNAD's world.

Why similar: Visual Novel 48.2%, Anime 21.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%, Adventure 7.4%, Casual 7%

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 39%, Anime 23.1%, Adventure 11.4%, Violent 10.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%

What starts with a conversation between two long lost friends spills out into a captivating visual novel about four youths struggling to pursue their dreams and find their place in the world as love complicates everything.

Why similar: Visual Novel 47.4%, Anime 21.9%, Story Rich 15.6%, Cute 7%, Adventure 6.7%

It's the Dawn of a New Age- The 21st century has brought about its own slew of problems for society at large. Asa result, the most promising youths from around the world have been gathered and enrolled in Amakawa Noble Academy.

Why similar: Visual Novel 45.6%, Anime 17%, Story Rich 16%, Casual 9.3%, Adventure 6.5%

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 35.5%, Anime 22.7%, Adventure 9.3%, Violent 8.6%, Casual 8.5%

From the creators of Angel Beats! and CLANNAD, Key, comes their latest emotional, award-winning journey. Follow protagonist Takahara Hairi as he travels to the secluded island Torishirojima, where he rediscovers what it means to enjoy summer vacation.

Why similar: Visual Novel 35.1%, Great Soundtrack 20.5%, Anime 13.6%, Adventure 9.7%, Casual 9.5%

Summer stretches on endlessly. Beneath the vast blue sky. Beneath the air in which she awaits— AIR, the second game released by visual novel studio Key, is now available on Steam! Now featuring the side story novel, "First Sky Chapter" and full voice support!

Why similar: Visual Novel 36.4%, Anime 17.2%, Simulation 16.8%, Adventure 10.8%, Casual 10.6%

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 29.8%, Great Soundtrack 27.8%, Anime 18%, Story Rich 8.2%, Adventure 7.9%

In the beginning, Crossdressers were the sun... And Goddesses too! A story of turmoil filled romance between man and crossdresser in modern times, brought back to the forefront by the Goddesses of legend! A hymn of love for the new generation of crossdressers!

Why similar: Visual Novel 31.9%, Anime 19.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, Adventure 11.4%, Casual 11.1%

"As the world sank, I found you." In the near future, a sudden and unexplained sea rise has left much of human civilization underwater. In a little town slowly being enveloped by the ocean, an unforgettable summer is about to begin for a boy and a mysterious robot girl...

Why similar: Visual Novel 41.4%, Anime 18.2%, Great Soundtrack 14.4%, Story Rich 10.2%, Cute 6.1%

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: Visual Novel 35.2%, Anime 22.9%, Great Soundtrack 17.8%, Story Rich 7.7%, Cute 6.1%

The epic saga of Muv-Luv Unlimited: The Day After continues! In the aftermath of Operation Babylon, only a few inhabitable places remain on Earth. Follow the Japanese survivors in Seattle as they struggle to rebuild their lives — and defend themselves from the BETA.

Why similar: Visual Novel 30%, Anime 18.8%, Violent 11.7%, Story Rich 10.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%

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 34.2%, Great Soundtrack 22%, Anime 18.2%, Story Rich 9.6%, Violent 7.1%

What happens "After?" Five stories to continue the possible endings of Yumeutsutsu Re:master.

Why similar: Adventure 38.1%, Visual Novel 30.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Anime 10.1%, Story Rich 4.9%

Seek the root of the Fate franchise. Return to where it all began.

Why similar: Visual Novel 43.2%, Anime 21.4%, Great Soundtrack 17%, Story Rich 11.2%, Adventure 6%

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 45.7%, Anime 16.3%, Violent 12.4%, Story Rich 12.2%, Adventure 4.6%

Do you remember that high school crush you never confessed your love to? Do you ever wonder what could have been if things had gone different back then? This short Visual Novel/Dating Sim explores those questions that we constantly ask ourselves.

Why similar: Visual Novel 33.2%, Great Soundtrack 23.9%, Anime 13.7%, Simulation 12.5%, Casual 9.7%

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 38.6%, Great Soundtrack 22.2%, Anime 14.6%, Adventure 14.5%, Story Rich 9.4%

In a mysterious school where day and night are two separate worlds, a mismatched trio work to resolve magic-related incidents. A world of magic, intrigue, mystery and the occult awaits you!

Why similar: Visual Novel 41.2%, Anime 34.6%, Adventure 11.4%, Story Rich 7.5%, Cute 4%

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 39.9%, Anime 20.6%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Story Rich 9.9%, Adventure 8.7%

Relive the four days of destiny...

Why similar: Visual Novel 47.9%, Anime 24.8%, Adventure 13.3%, Cute 8%, Story Rich 5.6%

This is the first chapter in newest entry When They Cry visual novel series produced by Ryuukishi07. It features HD graphics, more detailed animations, and newly created songs by many of the composers from Umineko, as well as several new additions.

Why similar: Visual Novel 32.4%, Great Soundtrack 23.5%, Anime 13.5%, Violent 12.7%, Adventure 9%

The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?

Why similar: Visual Novel 56.5%, Story Rich 13.1%, Adventure 11.1%, Anime 10.2%, Violent 8.1%