- #1 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 731 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.8 hrsMean: 88.0 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 29.9%, Anime 16.4%, Adventure 12.2%, Story Rich 8.4%, Gore 8.3%
- #2 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 948 reviews2018
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 39.4 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 37.9%, Anime 15.9%, Adventure 9%, Story Rich 8.2%, Gore 7.8%
- #3 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,894 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 16.9 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 37.5%, Anime 14.6%, Psychological Horror 7.4%, Story Rich 7.4%, Horror 6.3%
- #4 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,107 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 21.7 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 32.2%, Anime 16.2%, Adventure 9.5%, Psychological Horror 8.1%, Gore 7.8%
- #5 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,326 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 21.8 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 34.9%, Anime 15.2%, Story Rich 8.4%, Cute 8.3%, Mystery 5.8%
- #6 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 832 reviews2020
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 19.3 hrsMean: 73.8 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 40.6%, Adventure 13.8%, Anime 11.1%, Psychological Horror 10.3%, 2D 7.8%
- #7 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 6,552 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 45%, Anime 17.5%, Story Rich 9.3%, Mystery 7.3%, Cute 6.9%
- #8 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 932 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 20.7 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 35%, Anime 15.3%, Story Rich 8.8%, Psychological Horror 7.2%, Adventure 6.6%
- #9 Higurashi When They Cry Hou+
91% matchVery Positive86% of 184 reviews2023
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 68%
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 37.4%, Anime 18.4%, Adventure 12.2%, Gore 9.3%, Comedy 3.8%
- #10 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 7,990 reviews2023
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 63.6 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A tale told with vivid colors and rich sound in a classic TYPE-MOON visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.5%, Anime 13.9%, Emotional 10.7%, Adventure 6.9%, Magic 6.2%
- #11 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,754 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 14.4 hrsMean: 44.8 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 44.1%, Story Rich 13.2%, Anime 12.2%, Mystery 9.4%, Psychological Horror 6.1%
- #12 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,518 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 18.8 hrsMean: 53.0 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 44.7%, Story Rich 12.9%, Anime 12.4%, Mystery 9.3%, Adventure 7.1%
- #13 Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole
89% matchVery Positive92% of 2,595 reviews2017
Dev: KeroQPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 9.6 hrsMean: 175.1 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 35.2%, Anime 10.4%, Psychological Horror 8.8%, Story Rich 8.2%, Sexual Content 6.7%
- #14 Fate/hollow ataraxia REMASTERED
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,040 reviews2025
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 62.0 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Relive the four days of destiny...
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.6%, Anime 13.2%, Cute 11.8%, Emotional 11%, Adventure 9.5%
- #15 The House in Fata Morgana
88% matchVery Positive95% of 6,401 reviews2016
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 26.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 33.7%, Anime 13.4%, Story Rich 10.4%, Psychological Horror 7.9%, Adventure 7.2%
- #16 The Leisure of Grisaia
87% matchVery Positive91% of 305 reviews2016
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 94.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
This side story to "The Fruit of Grisaia" is a character-driven visual novel featuring some of the same characters. This time, it's Michiru who takes the lead role in this slapstick comedy. A laugh-out-loud side story detailing the Mihama girls' school hijinks.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.4%, Anime 15.4%, Cute 10.6%, Comedy 10.2%, Funny 8%
- #17 Ciconia When They Cry - Phase 1: For You, the Replaceable Ones
86% matchVery Positive92% of 556 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac
Median: 12.0 hrsMean: 14.6 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 48.5%, Anime 16.7%, Adventure 15%, Story Rich 10.4%, Mystery 7.6%
- #18 The Song of Saya
85% matchVery Positive89% of 9,826 reviews2019
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 61.1 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 40.5%, Gore 14.1%, Psychological Horror 10.5%, Sexual Content 9.2%, Anime 9.1%
- #19 Fate/stay night REMASTERED
83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 4,649 reviews2024
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 48.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Seek the root of the Fate franchise. Return to where it all began.
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.5%, Anime 15.8%, Emotional 11.3%, Story Rich 8.7%, Sexual Content 7%
- #20 CHAOS;HEAD NOAH
84% matchVery Positive88% of 1,885 reviews2022
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 53.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 40%, Anime 14.2%, Gore 12%, Story Rich 9.4%, Adventure 6.8%
- #21 Iwaihime
84% matchMostly Positive79% of 900 reviews2020
Dev: DMM GAMESPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 17.2 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 31.9%, Anime 16.5%, Emotional 12.4%, Adventure 8.6%, Psychological Horror 8.3%
- #22 CHAOS;CHILD
82% matchVery Positive93% of 3,973 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 81.1 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 40%, Anime 14.2%, Gore 10.1%, Story Rich 8.8%, Mystery 6.2%
- #23 Narcissu 1st & 2nd
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 5,330 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 61%, Anime 21.6%, Story Rich 6.2%, Emotional 5.4%, Female Protagonist 1.9%
- #24 Grisaia Phantom Trigger Vol.1
82% matchVery Positive92% of 352 reviews2017
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 52.7 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 34.2%, Anime 16.4%, Cute 13.8%, Adventure 9.4%, Story Rich 8.3%
- #25 Kara no Shojo
81% matchVery Positive92% of 450 reviews2018
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 158.4 hrs≥1hr: 62%
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 29.1%, Emotional 15.4%, Anime 15.3%, Story Rich 9.3%, Psychological Horror 7.6%
- #26 STEINS;GATE: My Darling's Embrace
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,872 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 12.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fall in love with the lab members all over again in this sweet and slapstick romantic comedy!
Why similar: Visual Novel 46.4%, Funny 15.9%, Anime 15%, Adventure 11%, Female Protagonist 4.8%
- #27 CLANNAD
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,742 reviews2015
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 105.9 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 46.7%, Anime 19.7%, Story Rich 10.4%, Emotional 7.5%, Cute 7.2%
- #28 The Eden of Grisaia
80% matchVery Positive93% of 118 reviews2017
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 12.3 hrsMean: 285.8 hrs≥1hr: 75%
The final chapter in the Grisaia series, featuring The Seed of Blanc Aile, the overarching story's grand conclusion and Prologue De La Grisaia, a prologue set before Yuuji's arrival at Mihama.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26%, Anime 13%, Cute 11.8%, Comedy 10.7%, Story Rich 7.9%
- #29 The NOexistenceN of you AND me
74% matchVery Positive93% of 21,072 reviews2024
Dev: 0x0Real StudioPub: Nino Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 17.4 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 42.4%, Anime 15.6%, Cute 13.5%, Psychological Horror 9.7%, Story Rich 9.3%
- #30 A Clockwork Ley-Line: The Borderline of Dusk
78% matchVery Positive92% of 83 reviews2017
Dev: Unison Shift: BlossomPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
In a mysterious school where day and night are two separate worlds, a mismatched trio work to resolve magic-related incidents. A world of magic, intrigue, mystery and the occult awaits you!
Why similar: Visual Novel 36.3%, Anime 25.3%, Adventure 11.2%, Cute 8.2%, Story Rich 5.7%
- #31 The House in Fata Morgana: A Requiem for Innocence
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,822 reviews2018
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 9.6 hrsMean: 16.5 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 45.7%, Adventure 15.8%, Gore 13.1%, Anime 11.1%, Story Rich 10.1%
- #32 Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- The Prophecy of the Throne
77% matchVery Positive86% of 1,022 reviews2021
Dev: Chime CorporationPub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 75.6 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Enjoy a new Re:ZERO storyline, fully supervised by the series author Tappei Nagatsuki! Featuring brand new characters designed by the original artist Shinichirou Otsuka as well as your favorites from the series!
Why similar: Visual Novel 45%, Anime 29.1%, Adventure 14.9%, Psychological Horror 3.9%, Cute 3.1%
- #33 AI: The Somnium Files
75% matchVery Positive92% of 9,294 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 35.6%, Anime 16.9%, Story Rich 10.3%, Comedy 8.7%, Gore 8%
- #34 Raging Loop
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 10,315 reviews2017
Dev: KEMCO
Windows
Median: 24.2 hrsMean: 60.1 hrs≥1hr: 83%
The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?
Why similar: Visual Novel 46.5%, Adventure 10%, Story Rich 9.4%, Psychological Horror 8.5%, Mystery 7%
- #35 Magical Eyes - Red is for Anguish
78% matchVery Positive82% of 71 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 39.6%, Anime 19.7%, Adventure 14%, Cute 12.1%, Mystery 6.8%
- #36 Urban Myth Dissolution Center
72% matchVery Positive88% of 6,076 reviews2025
Dev: HakababunkoPub: SHUEISHA GAMES
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 37.8%, Adventure 9.9%, Story Rich 9.8%, Psychological Horror 9.3%, 2D 8%
- #37 An Octave Higher
77% matchVery Positive82% of 298 reviews2015
Dev: KidalangPub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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 45.2%, Anime 15.9%, Adventure 11.2%, Story Rich 6.9%, Female Protagonist 6.5%
- #38 The Shell Part I: Inferno
73% matchVery Positive91% of 1,407 reviews2023
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 115.0 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 43.4%, Anime 11.3%, Psychological Horror 10.1%, Gore 9.7%, Mystery 8.3%
- #39 Sound of Drop - fall into poison -
76% matchVery Positive85% of 539 reviews2015
Dev: aiueoKompanyPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 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 39.6%, Anime 17.1%, Gore 10.9%, Female Protagonist 7.8%, Horror 7%
- #40 Kiki & Ana - The Child
74% matchVery Positive95% of 129 reviews2021
Dev: Horror Shop
Windows
"Kiki & Ana - The Child" is a cute story experience. Focused on story, art, and music. Must avoid hazards which some people find difficult. Takes about an hour to complete. WARNING: flashing lights, light gore.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.5%, Emotional 15.4%, Cute 14.2%, Anime 12.2%, Story Rich 8%
- #41 STEINS;GATE 0
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 8,213 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 126.8 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 50.2%, Anime 20.9%, Story Rich 15.4%, Adventure 7.2%, Psychological Horror 2.5%
- #42 The Fruit of Grisaia
73% matchVery Positive93% of 1,111 reviews2015
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 124.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
SIX FRUITS BARE THEIR FANGS AT THE WORLD. --The academy was their orchard. In this place of learning, protected by high walls from the outside world, there arrived a single young man who'd lost his purpose in life. He'd lost sight of what he wanted to protect.
Why similar: Visual Novel 42.3%, Anime 19.8%, Story Rich 9.1%, Comedy 8.2%, Cute 6.7%
- #43 AKAIITO HD REMASTER
71% matchVery Positive93% of 136 reviews2023
Dev: SUCCESS Corp.
Windows
Japanese adventure game. Set in the present age, the game unfolds from the point of view of Kei Hato, a girl who has a special blood called "Nieno Chi". A special system called the blood sucking system is used.
Why similar: Visual Novel 46.8%, Adventure 19.9%, Cute 17.7%, Female Protagonist 6.9%, Mystery 6.8%
- #44 Return to Shironagasu Island
71% matchVery Positive94% of 4,118 reviews2020
Dev: HYOGO ONIMUSHIPub: TABINOMICHI
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 14.0 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 42.5%, Adventure 17.4%, Anime 12.7%, Mystery 7.8%, Horror 6.5%
- #45 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
72% matchVery Positive83% of 22,748 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 30.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 35.6%, Anime 17.2%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Story Rich 10.4%, Mystery 6.3%
- #46 Hira Hira Hihiru
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 932 reviews2023
Dev: BA-KUPub: ANIPLEX.EXE
Windows
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 68%
"Hira Hira Hihiru" is a visual novel set in a fictional Taishō Era. It tells the story of its two protagonists' struggle against Aerodema, a terrifying disease which brings the dead back to life.
Why similar: Visual Novel 56.1%, Adventure 20.7%, Anime 10.1%, Story Rich 5.5%, 2D 5.4%
- #47 UNREAL LIFE
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,953 reviews2020
Dev: hako lifePub: room6
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 303.9 hrs≥1hr: 69%
And now, for today's story.
Why similar: Story Rich 26.9%, Adventure 23%, Anime 11.4%, Female Protagonist 9.5%, 2D 9.3%
- #48 YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 6,754 reviews2020
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 133.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 43.9%, Anime 13.4%, Psychological Horror 11%, Sexual Content 8.1%, Story Rich 6.2%
- #49 The Witch's House MV
70% matchVery Positive95% of 4,019 reviews2018
Dev: FummyPub: DANGEN Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 9.8 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 23.3%, 2D 13%, Anime 12.3%, Psychological Horror 10.3%, Story Rich 9.1%
- #50 Cross The Boundaries
68% matchVery Positive99% of 89 reviews2025
Dev: AlfredProsPub: Ziel Graywords
Windows · Linux
This is a Touhou Fangame. Maribel Hearn is a girl with unusual experience with ghosts and supernatural beings. In Cross The Boundaries, you will solve riddles while trying to stay alive, and looking for a way out of the nightmare.
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.1%, Anime 18.3%, Adventure 13.9%, 2D 9.5%, Mystery 5.7%
- #51 Adolescent Santa Claus
70% matchVery Positive85% of 1,321 reviews2018
Dev: TALESSHOP Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 25%
This visual novel game tells the tale of a cute little Santa Clause appearing
Why similar: Visual Novel 48.5%, Anime 22.7%, Cute 17.9%, Adventure 6.3%, Story Rich 2.7%
- #52 STEINS;GATE ELITE
69% matchVery Positive90% of 1,659 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 275.5 hrs≥1hr: 65%
STEINS;GATE ELITE follows a rag-tag band of tech-savvy young students who discover the means of changing the past via e-mail using a modified microwave.
Why similar: Visual Novel 53.7%, Anime 23.5%, Story Rich 10.2%, Adventure 7.6%, Gore 3.9%
- #53 Princess Evangile All Ages Version
71% matchVery Positive90% of 235 reviews2015
Dev: MOONSTONEPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 65.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
This romantic visual novel has you joining a financially struggling all-girls' private school as one student's example case for gender integration. The two of you try to prove that going co-ed could save the school, while the story explores themes of traditions, change, family, and relationships.
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.4%, Anime 13.7%, Cute 12.3%, Emotional 10.3%, Comedy 10%
- #54 Tiny Bunny
64% matchVery Positive83% of 30,327 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 39.2%, Story Rich 11.5%, Psychological Horror 8.3%, Gore 8.2%, Horror 7.6%
- #55 SeaBed
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,036 reviews2017
Dev: PaleontologyPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 79.2 hrs≥1hr: 89%
SeaBed is a yuri-themed psychological mystery visual novel told through the perspectives of three separate characters: Sachiko, Takako and Narasaki.
Why similar: Visual Novel 45.4%, Anime 14.3%, Female Protagonist 14%, Cute 9%, Adventure 7.9%
- #56 Seven Days
67% matchVery Positive98% of 194 reviews2019
Dev: LIFE0Pub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 160.2 hrs≥1hr: 94%
A couple of days before the summer holiday starts... Kanzaki Shuuichi receives a "cursed Blu-ray disc" from one of his friends and is possessed by a female ghost which, when exorcised, leaves behind the physical form of the female specter.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.2%, Anime 14.5%, Cute 13.8%, Adventure 10.3%, Emotional 9.9%
- #57 3rd eye
68% matchVery Positive87% of 331 reviews2019
Dev: 3rd eye projectPub: PLAYISM
Windows
A 2D exploration/horror game starring the Touhou Project's Koishi Komeiji. Use her Third Eye to explore a mental world entirely unlike reality.
Why similar: Adventure 61.6%, Psychological Horror 22.6%, Horror 15.8%
- #58 Corpse Party
67% matchVery Positive89% of 1,384 reviews2016
Dev: GrisGrisPub: XSEED Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 17.2 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: Visual Novel 25.3%, Anime 20.6%, Horror 11.7%, Gore 11.7%, Psychological Horror 8.2%
- #59 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 37,546 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 37.9%, Anime 20.6%, Story Rich 9.9%, Mystery 7.5%, Psychological Horror 6.6%
- #60 Wheel of Innocence
66% matchVery Positive90% of 96 reviews2022
Dev: MKShadowZX
Windows · Mac · Linux
Wheel of Innocence is a lesbian visual novel where you peer into the life of a disabled high schooler named Reina.
Why similar: Visual Novel 33%, Cute 14.7%, Funny 14.3%, Female Protagonist 10.1%, 2D 7.5%