- #1 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
97% 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 18.9%, Horror 12.7%, Psychological Horror 11.9%, Anime 11.9%, Mystery 11.2%
- #2 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
96% 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 24.6%, Horror 13%, Mystery 12.4%, Psychological Horror 12.3%, Anime 12.2%
- #3 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi
96% 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 19.3%, Anime 13.3%, Mystery 12.5%, Psychological Horror 12.4%, Horror 12.2%
- #4 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
95% 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 23.4%, Mystery 13.1%, Anime 12.9%, Horror 10.4%, Psychological Horror 8.7%
- #5 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 867 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 20.9 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 12.7%, Anime 12.6%, Psychological Horror 11.9%, Violent 9.5%
- #6 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
94% 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 31.4%, Psychological Horror 20%, Horror 16%, Anime 10.8%, Adventure 8.1%
- #7 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
93% 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 38%, Mystery 20.7%, Anime 18.6%, Story Rich 8.9%, Dark 5.3%
- #8 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Rei
92% 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 37.2%, Anime 16.1%, Adventure 9%, Story Rich 8.1%, Gore 8.1%
- #9 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
91% 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: Visual Novel 27.4%, Mystery 19.5%, Great Soundtrack 13%, Anime 9.5%, Story Rich 9.3%
- #10 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
91% 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: Visual Novel 28.2%, Mystery 19.5%, Great Soundtrack 13.3%, Anime 9.8%, Horror 9.6%
- #11 Higurashi When They Cry Hou+
90% 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 28.5%, Anime 17.9%, Gore 11.9%, Violent 9.8%, Adventure 7.2%
- #12 Ciconia When They Cry - Phase 1: For You, the Replaceable Ones
89% 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 30.7%, Mystery 16.1%, Violent 15.2%, Anime 13.3%, Great Soundtrack 8.6%
- #13 CHAOS;CHILD
89% 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 25.3%, Mystery 13%, Anime 11.3%, Gore 10.5%, Psychological Horror 9.7%
- #14 CHAOS;HEAD NOAH
88% 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 27%, Gore 13.9%, Mystery 12.7%, Anime 11.9%, Psychological Horror 10.8%
- #15 Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole
87% 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 26.7%, Psychological Horror 17%, Anime 10%, Mystery 9.9%, Violent 9.3%
- #16 The House in Fata Morgana
86% 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 23.1%, Mystery 14.1%, Psychological Horror 13.7%, Horror 11.7%, Anime 11.6%
- #17 The Song of Saya
86% 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 29.6%, Psychological Horror 19.6%, Gore 17.9%, Horror 10.3%, Anime 8.4%
- #18 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
84% 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 52%, Anime 21.8%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Story Rich 8.8%, Adventure 6.6%
- #19 The House in Fata Morgana: A Requiem for Innocence
84% 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 30.7%, Gore 15.9%, Violent 12.6%, Anime 9.2%, Adventure 8.6%
- #20 Sound of Drop - fall into poison -
85% 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 27.2%, Horror 15%, Anime 14.8%, Gore 12.8%, Violent 9.4%
- #21 Tiny Bunny
80% 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 26.2%, Horror 15.9%, Psychological Horror 13.9%, Gore 9.1%, Story Rich 8.8%
- #22 AI: The Somnium Files
82% 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 16.6%, Anime 16.1%, Gore 9.9%, Story Rich 8.8%
- #23 Iwaihime
83% 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 30.3%, Psychological Horror 19.7%, Anime 19.7%, Horror 15.2%, Adventure 6.2%
- #24 Narcissu 1st & 2nd
81% 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 58.8%, Anime 26.1%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%, Story Rich 6.8%, Adventure 0.6%
- #25 Corpse Party
82% 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: Horror 24.3%, Anime 17.2%, Visual Novel 16.6%, Psychological Horror 13.6%, Gore 13.1%
- #26 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
81% 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 27.6%, Anime 16.7%, Mystery 16.3%, Psychological Horror 10.4%, Story Rich 9.2%
- #27 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
79% 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 26.3%, Anime 18.1%, Mystery 17.5%, Psychological Horror 11.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.2%
- #28 Doki Doki Literature Club!
78% 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 23.5%, Psychological Horror 20.7%, Anime 15.9%, Horror 12%, Gore 7.2%
- #29 The Shell Part I: Inferno
77% 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 30.4%, Mystery 19.3%, Psychological Horror 17.4%, Gore 10.7%, Anime 9.1%
- #30 YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story
77% 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 34.8%, Psychological Horror 22%, Anime 13.6%, Horror 8.5%, Gore 6.4%
- #31 Grisaia Phantom Trigger Vol.1
79% 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 30.6%, Anime 18.3%, Violent 14.8%, Horror 13.5%, Story Rich 8.5%
- #32 CORPSE FACTORY
78% 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 20.5%, Psychological Horror 14%, Anime 12.6%, Mystery 11.9%, Violent 11.5%
- #33 Raging Loop
76% 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 32.1%, Mystery 16.3%, Psychological Horror 14.7%, Story Rich 7.5%, Gore 7.3%
- #34 Return to Shironagasu Island
74% 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 30.5%, Mystery 18.6%, Horror 14.6%, Anime 11.1%, Psychological Horror 9.8%
- #35 Corpse Party: Book of Shadows
76% matchVery Positive86% of 499 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: XSEED Games
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 16.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 19.2%, Horror 14.5%, Gore 14.3%, Anime 13%, Psychological Horror 11.7%
- #36 STEINS;GATE 0
74% 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 39%, Anime 20.4%, Story Rich 13.6%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Psychological Horror 4.9%
- #37 Kara no Shojo
75% 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 20.8%, Mystery 14.5%, Anime 13.8%, Psychological Horror 13.7%, Gore 12.2%
- #38 The Witch's House MV
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 3,881 reviews2018
Dev: FummyPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 9.9 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 50%, Psychological Horror 17.4%, Anime 10.8%, Story Rich 7.2%, Adventure 4.7%
- #39 Tokyo Dark
75% 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 22.4%, Anime 16.9%, Horror 13.8%, Psychological Horror 12.7%, Mystery 12.3%
- #40 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
73% 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 28.2%, Mystery 16.5%, Psychological Horror 12.8%, Anime 10.3%, Story Rich 9.8%
- #41 The NOexistenceN of you AND me
68% 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 41.1%, Psychological Horror 24.2%, Anime 19.5%, Story Rich 10.6%, Adventure 2.8%
- #42 The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
72% matchVery Positive86% of 1,500 reviews2017
Dev: Yangyang MobilePub: Neon Doctrine
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 29.2%, Horror 19.5%, Psychological Horror 9.9%, Gore 9.8%, Anime 9.2%
- #43 Tiny Bunny: Prologue
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,244 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%, Horror 29.5%, Psychological Horror 8.4%, Adventure 8.3%, Anime 7.2%
- #44 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
72% 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 36.7%, Anime 16.2%, Mystery 13%, Story Rich 8.6%, Gore 7.6%
- #45 Analogue: A Hate Story
71% 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 65.4%, Anime 20.5%, Story Rich 6.2%, Great Soundtrack 3.1%, Mystery 2.6%
- #46 Magical Eyes - Red is for Anguish
73% 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 34.6%, Anime 21.5%, Mystery 19.8%, Horror 14.8%, Adventure 9.3%
- #47 Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
71% matchVery Positive82% of 4,723 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 25.7%, Psychological Horror 16.3%, Mystery 15.8%, Anime 10.4%, Story Rich 9%
- #48 KAKUSANKIBOU / 扩散希望
71% 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 17%, Anime 16.7%, Horror 13.1%, Psychological Horror 12.3%, Mystery 10.6%
- #49 Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
66% 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 30.2%, Psychological Horror 26%, Anime 18.6%, Gore 10.9%, Story Rich 6.9%
- #50 ENIGMA:
70% 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 40.6%, Anime 21.2%, Mystery 16.2%, Adventure 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%
- #51 Lucid9: Inciting Incident
70% 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 31.9%, Anime 17.5%, Mystery 15.6%, Horror 9.5%, Story Rich 6.8%
- #52 The 25th Ward: The Silver Case
69% 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 36.6%, Violent 18.5%, Mystery 17.5%, Adventure 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 10%
- #53 Detention
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 11,663 reviews2017
Dev: RedCandleGames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Detention is an atmospheric horror game set in 1960s Taiwan under martial law. Incorporated religious elements based in Taiwanese/Chinese culture and mythology, the game provided players with unique graphics and gaming experience.
Why similar: Horror 29%, Psychological Horror 20.9%, Visual Novel 10.9%, Story Rich 9.3%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%
- #54 Notch - The Innocent LunA: Eclipsed SinnerS
67% 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: Visual Novel 15.9%, Mystery 12.9%, Psychological Horror 12.5%, Gore 12.5%, Horror 12.3%
- #55 G-senjou no Maou - The Devil on G-String
68% matchVery Positive92% of 744 reviews2015
Dev: AKABEiSOFT2Pub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 33.7 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 38.6%, Anime 16.1%, Mystery 14.9%, Story Rich 9.7%, Violent 5.3%
- #56 Perennial Dusk -Kinsenka-
65% 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 34.6%, Anime 22.4%, Horror 11.9%, Violent 9.5%, Adventure 8.4%
- #57 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
66% 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 25.3%, Anime 19.2%, Mystery 16.4%, Psychological Horror 10.2%, Story Rich 8.6%
- #58 CLANNAD
66% 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 47.8%, Anime 25.4%, Story Rich 12.2%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, Adventure 1.6%
- #59 An Octave Higher
69% 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 51%, Anime 22.5%, Adventure 9.6%, Story Rich 8.8%, Great Soundtrack 5.7%
- #60 How To Date A Magical Girl!
68% matchVery Positive80% of 469 reviews2019
Dev: Cafe ShibaPub: RIVER CROW STUDIO
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 15.0 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 23.6%, Anime 16.2%, Psychological Horror 15.8%, Violent 12.6%, Horror 8.5%