Games Like Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos

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 73.2%, Anime 10.4%, Sci-fi 8.5%, Indie 3.1%, Story Rich 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: Like the seed game, this title explores complex social structures and historical mysteries through a deep, text-heavy narrative.

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 71.2%, Anime 10.2%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Indie 3.4%, Great Soundtrack 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct sequel to Analogue, it continues the exploration of societal collapse and moral ambiguity found in the seed game.

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 66.8%, Anime 17.9%, Female Protagonist 5.4%, Great Soundtrack 4.6%, Story Rich 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: This visual novel offers a similar high-quality anime aesthetic and a focus on a journey through a unique, well-realized fantasy-sci-fi world.

VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a booze em' up about waifus, technology, and post-dystopia life.

Why similar: Visual Novel 58.7%, Anime 13.1%, Sci-fi 10.9%, Female Protagonist 7.4%, Story Rich 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the sci-fi setting and the focus on a protagonist who navigates the lives of others through their specific professional role.

fault - milestone two side:above is a Cinematic Visual Novel that takes place right after the events of milestone one. Please note that this novel is a direct sequel to fault - milestone one and contains massive spoilers of the first story. Play through of the first title is highly advised.

Why similar: Visual Novel 63.3%, Anime 16%, Female Protagonist 5.6%, Great Soundtrack 5.3%, Story Rich 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: A direct continuation that maintains the high production values and character-focused storytelling of its predecessor.

Juniper's Knot is a short (~30 mins) kinetic novel about the meeting of a demon and a boy. A kinetic novel is a game that uses text, sound, and illustrations to tell a story.

Why similar: Visual Novel 71.9%, Anime 12.8%, Indie 10.3%, Casual 4.7%, Singleplayer 0.3%

Why You'll Like It: Created by the same developer, this short visual novel shares the distinct artistic style and emotional depth of the seed game.

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 61.3%, Anime 14.3%, Sci-fi 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%, Story Rich 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential sci-fi visual novel that mirrors the seed game's focus on high-stakes narrative and world-building.

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 69.3%, Anime 13.9%, Sci-fi 7.7%, Story Rich 4.3%, Great Soundtrack 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title features a complex, multi-perspective sci-fi narrative that requires careful management of information, much like the mediator role.

Eliza is a visual novel about an AI counseling program, the people who develop it, and the people who use it. Follow Evelyn Ishino-Aubrey as she reconnects with people from her past, gets to know the people of Seattle who use Eliza for counseling, and decides the course of her future.

Why similar: Visual Novel 72%, Female Protagonist 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 5.7%, Indie 4.8%, Story Rich 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A thought-provoking visual novel about a woman working in a technological role that forces her to confront the ethics of her society.

Coffee Talk is a coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator about listening to fantasy-inspired modern peoples’ problems, and helping them by serving up a warm drink or two.

Why similar: Visual Novel 71.9%, Anime 14.4%, Story Rich 6.6%, Indie 4.4%, Casual 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the 'mediator' feel by placing the player in a position to listen to and influence the lives of diverse characters in a sci-fi setting.

From the author of Spice and Wolf, Isuna Hasekura, comes WORLD END ECONOMiCA. This is the first episode out of three part sci-fi/economic thriller visual novel set on the moon.

Why similar: Visual Novel 79.5%, Anime 14.5%, Sci-fi 3.1%, Indie 2.1%, Story Rich 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title explores economic and social systems in a futuristic setting, aligning well with the themes of managing chaos.

Synergia is a yuri thriller visual novel that takes place in a cyberpunk future, wrapped up in a beautifully unique, vibrant neon aesthetic. At the end of the world, sometimes love is the ultimate crime.

Why similar: Visual Novel 54%, Anime 12.9%, Sci-fi 12.2%, Great Soundtrack 5.8%, Female Protagonist 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A cyberpunk visual novel that focuses on the relationship between a female protagonist and an android, echoing the sci-fi themes of the seed.

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 66.3%, Anime 13.3%, Indie 5.2%, Female Protagonist 4%, Great Soundtrack 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a unique world where magic is treated like an economy, mirroring the systemic management themes of the seed.

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 72.7%, Anime 14.6%, Great Soundtrack 4.6%, Indie 2.4%, Story Rich 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic, story-rich visual novel that emphasizes emotional impact and character-driven storytelling.

In a back-alley cafe, the dead are granted one last night to mingle with the living. Necrobarista follows a dynamic and diverse cast of characters as they navigate Melbourne's hipstery coffee culture, the questionable ethics of necromancy, and the process of letting go.

Why similar: Visual Novel 47.7%, Anime 12.7%, Episodic 12.7% ★, Great Soundtrack 7.2%, Female Protagonist 6%

Why You'll Like It: A stylish visual novel that blends supernatural elements with a grounded, character-focused story.

The fate of humanity is at stake. Use your gift of clairvoyance to see into the future and stop an apocalypse that threatens the balance between your world and the deities'.

Why similar: Visual Novel 71.8%, Female Protagonist 9.8%, Story Rich 6.7%, Indie 5.4%, Adventure 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features a female protagonist navigating a complex, choice-driven narrative that determines the fate of a society.

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 71.5%, Anime 17.8%, Story Rich 4.1%, Great Soundtrack 2.6%, Indie 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: A mystery-focused visual novel with a strong anime aesthetic and a compelling, character-driven plot.

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 57.5%, Anime 16.2%, Sci-fi 14.7%, Story Rich 5.5%, Adventure 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: This sci-fi social deduction game features a strong narrative and a protagonist who must navigate complex interpersonal dynamics to survive.

The (mis)adventures of Vinty, a nobody who thinks she's somebody!

Why similar: Visual Novel 64.5%, Anime 24.2%, Female Protagonist 5.3%, Indie 3.4%, Story Rich 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: A short, indie visual novel featuring a female protagonist and a focus on personal reflection.

Solstice is a dystopian mystery visual novel about small personal disasters that turn into great catastrophes.

Why similar: Visual Novel 75.7%, Female Protagonist 8.9%, Story Rich 7.3%, Great Soundtrack 5.7%, Indie 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A choice-heavy visual novel that emphasizes the consequences of the protagonist's decisions in a mysterious, high-stakes environment.

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 59.3%, Anime 13.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%, Story Rich 5.7%, Female Protagonist 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: An emotionally resonant visual novel that excels in world-building and character development, appealing to fans of story-rich experiences.

An animated visual novel of a lovely and bittersweet tale of youth, you play as Aoi Minase in this romantic-comedy as he meets various young girls in his hometown and works together with them to revive their school’s glider-flying “Soaring Club” in order to realize their shared dream of flight.

Why similar: Visual Novel 65.9%, Anime 18.3%, Story Rich 6.2%, Great Soundtrack 4.7%, Casual 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: A highly regarded visual novel that focuses on personal growth and ambition, capturing the 'indie' feel of the seed game.

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 63.6%, Anime 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 6.3%, Sci-fi 3.9%, Adventure 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A post-apocalyptic visual novel that emphasizes the emotional connection between a human and a robot.

From the creator of Spice and Wolf, Isuna Hasekura, comes World End Economica. Haru woke up with his life but without his dream. 4 years after the incident, he finds a new cause, as a driven young lady offers him a chance to return to investing and to find justice.

Why similar: Visual Novel 54%, Episodic 15.2% ★, Anime 14.7%, Sci-fi 6.8%, Indie 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: Continues the exploration of the economic and social challenges established in the first episode.

Enter the melancholic life of a Japanese high school student, as you soon become entwined in the dispute between two female students. Learn more about their past as you piece together their relationship and mend their bond, all whilst forming bonds of your own.

Why similar: Visual Novel 67%, Anime 14.1%, Indie 7.6%, Adventure 4.3%, Casual 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: An indie visual novel that blends school-life drama with a unique, character-focused narrative.

X-note is a blend between Visual Novel and Dating Sim. Follow the story of Essi as she pursues the truth of her mother's death.

Why similar: Visual Novel 69.5%, Anime 14.2%, Female Protagonist 6.2%, Indie 4%, Adventure 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: A mystery-themed visual novel featuring a female protagonist and a focus on uncovering hidden truths.

It is the end of summer. Han Hui, a university student, meets a mysterious young girl named He Jia in the mountains. After this chance meeting, the two embark on a delightful journey.

Why similar: Visual Novel 76.1%, Anime 12.3%, Female Protagonist 5.6%, Indie 3.2%, Casual 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, atmospheric visual novel that focuses on the journey and interactions of its female leads.

Japan, 2030 A.D. Memories can now be digitized and archived, allowing people to communicate with the deceased. With only one week left before his best friend’s memories are deleted, can Hiroki uncover the truth behind Sorano’s death?

Why similar: Visual Novel 65.9%, Anime 17.3%, Sci-fi 7.6%, Indie 3.4%, Adventure 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi visual novel that deals with the ethics of technology and memory, fitting the themes of the seed game.

​Vinty is off to Melbourne to meet her idol, Excelia!​ Will Vinty learn the star's secrets and finally blossom into a celebrity? (hint: no)

Why similar: Visual Novel 66.7%, Anime 16.1%, Indie 8.8%, Female Protagonist 4.2%, Story Rich 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: Continues the story of the first game, maintaining the focus on character growth and indie charm.

"Chill with You : Lo-Fi Story" is a sound novel game where you work alongside Satone, a girl who loves writing stories. Customize lo-fi music, ambient sounds, and landscapes to create a focused environment. As you deepen your bond with Satone, you may discover a special connection with her.

Why similar: Visual Novel 63.2%, Anime 21.3%, Female Protagonist 8.3%, Adventure 3.4%, Casual 3.4%

Happiness is an obligation. But then, what gives one the right to be happy? A small, garden-like Academy stands alone on a secluded island. Ichirou Yamada has been transferred there to work as a teacher. He is put in charge of Casserole, a beautiful, young girl who entered the school at the same time.

Why similar: Visual Novel 73.7%, Sci-fi 6.7%, Anime 6.6%, Indie 6.2%, Adventure 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: A dystopian visual novel that explores themes of isolation and societal structure.

Dysfunctional Systems: Orientation is a kinetic novel and a prequel to Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos. It uses text, sound, and illustrations to tell a story and follows Winter Harrison during her first week at mediator school.

Why similar: Visual Novel 76.6%, Indie 15.7%, Casual 7.7%

Despite determination and skill, Natalie Puccile, a Special Investigations and Tactics officer, has spent her career watching over a listening post in the middle of deep space. After the orders that she has always dreamed of arrive, she finds herself in charge of a small destroyer and tasked with discovering the fate of a missing...

Why similar: Visual Novel 67.8%, Anime 16.6%, Sci-fi 4.9%, Female Protagonist 4.2%, Indie 3.3%

TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children is the first season of a turn-based strategy SRPG that takes place in the world of Troubleshooter.

Why similar: Anime 46.1%, Female Protagonist 26.7%, Story Rich 17.1%, RPG 10.1%

A short game with a long name. Mashes up JRPG battles with Visual Novel storytelling. Not entirely serious.

Why similar: Visual Novel 62.6%, Anime 14.1%, Female Protagonist 8.6%, Story Rich 4.6%, Indie 4%

Last Days of Spring is a YA (Young Adult) Otome Visual Novel following a group of high school seniors in their last week of school as they come to terms with questions about love, life and destiny. Follow the steps of Yuka Kishimoto as she navigates across her final week as a high school student and sees her life come to a complete...

Why similar: Visual Novel 66%, Anime 11%, Great Soundtrack 6.1%, Female Protagonist 6%, Indie 5.4%

Welcome to 1bitHeart―the latest title from Alicemare and LiEat developer △○□× (Miwashiba). In this unique and endearing adventure game, take on the role of Nanashi, a lonely, agoraphobic boy, as you solve a slew of mysteries around town while also making friends.

Why similar: Visual Novel 41.2%, Episodic 15.2% ★, Anime 14.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.7%, Sci-fi 7.4%

Daughter Raising Simulator with in-depth management gameplay, backed by an outstanding City Pop soundtrack. Take a young girl under your wing and raise her to adulthood. Set in a future where humanity has fled earth, your choices for your daughter will determine the outcome for humanity.

Why similar: Visual Novel 35.5%, Indie 26.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Anime 9.8%, Story Rich 5.7%

Experience the story of Glow, a young and naive furry heroine caught between two empires' interplanetary ambitions, forged in tragedy and conspiracy.

Why similar: Visual Novel 65.1%, Sci-fi 13.8%, Female Protagonist 7.8%, Story Rich 5.7%, Adventure 3.3%

An Interactive graphic novel and a Kinetic Graphic novel to enjoy, Set within a cyber punk dystopian future. With full professional voice acting for every line and steam achievements.

Why similar: Visual Novel 63.5%, Anime 12.4%, Indie 8.7%, Adventure 5.8%, Female Protagonist 5.7%

Use the power of music to reawaken long forgotten memories in Distortions, a story-driven journey through a world of unparalleled beauty.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 36%, Indie 28.5%, Adventure 19.9%, RPG 15.6%

──We cannot choose in this unfair world.The rich boy stuck in his never changing daily life...The fierce girl struggling for survival...Two people in totally opposite positions in life.In the face of confusion and the choices before them, what will they find...?

Why similar: Visual Novel 68.5%, Anime 12.4%, Indie 7.2%, Great Soundtrack 5.9%, Story Rich 3%

The Witches Tea Party is a story-driven adventure game with a magical world and colourful characters. There will be small quests, collectables, mysteries, disturbing rooms and multiple endings. Having tea with witches is probably not an easy task...

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 30.5%, Indie 19.9%, Story Rich 15%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Adventure 12.6%

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 66.2%, Anime 14.6%, Episodic 8.8% ★, Story Rich 4.2%, Great Soundtrack 4.2%

A young high school student goes on an adventure to save her favorite virtual idol, Aiko, from malfunctioning, and gets help from the most unexpected of places.

Why similar: Visual Novel 54.6%, Sci-fi 14.7%, Anime 14.2%, Female Protagonist 7.6%, Indie 5.3%

An episodic Visual Novel about a Gamer and his life with cute girls.

Why similar: Visual Novel 70.6%, Anime 20.8%, Indie 3.9%, Adventure 2.4%, Casual 2.2%

An interactive story about a painfully introverted college student who must find a way to make some oatmeal in the communal kitchen of her dorm. One simple task, can you help her complete it?

Why similar: Visual Novel 74.7%, Indie 10.8%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Casual 4%, Singleplayer 0.3%

Rhythm-mystery hybrid game about uncovering the history of a mysterious system. The stage is set. Will you step up and play your role?

Why similar: Visual Novel 70.8%, Anime 14.3%, Female Protagonist 6.9%, Story Rich 2.8%, Adventure 2.6%

This short Visual novel can be considered as a little introductory episode of the game Elisa the innkeeper. Enjoy our Art and Soundtrack as you begin to shape Elisa's destiny for the better or the worse!

Why similar: Visual Novel 62.7%, Anime 18.9%, Female Protagonist 8.2%, Indie 4.5%, Story Rich 3.1%

The Falconers: Moonlight is a supernatural thriller visual novel set in the 19th Century West Coast of New Zealand. Falconer, Cassandra Winter, is on her first solo mission. Can she save the people of Moonlight from their plight? Or will she disappear into the mist like so many others before her?

Why similar: Visual Novel 72.1%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Indie 6.8%, Adventure 4.3%, Casual 3.2%

In this visual novel, experience the story of Ethan Syfran, who by an accident got him and his family caught in a whirlpool of crime in a catastrophe-swept world. How would he struggle to get out and save everything he cherished... or carry up all the sins he'd done and keep going?

Why similar: Visual Novel 59.9%, Anime 17.6%, Drama 9.4%, Story Rich 5.3%, Indie 3.8%

First game of a four-part visual novel series. Nerdy Itsuki Ninomae accidentally creates a “digital hypnotism movie.” Showing it to his neighbor causes him to learn her and a classmate’s dark secret, dragging him into the underbelly of society.

Why similar: Visual Novel 67.2%, Anime 15.4%, Story Rich 6.2%, Female Protagonist 5.4%, Adventure 3.5%

Dab On Darkness is a cozy, short, non-linear visual novel where you learn real world, practical tactics to deal with those nasty thoughts you would rather not have. Make the correct decision as your inner negativity manifests into a cute anime girl, lest you despair into the darkness...

Why similar: Visual Novel 62.9%, Anime 31%, Casual 5.8%, Singleplayer 0.4%

A gloomy lesbian / yuri visual novel featuring characters based on famous Romantic poets such as Coleridge, Wordsworth, and Byron. Can you help Samantha Coleridge repair her fractured relationship with Lillian Wordsworth?

Why similar: Visual Novel 62.4%, Anime 16.7%, Female Protagonist 8.4%, Indie 5.6%, Story Rich 4.9%

Labyrinthine Dreams is a short puzzle game about overcoming the scars of the past and following the right path, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Why similar: Indie 40.7%, Adventure 24.3%, Casual 17.8%, Female Protagonist 17.3%

Discover the world of Transistor, a sci-fi-themed action RPG from the creators of Bastion.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 34.8%, Sci-fi 24.4%, Female Protagonist 15.7%, Indie 9.9%, Story Rich 9.1%

Rule the world or die trying!Being a Princess is not an easy job. Being a Queen is even harder. Especially when you're only fourteen years old, and the reason you've inherited the throne is that your royal mother has just met an untimely end.Now power is up for grabs.

Why similar: Visual Novel 67.2%, Anime 19.7%, Female Protagonist 6.8%, Indie 3.4%, RPG 1.5%

Still reeling from the life-changing events of the previous episode, Gail seeks out a safe haven with her father in the Delta Pavonis system. However, she soon learns that the politics of Planet Leto can be as treacherous and unpredictable as the local weather.

Why similar: Episodic 29.4% ★, Sci-fi 21.5%, Adventure 19.1%, Female Protagonist 10%, Indie 7.8%