- #1 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,634 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.9 hrsMean: 40.4 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: Great Soundtrack 21.2%, Visual Novel 17.5%, Cult Classic 17.2% ★, Mystery 13.1%, Story Rich 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: Created by the same author, this title offers a similarly complex, multi-layered mystery that challenges the reader's perception of reality.
- #2 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
96% 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 23.6%, Cult Classic 15.3% ★, Mystery 13.5%, Anime 11.7%, Psychological 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: This is the foundational chapter that perfectly establishes the series' signature blend of slice-of-life charm and creeping psychological horror.
- #3 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
96% 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 22.7%, Visual Novel 18.8%, Cult Classic 16.3% ★, Mystery 13.7%, Story Rich 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: This serves as the essential conclusion to the Umineko saga, providing the same level of narrative depth and psychological payoff as the Higurashi series.
- #4 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,766 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 17.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 20.1%, Mystery 10.7%, Psychological Horror 10.6%, Anime 10.1%, Great Soundtrack 8%
Why You'll Like It: This chapter deepens the mystery of Hinamizawa, introducing the intense paranoia and dark secrets that define the series.
- #5 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
94% 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 16.5%, Cult Classic 12.3% ★, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, Mystery 9.7%, Anime 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: Known for its high emotional stakes, this chapter pushes the protagonist to his limits in a way that mirrors the intensity of Himatsubushi.
- #6 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,008 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 21.9 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 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 16.1%, Psychological Horror 11.7%, Anime 11.2%, Mystery 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: This chapter provides a crucial perspective shift that is essential for understanding the overarching mystery of the series.
- #7 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 873 reviews2018
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 40.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 23%, Mystery 12.7%, Anime 12.6%, Psychological Horror 11.9%, Violent 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers a high-tension narrative that expertly balances character development with the series' trademark psychological dread.
- #8 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 663 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.8 hrsMean: 91.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 19.9%, Anime 13.9%, Mystery 13.6%, Psychological Horror 13.5%, Violent 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: This chapter acts as a pivotal turning point, bringing the various threads of the mystery together with immense narrative weight.
- #9 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 753 reviews2020
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 19.6 hrsMean: 76.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 27.9%, Psychological Horror 18.8%, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Horror 10.1%, Anime 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: As the grand finale of the main series, it provides the resolution and catharsis that fans of the previous chapters crave.
- #10 STEINS;GATE
91% 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 33%, Great Soundtrack 19.3%, Anime 17.2%, Story Rich 11.9%, Mystery 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: This classic visual novel features masterful narrative tension and a gripping mystery that keeps the reader constantly guessing.
- #11 The House in Fata Morgana
90% 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 18.7%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Mystery 12%, Psychological Horror 11.7%, Anime 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: This title is deeply atmospheric and emotionally heavy, focusing on a gothic mystery that unfolds with the same deliberate pacing as the best visual novels.
- #12 Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole
89% matchVery Positive93% of 2,444 reviews2017
Dev: KeroQPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 9.4 hrsMean: 168.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Wonderful Everyday is a visual novel with multiple routes which develops a story based on a few concepts: "the sky and the world", "the beginning and the end", "literature and science", "savior and hero", "brother and sister".
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.8%, Psychological Horror 16.7%, Violent 13.1%, Mystery 9.7%, Anime 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: It explores dark, philosophical, and psychological themes with a narrative intensity that will resonate with fans of the When They Cry series.
- #13 The Song of Saya
89% matchVery Positive90% of 9,092 reviews2019
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 56.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 28.5%, Psychological Horror 20%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Cult Classic 9.5% ★, Anime 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: This is a disturbing psychological horror story that focuses on the breakdown of perception and reality, much like the more intense moments in Higurashi.
- #14 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 35,609 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 23.2%, Great Soundtrack 18.5%, Anime 16.2%, Mystery 16.2%, Psychological Horror 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: The game features a high-stakes mystery set in an enclosed, isolated environment that creates a similar sense of claustrophobic dread.
- #15 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
87% matchVery Positive93% of 6,967 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 21.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Kidnapped and taken to an unfamiliar location, nine people find themselves forced to participate in a diabolical Nonary Game by an enigmatic mastermind called Zero. Why were they there? Why were they chosen to put their lives on the line? And more importantly, who can be trusted?
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.2%, Mystery 16.1%, Psychological Horror 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.3%, Story Rich 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: It combines high-stakes mystery with psychological horror elements, forcing characters into life-or-death situations that mirror the intensity of Higurashi.
- #16 CHAOS;CHILD
86% matchVery Positive94% of 3,800 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 81.1 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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 23.9%, Mystery 12.9%, Violent 11.9%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Anime 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: A complex mystery thriller that excels at building psychological tension through its intricate plot and well-developed characters.
- #17 Tiny Bunny
84% matchVery Positive83% of 29,932 reviews2025
Dev: SaikonoPub: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.5 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Tiny Bunny is a non-linear horror visual novel. Those, who have heard the voice of the forest, are beyond help.
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.1%, Psychological Horror 13%, Dark 11.1%, Horror 10%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: This atmospheric horror game uses a rural setting to create a sense of dread that mirrors the unsettling environment of Hinamizawa.
- #18 Ciconia When They Cry - Phase 1: For You, the Replaceable Ones
86% matchVery Positive93% of 540 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac
Median: 12.2 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 74%
This is the first chapter in newest entry When They Cry visual novel series produced by Ryuukishi07. It features HD graphics, more detailed animations, and newly created songs by many of the composers from Umineko, as well as several new additions.
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.2%, Violent 18.9%, Great Soundtrack 18%, Mystery 13.8%, Anime 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: Another work by Ryukishi07 that features his signature complex, dark storytelling and high-concept mystery.
- #19 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
82% 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 44.2%, Great Soundtrack 19.3%, Anime 18.9%, Story Rich 8.7%, Adventure 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: It offers high-quality production values and an engaging, character-driven narrative that fans of story-rich visual novels will appreciate.
- #20 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
85% 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 36.1%, Anime 16.2%, Mystery 13.5%, Story Rich 9.8%, Violent 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: An intricate mystery that utilizes multiple perspectives to slowly reveal the truth behind a catastrophic event.
- #21 CHAOS;HEAD NOAH
83% matchVery Positive89% of 1,696 reviews2022
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 52.6 hrs≥1hr: 82%
CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.6%, Mystery 14.1%, Anime 12.8%, Psychological Horror 12.1%, Violent 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: A psychological thriller that explores the breakdown of reality and the protagonist's descent into madness.
- #22 Sound of Drop - fall into poison -
84% 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 28.1%, Anime 15.5%, Violent 14.7%, Horror 11%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A horror-focused visual novel that maintains a dark, unsettling atmosphere throughout its branching narrative.
- #23 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
81% 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: Mystery 19.8%, Psychological Horror 17.7%, Dark 17.2%, Anime 15%, Psychological 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: This game features an intense psychological mystery where characters must vote on who lives and dies, creating constant, high-stakes pressure.
- #24 GNOSIA
81% 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 24.3%, Mystery 15.9%, Anime 15.5%, Psychological Horror 15.2%, Story Rich 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: A loop-based mystery game that perfectly captures the paranoia and distrust found in the Higurashi series.
- #25 Iwaihime
82% matchMostly Positive79% of 873 reviews2020
Dev: DMM GAMESPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 17.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
From hit writer Ryukishi07, the creator of When They Cry, comes a story on the theme of “curses.” Strike down the dark riddle of dolls and soot in this supernatural horror visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.2%, Psychological Horror 18.8%, Anime 18%, Horror 9.7%, Story Rich 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: This supernatural horror visual novel focuses heavily on psychological tension and the disturbing nature of its central mystery.
- #26 Doki Doki Literature Club!
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 219,150 reviews2017
Dev: Team Salvato
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 38.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.
Why similar: Visual Novel 21%, Psychological Horror 19.6%, Anime 14.5%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Dark 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: While it starts as a dating sim, it subverts expectations with psychological horror elements that are both shocking and memorable.
- #27 Return to Shironagasu Island
80% 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 30.7%, Mystery 19.7%, Anime 11.4%, Psychological Horror 10.4%, Horror 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: A classic mystery adventure that takes place in a dark, isolated setting, focusing on uncovering hidden truths.
- #28 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Rei
78% matchVery Positive98% of 252 reviews2022
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 197.5 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 34.7%, Anime 15.3%, Story Rich 8.8%, Psychological Horror 7.3%, Adventure 6.6%
- #29 Higurashi When They Cry Hou+
78% matchVery Positive88% of 163 reviews2023
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The tragedy of Hinamizawa is over. Those held captive within its grip are free from the fate that bound them to June 1983. Yet the tale of Hinamizawa is not truly complete. There are many worlds not yet explored.
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.3%, Anime 16.1%, Violent 13.3%, Psychological 9.9%, Great Soundtrack 6.1%
- #30 STEINS;GATE 0
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 7,939 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 124.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
If you can't save the one you love… How can you save humanity? Sequel to the visual novel cult classic. Experience an alternate worldline of STEINS;GATE.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.7%, Great Soundtrack 20.8%, Anime 16.9%, Story Rich 12.9%, Psychological Horror 4.2%
- #31 ENIGMA:
79% matchVery Positive95% of 144 reviews2016
Dev: UzumeyaPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 96%
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 32.6%, Great Soundtrack 21.4%, Anime 17.3%, Mystery 13.7%, Adventure 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric mystery that focuses on character-driven storytelling and a sense of isolation that feels very familiar to Higurashi fans.
- #32 CLANNAD
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,460 reviews2015
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 105.4 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 38.3%, Great Soundtrack 21.4%, Anime 20.7%, Story Rich 11.4%, Cute 2.4%
- #33 Narcissu 1st & 2nd
77% 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 50.3%, Anime 22.7%, Great Soundtrack 15.6%, Story Rich 6.8%, Indie 2.3%
- #34 AI: The Somnium Files
75% 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 26.6%, Mystery 17.4%, Anime 16.3%, Story Rich 10.3%, Violent 9.5%
- #35 The House in Fata Morgana: A Requiem for Innocence
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,710 reviews2018
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 9.5 hrsMean: 16.6 hrs≥1hr: 79%
"A Requiem for Innocence" is a companion to the visual novel "The House in Fata Morgana." It tells the tale of a young man dragged down by his ambitions and a girl both worshiped as a saint and maligned as a witch. For them, there is no happily ever after.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.1%, Violent 18.8%, Great Soundtrack 18.2%, Story Rich 9.4%, Anime 9.2%
- #36 CROSS†CHANNEL: Steam Edition
75% matchVery Positive90% of 430 reviews2018
Dev: MoeNovel
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 20.6 hrs≥1hr: 52%
"This is the Gunjo Broadcasting Club. Is there anyone left out there?” CROSS†CHANNEL is now available to the whole world for the first time ever. Eight students relive an eternally looping week as tensions rise. Can they mend their broken friendships, or are they too far gone to salvage...?
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.2%, Cult Classic 20.9% ★, Great Soundtrack 16.8%, Anime 12.7%, Violent 7.9%
- #37 The 25th Ward: The Silver Case
74% matchVery Positive92% of 499 reviews2018
Dev: GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 85%
In the bayside area of Kanto, a murder with unknown motivations sets off a series of seemingly random events bringing together peculiar individuals, one of whom is detective Tokio Morishima. When their ambitions begin to collide, a truly shocking pattern emerges…
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.3%, Violent 22.5%, Great Soundtrack 20.5%, Mystery 14.7%, Adventure 6.8%
- #38 Magical Eyes - Red is for Anguish
76% 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 33.2%, Anime 20.9%, Mystery 19.9%, Horror 10.1%, Adventure 7%
- #39 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
73% matchVery Positive83% of 21,767 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.2 hrsMean: 30.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death.
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.5%, Great Soundtrack 17.5%, Mystery 14.6%, Anime 14.5%, Psychological Horror 9.4%
- #40 Perennial Dusk -Kinsenka-
70% matchVery Positive85% of 171 reviews2025
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
“Perennial Dusk -Kinsenka-” is a kinetic novel about how the human heart endures relentless violence and limitless cruelty, telling the story of a group of exorcists-in-training as they gather the pieces needed to mend their wounded souls.
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.4%, Anime 16.7%, Dark 11.5%, Violent 10.6%, Horror 6.2%
- #41 Corpse Party
73% matchVery Positive89% of 1,369 reviews2016
Dev: GrisGrisPub: XSEED Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 17.3 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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: Anime 19.1%, Horror 18.7%, Visual Novel 18.1%, Psychological Horror 15.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.1%
- #42 Analogue: A Hate Story
73% 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 58.7%, Anime 18.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.2%, Story Rich 6.5%, Indie 3.4%
- #43 Notch - The Innocent LunA: Eclipsed SinnerS
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 3,292 reviews2015
Dev: Angels Blue Digital EntertainmentPub: DigitalEZ
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 161.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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: Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Visual Novel 13.8%, Mystery 11.7%, Psychological Horror 11.4%, Anime 9.9%
- #44 Lucid9: Inciting Incident
72% matchVery Positive90% of 1,038 reviews2016
Dev: Fallen Snow Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Lucid9 is a visual novel focused on a web of intricate mysteries set in the fictional 2018 metropolis of Isamu. Lucid9: Inciting Incident is the first part of the story, focused on a string of disappearances that occur at a prestigious, uppity boarding academy.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.6%, Anime 17.1%, Mystery 15.8%, Story Rich 7.6%, Psychological Horror 6.6%
- #45 YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 6,464 reviews2020
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 128.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story is the visual novel medium in its purest form. Will Shinichi choose Miyuki, the beautiful queen bee of the school, or the endearingly awkward misfit Aoi? With art by Tsuji Santa, these beautifully rendered romances will stay with you forever.
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.5%, Psychological Horror 22.5%, Anime 13.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%, Story Rich 6.3%
- #46 The Shell Part I: Inferno
68% matchVery Positive91% of 1,325 reviews2023
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 10.7 hrsMean: 110.2 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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 29.6%, Mystery 19.8%, Psychological Horror 18%, Dark 11.8%, Anime 9%
- #47 An Octave Higher
72% 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 40.8%, Anime 18.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.6%, Story Rich 8.3%, Adventure 6%
- #48 The NOexistenceN of you AND me
65% matchVery Positive93% of 19,673 reviews2024
Dev: 0x0Real StudioPub: Nino Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 15.7 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Use "game" as a medium to showcase the world of "you/girl". Explore the truth of "you/girl/world" through the form of a "visual novel".
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.5%, Psychological Horror 20.9%, Anime 16.1%, Story Rich 10.1%, Psychological 8.6%
- #49 Tokyo Dark
71% matchVery Positive84% of 1,336 reviews2017
Dev: CherrymochiPub: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 21.8%, Anime 16.7%, Psychological Horror 13.1%, Mystery 12.6%, Horror 9.6%
- #50 Raging Loop
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 9,674 reviews2017
Dev: KEMCO
Windows
Median: 23.9 hrsMean: 58.6 hrs≥1hr: 84%
The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.9%, Mystery 15.9%, Psychological Horror 14.5%, Violent 8.3%, Story Rich 8.1%
- #51 Kara no Shojo
69% matchVery Positive92% of 439 reviews2018
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 165.3 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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 22.3%, Mystery 16.3%, Psychological Horror 15.5%, Anime 15%, Dark 12.2%
- #52 Grisaia Phantom Trigger Vol.1
70% matchVery Positive92% of 352 reviews2017
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 53.4 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 25.4%, Violent 18.7%, Anime 15.5%, Dark 10.5%, Story Rich 8.2%
- #53 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 30,083 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.8 hrsMean: 33.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries.
Why similar: Visual Novel 21.5%, Great Soundtrack 18.2%, Anime 16.5%, Mystery 14.6%, Psychological Horror 9.2%
- #54 Harmonia
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 777 reviews2016
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 89.6 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 33.9%, Anime 20.9%, Great Soundtrack 16.6%, Violent 12.1%, Adventure 6.2%
- #55 CORPSE FACTORY
68% matchVery Positive80% of 855 reviews2022
Dev: RIVER CROW STUDIO
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Discard your sense of morality and enter the world of CORPSE FACTORY. An obscure website allows users to request a death. Victims supposedly receive a photograph of their own corpse before they are killed! With English voice acting by an all-star cast.
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.5%, Violent 16.7%, Psychological Horror 14.1%, Anime 12.2%, Mystery 11.9%
- #56 KAKUSANKIBOU / 扩散希望
70% matchVery Positive83% of 160 reviews2018
Dev: あみそ組Pub: Pujia8 Studio
Windows
Basically the story goes as visual novel form. Sometimes, the system switches into dot part, and you can control the character to continue the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 16.1%, Anime 16%, Violent 13.5%, Psychological Horror 12.3%, Mystery 10.6%
- #57 outside the door
64% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 543 reviews2024
Dev: basandaika games
Windows
Outside the door is a mystic visual novel set within one office. You are about to figure out the stories of a few visitors without having a single memory of yourself.
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.9%, Anime 18.4%, Psychological Horror 16.6%, Psychological 10.2%, Mystery 10%
- #58 Train of Afterlife
71% matchMixed51% of 183 reviews2015
Dev: Zeiva Inc
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Train of Afterlife is a mystery, psychological, horror Visual Novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 37.2%, Anime 14.6%, Mystery 8.4%, Psychological Horror 7.1%, Adventure 5.9%
- #59 Symphonic Rain
66% 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 31.4%, Anime 20.8%, Psychological Horror 13.8%, Story Rich 13.7%, Cute 5.3%
- #60 Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 30,488 reviews2021
Dev: Team SalvatoPub: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 79.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Welcome to the club! Write poems for your crush and experience the terror of school romance in this critically-acclaimed psychological horror story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.1%, Psychological Horror 26.5%, Anime 18.2%, Violent 9.2%, Story Rich 7.8%
