- #1 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,182 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 21.6 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 18.7%, Horror 12.3%, Psychological Horror 11.8%, Anime 11.6%, Mystery 11%
Why You'll Like It: This chapter provides a crucial, harrowing perspective on the series' core mystery that directly complements the events of Tsumihoroboshi.
- #2 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 790 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.6 hrsMean: 84.2 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 19.3%, Anime 13.1%, Mystery 12.7%, Psychological Horror 12.3%, Horror 12%
Why You'll Like It: As the penultimate chapter, it serves as a vital turning point that brings the overarching mystery to a head with intense psychological stakes.
- #3 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,887 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.0 hrsMean: 45.8 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 27.1%, Mystery 19.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.4%, Story Rich 9.2%, Anime 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: Written by the same author, this series shares the same masterful approach to meta-narrative, psychological tension, and complex mystery-solving.
- #4 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,598 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 26.1 hrsMean: 54.6 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: Visual Novel 27.7%, Mystery 19.5%, Great Soundtrack 14.9%, Anime 9.5%, Horror 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: This conclusion to the Umineko saga provides the necessary payoff to the intricate mysteries established in the Question Arcs.
- #5 Raging Loop
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 11,351 reviews2017
Dev: KEMCO
Windows
Median: 24.2 hrsMean: 60.5 hrs≥1hr: 83%
The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.7%, Mystery 16.7%, Psychological Horror 15%, Story Rich 7.5%, Gore 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: This psychological horror visual novel utilizes a time-loop mechanic and social deduction elements that perfectly mirror the tension and mystery of the Higurashi series.
- #6 The House in Fata Morgana
94% matchVery Positive95% of 6,743 reviews2016
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 27.9 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 23.1%, Mystery 14.2%, Psychological Horror 13.6%, Horror 11.3%, Anime 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: A gothic, emotionally charged visual novel that excels at psychological depth and unfolding a dark, multi-generational mystery.
- #7 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
93% matchVery Positive93% of 7,427 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 21.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 28.2%, Mystery 16.7%, Psychological Horror 12.5%, Anime 10.1%, Story Rich 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: This collection features high-stakes death games and complex puzzles that demand the same level of analytical thinking and psychological endurance as Higurashi.
- #8 Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole
92% matchVery Positive93% of 2,765 reviews2017
Dev: KeroQPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 9.7 hrsMean: 175.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 27.1%, Psychological Horror 16.9%, Anime 10%, Mystery 9.9%, Violent 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: This title offers a similarly intense, philosophical, and disturbing exploration of the human psyche through a dark, multi-perspective narrative.
- #9 The Song of Saya
91% matchVery Positive89% of 10,280 reviews2019
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 64.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 30.1%, Psychological Horror 19.5%, Gore 17.8%, Horror 10.1%, Anime 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A classic of the psychological horror genre that explores themes of perception and madness with the same visceral impact as Higurashi.
- #10 STEINS;GATE
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 27,155 reviews2016
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 67.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 38.8%, Anime 19.6%, Story Rich 12%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Mystery 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A seminal visual novel that masterfully blends a slow-burn mystery with deep psychological consequences and branching narrative paths.
- #11 CHAOS;CHILD
90% matchVery Positive93% of 4,142 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 81.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 24.9%, Mystery 12.9%, Gore 11.2%, Anime 10.8%, Psychological Horror 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: A gripping mystery visual novel that delves into psychological trauma and urban legends with a dark, mature tone.
- #12 Corpse Party
89% matchVery Positive89% of 1,404 reviews2016
Dev: GrisGrisPub: XSEED Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 16.9 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: Horror 23.9%, Anime 16.9%, Visual Novel 16.8%, Psychological Horror 13.7%, Gore 13.4%
Why You'll Like It: This game captures the same blend of anime-style aesthetics and brutal, supernatural horror that makes the Higurashi series so unsettling.
- #13 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 2,000 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 17.0 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 25%, Horror 12.7%, Mystery 12.4%, Psychological Horror 12.3%, Anime 12%
Why You'll Like It: This early chapter is fundamental for understanding the series' recurring themes of paranoia and hidden secrets.
- #14 AI: The Somnium Files
88% matchVery Positive91% of 9,439 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 15.2 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 26.4%, Mystery 16.8%, Anime 15.5%, Gore 10.1%, Story Rich 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A detective-focused mystery that balances surreal, psychological sequences with a deeply engaging, character-driven plot.
- #15 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 897 reviews2020
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 18.7 hrsMean: 71.0 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 31.3%, Psychological Horror 19.8%, Horror 15.6%, Anime 10.6%, Adventure 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: This final chapter provides the ultimate resolution to the Hinamizawa mystery, making it essential for fans of the series.
- #16 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,401 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 21.7 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 23.3%, Mystery 13%, Anime 12.6%, Horror 10.2%, Psychological Horror 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A pivotal chapter that showcases the series' ability to shift from lighthearted comedy to devastating psychological horror.
- #17 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
86% matchVery Positive91% of 616 reviews2016
Dev: YetiPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 14.2 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 36.6%, Anime 15.9%, Mystery 13.2%, Story Rich 8.6%, Gore 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: This complex mystery visual novel uses a unique branching system to explore the psychological reactions of characters trapped in a disaster.
- #18 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
85% matchVery Positive83% of 23,420 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 8.9 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 27.4%, Mystery 16.4%, Anime 16.3%, Psychological Horror 10.3%, Story Rich 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: This title combines a high-stakes death game with intricate mystery-solving and a distinct, stylized anime aesthetic.
- #19 Tiny Bunny
82% matchVery Positive83% of 30,684 reviews2025
Dev: Saikono
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.4 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 26.4%, Horror 15.5%, Psychological Horror 13.8%, Gore 9.6%, Story Rich 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric, dark visual novel that uses unsettling imagery and psychological tension to build a sense of dread.
- #20 Ciconia When They Cry - Phase 1: For You, the Replaceable Ones
84% matchVery Positive92% of 568 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac
Median: 12.2 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 73%
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 30.4%, Mystery 16.2%, Violent 14.9%, Anime 12.9%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: Another work by the same creator that maintains the signature complex storytelling and psychological mystery elements of the When They Cry series.
- #21 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 995 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 20.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 23%, Mystery 12.9%, Anime 12.4%, Psychological Horror 11.8%, Violent 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: This chapter provides a necessary shift in perspective that deepens the lore and mystery of the village.
- #22 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 4,472 reviews2023
Dev: NankidaiPub: 0UP GAMES
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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 26%, Psychological Horror 22.8%, Anime 19.8%, Story Rich 10.8%, Dark 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: This death-game mystery focuses on character relationships and high-stakes decision-making, mirroring the life-or-death tension of the Higurashi arcs.
- #23 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,855 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 21.5 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 37.2%, Mystery 20.6%, Anime 17.9%, Story Rich 8.8%, Great Soundtrack 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: The starting point of the series, essential for experiencing the initial descent into madness and mystery.
- #24 Tokyo Dark
83% matchVery Positive84% of 1,347 reviews2017
Dev: CherrymochiPub: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.6 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 22.4%, Anime 16.7%, Horror 13.7%, Psychological Horror 12.6%, Mystery 12.5%
Why You'll Like It: A haunting detective story that blends point-and-click mechanics with psychological horror and branching narrative paths.
- #25 GNOSIA
79% matchVery Positive94% of 5,158 reviews2022
Dev: Petit DepottoPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 29.1%, Mystery 18.1%, Anime 17.9%, Psychological Horror 16.9%, Story Rich 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: A unique social deduction game that forces the player to analyze character behavior and psychological cues to survive a mystery.
- #26 CORPSE FACTORY
80% matchVery Positive80% of 885 reviews2022
Dev: RIVER CROW STUDIO
Windows
Median: 4.4 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 20.6%, Psychological Horror 14.1%, Anime 12.4%, Mystery 12%, Violent 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: A modern psychological thriller that focuses on the dark consequences of human obsession and violence.
- #27 Sound of Drop - fall into poison -
81% matchVery Positive85% of 539 reviews2015
Dev: aiueoKompanyPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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 26.9%, Horror 14.7%, Anime 14.6%, Gore 13%, Violent 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A short but effective horror visual novel that utilizes a dark, aquatic setting to build intense psychological dread.
- #28 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Rei
78% matchVery Positive98% of 304 reviews2022
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 204.6 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 37.7%, Anime 15.9%, Adventure 9.1%, Gore 8.1%, Story Rich 8.1%
- #29 Fatal Twelve
79% matchVery Positive92% of 1,059 reviews2018
Dev: LYCORISPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Shishimai Rinka was a high schooler who ran a small café named Lion House in place of her grandmother. She lived her life much like any other person her age, but one day, she was caught up in an explosion while returning home on the train alongside her friend, Hitsuji Naomi.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.7%, Anime 16.8%, Mystery 16.1%, Story Rich 10.6%, Violent 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes battle royale visual novel that focuses on the psychological motivations of its characters as they fight for survival.
- #30 Higurashi When They Cry Hou+
78% matchVery Positive87% of 200 reviews2023
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 9.5 hrs≥1hr: 73%
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 28.5%, Anime 17%, Gore 12%, Violent 9.4%, Adventure 7%
- #31 CHAOS;HEAD NOAH
77% matchVery Positive88% of 2,108 reviews2022
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 54.9 hrs≥1hr: 84%
CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 27%, Gore 13.8%, Mystery 12.6%, Anime 11.7%, Psychological Horror 11.2%
- #32 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 8,706 reviews2023
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 67.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A tale told with vivid colors and rich sound in a classic TYPE-MOON visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 51.6%, Anime 21.3%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Story Rich 8.8%, Adventure 6.6%
- #33 The House in Fata Morgana: A Requiem for Innocence
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,933 reviews2018
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 9.7 hrsMean: 17.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
"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 31.2%, Gore 15.1%, Violent 11.8%, Anime 8.8%, Story Rich 8.1%
- #34 Narcissu 1st & 2nd
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 5,476 reviews2015
Dev: stage-nanaPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 19.3 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 58.4%, Anime 25.6%, Great Soundtrack 8%, Story Rich 6.8%, Adventure 0.6%
- #35 Corpse Party: Book of Shadows
76% matchVery Positive85% of 523 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: XSEED Games
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 16.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 19.4%, Gore 14.6%, Horror 14.2%, Anime 12.9%, Psychological Horror 11.7%
- #36 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 38,953 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 22.7 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 26.2%, Mystery 17.6%, Anime 17.6%, Psychological Horror 11.3%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%
- #37 YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story
74% matchVery Positive95% of 7,095 reviews2020
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 133.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 34.9%, Psychological Horror 21.9%, Anime 13.2%, Horror 8.3%, Gore 6.6%
- #38 Doki Doki Literature Club!
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 228,468 reviews2017
Dev: Team Salvato
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 38.4 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 23.5%, Psychological Horror 20.6%, Anime 15.7%, Horror 11.7%, Gore 7.5%
- #39 Urban Myth Dissolution Center
71% matchVery Positive88% of 6,362 reviews2025
Dev: HakababunkoPub: SHUEISHA GAMES
Windows
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 9.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 29.2%, Psychological Horror 17.9%, Mystery 17.6%, Horror 11.8%, Story Rich 8.6%
- #40 Return to Shironagasu Island
72% matchVery Positive94% of 4,299 reviews2020
Dev: ONIMUSHI HyogoPub: TABINOMICHI
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 13.9 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 30.4%, Mystery 18.9%, Horror 14.2%, Anime 11.2%, Psychological Horror 9.9%
- #41 Grisaia Phantom Trigger Vol.1
73% matchVery Positive92% of 352 reviews2017
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 52.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
"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 30.9%, Anime 18.2%, Violent 14.9%, Horror 13.3%, Story Rich 8.6%
- #42 Magical Eyes - Red is for Anguish
75% matchVery Positive82% of 72 reviews2016
Dev: Pomera StudiosPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Magical Eyes - Red is for Anguish is a thrilling mystery story revolving around a series of unfathomable incidents in a town.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.6%, Anime 21.2%, Mystery 20.2%, Horror 14.6%, Adventure 9.4%
- #43 Iwaihime
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 920 reviews2020
Dev: DMM GAMESPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 17.0 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 30.6%, Psychological Horror 19.7%, Anime 19.5%, Horror 15%, Story Rich 6.4%
- #44 Sister Other Paranoia
68% matchMostly Positive73% of 677 reviews2026
Dev: HazeDenkiPub: Serenity Forge
Windows
A dark visual novel by acclaimed creator nyalra. Overly sensitive to other people's emotions, the protagonist—a light novel writer—develops the ability to read minds, only to be driven even deeper into isolation. His sole remaining comfort is his younger sister, gifted yet lonely.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.8%, Psychological Horror 21.6%, Anime 17.4%, Gore 12.2%, Story Rich 9%
- #45 Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
72% matchVery Positive82% of 4,933 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Nine participants awaken, trapped in an underground facility. To escape, they must play a game with deadly consequences. Who will live, and who will die? The choice is yours. Let the Decision Game begin…
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.5%, Mystery 16.1%, Psychological Horror 15.8%, Anime 10.2%, Story Rich 9%
- #46 The Witch's House MV
70% matchVery Positive95% of 4,173 reviews2018
Dev: FummyPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A young girl, Viola, is drawn inexorably to a mysterious manor that seems to change behind her back. It is a place of pain, turmoil and death. Plumb its detestable depths and abominable history. Untangle riddles that bar your perilous path. And flee the hellish halls of The Witch’s House.
Why similar: Horror 47.9%, Psychological Horror 17.4%, Anime 10.2%, Story Rich 7.1%, Great Soundtrack 4.6%
- #47 The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
71% matchVery Positive85% of 1,534 reviews2017
Dev: Yangyang MobilePub: Neon Doctrine
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
When seven people fall prey to a vicious curse, they will discover that horror rests not from the shadows lurking about, but within themselves. To what ends will one go in order to survive?
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.1%, Horror 18.8%, Gore 9.7%, Psychological Horror 9.6%, Mystery 8.9%
- #48 The 25th Ward: The Silver Case
70% matchVery Positive92% of 546 reviews2018
Dev: GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 36%, Violent 18%, Mystery 17.5%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Adventure 10.8%
- #49 Tiny Bunny: Prologue
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,262 reviews2020
Dev: Saikono
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 38%
Tiny Bunny: Prologue is a non-linear horror visual novel. Those, who have heard the voice of the forest, are beyond help.
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.4%, Horror 29.1%, Adventure 8.5%, Psychological Horror 8.5%, Anime 7.1%
- #50 ENIGMA:
71% matchVery Positive94% of 148 reviews2016
Dev: UzumeyaPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 4.4 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 35.4%, Anime 19.5%, Mystery 17.1%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Adventure 9.8%
- #51 STEINS;GATE 0
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 8,522 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 128.7 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 38.7%, Anime 20%, Story Rich 13.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Psychological Horror 4.8%
- #52 How To Date A Magical Girl!
70% matchMostly Positive80% of 472 reviews2019
Dev: Cafe ShibaPub: RIVER CROW STUDIO
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 96%
You're invited to the elite academy for magical girls! Will you take the opportunity to make new friends? Learn magic? Or... Will you try to date a cute magical girl?
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.5%, Anime 15.9%, Psychological Horror 15.7%, Violent 12.4%, Horror 8.3%
- #53 Lucid9: Inciting Incident
69% matchVery Positive90% of 1,041 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 31.6%, Anime 17.2%, Mystery 15.8%, Horror 9.3%, Story Rich 6.8%
- #54 ABYSS OF THE SACRIFICE
69% matchVery Positive83% of 276 reviews2020
Dev: INTENSEPub: D3PUBLISHER
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 15.1 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Five girls meet in an isolated underground city. As they slay and betray each other, what fate awaits them at the end of their journey? Hope? Or despair? Enjoy an immersive story, fully voiced and boasting multiple endings!
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.8%, Anime 18.6%, Mystery 13.1%, Story Rich 9.7%, Gore 8.2%
- #55 soundless - A MODERN SALEM IN REMOTE AREA -
66% matchVery Positive97% of 61 reviews2025
Dev: milk+ visual
Windows · Mac · Linux
A yuri denpa tale about the cursed pariah of a rural cult, Mercy, and her fateful meeting with the Holy Maiden Auma. Bloody, bold, and bone-chilling, this visual novel explores the complexities of the cycle of abuse and the violence in playing by the rules.
Why similar: Visual Novel 21.3%, Gore 19.1%, Psychological Horror 16.4%, Violent 12.8%, Horror 12%
- #56 The Shell Part I: Inferno
66% matchVery Positive90% of 1,505 reviews2023
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 10.8 hrsMean: 116.0 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 29.5%, Mystery 19.1%, Psychological Horror 17%, Gore 11.3%, Anime 9.5%
- #57 Notch - The Innocent LunA: Eclipsed SinnerS
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 3,299 reviews2015
Dev: Angels Blue Digital EntertainmentPub: DigitalEZ
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 163.0 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: Visual Novel 15.8%, Mystery 13%, Gore 12.6%, Psychological Horror 12.3%, Horror 11.9%
- #58 outside the door
64% matchVery Positive94% of 776 reviews2024
Dev: basandaika games
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 2.8 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 31.7%, Anime 21.5%, Psychological Horror 19.5%, Mystery 11.4%, Horror 8.2%
- #59 G-senjou no Maou - The Devil on G-String
67% matchVery Positive92% of 770 reviews2015
Dev: AKABEiSOFT2Pub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 36.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
You play as Azai Kyousuke, the son of an infamous gangster. Kyousuke knows what he likes and lets nothing stand in his way in getting what he wants. Referred to as God by his classmates, he often enjoys listening to Bach and "working" part time for his stepfather.
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.4%, Anime 15.9%, Mystery 15%, Story Rich 9.7%, Great Soundtrack 5.7%
- #60 Kara no Shojo
67% matchVery Positive92% of 457 reviews2018
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 153.5 hrs≥1hr: 63%
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 23.2%, Mystery 16.3%, Psychological Horror 15.1%, Anime 15.1%, Horror 13%
