- #1 SeaBed
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 960 reviews2017
Dev: PaleontologyPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 94.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
SeaBed is a yuri-themed psychological mystery visual novel told through the perspectives of three separate characters: Sachiko, Takako and Narasaki.
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.6%, LGBTQ+ 19.5%, Anime 14.4%, Indie 8.4%, Adventure 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: This title captures the same melancholic, atmospheric, and LGBTQ+ focused narrative style found in Enigma.
- #2 The House in Fata Morgana
96% 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 27.6%, Great Soundtrack 21.1%, Anime 13.4%, LGBTQ+ 13.1%, Mystery 12.8%
Why You'll Like It: A gothic, atmospheric mystery that shares the same emotional depth and focus on storytelling as Enigma.
- #3 Analogue: A Hate Story
96% 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 58.8%, Anime 17.8%, LGBTQ+ 6.8%, Indie 6.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: A deep, mystery-focused visual novel that explores complex social dynamics and history through a digital lens.
- #4 If Found...
95% matchVery Positive90% of 2,276 reviews2020
Dev: DREAMFEELPub: Annapurna Interactive
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
If Found... is a game about going home, coming out and erasing everything.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.7%, LGBTQ+ 28%, Great Soundtrack 20.4%, Indie 11.9%, Adventure 8%
Why You'll Like It: An indie visual novel that explores personal identity and emotional themes with a unique, hand-drawn aesthetic.
- #5 Return to Shironagasu Island
94% matchVery Positive94% of 3,990 reviews2020
Dev: HYOGO ONIMUSHIPub: TABINOMICHI
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 14.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A mystery adventure game and visual novel set on solitary Shironagasu Island. Discover its secrets, solve its mysteries, and escape from the ominous island!
Why similar: Visual Novel 42.3%, Adventure 20.5%, Mystery 19.7%, Anime 15%, Indie 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: A tight, mystery-focused adventure that mirrors the isolated island setting of Enigma.
- #6 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
94% 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 34.7%, Visual Novel 30.5%, Mystery 16.1%, Anime 10.3%, Adventure 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in mystery and atmosphere that provides a similarly intense, story-rich experience.
- #7 Hashihime of the Old Book Town
93% 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 37.9%, LGBTQ+ 35.6%, Anime 10.6%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Adventure 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features a compelling blend of mystery, LGBTQ+ themes, and a distinct, atmospheric setting.
- #8 AI: The Somnium Files
92% 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 36.8%, Anime 21.5%, Mystery 17.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Adventure 9%
Why You'll Like It: Combines a gripping detective mystery with surreal, atmospheric visual novel elements.
- #9 GNOSIA
91% 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 34%, Anime 20.7%, Mystery 16.1%, LGBTQ+ 16%, Adventure 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: A unique sci-fi mystery that uses visual novel mechanics to explore complex character relationships and social deduction.
- #10 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
91% 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 42%, Anime 19.9%, Mystery 17.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Adventure 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: An essential atmospheric mystery that excels at building tension within a small, isolated community.
- #11 ISLAND
89% matchVery Positive95% of 1,748 reviews2018
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 154.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 39.7%, Anime 24.3%, Mystery 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Adventure 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features a mysterious island setting and a complex, story-rich narrative that fans of Enigma will appreciate.
- #12 Magical Eyes - Red is for Anguish
90% matchVery Positive81% of 69 reviews2016
Dev: Pomera StudiosPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Magical Eyes - Red is for Anguish is a thrilling mystery story revolving around a series of unfathomable incidents in a town.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.7%, Anime 20.8%, Mystery 15%, Adventure 14.5%, Indie 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A mystery-focused visual novel with a distinct anime aesthetic and a focus on supernatural occurrences.
- #13 A Light in the Dark
88% matchVery Positive93% of 1,722 reviews2018
Dev: CreSpiritPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
──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 48.1%, Great Soundtrack 19.2%, Anime 18.6%, Indie 14%
Why You'll Like It: An emotional indie visual novel that focuses on character growth and mystery within a confined space.
- #14 An Octave Higher
89% 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 44%, Anime 18.8%, Adventure 12.9%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Indie 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: An indie visual novel that explores social issues through a fantasy lens with a strong narrative focus.
- #15 fault - milestone one
87% matchVery Positive92% of 3,231 reviews2014
Dev: ALICE IN DISSONANCE
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 29.1 hrs≥1hr: 92%
fault is a series of Science Fantasy Cinematic Novels using a unique 3D Camera system for a visually immersive reading experience. Follow Selphine, the bubbly Princess and her sharp-witted Royal Guardian, Ritona, on their journey of a lifetime back to their homeland of Rughzenhaide.
Why similar: Visual Novel 48.9%, Anime 28%, Great Soundtrack 15.5%, Adventure 5.1%, Indie 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a beautiful, atmospheric fantasy world with a strong focus on character-driven narrative.
- #16 OPUS: Echo of Starsong - Full Bloom Edition
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 9,174 reviews2021
Dev: SIGONO INC.
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Echo of Starsong is a visual novel style adventure game. Eda, a girl who can hear mysterious sound waves known as starsong, crosses paths with a young man in search of their source. Together, they venture out to the heart of space to unravel an ancient myth.
Why similar: Visual Novel 50.7%, Anime 28.4%, Adventure 11.6%, Indie 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional and atmospheric adventure that focuses on discovery and character bonds.
- #17 VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 37,969 reviews2016
Dev: Sukeban GamesPub: Ysbryd Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 31.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a booze em' up about waifus, technology, and post-dystopia life.
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.4%, LGBTQ+ 22%, Anime 19.9%, Adventure 9.9%, Cute 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: Features a heavy focus on atmosphere, LGBTQ+ characters, and intimate, story-rich conversations.
- #18 1bitHeart
86% matchVery Positive91% of 903 reviews2017
Dev: △○□× (Miwashiba)Pub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 25.5%, Great Soundtrack 21.9%, Anime 18.5%, Adventure 11%, Mystery 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A charming, mystery-solving visual novel that balances cute aesthetics with a compelling story.
- #19 Coffee Talk
84% matchVery Positive95% of 12,156 reviews2020
Dev: Toge Productions
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 47.5%, LGBTQ+ 24%, Anime 20.4%, Indie 8%
Why You'll Like It: A cozy yet deeply atmospheric game that centers on the personal stories and lives of its diverse cast.
- #20 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 3,866 reviews2023
Dev: NankidaiPub: 0UP GAMES
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority- is a multi-ending horror adventure game. Sara Chidouin returns home from school late one night to discover that something's gone terribly wrong. When she comes to, she finds herself, her friend Joe, and 9 other people trapped in a mysterious place.
Why similar: Anime 39%, Mystery 39%, Adventure 22%
Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes mystery visual novel that emphasizes character choices and intense narrative progression.
- #21 Narcissu 1st & 2nd
83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 5,225 reviews2015
Dev: stage-nanaPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 19.5 hrs≥1hr: 47%
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 54.5%, Anime 23.4%, Great Soundtrack 15.9%, Indie 5%, Adventure 0.9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic indie visual novel known for its profound emotional impact and atmospheric writing.
- #22 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
84% 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 48.5%, Anime 20.7%, Mystery 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Adventure 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A high-tension mystery visual novel that utilizes a unique choice system to uncover the truth.
- #23 428: Shibuya Scramble
82% 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 50.8%, Mystery 19.3%, Great Soundtrack 15.6%, Adventure 14.2%
Why You'll Like It: A complex, multi-perspective mystery that rewards careful reading and narrative exploration.
- #24 Adabana Odd Tales
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,033 reviews2020
Dev: Liar-softPub: ANIPLEX.EXE
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 52.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
"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 38.6%, Adventure 27.8%, Great Soundtrack 22.8%, Anime 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: A beautifully illustrated visual novel that blends folklore and mystery in a unique narrative structure.
- #25 Everlasting Summer
81% matchVery Positive95% of 77,204 reviews2014
Dev: Soviet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 57.7 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 42.1%, Great Soundtrack 27.3%, Anime 20.1%, Mystery 5.4%, Adventure 3.5%
Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, indie visual novel that captures a similar sense of mystery and isolation in a unique setting.
- #26 STEINS;GATE
80% 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 43.7%, Great Soundtrack 24.1%, Anime 21.7%, Mystery 6.3%, Adventure 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential sci-fi mystery that balances character-driven humor with a dark, overarching plot.
- #27 ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE
79% 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 37%, Great Soundtrack 19.8%, Adventure 18.3%, Anime 14.1%, Mystery 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi visual novel that excels at building a mystery through character-driven adventure.
- #28 The Silver Case
78% matchVery Positive89% of 1,085 reviews2016
Dev: GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
The Silver Case – the debut title from world-renowned developer SUDA51 has been fully remastered and localized to English for the first time ever!
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.7%, Mystery 22.7%, Anime 22.1%, Adventure 15.5%
Why You'll Like It: A stylish, surreal mystery that emphasizes atmosphere and experimental narrative techniques.
- #29 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 57.5%, Anime 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%, Indie 7.6%, LGBTQ+ 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: A direct follow-up to Analogue that continues to explore deep, mystery-laden themes in a sci-fi setting.
- #30 Memory Note
77% matchVery Positive95% of 73 reviews2020
Dev: CupcakeTime TeamPub: Phoenix_co
Windows · Mac · Linux
Memory note is a slice-of-life visual novel with meaningful player choices, several endings to explore, and a story that will touch your heart.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.6%, Great Soundtrack 25.8%, Adventure 21%, Indie 15.9%, Cute 5.6%
- #31 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi
76% 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 32.6%, Great Soundtrack 21.4%, Anime 17.3%, Mystery 13.7%, Adventure 7.3%
- #32 Synergia
75% matchVery Positive87% of 795 reviews2020
Dev: Radi ArtPub: Top Hat Studios, Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 37.9%, Anime 19.3%, Great Soundtrack 18.8%, LGBTQ+ 16.3%, Indie 7.6%
- #33 AIdol: Artificial Intelligence Idol
78% matchMixed68% of 66 reviews2018
Dev: MysteryCorgi
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 95%
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 32.6%, LGBTQ+ 20.7%, Anime 18.1%, Mystery 13.5%, Indie 8.7%
- #34 Yumeutsutsu Re:After
76% matchVery Positive88% of 104 reviews2020
Dev: KOGADO STUDIOPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 18.6 hrs≥1hr: 63%
What happens "After?" Five stories to continue the possible endings of Yumeutsutsu Re:master.
Why similar: Adventure 42.8%, Visual Novel 26.1%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, LGBTQ+ 9.6%, Anime 8.7%
- #35 eden*
75% 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 45%, Anime 29%, Great Soundtrack 15.8%, Adventure 6.4%, Cute 3.8%
- #36 Lilja and Natsuka Painting Lies
71% matchVery Positive95% of 153 reviews2024
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
A yuri kinetic novel about overcoming the tribulations of the human heart, and a sapphic tale on the heartaches and reprieves of fathoming love. Asou Ei’s first title with Frontwing is presented with poignant visuals in Full HD, an evocative soundtrack, and voice acting by a star-studded cast.
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.1%, Anime 18.9%, LGBTQ+ 16.4%, Adventure 11%, Mystery 9.1%
- #37 Symphonic Rain
74% 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 46.9%, Anime 29.6%, Adventure 14.6%, Cute 8.9%
- #38 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
69% 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 49.7%, Great Soundtrack 20.4%, Anime 20.2%, Adventure 9.8%
- #39 The Last Secret
73% matchVery Positive84% of 67 reviews2022
Dev: TBF
Windows · Mac · Linux
Award winning visual novel adventure. An epic, upbeat tale with challenging and fun puzzles, humorous storyline and quirky characters. Solve the "last secret", save your friends and maybe find true love on the way, too...
Why similar: Visual Novel 45.9%, Anime 27.7%, Adventure 17.2%, Cute 9.2%
- #40 Earthshine
74% matchVery Positive89% of 65 reviews2019
Dev: ElleivPub: Phoenix_co
Windows · Mac · Linux
Explore a deeply emotional story about love and sacrifice, and the hope that exists in us all.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.3%, Great Soundtrack 23.8%, Adventure 22.5%, Indie 15.1%, Cute 4.3%
- #41 vivid/stasis
67% matchVery Positive94% of 3,373 reviews2025
Dev: Team VividstasisPub: Hajimeli
Windows
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 40.8%, LGBTQ+ 21.7%, Anime 18%, Adventure 9.6%, Cute 7.4%
- #42 Embracelet
73% matchVery Positive94% of 108 reviews2020
Dev: Mattis FolkestadPub: machineboy
Windows
Travel to northern Norway, solve puzzles using a mysterious, magical bracelet and make new friends on your journey to discover the past - and yourself!
Why similar: Adventure 35.4%, LGBTQ+ 26.1%, Indie 23.6%, Mystery 15%
- #43 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
72% 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 35.3%, Great Soundtrack 20.9%, Anime 18.9%, Mystery 15%, Adventure 6.1%
- #44 Stellar Code
66% matchVery Positive97% of 461 reviews2025
Dev: Fragaria
Windows
Mysterious phenomena from space. A researcher's fatal accident. Cryptic codes engraved on an unknown material. Together with your brilliant sister-in-law, you must unravel a mystery that could determine the fate of Earth. A sci-fi mystery visual novel of discovery and suspense.
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.1%, Anime 20.8%, Adventure 16.2%, Mystery 14.6%, Cute 8.2%
- #45 The Divine Speaker
70% matchVery Positive96% of 436 reviews2022
Dev: Two and a Half Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
A story-rich tale of breaking the bonds of fate... and meeting some cute guys along the way!
Why similar: Visual Novel 33%, LGBTQ+ 24.4%, Anime 19.2%, Mystery 12.8%, Adventure 10.6%
- #46 Miniature Garden
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 95 reviews2017
Dev: MuzintouPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 165.7 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Miniature Garden is a Japanese mystery visual novel with multiple endings and art by Korie Riko (Lump of Sugar).
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.6%, Anime 22.8%, Mystery 15.9%, Adventure 13%, Indie 9.7%
- #47 Fox Hime Zero
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 5,917 reviews2018
Dev: AsicxArtPub: SakuraGame
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 44.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Yan, a student of natural history, encounters a cute and mysterious girl with fox ears while conducting routine scientific research at a remote observation cabin. This might be a "blessing" for the intrepid in the golden age of geographical discovery...
Why similar: Visual Novel 47.3%, Anime 28.6%, Cute 6.8%, Adventure 6.3%, Indie 6.3%
- #48 神明的一天世界(God's One Day World)
72% matchVery Positive85% of 728 reviews2016
Dev: 灰烬天国
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 95%
an Visual Novel & Puzzle Game
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.4%, Adventure 29.4%, Anime 21.6%, Indie 5.6%
- #49 Dreambound
67% matchVery Positive96% of 89 reviews2024
Dev: Two and a Half Studios
Windows · Mac
Mysterious deaths. Dreams that are reality, and reality that is a dream. Will Noah be able to move forward and solve the mystery—or will he give in to the demons of his past? A story-rich BL mystery visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 36.6%, LGBTQ+ 23.1%, Anime 20.9%, Mystery 19.3%
- #50 Sound of Drop - fall into poison -
71% matchVery Positive85% of 536 reviews2015
Dev: aiueoKompanyPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, the quaint little aquarium, Manten Aquarium. Numerous urban legends have arisen from here. On the night of the full moon the waters turn to blood and man faced fish lurk within.
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.8%, Anime 23%, Great Soundtrack 12.8%, Adventure 8%, Indie 6.6%
- #51 Flowers -Le volume sur ete-
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 1,290 reviews2018
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 178.9 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Summer has arrived early to Saint Angraecum Academy, and with it comes change. Follow the story of Erika in the second game in the Flowers series.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.7%, LGBTQ+ 19.8%, Anime 14.3%, Mystery 14.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%
- #52 Enigmatis 2: The Mists of Ravenwood
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,599 reviews2014
Dev: Artifex Mundi
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Enter Ravenwood Park and discover the secrets hidden in the mists…
Why similar: Adventure 41.8%, Mystery 31.6%, Great Soundtrack 20.7%, Indie 6%
- #53 Adolescent Santa Claus
68% matchVery Positive85% of 1,317 reviews2018
Dev: TALESSHOP Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 25%
This visual novel game tells the tale of a cute little Santa Clause appearing
Why similar: Visual Novel 49.1%, Anime 27.9%, Cute 8.5%, Adventure 7.6%, Indie 6.9%
- #54 Memory's Dogma CODE:01
70% matchMostly Positive78% of 371 reviews2016
Dev: Liz-ArtsPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 6.9 hrsMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
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 52.2%, Anime 29.3%, Adventure 11%, Indie 7.5%
- #55 Solstice
70% matchMostly Positive76% of 190 reviews2016
Dev: MoaCube
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Solstice is a dystopian mystery visual novel about small personal disasters that turn into great catastrophes.
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.8%, LGBTQ+ 23.2%, Mystery 17.2%, Great Soundtrack 14.5%, Indie 3.3%
- #56 Stillwater
66% matchVery Positive95% of 217 reviews2022
Dev: Studio Clump
Windows · Mac · Linux
A short visual novel where a private investigator gets reeled into a murky mystery, entangled in lies, secrets, and a family curse.
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.2%, Mystery 18%, Anime 17.2%, LGBTQ+ 14.1%, Indie 9.2%
- #57 Tangle Tower
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 5,973 reviews2019
Dev: SFB Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Unravel a thrilling mystery by exploring a strange and twisted mansion, discovering curious clues, interrogating peculiar suspects and solving unique puzzles. Will you be able to uncover the secrets of Tangle Tower?
Why similar: Visual Novel 42.5%, Mystery 21.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.7%, Adventure 11.6%, Indie 7.7%
- #58 OneShot: World Machine Edition
60% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 4,777 reviews2024
Dev: Future Cat LLCPub: KOMODO
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 78%
A completely self-contained portable version of one of the highest user-rated games. Built on an entirely new engine with new UI, support for Steam Deck, & more. Features world-bending puzzles, intriguing denizens, surreal environments, and a captivating story about the truth of the game's reality.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 36.4%, Indie 18.3%, Adventure 18.2%, Cute 14.9%, Anime 12.1%
