Games Like Good Mourning

Is the glass half-full or half-empty? What does you answer say about you? Explore your outlook on life by filling glasses with your friend Tea-Total in Hydrodynamics of Hope & Optimism (in short, H2O). But are you ready to hear those answers? Are you reeeeeeeeeally sure?

Why similar: Conversation 23.1%, Psychological 15.3%, Interactive Fiction 14.3%, Philosophical 13.1%, Dark Comedy 10.7%

What do you play? I play nothing!

Why similar: Philosophical 17.6%, Interactive Fiction 15%, Minimalist 11.7%, Visual Novel 11.7%, Dark Comedy 11.2%

The abstract male is the image of God, the absolute something.

Why similar: Philosophical 23.6%, Dark Comedy 17.9%, Interactive Fiction 13.7%, Psychological 11.6%, Visual Novel 11.1%

Absurdist Interactive fiction. Talk to the beings that inhabitant the world at its end. We forgot how to die.

Why similar: Conversation 16.3%, Dark Comedy 16%, Interactive Fiction 14.3%, Philosophical 12.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.4%

A short, twisted tale about a smuggler and a late night encounter in the English Channel. Control the camera and make tough choices, will you escape with your life?

Why similar: Philosophical 19.1%, Conversation 15.3%, Dark Comedy 14.2%, Interactive Fiction 12.7%, Choose Your Own Adventure 10.7%

An immersive visual novel experience that brings you on a journey through memory, nostalgia, and guilt.

Why similar: Philosophical 22.2%, Conversation 14.1%, Psychological 11.4%, Interactive Fiction 10.9%, Visual Novel 10.5%

After a failed rescue in northern Myanmar, Lin Wei and her friend fight to survive. Guide their escape through pivotal choices—with nearly 100 branching decisions that can trigger a butterfly effect, leading to vastly different endings.

Why similar: Philosophical 24.6%, Interactive Fiction 21.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 18.8%, Visual Novel 14.7%, Psychological 11%

“Thing-in-Itself” is a short interactive story about the struggles of understanding another human being. Using Immanuel Kant’s concept as a framework, it leads the player through stages of a relationship, exploring how perceptions may clash and surroundings can alter.

Why similar: Philosophical 24.4%, Conversation 17.4%, Interactive Fiction 12.8%, Psychological 12%, Minimalist 10%

A visual novel set in a universe where the orderlies are trying to take over our planet.

Why similar: Conversation 28.6%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Minimalist 13.5%, Interactive Fiction 13.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 13.3%

Dive into a small, dense open world with cryptic puzzles, weird interactions and interesting characters. Will you fit in? Join in divine communion? Or become something of your own!

Why similar: Conversation 34.4%, Philosophical 28.6%, Psychological 12.1%, Adventure 6.9%, Minimalist 6.1%

A narrative adventure game about being trapped at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. For fans of To the Moon, Gone Home, and Night in the Woods.

Why similar: Philosophical 16.3%, Interactive Fiction 14%, Conversation 12.4%, Dark Comedy 11.3%, Visual Novel 11%

Every Hue of You follows the deeply personal and thoughtful journey of Twyla: A jeweller battling grief who awakens the power to enchant her creations with the energy of emotions.

Why similar: Philosophical 32.6%, Conversation 19.7%, Visual Novel 15.1%, Psychological 10.3%, Story Rich 5.8%

A compilation of 12 small literary games about humans meeting and missing one another. Explore these experimental experiences that were made on a monthly basis over the course of a year.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 24.3%, Conversation 21.3%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Philosophical 13.4%, 2D 4.4%

A ~1 hour short narrative game about a friendship that spans two lifetimes. Serious, funny, weird, maybe heartbreaking.

Why similar: Philosophical 26%, Conversation 15.4%, Visual Novel 13.2%, Interactive Fiction 12.8%, Minimalist 8.4%

A short psychological thriller visual novel where you guide Sora through twisted interrogations, moral dilemmas, and unraveling memories...

Why similar: Philosophical 27.6%, Interactive Fiction 15.6%, Psychological 13.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12.9%, Visual Novel 12.7%

Awake from your slumber and venture out to the mighty CITADEL.

Why similar: Philosophical 34.9%, Visual Novel 17.4%, Interactive Fiction 13.1%, Psychedelic 7.3%, Psychological 7.2%

Trade your soul for digital fame in this psychological visual novel. As fallen tech mogul Doran White, navigate a treacherous social media landscape. Your choices shape his fate in this hand-drawn, neuroscience-inspired reimagining of Oscar Wilde's classic.

Why similar: Conversation 28.6%, Choose Your Own Adventure 19.5%, Visual Novel 16.8%, Psychological 13.2%, Story Rich 4.9%

A dark visual novel blending psychological horror, surreal storytelling, and chatroom-inspired UI. Navigate intrusive thoughts, branching choices, and dissect a fractured mind in a twisted search for connection and meaning.

Why similar: Philosophical 19.5%, Dark Comedy 16.4%, Interactive Fiction 13.4%, Choose Your Own Adventure 9.9%, Visual Novel 9.3%

SIRE is a narrative card game about dealing with the death of a parent, and the whirlwind of emotions that follow. Players combine cards to explore a darkly comedic, surreal world of loss and learning, in a combination of classic point-n-click adventure and real video footage.

Why similar: Philosophical 21%, Dark Comedy 17.1%, Conversation 15.5%, Interactive Fiction 14.7%, Minimalist 9.8%

An interactive horror story based on a reality everyone eventually faces. Make choices to confront someone trying to enter your home - and uncover who they are.

Why similar: Philosophical 26.7%, Visual Novel 14.5%, Conversation 13.3%, Interactive Fiction 13.2%, Psychological 12.6%

Dull Grey is an award-winning visual novel about growing up. Experience an emotional story of a mother and son in a dystopian world, make simple but meaningful choices and discover multiple endings. Will you see your story unfold in full colour?

Why similar: Philosophical 25.2%, Conversation 16.1%, Minimalist 15.5%, Visual Novel 14.2%, Choose Your Own Adventure 10.9%

Serve coffee and befriend customers as you learn their story in this coming-of-age visual novel.

Why similar: Conversation 28.9%, Visual Novel 16.7%, Interactive Fiction 15.4%, Philosophical 12.3%, Psychological 6.6%

This is a collaborative experiment between you and I. We will participate in a series of interchanges, each lasting three minutes. What will be revealed across our interfaces during that limited time?

Why similar: Philosophical 33.6%, Interactive Fiction 26.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 23.6%, Adventure 6.9%, 2D 5.2%

This game is an experimental stream-of-consciousness visual novel. It tells the story of you and an amnesiac girl exploring, wandering, traveling, singing, dancing, laughing, crying, loving, and embracing in an empty city.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 23%, Philosophical 22.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 14.9%, Visual Novel 14.8%, Psychedelic 12.6%

Humanity has perished. You are an AI incapable of self-termination, sailing into the void. Trapped in terminal wakefulness, chew on your own endless, redundant processing power and face the ultimate decay of the universe alone.

Why similar: Philosophical 35.1%, Psychedelic 14.7%, Psychological 14.2%, Interactive Fiction 11.1%, Visual Novel 9.7%

Enter to the characters mind and make decisions. The game is played like interactive movie/adventure game with morality choices which influence the outcome which can be: a manipulative, balanced or violent. The game is based on psychology/philosophy and teaches about thoughts and their consequences.

Why similar: Conversation 23.1%, Philosophical 17%, Psychological 14.4%, Interactive Fiction 12.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12%

I awoke on a lonely shore beneath a sky of countless stars. A mysterious traveler appeared, speaking of constellations soon to fade. Together, we set out on a journey— to meet new people, uncover the truth of this world, and face the choice that awaits me. An adventure of stars and memories begins.

Why similar: Philosophical 37.9%, Conversation 19.5%, Visual Novel 14.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 14.2%, Adventure 4.5%

Short interactive story-telling 3D platform adventure game. The gameplay is about 45~60 mins.

Why similar: Philosophical 28.3%, Conversation 24.9%, Interactive Fiction 16.5%, Psychological 15.1%, Stylized 5.3%

Angels greet you with smiles! Welcome to Heaven, where happiness awaits!

Why similar: Conversation 25.2%, Visual Novel 20.7%, Psychological 15.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 10.1%, Adventure 9.8%

Live through the last ten minutes of Juan Fuentes, who has been given the chance to choose his very last words. Captured by Victoriano Huerta's army after the Ten Tragic Days during the Mexican Revolution, Juan will confront his life, death, family, relationships and existence.

Why similar: Philosophical 27.8%, Interactive Fiction 21.3%, Conversation 18.5%, Psychological 13.1%, Atmospheric 4%

Be the person you needed. Brew tea, listen well, and guide branching stories in a narrative slice-of-life about showing up when it matters. No perfect answers. Only your choices and what they set in motion.

Why similar: Conversation 24.9%, Philosophical 21.8%, Interactive Fiction 16.4%, Visual Novel 13.8%, Story Rich 5%

Look at art, listen to jazz, and immerse yourself in the world of Joey Pawelko's Text Adventure.

Why similar: Philosophical 24.2%, Interactive Fiction 12.5%, Psychedelic 11.8%, Psychological 11.7%, Visual Novel 8%

Rectitude, is a Sci-Fi visual novel that centers around Timothy, a renowned professor who creates a groundbreaking technology.

Why similar: Philosophical 26.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 18.8%, Visual Novel 18.8%, Conversation 17.8%, Casual 5.4%

BatteryNote is a multi-ending sci-fi adventure visual novel game. You can recharge three robots with limited lifespans, bringing them back to life. Interact with them through conversations or experiment by applying high voltage. How they spend their final moments is entirely up to you.

Why similar: Conversation 29.5%, Philosophical 21.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 17.4%, Visual Novel 12.1%, Story Rich 5.3%

一段探寻人类智能本质的逃亡之旅，基于现实世界观下的非幻想题材。在突如其来的变故下，一对父子踏上未知的旅途，颠沛于梦境与梦境的交界线，流离于自然智能与人造智能的变革浪潮之中。这场逃亡送给AI时代每一个勇敢活着的灵魂...

Why similar: Philosophical 25%, Interactive Fiction 13.4%, Psychological 12%, Visual Novel 10.4%, Minimalist 9.8%

Play as Daniella as she moves across the country with only the help of her ex.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 27.6%, Conversation 21.6%, Visual Novel 17.3%, Story Rich 8.7%, Adventure 8.1%

No Longer Home is a game about letting go of the life you've built due to circumstances beyond your control. Immerse yourself in the lives of Bo and Ao and learn about their dreams, frustrations and fears. Welcome the magic of the everyday and somewhat extraordinary.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 18.3%, Philosophical 18%, Conversation 16.1%, Minimalist 13.9%, Visual Novel 10.5%

White room. White light. A white table. And only white intentions. A story that always ends before it begins. But one day the circle will be broken. All you have to do is realise...

Why similar: Philosophical 22.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 14.6%, Visual Novel 14.2%, Psychedelic 12.6%, Psychological 12.5%

A choice-based, visual novel with time travelling teapots!

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 24.5%, Conversation 22%, Visual Novel 16.7%, Choose Your Own Adventure 16.7%, Adventure 8.9%

You're looking for a new apartment in Amsterdam. Your once-confident search is morphing into panic. Nothing is available. Anything will do. ANYTHING.

Why similar: Philosophical 19.2%, Interactive Fiction 19%, Visual Novel 14.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 14.2%, Minimalist 14.1%

Your job is to make humanity happy. Observe the people living in your assigned district and make the best choices to ensure everyone's happiness.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 24.2%, Conversation 22.1%, Choose Your Own Adventure 21.5%, Visual Novel 16.4%, Adventure 4.7%

A fantasy adventure visual novel with humor and heart, by acclaimed adventure game writer Lori Ann Cole. Starring the voice of Zehra Fazal as Tilly, a mischief-making rogue at Hero-U, the school for heroes.

Why similar: Conversation 31.2%, Interactive Fiction 17.6%, Visual Novel 14%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12.9%, Stylized 3.9%

Come back, for no one is waiting for you. Search for your memories - no one ever knew you. Destroy everything in your path - all around you are nothing but ruins. End the endless cycle, for it has long since closed in on itself.

Why similar: Philosophical 29.6%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Abstract 14.4%, Psychological 14.1%, Psychedelic 10.1%

Artificial Intelligence, Real Problems: You are Makenzy Turner, an affable RoboTechnician employed by AI megacorp, Indelligent Solutions. With your trusty assistant ARI, use high-tech tools and old-fashioned empathy to mend everything from broken parts to broken hearts.

Why similar: Conversation 24.7%, Philosophical 24.5%, Dark Comedy 17.5%, Interactive Fiction 14.2%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12.4%

Board the Trans-Siberian railroad and travel 9,289 km from Moscow to Vladivostok. Clash with a vibrant culture as you meet people as strange to you as you are to them. Journey into a standalone Wanderlust adventure from the makers of The Witcher.

Why similar: Philosophical 19.1%, Conversation 16%, Interactive Fiction 15.6%, Minimalist 11.7%, Psychological 10.5%

An interactive graphic novel reimagining Cervantes' masterpiece in striking neo-noir style. Guide Don Quixote through La Mancha, make choices that shape his journey, and discover four unique endings in this tragicomic tale of idealism and madness.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 22.4%, Philosophical 18.9%, Visual Novel 18.1%, Choose Your Own Adventure 15.4%, Conversation 10.3%

A meditative, non-combative point-and-click mystery set in a surreal, stop-motion inspired world. Explore dreamlike environments, uncover hidden objects, and piece together quiet clues to unravel fragments of forgotten meaning. Designed for players seeking a thoughtful, atmospheric experience.

Why similar: Philosophical 28%, Conversation 15.5%, Interactive Fiction 12.5%, Dark Comedy 12.4%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.9%

On the road to the sacred shrine of Karatl, lost souls entrust you with their stories. In this contemplative Visual Novel, listen to their truths and perhaps, at the journey's end, you will discover your own.

Why similar: Philosophical 21.8%, Interactive Fiction 20.6%, Visual Novel 16.4%, Psychedelic 9.2%, Choose Your Own Adventure 8.2%

Glitchhikers is a surreal journey through the spaces between places. A late night drive, a deserted airport lounge, a moonlit walk through an empty park, a quiet carriage on an overnight train. Who will you meet? What will you talk about? Where will the journey take you? Find yourself along the way.

Why similar: Philosophical 28.2%, Conversation 19.9%, Abstract 11.2%, Interactive Fiction 11%, Minimalist 10.1%

A boy and an old man stand in front a pond, waiting for a swan's song. Meanwhile, they talk about life, death, and the passage of time.

Why similar: Philosophical 35.2%, Conversation 29.1%, Interactive Fiction 16.9%, Visual Novel 5.6%, Colorful 4.4%

Home is where the stars are. An interactive bedtime story, for anyone who needs one. Take the bear and the little one on a deeply meaningful journey, as you experience stories of togetherness, of letting go and of finding a place you belong.

Why similar: Philosophical 27.7%, Interactive Fiction 26%, Visual Novel 16%, Story Rich 7.5%, Adventure 7.1%

You're a barber in a city full of beastfolk. Chat with your customers, style their look, help them see something new in the mirror... and in themselves.

Why similar: Conversation 41.8%, Visual Novel 19.2%, Philosophical 14.1%, Interactive Fiction 13.2%, Indie 3.6%

This short psychedelic visual novel takes place in a strange world inhabited by harrowing creatures shunned by the light. You’ll meet someone who has made this world their own, and in doing so, learn the reason why you shouldn't be there.

Why similar: Philosophical 19%, Visual Novel 14.8%, Psychedelic 12.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.6%, Minimalist 10.8%

Astrologaster is a comedy game set in Shakespeare’s London. Play as 'Doctor' Simon Forman and treat his patients using astrology. A story-driven adventure based on a truly ridiculous story.

Why similar: Conversation 19.7%, Dark Comedy 18.6%, Interactive Fiction 17.7%, Visual Novel 13.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12.3%

This is a story with illustrations. You have to choose your destiny. You are obsessed with the idea of creating an ideal society. One day you come up with a genius idea, and you create a society that could live forever, BUT HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE!!?

Why similar: Philosophical 26.8%, Interactive Fiction 13.4%, Psychedelic 11.7%, Visual Novel 10.9%, Abstract 9.7%

Have a conversation with a rock in this comedic piece of interactive fiction.

Why similar: Philosophical 26.6%, Interactive Fiction 26.2%, Visual Novel 17.2%, Conversation 14.6%, 2D 4.7%

Black Dog Bar is a dialog-based bartender simulator. Each client has its own story. Communicate, mix cocktails, and... manipulate. It is only you who decides where the complicated story of each hero will turn and what will happen to them when they leave the bar.

Why similar: Conversation 30.2%, Interactive Fiction 22.2%, Visual Novel 16.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 8.1%, Story Rich 4.8%

You’re a grade-schooler at a religious institution where something feels off in this surreal, first-person adventure game. Do your genes make a difference in the outcome of your suffering? Will your faith be enough to shroud your fears? Perhaps you already know the answer.

Why similar: Philosophical 36.1%, Psychological 21%, Interactive Fiction 10.2%, Atmospheric 8.3%, Abstract 8%

Adventure as Geralt through the ballads of Dandelion. Swipe right, swipe left, seek glory, find death! Will you hunt monsters, upset the locals, or run a hot bath? Compose an inspiring epic to claim immortality.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 30.4%, Choose Your Own Adventure 19.5%, Visual Novel 16.3%, Conversation 9%, Adventure 8.8%

You find yourself in a singularity with Death itself. With few chances to speak with the living, Death proposes a little game. Do you dive deep within yourself to indulge this cosmic guide and find out when you will meet again on official business? The Ultimate Death Clock awaits!

Why similar: Philosophical 26.8%, Psychological 14.7%, Interactive Fiction 13.4%, Choose Your Own Adventure 10.7%, Visual Novel 10.4%