- #1 The House in Fata Morgana
97% matchVery Positive95% of 6,643 reviews2016
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 27.2 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 24.9%, Psychological Horror 19.4%, Anime 15%, Horror 11.5%, Atmospheric 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: This gothic visual novel shares the same deep, atmospheric dread and tragic, curse-laden storytelling found in Iwaihime.
- #2 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,837 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 14.4 hrsMean: 45.5 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 34.9%, Psychological Horror 15.8%, Anime 14.5%, Horror 10.5%, Story Rich 10%
Why You'll Like It: Written by the same author as Iwaihime, this title offers a similarly complex mystery filled with supernatural elements and psychological tension.
- #3 CHAOS;CHILD
96% matchVery Positive93% of 4,074 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 80.8 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 31.7%, Anime 16.9%, Psychological Horror 16%, Horror 9.1%, Story Rich 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: This title delivers a gripping, dark mystery centered on psychological trauma and disturbing supernatural occurrences.
- #4 The Song of Saya
95% matchVery Positive89% of 10,117 reviews2019
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 63.6 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 27.3%, Psychological Horror 23.8%, Lovecraftian 20.3%, Anime 9.4%, Horror 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: This game provides a similarly disturbing and visceral psychological horror experience that challenges the player's perception of reality.
- #5 PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 7,183 reviews2023
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 8.8 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
How far would you go to bring someone back from the dead? Discover the depths that some will go to in this horror-adventure game.
Why similar: Supernatural 25.8%, Visual Novel 21.2%, Anime 15.5%, Hand-drawn 13%, Horror 11.7%
Why You'll Like It: A supernatural mystery that uses atmospheric storytelling and curse-based themes to build constant tension.
- #6 Corpse Party
94% matchVery Positive89% of 1,396 reviews2016
Dev: GrisGrisPub: XSEED Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 17.1 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 25%, Anime 23.1%, Psychological Horror 19.9%, Visual Novel 18.5%, Story Rich 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential school-based horror experience that mirrors the unsettling, curse-driven atmosphere of Iwaihime.
- #7 Kara no Shojo
93% matchVery Positive92% of 455 reviews2018
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 154.7 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 18.8%, Psychological Horror 16.2%, Anime 15.1%, Emotional 13.4%, Horror 10%
Why You'll Like It: This dark detective visual novel features a gritty, atmospheric tone and disturbing mystery elements similar to Iwaihime.
- #8 Return to Shironagasu Island
92% matchVery Positive94% of 4,204 reviews2020
Dev: ONIMUSHI HyogoPub: TABINOMICHI
Windows · Mac
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 31.8%, Anime 14.4%, Horror 14%, Psychological Horror 13.8%, Adventure 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: An adventure-focused visual novel that blends mystery, horror, and supernatural elements in an isolated setting.
- #9 Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 32,130 reviews2021
Dev: Team SalvatoPub: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 83.9 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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: Psychological Horror 35.5%, Visual Novel 31.6%, Anime 23.3%, Story Rich 6%, 2D 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: This title subverts the visual novel format to deliver a deeply unsettling psychological horror experience.
- #10 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
91% matchVery Positive91% of 615 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 46.1%, Anime 24.8%, Story Rich 9.1%, Adventure 6.2%, Thriller 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes psychological thriller that masterfully builds tension through its branching narrative and character-driven horror.
- #11 Bad Faith
91% matchVery Positive92% of 64 reviews2022
Dev: Mado
Windows · Mac · Linux
Sanctuaries. Secrets. Serious consequences. A solo-developed psychological horror/drama visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 16.6%, Psychological Horror 14.9%, Anime 13.5%, Emotional 11.6%, Horror 10%
Why You'll Like It: A focused psychological horror visual novel that leans into anime-style aesthetics to deliver a disturbing, character-driven story.
- #12 WORLD OF HORROR
89% matchVery Positive90% of 9,835 reviews2023
Dev: panstaszPub: Ysbryd Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Experience the quiet terror of this 1-bit love letter to Junji Ito and H.P. Lovecraft. Navigate a hellish roguelite reality with turn-based combat and unforgiving choices. Experiment with your deck of event cards to discover new forms of cosmic horror in every playthrough. The inevitable awaits...
Why similar: Lovecraftian 30.7%, Psychological Horror 21.7%, Horror 19.2%, Anime 13.3%, Atmospheric 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: A cosmic horror game that captures a similar sense of dread and supernatural mystery through its unique, hand-drawn aesthetic.
- #13 Urban Myth Dissolution Center
88% matchVery Positive88% of 6,230 reviews2025
Dev: HakababunkoPub: SHUEISHA GAMES
Windows
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 9.7 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 24.9%, Psychological Horror 20.4%, Supernatural 20.1%, Horror 9.6%, Anime 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: This game explores supernatural urban legends through a lens of mystery and psychological unease.
- #14 Nie No Hakoniwa - Dollhouse of Offerings
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 281 reviews2024
Dev: Chatte NoirePub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 95%
"Let us celebrate, the birth of this nightmare." A story about an urban legend surrounding a certain "Box", this is a Japanese-style, supernatural visual novel about madness, love and hate.
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.4%, Anime 23.2%, Horror 15.5%, Thriller 10.5%, Linear 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, gore-filled horror visual novel that shares the unsettling doll-themed imagery found in Iwaihime.
- #15 MAMIYA
87% matchVery Positive90% of 518 reviews2021
Dev: Kenkou LandPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
MAMIYA is a captivating, dark mystery visual novel in which a group of young men struggle against existential dread before the end of the world.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.8%, Psychological Horror 21.8%, Anime 12.2%, Emotional 11.5%, Horror 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A surreal and deeply psychological visual novel that explores themes of identity and trauma in a dark, atmospheric setting.
- #16 Geminism
86% matchVery Positive89% of 133 reviews2025
Dev: CRAFTWORKPub: Shiravune
Windows
Two pairs of twins war for love, life, and limb beneath the curtain of a dark Tokyo night. From the artisans at CRAFTWORK comes a visual novel lush with art, action, and mystery; a story of GEMINISM—deformity and divinity.
Why similar: Visual Novel 21.1%, Psychological Horror 18.7%, Anime 16%, Emotional 13.4%, Horror 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: A dark fantasy visual novel that utilizes psychological horror and anime aesthetics to create a haunting experience.
- #17 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,953 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 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 28.9%, Psychological Horror 19%, Anime 17.3%, Horror 14.1%, Story Rich 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: This chapter deepens the psychological horror and mystery elements that define the series' appeal.
- #18 GNOSIA
84% matchVery Positive94% of 5,092 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 27.8%, Psychological Horror 21.5%, Anime 21%, Story Rich 8.3%, Atmospheric 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A psychological mystery game that uses a time-loop mechanic to build paranoia and tension among its cast.
- #19 Banebush
83% matchVery Positive95% of 2,291 reviews2024
Dev: Hinterland Mood
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Banebush is a nonlinear and very red visual novel in the horror genre. Do you dare to step into a fairy tale if it turns out to be reality? 💀
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.2%, Psychological Horror 25%, Horror 18.5%, Atmospheric 9.7%, Story Rich 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric visual novel that focuses on psychological horror and a slow-burn, unsettling narrative.
- #20 Salthe
85% matchVery Positive84% of 223 reviews2020
Dev: SoireePub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A dark, dramatic medieval visual novel. On a stage at the boundary between life and death, an actress struggles through her hardest performance—directed by a jester, she relives her past for the the prize of resurrection...
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.8%, Psychological Horror 18.2%, Anime 17%, Supernatural 15.4%, Horror 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A mystery-heavy visual novel that incorporates psychological horror and medieval themes to create a unique, dark atmosphere.
- #21 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,373 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 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 27.8%, Anime 18.5%, Psychological Horror 13.8%, Horror 11.6%, Story Rich 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: A pivotal chapter that focuses on the psychological breakdown of its protagonist, mirroring the intensity of Iwaihime.
- #22 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,734 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 41.7%, Anime 24.7%, Story Rich 8.3%, Atmospheric 6.8%, Psychological 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: The quintessential Ryukishi07 horror mystery that established the tone and style found in Iwaihime.
- #23 Reaplaced
81% matchVery Positive91% of 56 reviews2023
Dev: Mystery Gamedev
Windows · Mac · Linux
A supernatural Halloween whodunnit. Solve a chilling locked-room mystery before the grim reaper reveals the answer!
Why similar: Psychological Horror 17.9%, Supernatural 17.5%, Visual Novel 16.3%, Anime 15.1%, Horror 12.5%
Why You'll Like It: A detective-focused psychological horror game that features a dark, atmospheric narrative and strong character work.
- #24 Experimentation
81% matchMostly Positive72% of 99 reviews2023
Dev: Faithy Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
A linear visual novel about five short stories, unrelated at first glance. Be prepared for mysticism, gloomy atmosphere and light psychological horror. Not recommended to play if you are experiencing depression or severe psychological state.
Why similar: Supernatural 22.6%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Psychological Horror 14%, Anime 9%, Horror 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, supernatural visual novel that explores psychological themes in a grounded yet disturbing way.
- #25 Seven Mysteries: The Last Page
82% matchMostly Positive75% of 63 reviews2018
Dev: Sang Hendrix
Windows
A story-driven psychological horror RPG about a group of friends who unintentionally become bound together after encountering 7 curses from a school.
Why similar: Supernatural 21.1%, Psychological Horror 20.9%, Visual Novel 16.9%, Anime 16%, Horror 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror adventure that relies on multiple endings and choices to heighten its dark, supernatural mystery.
- #26 Gore Screaming Show
79% matchVery Positive87% of 173 reviews2022
Dev: Black CycPub: JAST
Windows
A deeply unsettling visual novel following a boy who returns to his hometown expecting to find peace; however, it isn't long before his hopes are dashed by the monster known as Gore Screaming Show.
Why similar: Supernatural 19.9%, Visual Novel 13.1%, Psychological Horror 12.9%, Anime 10.7%, Emotional 10%
Why You'll Like It: A thriller-focused visual novel that leans heavily into supernatural horror and psychological tension.
- #27 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 765 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.6 hrsMean: 85.2 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 24.4%, Psychological Horror 20.6%, Anime 20.4%, Horror 14.3%, Adventure 8.6%
- #28 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 1,008 reviews2018
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 39.0 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 30.7%, Anime 19.6%, Psychological Horror 19.3%, Horror 15.1%, Story Rich 6.4%
- #29 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 967 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 20.8 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 27.3%, Psychological Horror 18.6%, Anime 18.2%, Horror 9.7%, Story Rich 6.6%
- #30 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,154 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 21.8 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 25.3%, Psychological Horror 21.2%, Anime 19.4%, Horror 15.8%, Adventure 6.4%
- #31 Graces: Posthumous Wish
76% matchVery Positive95% of 205 reviews2024
Dev: TomoToro
Windows
Aki is haunted by a curse. In search of salvation, she travels into the memories of a dead classmate, where she must witness three eerie mystical stories and figure out how to break the shackles of misfortune.
Why similar: Supernatural 24%, Visual Novel 16.5%, Psychological Horror 14.9%, Hand-drawn 9.3%, Thriller 6.1%
- #32 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
77% matchVery Positive95% of 867 reviews2020
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 19.3 hrsMean: 73.1 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 29.5%, Psychological Horror 24.8%, Horror 14%, Anime 12.3%, Adventure 8.8%
- #33 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Rei
76% matchVery Positive98% of 295 reviews2022
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 203.1 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 31.9%, Anime 16.6%, Emotional 12.4%, Adventure 8.7%, Psychological Horror 8.2%
- #34 PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse
73% matchVery Positive95% of 2,591 reviews2026
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 13.6 hrsMean: 15.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Will you survive the curse together this summer? A new supernatural mystery adventure begins, telling a bittersweet story of the passions of youth featuring new locations, new legends and a new cast of characters.
Why similar: Supernatural 29.8%, Visual Novel 23.8%, Horror 11.8%, Anime 10.3%, Adventure 8.4%
- #35 Perennial Dusk -Kinsenka-
75% matchVery Positive85% of 177 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 20%, Emotional 12.9%, Atmospheric 8.5%, Horror 8.1%
- #36 The Shell Part I: Inferno
75% matchVery Positive91% of 1,461 reviews2023
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 115.9 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 33.8%, Psychological Horror 25.9%, Anime 13.4%, Atmospheric 10.2%, Adventure 5.1%
- #37 Train of Afterlife
80% 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 40.4%, Anime 19%, Psychological Horror 9.6%, Adventure 9.3%, Surreal 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: An indie visual novel that uses a supernatural premise to explore deep psychological and emotional themes.
- #38 Curse or Love
73% matchVery Positive91% of 91 reviews2026
Dev: 小橘子糖_official
Windows
A Denpa Bishoujo Psychological Horror Curio: A Visual Novel ❦ Mild Horror, Mild Suspense, and a Hint of Whimsical Madness ❦ We Hope You Find Your Own "Happy Ending" Among Multiple Conclusions ❦ A Major Plot Twist, Perhaps? ❦ Glimpse a sliver of truth in the liminal space between life and death.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.7%, Psychological Horror 24.9%, Thriller 16%, Anime 15.3%, Emotional 10.9%
- #39 Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole
74% matchVery Positive93% of 2,708 reviews2017
Dev: KeroQPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 9.6 hrsMean: 175.4 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 31.9%, Psychological Horror 26.3%, Anime 14.3%, Horror 8.6%, Story Rich 7.1%
- #40 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,562 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24.7 hrsMean: 54.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 36.4%, Anime 15.4%, Horror 11.5%, Psychological Horror 10.4%, Story Rich 10.1%
- #41 Higurashi When They Cry Hou+
73% matchVery Positive86% of 196 reviews2023
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 34.9%, Anime 25.7%, Adventure 9.7%, Psychological Horror 9.6%, Horror 7%
- #42 Midnight Syndrome
72% matchVery Positive99% of 103 reviews2024
Dev: ナツミカン
Windows
A summer night consumes the girls... Exploration type horror ADV game
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.2%, Anime 17.8%, Horror 15.5%, Emotional 10.3%, Psychological Horror 10.3%
- #43 Befriended Curse
72% matchVery Positive94% of 299 reviews2024
Dev: Yellow Basement Games
Windows
Witches, curses, and fairy tales meet horror in this classic walking sim with an eerie atmosphere and well-paced jumpscares.
Why similar: Supernatural 34.8%, Psychological Horror 19.7%, Horror 14.4%, Thriller 13%, Atmospheric 9.1%
- #44 Hira Hira Hihiru
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 966 reviews2023
Dev: BA-KUPub: ANIPLEX.EXE
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 17.4 hrs≥1hr: 70%
"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 50.1%, Adventure 16.1%, Anime 13.7%, Atmospheric 9.5%, Story Rich 4.7%
- #45 Tiny Bunny
69% matchVery Positive83% of 30,504 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 28%, Psychological Horror 19.6%, Horror 15.7%, Atmospheric 10.2%, Story Rich 7.9%
- #46 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 8,439 reviews2023
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 66.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A tale told with vivid colors and rich sound in a classic TYPE-MOON visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.7%, Anime 22.3%, Emotional 15.2%, Adventure 6.4%, Story Rich 6.2%
- #47 Cooking Companions
71% matchVery Positive94% of 1,207 reviews2021
Dev: Deer Dream StudiosPub: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Unravel the mystery in this cute psychological horror VN, set deep in the woods of the Tatras Mountains. Will you wind up on the chopping block?
Why similar: Supernatural 20.6%, Mythology 16.9%, Visual Novel 14.2%, Psychological Horror 12.4%, Anime 11.6%
- #48 MINE MEMORY
70% matchVery Positive95% of 61 reviews2024
Dev: VAINSANE
Windows · Mac · Linux
Uncover the skeletons in Hana's closet in "MINE MEMORY," a gripping psychological visual novel. Dive into Hana's memories, shape her destiny, and confront haunting choices with deep consequences.
Why similar: Hand-drawn 19.6%, Surreal 18.9%, Visual Novel 12.2%, Psychological 10.9%, Story Rich 9.5%
- #49 Cross The Boundaries
69% matchVery Positive99% of 95 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 26.1%, Supernatural 21.1%, Anime 18.6%, Atmospheric 9.1%, Adventure 8.1%
- #50 The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
71% matchVery Positive86% of 1,527 reviews2017
Dev: Yangyang MobilePub: Neon Doctrine
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 11.0 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 36.1%, Horror 22.4%, Psychological Horror 16%, Anime 13.7%, Story Rich 5.7%
- #51 春はあけぼの、我はバケモノ。 - Spring at Dawn, I Am a Monster.
70% matchMixed66% of 56 reviews2026
Dev: CHARON
Windows
“You were only trying to do the right thing—so why is everything falling apart?” A Japanese language teacher’s choices to save three girls who have stopped attending school will change their fates. A psychological horror visual novel with 16 endings.
Why similar: Visual Novel 18.3%, Psychological Horror 16.3%, Anime 14.5%, Emotional 11.6%, Horror 11.1%
- #52 AI: The Somnium Files
68% matchVery Positive92% of 9,378 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 40.1%, Anime 29%, Story Rich 11.1%, Psychological Horror 7.4%, Adventure 7.1%
- #53 The NOexistenceN of you AND me
65% matchVery Positive93% of 21,931 reviews2024
Dev: 0x0Real StudioPub: Nino Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 18.2 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 32.1%, Psychological Horror 24.2%, Anime 18.3%, Surreal 9.1%, Story Rich 6.8%
- #54 回门 Way Back Home
70% matchMostly Positive72% of 522 reviews2021
Dev: 漫森游戏工作室
Windows
"Way back home" is a 2D horizontal board horror puzzle game. It takes the Republic of China period from 1905 to 1926 as the background of the times. With a large number of exquisite original paintings, rich playing methods, excellent music and dubbing, delicate script and narrative game style, it creates a strong historical...
Why similar: Supernatural 24.9%, Psychological Horror 14.4%, Horror 13.1%, Visual Novel 12.6%, Thriller 12.4%
- #55 Winion Virus
65% matchVery Positive95% of 1,061 reviews2024
Dev: Dawntown Studio
Windows · Mac
Winion Virus is a pixel-art visual novel horror game. It features adorable and charming graphics paired with a dark fairy-tale story full of unexpected twists. As a point-and-click adventure, your task is to fix the errors occurring within the computer.
Why similar: Visual Novel 27%, Psychological Horror 23.7%, Horror 18.7%, Emotional 13.3%, Story Rich 6%
- #56 Narcissu 1st & 2nd
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 5,421 reviews2015
Dev: stage-nanaPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 19.4 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 56.1%, Anime 30.3%, Emotional 6.7%, Story Rich 5.5%, Adventure 0.7%
- #57 Without a Dawn
65% matchVery Positive92% of 871 reviews2025
Dev: Jesse Makkonen
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Without a Dawn is a dark, psychological, and philosophical visual horror novel featuring hauntingly beautiful pseudo-ASCII art.
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.3%, Psychological Horror 21.2%, Emotional 15.6%, Horror 10.6%, Atmospheric 8.4%
- #58 It Paints Me
65% matchVery Positive97% of 277 reviews2024
Dev: ENDYSIS
Windows · Mac · Linux
Take the role of a painter struggling to finish his masterpiece in this short Gothic horror visual novel about art, pain and love.
Why similar: Supernatural 19.1%, Visual Novel 18.3%, Hand-drawn 10.7%, Psychological Horror 10.6%, Emotional 10.1%
- #59 MYTH - Steam Edition
69% matchVery Positive89% of 173 reviews2016
Dev: CircletempoPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
A world of shadows. A world of light. In the world of light where no shadows exist lived a boy - Meito Tanabe. One day, he met a girl who possessed a shadow - Shimon. She brings him to her world - a place filled with shadows.
Why similar: Visual Novel 49.4%, Horror 23.4%, Anime 17.5%, Adventure 9.7%
- #60 Hashihime of the Old Book Town
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 686 reviews2019
Dev: ADELTAPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Step into the shoes of an aspiring author during the Taisho era in this psychedelic BL murder-mystery visual novel. Travel back in time to try and save your friends while confronting your own character flaws. Will you retreat into your fantasies, or can you keep it together enough to rescue them?
Why similar: Visual Novel 21.3%, Anime 16.7%, Psychological Horror 15.2%, Emotional 13.7%, Surreal 12.4%
