- #1 fault - milestone one
97% matchVery Positive92% of 3,238 reviews2014
Dev: ALICE IN DISSONANCE
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 29.4 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 45%, Anime 29.5%, Fantasy 10.9%, Story Rich 7.6%, Adventure 3.5%
Why You'll Like It: This is the foundational entry of the series that established the unique fantasy setting and cinematic presentation style.
- #2 fault - milestone two side:above
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,565 reviews2015
Dev: ALICE IN DISSONANCE
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 33.2 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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 44.5%, Anime 27.6%, Story Rich 13.4%, Fantasy 7.1%, Adventure 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: It maintains the high production quality and emotional storytelling that fans of the fault series expect.
- #3 Ame no Marginal -Rain Marginal-
96% matchVery Positive87% of 422 reviews2015
Dev: stage-nanaPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
The latest visual novel by Tomo Kataoka, the author of Narcissu 1st & 2nd, has arrived! An empty world with endless rain and only one person. Here there is no hunger, sickness or even death. Just what story does this world's one occupant have?
Why similar: Visual Novel 48.6%, Anime 37%, Story Rich 8.5%, Indie 4.1%, 2D 1.8%
Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this title shares the series' signature blend of philosophical themes and atmospheric storytelling.
- #4 Adabana Odd Tales
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,043 reviews2020
Dev: Liar-softPub: ANIPLEX.EXE
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 52.2 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 43.5%, Adventure 23.5%, Story Rich 19%, Anime 14%
Why You'll Like It: A visually striking visual novel that explores folklore and memory with a focus on high-quality production.
- #5 The House in Fata Morgana
94% matchVery Positive95% of 6,235 reviews2016
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.5 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 42.2%, Anime 23.5%, Story Rich 17.3%, Adventure 8%, 2D 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: A masterpiece of the visual novel genre that excels in atmospheric storytelling and deep, character-focused drama.
- #6 A Flicker of Light
94% matchVery Positive84% of 137 reviews2022
Dev: 饺子社
Windows
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 39.9%, Anime 28.8%, Story Rich 15.2%, Adventure 11.5%, Indie 2.7%
Why You'll Like It: Shares the indie visual novel spirit with a focus on drama and a story-rich experience.
- #7 eden*
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 5,086 reviews2015
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 59.9 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 47.7%, Anime 35.1%, Story Rich 10.6%, Adventure 5.1%, Singleplayer 1.1%
Why You'll Like It: This title is renowned for its high-quality cinematic presentation and emotional narrative, mirroring the polish found in the fault series.
- #8 A Light in the Dark
91% matchVery Positive93% of 1,725 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 57.4%, Anime 25.5%, Story Rich 10.8%, Indie 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A gripping, story-rich visual novel that emphasizes character development and emotional tension.
- #9 An Octave Higher
92% matchVery Positive82% of 298 reviews2015
Dev: KidalangPub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 6.2 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 21.6%, Adventure 9.7%, Story Rich 8.8%, Fantasy 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A fantasy-themed visual novel that explores complex social themes within a rich, magical world.
- #10 Cyanotype Daydream -The Girl Who Dreamed the World-
91% matchVery Positive88% of 769 reviews2022
Dev: Laplacian
Windows
Median: 16.5 hrsMean: 53.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Kaito wakes to find himself in a strange room, with no memories, and a taciturn girl named Yonagi by his side. Upon learning of his role, he immerses himself into three wondrous dream worlds with her. When all three stories meet a bitter end, Kaito recovers his memories, and the true story unfolds.
Why similar: Visual Novel 42%, Story Rich 20.2%, Cinematic 16.7%, Adventure 8.9%, Immersive Sim 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a deeply emotional, sci-fi tinged story that matches the high-quality art and narrative depth of the fault series.
- #11 Narcissu 1st & 2nd
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 5,284 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 59.4%, Anime 29.2%, Story Rich 7.9%, Indie 2.1%, Adventure 0.7%
Why You'll Like It: A classic, highly emotional visual novel that focuses on character relationships and poignant themes similar to the fault series.
- #12 If My Heart Had Wings
89% matchVery Positive92% of 4,617 reviews2014
Dev: MoeNovel
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 46.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 44.3%, Anime 30.2%, Story Rich 18%, Adventure 6.1%, Singleplayer 1.4%
Why You'll Like It: A beautifully illustrated visual novel that balances emotional drama with a compelling fantasy-adjacent premise.
- #13 A Clockwork Ley-Line: The Borderline of Dusk
88% matchVery Positive92% of 83 reviews2017
Dev: Unison Shift: BlossomPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 11.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 36.6%, Anime 35.3%, Adventure 10%, Magic 9.4%, Story Rich 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: Combines a fantasy setting with mystery elements, appealing to those who enjoy the world-building of the fault series.
- #14 Summer Pockets
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 4,831 reviews2020
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 10.3 hrsMean: 138.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 51.5%, Anime 23%, Adventure 14%, Story Rich 11.2%, Singleplayer 0.3%
Why You'll Like It: A high-production visual novel that excels in emotional storytelling and character-driven drama.
- #15 Rewrite+
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 697 reviews2021
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 61.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 46%, Anime 32.1%, Adventure 10.6%, Story Rich 6.1%, 2D 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features an expansive fantasy world and deep, mystery-laden storytelling that aligns with the scale of the fault series.
- #16 XBlaze Code: Embryo
87% matchMostly Positive75% of 117 reviews2016
Dev: Arc System WorksPub: Aksys Games
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 19.8 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Set 150 years before the events of BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger, XBlaze Code: Embryo is a visual novel that follows Touya Kagari, a high school student whose world is turned upside down when he is attacked by a seemingly otherworldly being and saved by a mysterious girl named Es.
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.1%, Anime 36.6%, Story Rich 11.9%, Adventure 11.8%, Singleplayer 1.6%
Why You'll Like It: A cinematic visual novel with a complex, lore-heavy story that fans of fantasy-adventure VNs will appreciate.
- #17 Cho Dengeki Stryker All Ages Version
86% matchVery Positive95% of 134 reviews2014
Dev: OVERDRIVEPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
A boy, helpless to protect that which he cherished... A girl, hopeless in the face of a promise unkept... A man, desperate to escape his finite destiny... A child, forgetting what must not be forgotten... OVERDRIVE presents a brand new super hero epic!
Why similar: Visual Novel 55.6%, Anime 32.9%, Adventure 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: Provides an action-packed, cinematic visual novel experience with a strong focus on fantasy elements.
- #18 CLANNAD
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,614 reviews2015
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 106.2 hrs≥1hr: 83%
From the world renowned visual novel studio Key, the highly rated story of CLANNAD is now available on Steam! Improved visuals, achievement integration, and Dangopedia make this the best version of CLANNAD to date.
Why similar: Visual Novel 51.1%, Anime 30%, Story Rich 15.1%, Adventure 2%, Singleplayer 1.1%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for emotional, character-focused visual novels that prioritize long-form narrative development.
- #19 Little Busters! English Edition
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,122 reviews2017
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 42.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 52.6%, Anime 25.5%, Story Rich 12.3%, Adventure 9.2%, Singleplayer 0.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on heartfelt character relationships and a rich, evolving narrative structure.
- #20 STEINS;GATE
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 25,836 reviews2016
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 66.9 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 49.5%, Anime 28.2%, Story Rich 17.7%, Adventure 3.5%, Singleplayer 1%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential story-rich visual novel that masterfully blends sci-fi concepts with deep character arcs.
- #21 Muv-Luv
83% matchVery Positive94% of 1,987 reviews2018
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 21.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
One of the most highly-acclaimed visual novel series arrives on Steam, newly revamped and officially in English! An interdimensional love story that takes high school romance on a roller-coaster ride through the depths of despair, culminating in a sci-fi grand finale of epic proportions.
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.8%, Anime 31.4%, Story Rich 16.4%, Adventure 6.6%, Singleplayer 1.8%
Why You'll Like It: An epic-scale visual novel that transitions from a character-focused story into a massive, world-altering fantasy adventure.
- #22 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,708 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.3 hrsMean: 42.9 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Umineko When They Cry is the 2nd series of Sound Novel released by 07th Expansion. The steam version features renewed character sprites which is swappable from the classic art.
Why similar: Visual Novel 45%, Story Rich 17.6%, Anime 17.1%, Fantasy 10.6%, Magic 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: A complex, highly immersive mystery visual novel that rewards players who enjoy deep lore and intricate storytelling.
- #23 OPUS: Echo of Starsong - Full Bloom Edition
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 9,275 reviews2021
Dev: SIGONO INC.
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.9 hrsMean: 13.1 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 41.4%, Anime 26.5%, Story Rich 15.7%, Adventure 7.1%, 2D 4.5%
- #24 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
81% matchVery Positive90% of 598 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 52.3%, Anime 25.6%, Story Rich 14.1%, Adventure 7.1%, Singleplayer 1%
Why You'll Like It: A suspenseful, story-rich visual novel that uses a unique system to explore multiple perspectives of a single event.
- #25 ef - the first tale. (All Ages)
81% matchVery Positive95% of 191 reviews2019
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 279.5 hrs≥1hr: 69%
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 33.6%, Cinematic 26.7%, Anime 17.9%, Story Rich 12.6%, Adventure 4.7%
- #26 MYTH - Steam Edition
80% matchVery Positive89% of 170 reviews2016
Dev: CircletempoPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 78%
A world of shadows. A world of light. In the world of light where no shadows exist lived a boy - Meito Tanabe. One day, he met a girl who possessed a shadow - Shimon. She brings him to her world - a place filled with shadows.
Why similar: Visual Novel 62.3%, Anime 20.1%, Adventure 12.4%, Indie 5.2%
- #27 ef - the latter tale. (All Ages)
79% matchVery Positive97% of 125 reviews2019
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
In this direct continuation of "ef - the first tale", Yuu tells the tale of a young woman who has lost one of her eyes due to an accident, but who may have lost so much more beneath the surface.
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.5%, Anime 25.1%, Adventure 17.5%, Story Rich 17.3%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #28 妄想破绽 Broken Delusion
79% matchMixed60% of 4,043 reviews2019
Pub: bilibili
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 32.5 hrs≥1hr: 70%
《妄想破绽》是一款文字冒险（AVG）游戏，数十万字精彩原创剧情，将带给大家一段近未来架空科技都市的幻想冒险体验。游戏中，玩家将扮演普通高中生与顶级黑客的双重身份。有一天“我”抱着玩笑心理在网络上虚构了一个不存在的假人，不料却因此带来了惊天巨变……
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.2%, Anime 24.2%, Adventure 23.6%, Indie 9%
- #29 An Adventurer's Gallantry
77% matchVery Positive90% of 79 reviews2023
Dev: Zetsubou
Windows · Mac · Linux
Disgraced knight-in-training Oren gets a second chance at life as an adventurer in this fantasy visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 44.5%, Anime 23.8%, Fantasy 19.6%, Story Rich 6.3%, 2D 3.2%
- #30 Harmonia
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 783 reviews2016
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 90.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
From renowned visual novel studio Key, which brought you the highly rated visual novel “planetarian~the reverie of a little planet~”, this is “Harmonia”, the latest kinetic novel in the series.
Why similar: Visual Novel 47.7%, Anime 32.1%, Adventure 13%, Story Rich 7.1%
- #31 Notes of my silence
75% matchVery Positive97% of 68 reviews2023
Dev: Kostrum Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Plunge into the silence with Stephan, young musician that lost his hearing and, at the same time, the meaning of life.
Why similar: Visual Novel 44.8%, Anime 24.4%, FMV 17.9% ★, Adventure 9.7%, Indie 1.9%
- #32 Hoshizora no Memoria -Wish upon a Shooting Star- HD
76% matchVery Positive93% of 388 reviews2017
Dev: FavoritePub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 21.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
A Japanese love adventure game, as you follow the story of Kogasaka You, his hometown and a promise he made.
Why similar: Visual Novel 51.8%, Anime 23%, Story Rich 12.9%, Adventure 11.4%, Singleplayer 0.9%
- #33 Lighthouse of Guiding Flames
77% matchVery Positive89% of 71 reviews2019
Dev: TomoToroPub: NARRATIVE NINE LTD
Windows
Ethani lost her way and ended up at the Lighthouse. Where did she come from and where should she go? Explore this fantasy Visual Novel to reveal her past and set sail once more...
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.3%, Anime 20.4%, Fantasy 13.7%, Story Rich 11.5%, Adventure 9.4%
- #34 Faulty Apprentice
75% matchVery Positive82% of 190 reviews2019
Dev: AGL studios
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 82%
In this world of magic, monsters, and mystery, the fate of Stars Reach Castle will be determined by you, the Faulty Apprentice! A story-rich visual novel/dating with Light Ecchi on the side. (Free 3 DLCs)
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.9%, Anime 26.7%, Story Rich 14.9%, Fantasy 13.7%, 2D 4.5%
- #35 Nanotale - Typing Chronicles
74% matchMostly Positive76% of 845 reviews2021
Dev: Fishing Cactus
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Something is wrong with the heart of magic. Play a young archivist venturing out into a dying world, cataloging its mysteries and its wonders to unearth the truth. Nanotale is the new adventure from the Typing Chronicles franchise and the spiritual successor to the acclaimed Epistory.
Why similar: Magic 27%, Story Rich 24.2%, Adventure 24.1%, Fantasy 20.3%, Indie 4.5%
- #36 The Raintime
76% matchMostly Positive70% of 54 reviews2020
Dev: socah developmentPub: socah
Windows · Mac · Linux
Delve into a troubled student's mind as his grip on reality unravels . . .
Why similar: Adventure 72.9%, Indie 27.1%
- #37 East 73: Magenta Fairytale
73% matchVery Positive94% of 144 reviews2017
Dev: Magenta Factory
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 18 minMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 36%
Stunning visuals and a fantastical daily Nanjing story unfold. Xiao Su, who sees into others' hearts, joins a new school's art class. He encounters familiar and new faces, exploring their inner worlds and confronting his own hidden depths.
Why similar: Visual Novel 36.5%, Adventure 32.3%, Anime 19.6%, Indie 11.6%
- #38 The Princess, the Stray Cat, and Matters of the Heart
72% matchVery Positive91% of 366 reviews2019
Dev: TOKYOTOON
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 88.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Once upon a time, after his mother passed away, a boy called Nora felt all alone in the world. He spent every day with his unique and kind hearted friends until one fateful day, he had a chance encounter with a princess from the Netherworld.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.1%, Anime 23.2%, Magic 18.5%, Fantasy 16.2%, Adventure 7.9%
- #39 Grisaia Phantom Trigger Vol.1
73% matchVery Positive92% of 352 reviews2017
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 52.9 hrs≥1hr: 88%
"Grisaia: Phantom Trigger" is a visual novel, specifically a kinetic novel (without branching routes). Returning character artist Akio Watanabe and writer Ryuta Fujisaki bring you the latest installment in the acclaimed Grisaia series.
Why similar: Visual Novel 44%, Anime 29.2%, Story Rich 14.1%, Adventure 10.7%, Singleplayer 2%
- #40 LAST EMBRYO -EITHER OF BRAVE TO STORY-
71% matchVery Positive93% of 609 reviews2020
Dev: Kujirabo。Pub: OTAKU Plan
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
The young girl "Sill", who longed to become an adventurer, came to the Developing City Aletia. However, shadows came quietly... No one had expected what kind of crisis Sill would encounter. But every footprint left by her will soon become mythology...
Why similar: Anime 33.4%, Fantasy 21.6%, Magic 20.9%, Adventure 13.6%, 2D 5.7%
- #41 Symphonic Rain
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,170 reviews2017
Dev: KOGADO STUDIOPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 32.8 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 35.7%, Anime 25.8%, Story Rich 15.4%, Fantasy 12.7%, Adventure 8.3%
- #42 XBlaze Lost: Memories
74% matchVery Positive81% of 52 reviews2016
Dev: Arc System WorksPub: Aksys Games
Windows
XBlaze Lost: Memories is a visual-novel game based in the BlazBlue universe and the sequel to XBlaze Code: Embryo!
Why similar: Anime 40.5%, Visual Novel 30.1%, Adventure 15.2%, Story Rich 12.5%, Singleplayer 1.8%
- #43 Your Smile Beyond Twilight:黄昏下的月台上
71% matchVery Positive94% of 600 reviews2017
Dev: Lingtan Studio
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 33.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%
A story about forced smiles, coming to terms with the past, and love—but most of all, redemption.
Why similar: Visual Novel 48.8%, Anime 28.7%, Adventure 15.8%, Indie 6.8%
- #44 Highschool Possession
73% matchMixed68% of 179 reviews2015
Dev: Dharker Studios
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 24%
A visual novel game following a young man who wakes up in the body of another student... Learning his friends may not be living the perfect lives he thought they were.
Why similar: Visual Novel 49%, Anime 27.4%, Adventure 17%, Indie 6.6%
- #45 Zavod
66% matchVery Positive92% of 423 reviews2025
Dev: Gendocik
Windows
The visual novel "Zavod" is an adventure that will take you to the industrial and factory everyday life of ordinary workers.
Why similar: Visual Novel 48.5%, Anime 33.2%, Adventure 14.8%, Indie 2%, Singleplayer 1.5%
- #46 1bitHeart
70% matchVery Positive91% of 906 reviews2017
Dev: △○□× (Miwashiba)Pub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 5.9 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 34%, Anime 28.8%, Adventure 11.2%, Story Rich 8.5%, Fantasy 6.8%
- #47 Voices from the Sea
70% matchVery Positive93% of 1,262 reviews2015
Dev: Zeiva Inc
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 419.1 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Follow the story of a young boy, Cantus as he meets Maris, the mysterious girl by the sea - an experience that will change his life forever.
Why similar: Visual Novel 49.3%, Anime 35.2%, Adventure 6.2%, Fantasy 3.6%, Story Rich 2.5%
- #48 Far Away
66% matchVery Positive95% of 8,120 reviews2021
Dev: Gratesca
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Far Away is a visual novel full of dark humor depicting immersive storylines rather than romantic drama. You will play as Krosa, a typical girl who experiences gang conflicts, crimes, conspiracies, and family grudges in the port city of Bedjan.
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.7%, Anime 25.5%, Story Rich 16.3%, Adventure 8.3%, 2D 4.6%
- #49 Gahkthun of the Golden Lightning Steam Edition
70% matchVery Positive90% of 102 reviews2016
Dev: Liar-softPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Lightning crackles in the sky. A lone man hovers, overlooking The Academia. His name is Nikola Tesla, the one who will set this land right. With one assistant at his side, he shall face the council, overthrow the shadows in control, and rescue the unwitting students.
Why similar: Visual Novel 46.5%, Anime 28.1%, Adventure 13.5%, Story Rich 10.4%, Singleplayer 1.5%
- #50 Breaker of fatalism
64% matchVery Positive90% of 769 reviews2025
Dev: showplay entertainmentPub: BOBO GAMES
Windows
You were originally an ordinary young man, but due to an accident, you awakened the ancient artifact that was sleeping inside your body and became the "Lord of Destiny" focused on the three realms. All of this is written by your own hands with a unique destiny ending.
Why similar: Cinematic 28.3%, FMV 23.5% ★, Visual Novel 22%, Fantasy 12.4%, Story Rich 11.6%
- #51 Noctuary
64% matchVery Positive92% of 2,635 reviews2023
Dev: GratescaPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 19.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Two young illuminators, Fancia and Alina, start their adventure in the bright and fascinating Inlixaland... ...in pursuit of becoming trustworthy "The Arborangers."
Why similar: Visual Novel 29%, Cinematic 26.3%, Anime 22.8%, Story Rich 12.9%, Adventure 7.4%
- #52 Mhakna Gramura and Fairy Bell
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 655 reviews2018
Dev: ALICE IN DISSONANCE
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 9.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Written in the style of a children’s book, Mhakna Gramura and Fairy Bell is a Cinematic Novel about two children named Mhakna and Sebiarno that escape the wretched Mullbear Orphanage with the help of a Fairy named Bell, who promises eternal happiness as long as they agree to never grow up.
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.9%, Anime 25.5%, Story Rich 15%, Fantasy 8.3%, Indie 5.7%
- #53 the 9th day:第九日
69% matchVery Positive92% of 317 reviews2017
Dev: Lingtan Studio
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 13.9 hrs≥1hr: 95%
The story of The 9th Day, that started with the autumn fire incident, begins here…
Why similar: Visual Novel 42.6%, Anime 32.5%, Adventure 17.9%, Indie 7%
- #54 School of Talent: SUZU-ROUTE
69% matchVery Positive88% of 113 reviews2017
Dev: MyDearest
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Bishōjo Visual Novel advised by Japanese charismatic editor of young-adult fiction, Kazuma Miki. Welcome to Mikage Academy, they accept only students with Talents – special powers that border on magic, granted by the divine, said to only occur in one in every ten thousand people by the time they reach adolescence.
Why similar: Visual Novel 47.6%, Anime 30.7%, Adventure 16%, Indie 5.8%
- #55 『LACKGIRL I - "Astra inclinant, sed non obligant."』
67% matchVery Positive86% of 50 reviews2023
Dev: DontsugelPub: Lackgirl Project
Windows
A visual novel about a magic battle between girls. Iris" is a boarding school where students learn about magic. The girls gathered there all have mental defects. This is a story of magical girls with flawed minds and their battles and growth.
Why similar: Visual Novel 49.3%, Magic 15.2%, Story Rich 13.6%, Adventure 12.6%, 2D 5.9%
- #56 Nordlicht
68% matchVery Positive82% of 150 reviews2019
Dev: illiusPub: Sedoc LLC
Windows
Nordlicht is an adventure-game where you accompany an unusual family on its fascinating journey to the cold north. During the journey, they encounter mysterious star-signs of the polar night, and have to overcome nature's dangers to confront their fears.
Why similar: Adventure 26.5%, Visual Novel 22.1%, Magic 13.4%, Fantasy 12.3%, Story Rich 11.4%
- #57 Memory Oblivion Box
67% matchVery Positive93% of 1,108 reviews2016
Dev: DreaMoryPub: NVLMaker
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
一份工作，让秦幽羽的父亲从此失踪，紧接着又是母亲的突然离去。虽然从未放弃过寻找，可是事情却毫无进展，直到那天……
Why similar: Visual Novel 63.1%, Adventure 25.8%, Indie 11.1%
- #58 Moonless Moon
64% matchVery Positive92% of 306 reviews2024
Dev: Kazuhide OkaPub: KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO
Windows · Mac
When night falls, she wanders into another world... Moonless Moon is a text-based adventure game following a girl as she travels through a variety of different worlds.
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.7%, Anime 20.1%, Story Rich 16.9%, Adventure 13.1%, 2D 5.2%
