Games Like Hashihime of the Old Book Town

Akira’s life has been defined by violence, but that won’t be enough to save him when he’s forced to play a deadly game. Will the bonds you forge in this stunning visual novel lead to his salvation, or to his ruin?

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 47%, Sexual Content 16.5%, Visual Novel 12.8%, Nudity 7%, Violent 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A seminal dark BL title that features a dystopian setting and high-stakes psychological conflict.

As madness and horror devour his world, can Youji find hope amid the nightmare? Experience a bond deeper and darker than love in this unforgettable visual novel.

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 49.9%, Visual Novel 17.5%, Sexual Content 12.6%, Gore 6.1%, Violent 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a deeply unsettling and visceral narrative experience that aligns with the darker, more surreal elements of the seed game.

Aoba's vibrant cyberpunk world is one of contrasts: high-tech virtual reality battles versus street gang turf wars, ultra-exclusive luxury resorts and tiny junk shops. The choices you make will shape the path of Aoba's journey into the dark secrets lurking beneath the glossy sheen of the city.

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 46.5%, Sexual Content 14%, Visual Novel 12.5%, Nudity 5.9%, Mature 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic cyberpunk BL visual novel that balances complex world-building with intense character-driven mystery.

NO, THANK YOU!!! is a dark, dramatic mystery hidden behind a comic veneer as all of the men in this yaoi visual novel harbor their own secrets. Uncover the mystery behind the protagonist and this bar disguising a detective agency while flirting with the guys and growing intimate with them.

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 35.7%, Visual Novel 14.2%, Sexual Content 11.1%, Nudity 9.4%, NSFW 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A dark and mature BL title that focuses on complex interpersonal relationships and gritty, realistic character arcs.

Beyond Eden is a Boy's love visual novel set in the Victorian era, centering on the themes of love-hate and revenge. As protagonist Alex, the player may proceed to destroy an aristocratic family while pursuing complex relationships with 6 different male characters. Does the fall await beyond Eden?

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 50%, Sexual Content 19.7%, Visual Novel 14.2%, Nudity 13.2%, Anime 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: A historical, psychological BL visual novel that mirrors the intense, character-focused drama found in Hashihime.

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: LGBTQ+ 42.6%, Visual Novel 23%, Story Rich 7.1%, Multiple Endings 6.2%, Anime 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A gothic, emotionally heavy visual novel that excels in psychological depth and dark, twisting mysteries.

MAMIYA is a captivating, dark mystery visual novel in which a group of young men struggle against existential dread before the end of the world.

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 51.8%, Visual Novel 22.4%, Story Rich 7.1%, Multiple Endings 6.6%, Anime 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror visual novel that explores queer identity and existential dread through a haunting, non-linear narrative.

Play as a detective tasked with catching a serial killer in this visual novel set in post-war Japan. Investigate key locations, question many complex characters, piece together clues, and try to stop the culprit before they end yet another young girl's smile.

Why similar: Visual Novel 22%, Sexual Content 19%, NSFW 12%, Gore 9.9%, Mature 8%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric detective mystery that shares the gritty, historical, and violent tone of the seed game.

From the creators of the critically acclaimed STEINS;GATE comes a sensational new visual novel: CHAOS;CHILD. Set in Shibuya in 2015, a group of high school students who survived an earthquake six years ago find themselves at the center of a new series of bizarre murders in the city.

Why similar: Visual Novel 33.3%, Violent 11.4%, Gore 10.5%, Anime 8%, Story Rich 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A complex psychological thriller that features a dark mystery and high-stakes investigation elements.

Prison escapes, flight, and conflicts with rival gangs... A criminal boy's love visual novel with thrilling and exhilarating plots!

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 47.3%, Visual Novel 15.9%, Sexual Content 10.7%, Nudity 9.2%, Anime 4%

Why You'll Like It: A crime-themed BL visual novel that features a gritty atmosphere and high-stakes decision-making.

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: Multiple Endings 34.4%, Anime 23.1%, Story Rich 20.2%, Mystery 10%, Adventure 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A gripping death-game mystery that forces players to make difficult moral choices in a high-tension environment.

Legend tells of a door deep below Tokyo's sewers. All who enter are lost forever. Detective Ito's partner is missing. Explore Tokyo & uncover the darkness that lays beneath the streets in this Point & Click - meets Visual Novel - narrative adventure that questions the very core of Ito's sanity.

Why similar: Visual Novel 35.5%, Anime 14.4%, Violent 7.6%, Horror 7.2%, Story Rich 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, psychological mystery that blends detective work with surreal, supernatural elements.

"Hira Hira Hihiru" is a visual novel set in a fictional Taishō Era. It tells the story of its two protagonists' struggle against Aerodema, a terrifying disease which brings the dead back to life.

Why similar: Visual Novel 57.3%, Violent 15%, Adventure 8.4%, Anime 6.9%, Story Rich 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, historical visual novel that focuses on mystery and the weight of past events.

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 46.9%, Great Soundtrack 17.1%, Story Rich 14%, Anime 8.8%, Mystery 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A dense, complex mystery that challenges the player with its psychological depth and dark, supernatural undertones.

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 55.3%, LGBTQ+ 25.2%, Anime 9.3%, Story Rich 4.6%, Great Soundtrack 2%

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy mystery that explores dark themes through historical records and character interaction.

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: LGBTQ+ 49%, Visual Novel 26.6%, Anime 9%, Story Rich 8.5%, Mystery 3%

Why You'll Like It: A unique, loop-based psychological mystery that requires intense deduction and character analysis.

The samurai detective visual novel! Solve crimes and pass judgment on vigilantes, officials, inventors, and brigands to protect a city of eternal cherry blossoms.

Why similar: Visual Novel 26%, Sexual Content 16.6%, Nudity 14.2%, Violent 11.2%, Gore 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A detective-focused visual novel that offers a historical mystery with mature, gritty themes.

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 40.2%, Gore 14.4%, Violent 14.3%, Anime 11.7%, Horror 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A horror-themed visual novel that focuses on mystery and survival in a dark, supernatural setting.

The remote town of Okunezato is shaped like a crescent moon and shrouded in dark myths and legends. Take on the role of a brave young woman journeying into the unknown to uncover dangerous truths and locate her missing brother with her childhood friend.

Why similar: Visual Novel 56.2%, Anime 19.1%, Horror 10%, Adventure 7.3%, Mystery 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A mystery-focused visual novel that balances romance with suspenseful, dark plot twists.

Investigate murders, search for clues and talk to your classmates to prepare for trial. There, you'll engage in deadly wordplay, going back and forth with suspects. Dissect their statements and fire their words back at them to expose their lies! There's only one way to survive—pull the trigger.

Why similar: Visual Novel 46.3%, Anime 17.1%, Story Rich 12.2%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Mystery 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes death-game mystery that combines stylish presentation with dark, character-driven drama.

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: LGBTQ+ 56.2%, Visual Novel 22.8%, Anime 7.2%, Story Rich 7%, Multiple Endings 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich mystery that explores complex emotional themes within a queer narrative framework.

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 47.2%, Story Rich 15.1%, Anime 14.6%, Horror 8%, Mystery 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, avant-garde detective mystery that shares the experimental and dark narrative style of Hashihime.

The hero moves to a new city. However, along with him comes a masked killer who begins to kill his friends one by one... Make decisions to build your adventure. Can you stop him before it's too late?

Why similar: Visual Novel 40%, Anime 13.9%, Story Rich 12.5%, Violent 10.1%, Multiple Endings 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A detective-themed mystery that provides a dark, story-rich experience with multiple paths.

A story-rich tale of breaking the bonds of fate... and meeting some cute guys along the way!

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 50%, Visual Novel 17.3%, Sexual Content 12.5%, Multiple Endings 5.6%, Anime 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A fantasy-based BL visual novel that offers an expansive world and character-focused adventure.

A new visual novel from the legendary eXtend! Mixing dangerous romance with murder mystery, BUSTAFELLOWS is a steamy noir mystery that will make you shiver but ask for more!

Why similar: Visual Novel 45.9%, Multiple Endings 17%, Anime 15.1%, Story Rich 14.9%, Adventure 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A noir-inspired visual novel that features a gritty urban setting and a complex, character-driven mystery.

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

Why similar: Visual Novel 30.5%, LGBTQ+ 11.2%, Anime 9.9%, Story Rich 8.8%, Gore 8.7%

A lesbian love story set in Victorian England, featuring maids, music, and finding love in unexpected places.

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 48.9%, Visual Novel 17.8%, Sexual Content 16.9%, Nudity 11%, Anime 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich visual novel that explores queer themes within a historical setting.

Bear witness to a love that will change the world, in this classic horror romance visual novel from acclaimed writer Urobuchi Gen.

Why similar: Visual Novel 29.1%, Sexual Content 24.5%, Gore 13.5%, Nudity 13.1%, Anime 4.4%

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

Why similar: Visual Novel 47.9%, Story Rich 9.8%, Violent 9.1%, Gore 8.3%, Sexual Content 5.9%

Unravel a string of gruesome murders terrorizing Tokyo in this mystery-thriller visual novel. The secrets of a case from six years prior may just be the key to the current unending cycle of tragedy—and the thing that cracks this woeful world’s shell may be one girl’s smile.

Why similar: Visual Novel 51.8%, Gore 14%, Multiple Endings 11.5%, Anime 8.3%, Mystery 6%

An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men.

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 57.1%, Visual Novel 23.2%, Multiple Endings 5%, Anime 4.7%, Horror 4%

Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.7%, Violent 17.1%, Anime 11.7%, Story Rich 9.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%

An adult LGBTQ+ visual novel about love, drugs, murder and crime. We follow this intense thriller through the eyes of our main protagonist, Sasha, while he maneuvers through dangerous drug deals, formidable kingpins, and silent assassins.

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 41.1%, Visual Novel 18.2%, Sexual Content 13.4%, Nudity 8.1%, Anime 5.3%

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 43.9%, Anime 11.7%, Story Rich 8.8%, Violent 8.4%, Gore 7.8%

This is an isolated town, a town of memories that have been forgotten by its people. However, this small town has not been quiet and peaceful since the murders began... Time passes by, where are the sinful spirits going? Are my memories reality, or just a dream?

Why similar: Nudity 21.6%, Visual Novel 21.5%, Gore 12.8%, Multiple Endings 9%, Story Rich 8.3%

Enigma is an atmospheric, full-length visual novel where you discover the secrets of Enigma, a worldwide epidemic, and a forest on a lonely island that bears its name.

Why similar: Visual Novel 37.9%, LGBTQ+ 35.6%, Anime 10.6%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Adventure 5.6%

Yandere x Otome x Mystery A mystery Otome game with all yandere love interest, play as a detective and find out the truth!

Why similar: Sexual Content 28%, Visual Novel 23.7%, Nudity 13.7%, Multiple Endings 7.5%, Story Rich 6.2%

CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.2%, Gore 15.4%, Anime 9.3%, Story Rich 9.1%, Violent 9.1%

Join forces with the psychic Director of the Urban Myth Dissolution Center and solve a variety of cases involving cursed relics, rental properties with shady histories, and dimensional anomalies. Monstrous oddities and otherworldly planes abound in this occult mystery adventure game!

Why similar: Visual Novel 56%, Story Rich 14.5%, Horror 7.6%, Anime 7.3%, Mystery 6.1%

An anthology series that serves as a Corpse Party sequel, prequel, midquel, and alternate universe tale all in one. Rejoin old friends for a deeper dive into the haunted halls of Heavenly Host Elementary...

Why similar: Visual Novel 29.2%, Violent 18.3%, Gore 16.5%, Anime 10.6%, Story Rich 7.8%

Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.8%, Anime 11.8%, Violent 10.7%, Story Rich 9.6%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%

When a letter is delivered 15 years late - you discover an old pen-friend was involved in a murder, before she disappeared. Travelling to her hometown, you must investigate the murder, using her past letters as clues to uncover the disturbing truth.

Why similar: Visual Novel 35.8%, Violent 20%, Multiple Endings 13.3%, Anime 13%, Horror 7%

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: Visual Novel 39.9%, Great Soundtrack 14.5%, LGBTQ+ 13.8%, Story Rich 11.5%, Anime 7.5%

Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.

Why similar: Visual Novel 34.8%, Anime 12.9%, Gore 12.6%, Violent 12.3%, Story Rich 9.8%

Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.3%, Anime 11.4%, Violent 11.1%, Gore 10.8%, Story Rich 8.4%

How far would you go to bring someone back from the dead? Discover the depths that some will go to in this horror-adventure game.

Why similar: Visual Novel 42.9%, Anime 14%, Multiple Endings 12.9%, Story Rich 10.9%, Horror 8.3%

All capture targets are mentally "Jirai"(landmine)!? Meet these eccentric boys, reveal the truth beneath in this Psycho-love-horror VN!

Why similar: Visual Novel 47%, Multiple Endings 14.3%, Anime 12.7%, Gore 8.6%, Story Rich 8.5%

Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.

Why similar: Visual Novel 54.4%, Anime 10.1%, Story Rich 9.3%, Horror 9.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%

select your protagonist and explore a variety of terrible fates!

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 53.6%, Visual Novel 21.2%, Multiple Endings 9.1%, Story Rich 7%, Anime 3.3%

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 33.9%, Anime 11.5%, Violent 10.7%, Gore 10.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%

SoulSet is a mystery/romance visual novel, in which you can try to avoid death and pursue a relationship with both male and female characters. You play as Mariko, who finds herself trapped in an eerie mansion with five other people who claim to have no recollection of their past. Who will you trust?

Why similar: Visual Novel 30.6%, Sexual Content 24%, LGBTQ+ 21.1%, Multiple Endings 5%, Mature 4.7%

"Curse of the Shadow" is a BL-themed horror visual novel. Cursed by a "ghost", protagonist Xu finds eerie dark shadows in every photo he takes.Once escaping reality, he’s forced by fate to face fears again.To uncover the curse’s truth, he and two friends embark on a terrifying, unknown journey.

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 48.4%, Visual Novel 19.6%, Violent 7.8%, Multiple Endings 6.3%, Story Rich 5.6%

A group of friends unknowingly perform an occult ritual that traps them in an otherworldly elementary school. Here, the vengeful spirits of young children threaten their lives and their sanity, and the only hope of survival is to uncover the chilling details behind the murders of those trapped before them...

Why similar: Visual Novel 27.3%, Gore 16.4%, Anime 15.2%, Horror 13%, Story Rich 7.5%

Rewind time to save your girlfriend in a twisted high school death game. A gripping yuri visual novel: Investigate brutal murders, unravel psychological horrors, and fight for a forbidden love that defies death itself.

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 55.8%, Visual Novel 22.4%, Story Rich 7.3%, Anime 5.2%, Horror 4.3%

SeaBed is a yuri-themed psychological mystery visual novel told through the perspectives of three separate characters: Sachiko, Takako and Narasaki.

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 58.4%, Visual Novel 29.5%, Anime 6.1%, Story Rich 2.5%, Adventure 2%

A narrative detective game blended with supernatural elements. Play as a rookie investigator, discover vital clues in every case, dive into unscripted interrogations and uncover truths that break minds. But with each revelation, the world feels... less human.

Why similar: Visual Novel 48.9%, Story Rich 17.7%, Anime 16.6%, Gore 5.8%, Mystery 4.6%

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 57.1%, Anime 15%, Story Rich 11.8%, Mystery 5.7%, Great Soundtrack 5.3%

Join spirit detective Kagami Makoto and his demon familiars as they hunt down the wandering ghosts disrupting the peace of his small town.

Why similar: Visual Novel 31.4%, Sexual Content 11.7%, Violent 11.3%, Nudity 9.7%, Gore 9.2%

An 18+ BL visual novel set in 1970's Soshigaya. Kaiju straight out of a black-and-white TV terrorize a Japan without a world's fair. Tokyo's safety is in the hands of Sun Mask Icarus in this slapstick-yet-heavy 70's pro-wrestling kaiju drama!

Why similar: LGBTQ+ 51%, Visual Novel 16.2%, Sexual Content 10.4%, Nudity 8.4%, Anime 3.6%

A tale told with vivid colors and rich sound in a classic TYPE-MOON visual novel.

Why similar: Visual Novel 56.6%, Anime 12.8%, Sexual Content 9.8%, Story Rich 8.4%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%