- #1 My Summer Adventure: Memories of Another Life — Day 1
97% matchVery Positive92% of 52 reviews2023
Dev: AlkinoyPub: 101XP
Windows · Mac · Linux
A strange incident turns the life of an ordinary young man upside down when, having fallen asleep on a regular train commute, he wakes up in another country... in a body of a Japanese student! An unforgettable summer adventure awaits, promising many fateful meetings and momentous occasions.
Why similar: Text-Based 11.8%, Romance 10.8%, Emotional 9.3%, Psychological 9%, Visual Novel 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: As a direct continuation of the seed game, this provides the immediate next chapter in the protagonist's journey.
- #2 Summer Pockets
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 4,831 reviews2020
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 10.3 hrsMean: 138.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
From the creators of Angel Beats! and CLANNAD, Key, comes their latest emotional, award-winning journey. Follow protagonist Takahara Hairi as he travels to the secluded island Torishirojima, where he rediscovers what it means to enjoy summer vacation.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.3%, Emotional 22.3%, Anime 14.3%, Romance 12.8%, Story Rich 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive summer-themed visual novel that perfectly captures the nostalgic, emotional, and atmospheric tone of a life-changing season.
- #3 Shanghai Summer
96% matchVery Positive90% of 450 reviews2024
Dev: FUTU StudioPub: Astrolabe Games
Windows
Shanghai Summer is an adventure game set in the millennium. Our protagonist, Baichuan, goes through a series of "anomalies" over the length of twelve days. In his pursuit of the truth, he found that his hopes and regrets from the past finally seem to converge. Will he be able to "fix" it for good?
Why similar: Text-Based 15.3%, Romance 14.3%, Interactive Fiction 13.7%, Visual Novel 13.7%, Multiple Endings 13.3%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers a poignant, anime-styled narrative that focuses on the emotional weight of summer memories and personal growth.
- #4 CLANNAD
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,614 reviews2015
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 106.2 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 23.9%, Romance 19.6%, Anime 15.9%, Multiple Endings 8.6%, Story Rich 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: A masterpiece of emotional storytelling that explores deep character relationships and the bittersweet nature of life and growth.
- #5 If My Heart Had Wings
94% matchVery Positive92% of 4,617 reviews2014
Dev: MoeNovel
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 46.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
An animated visual novel of a lovely and bittersweet tale of youth, you play as Aoi Minase in this romantic-comedy as he meets various young girls in his hometown and works together with them to revive their school’s glider-flying “Soaring Club” in order to realize their shared dream of flight.
Why similar: Romance 21.2%, Visual Novel 16.2%, Anime 12.5%, Choices Matter 12.2%, Funny 10%
Why You'll Like It: Set against a beautiful summer backdrop, this story focuses on romance and the pursuit of dreams, mirroring the heartfelt journey of the seed game.
- #6 Until Then
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 16,524 reviews2024
Dev: Polychroma GamesPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows · Linux
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 11.2 hrs≥1hr: 78%
A fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction, upending Mark's life. People disappear and memories prove unreliable. Uncover a hidden truth with Mark and his friends in this narrative adventure and race to unravel the mystery before it's too late.
Why similar: Emotional 21.2%, Visual Novel 17.9%, Psychological 16.2%, Interactive Fiction 16%, Romance 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional interactive fiction title that explores themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time through a beautiful, narrative-heavy lens.
- #7 LOOPERS
94% matchVery Positive87% of 1,041 reviews2023
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Tyler is a high schooler on a mission. He's going to use every minute of summer vacation to go on as many GPS-assisted scavenger hunts as possible. After running into some old friends during one of these hunts, strange things start happening: The day resets and today plays out exactly like yesterday
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.4%, Anime 15.6%, Romance 13.8%, Emotional 12%, Simulation 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: Featuring a compelling time-loop narrative, this visual novel balances emotional drama with a unique, high-stakes premise similar to the seed game's body-swap incident.
- #8 Katawa Shoujo
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 5,524 reviews2024
Dev: Four Leaf Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Katawa Shoujo is a romantic visual novel set in the fictional Japanese Yamaku High School for disabled children. Hisao's congenital heart defect forces him to move to a new school. Despite his difficulties, Hisao is able to find friends—and perhaps love, if he plays his cards right.
Why similar: Narrative 14.7% ★, Romance 11.8%, Text-Based 11.3%, Visual Novel 10.5%, Psychological 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: A classic in the visual novel genre, it excels at building deep, meaningful romantic connections through a poignant and emotional script.
- #9 Summer Meetings
92% matchVery Positive92% of 59 reviews2019
Dev: Mikołaj Spychał
Windows · Mac · Linux
We meet many people in our lives. Relationships with them are different and can be changed.
Why similar: Visual Novel 14.4%, Interactive Fiction 12.6%, Romance 12.1%, Anime 12%, Multiple Endings 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: This title leans into the summer romance theme, offering a lighthearted yet engaging dating-sim experience.
- #10 Sisters: Last Day of Summer
91% matchVery Positive85% of 416 reviews2024
Dev: JellyfishPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 17.6 hrs≥1hr: 93%
A fully-animated visual novel about a boy who wakes up in an unknown house with two beautiful sisters, their mother, and an unspoken truth.
Why similar: Romance 19.4%, Emotional 15.7%, Visual Novel 15.3%, Interactive Fiction 13.4%, Anime 13%
Why You'll Like It: A story-rich visual novel that captures the fleeting, emotional nature of summer relationships.
- #11 Kakenuke★Forward to Our Sparking Youth!
90% matchVery Positive95% of 471 reviews2024
Dev: SAGA PLANETSPub: NekoNyan Ltd.
Windows
Median: 13.3 hrsMean: 67.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
What does "youth" mean to you? Is it a time in your life meant for having fun? For devoting yourself to a cause? For Yuu Tono, it's meant earning money and studying to build a brighter future for him and his family. But maybe the new (or maybe old?) friend who's come into his life will change that.
Why similar: Romance 20.1%, Visual Novel 18.2%, Emotional 9.9%, Anime 9.6%, Funny 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A cute and engaging romance visual novel that focuses on the excitement of youth and new beginnings.
- #12 Once Again
89% matchVery Positive91% of 1,019 reviews2022
Dev: RB Wolf DesignPub: RB Wolf Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 68.3 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Make up for lost time with Once Again, If you could travel through time, who’s the first person you’d meet? An interactive story about a boy who spends his summers wandering between past and present... After meeting her, summer will never be the same again...Who is she, and what journey awaits you?
Why similar: Narrative 27.5% ★, Emotional 20.1%, Visual Novel 18.1%, Story Rich 8.7%, Interactive Fiction 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: This indie title uses a unique, colorful art style to tell an emotional story about time, memory, and moving forward.
- #13 Trinoline All Ages Version
89% matchVery Positive89% of 156 reviews2019
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 26.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
When tragedy sparks the advancement of science, a sentient android is created. Now, in this heart-wrenching, romantic, and beautiful visual novel, you will explore whether or not it's possible for man and machine to truly love each other.
Why similar: Emotional 14.2%, Romance 13.4%, Visual Novel 12.2%, Text-Based 11.7%, Anime 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers a strong, character-driven story filled with emotional highs and lows, much like the drama found in the seed game.
- #14 Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll
88% matchMostly Positive79% of 7,128 reviews2022
Dev: Soviet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.5 hrsMean: 36.4 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll: the romanticism of the Eighties, mystery and intrigues, betrayal and sacrifice, hatred and passion — all this and more in the new game from the creators of the legendary visual novel Everlasting Summer!
Why similar: Romance 15.3%, Visual Novel 13.6%, Interactive Fiction 12%, Multiple Endings 10.6%, Anime 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers a highly atmospheric 1980s setting with multiple endings and deep character interactions that mirror the seed game's structure.
- #15 Aeon on Mosaic: Anemone 时间碎片：奇迹
87% matchVery Positive93% of 87 reviews2020
Dev: Fantasia Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Five stories, a life. In an accident, the man named "Miracle" met the girl he hit, and the trajectory of his life has changed since then. Ten years, in the scattered fragments of time, witness together his precious memories.
Why similar: Romance 24.5%, Visual Novel 22.6%, Anime 14.1%, Emotional 12.4%, Multiple Endings 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: It combines mystery and romance in a visual novel format, providing a narrative-driven experience with multiple paths.
- #16 My Klutzy Cupid
86% matchVery Positive90% of 68 reviews2023
Dev: HulottePub: NekoNyan Ltd.
Windows
In the midst of leading an ordinary life, I began to feel the urge to find myself a girlfriend. Yet somehow, I couldn't bring myself to take the first step. But one day... "What's this...?" A single notebook had fallen right in front of me. "Hey, you! Yes, you! Why aren't you picking it up?"
Why similar: Romance 18.4%, Visual Novel 17.6%, Emotional 9.9%, Comedy 8.3%, Multiple Endings 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted and comedic romance that provides a refreshing change of pace while maintaining the visual novel format.
- #17 STEINS;GATE
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 25,836 reviews2016
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 66.9 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, STEINS;GATE was awarded Famitsu magazine's coveted annual Game of Excellence award and was voted one of the most emotionally charged “tear-inducing games” ever made, in a Famitsu poll. It is a gripping and moving Visual Novel, which has already spawned manga and anime adaptations.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.4%, Anime 19%, Multiple Endings 13.6%, Story Rich 12.1%, Romance 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: While more sci-fi focused, its narrative-heavy structure and themes of changing one's life through a sudden, strange incident resonate with the seed game's premise.
- #18 Young Hearts
84% matchVery Positive91% of 94 reviews2024
Dev: Sky SeekersPub: Evening Studio
Windows
‘Young Hearts’ is a visual novel in the genres of romance and slice of life, telling stories about the everyday life of a student company living in a warm southern town: stories about their secrets, dreams, love, their problems and ghosts of the past…
Why similar: Romance 19%, Visual Novel 14.6%, Multiple Endings 11.3%, Anime 11%, Choices Matter 9%
Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric and visually distinct romance game that captures the feeling of a youthful summer adventure.
- #19 Re:Fragment ~Absolute Ambition~
84% matchVery Positive94% of 119 reviews2025
Dev: AstralSeal
Windows · Mac · Linux
We all dream of a bright future ahead, but life doesn't always turn out how we expect. Yuuma, the protagonist, lives a peaceful life until the student council president proposes a new controversial policy that changes everything they once knew forever.
Why similar: Visual Novel 17.6%, Romance 15.7%, Multiple Endings 12.8%, Anime 11.4%, Choices Matter 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: This title features a strong emphasis on player choices and multiple endings, allowing for a personalized narrative experience.
- #20 Princess Evangile All Ages Version
86% matchVery Positive90% of 235 reviews2015
Dev: MOONSTONEPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 65.5 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: Romance 14.9%, Visual Novel 9.9%, Anime 9.1%, Text-Based 9.1%, Emotional 9%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential romance-focused visual novel that provides a polished and charming experience for fans of the genre.
- #21 The 257th Element
83% matchVery Positive95% of 56 reviews2024
Dev: REAL co.Ltd
Windows · Linux
In 2032, Tokyo scientists unveil Araraginium, the 257th element, capable of materializing matter and bringing back the deceased as Araragi Humans. Masakazu Tokimune, a Japanese high school student, grapples with daily life's blend of humor, intrigue, and love.
Why similar: Text-Based 19.1%, Visual Novel 18.3%, Anime 14.2%, Emotional 9.6%, Comedy 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: A comedy-focused visual novel that provides a fun, anime-inspired narrative experience.
- #22 Waning Flowers of a World Eternal - The Rainbow Appears After Flowering Rain
79% matchVery Positive98% of 282 reviews2025
Dev: SWEET&TEAPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 27.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Is one life worth the price of another? A bittersweet visual novel about life and death, trust and bonds, and promises made. Brought to you by popular Japanese bishojo game developer SWEET&TEA. Winner of the Moe Game Awards 2016's "New Brand Award"!
Why similar: Emotional 17.7%, Romance 16.5%, Visual Novel 15%, Anime 12.2%, Interactive Fiction 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, conversation-heavy visual novel that emphasizes emotional connection and atmosphere.
- #23 Memories: Millennium Girl
81% matchMixed69% of 96 reviews2024
Dev: V Sisters
Windows
Welcome to the heartwarming world of Memories: Millennium Girl! Join your sister's journey through 8 unforgettable years, forming bonds with 25 adorable NPCs. With 50+ unique endings awaiting your choices, create a cute and captivating tale filled with connections, joy, and cherished memories
Why similar: Text-Based 29.6%, Anime 26.2%, Cute 13.6%, Simulation 12.1%, Story Rich 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: A life-simulation visual novel that focuses on building relationships and exploring different life paths.
- #24 Ascendant Hearts
82% matchVery Positive88% of 122 reviews2018
Dev: Visualnoveler
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
A visual novel where you wake up in a strange new world before going on a real-life RPG adventure with three wacky party members.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.4%, Anime 26.7%, Romance 16.6%, Adventure 12.9%, Indie 8%
Why You'll Like It: An adventure-focused visual novel that blends romance with a lighthearted, anime-inspired journey.
- #25 Everlasting Summer
79% matchVery Positive94% of 77,532 reviews2014
Dev: Soviet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 58.7 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.3%, Anime 16.9%, Romance 16.7%, Choices Matter 12.1%, Story Rich 10.7%
- #26 Memory Note
81% matchVery Positive95% of 75 reviews2020
Dev: CupcakeTime TeamPub: Phoenix_co
Windows · Mac · Linux
Memory note is a slice-of-life visual novel with meaningful player choices, several endings to explore, and a story that will touch your heart.
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.6%, Adventure 18%, Cute 15.4%, Indie 13.9%, Atmospheric 13.2%
Why You'll Like It: A charming indie visual novel that pairs a great soundtrack with an emotional, narrative-driven experience.
- #27 Sand Castle
80% matchVery Positive94% of 99 reviews2022
Dev: Alice NowakPub: Unusual Meaning
Windows · Mac · Linux
A date on the beach, small talk, a little bit of nostalgia and an important decision. All of that taking place to the accompaniment of the summer breeze.
Why similar: Romance 16.4%, Emotional 15.2%, Visual Novel 12.8%, Interactive Fiction 11.5%, Anime 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: A drama-heavy visual novel that explores complex relationships and personal growth in a summer setting.
- #28 Summer Memories
77% matchVery Positive93% of 24,464 reviews2020
Dev: Dojin OtomePub: Kagura Games
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 25.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
It's summer break, and it's been years since you've last seen your aunt and cousins in the countryside! You don't know what to expect, but what could go wrong? Find out in Summer Memories!
Why similar: Anime 24.9%, Visual Novel 22.4%, Multiple Endings 20%, Funny 12.8%, Simulation 8.7%
- #29 My Camp of Memories: Episode 1
78% matchVery Positive90% of 99 reviews2023
Dev: Daniil Tarasau
Windows · Mac
Visual novel in the genre of romance and adventure. You are eighteen years old, and you have just entered the last stage of education. However, strange fragments of memories, notes and a series of events say that it will not work out to study calmly. The path you take is entirely in your hands.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.1%, Romance 24.4%, Anime 21%, Cute 12.8%, Adventure 8%
- #30 My Sweet Summer
76% matchVery Positive89% of 70 reviews2025
Dev: W-I-WPub: Bow Studio
Windows · Mac
A romantic visual novel with interactive elements. Flirt, choose, and pour your charm into short but intense stories. Take control of the situation, meet new characters, and play through mini-games where every decision can change the course of the night.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31%, Simulation 18.2%, Text-Based 18.2%, Anime 15.2%, Atmospheric 6.8%
- #31 Café Stella and the Reaper's Butterflies
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 6,655 reviews2022
Dev: YUZUSOFTPub: NekoNyan Ltd.
Windows
Median: 19.1 hrsMean: 179.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Takamine Kousei was living a carefree college life until, one day, he tragically died in an accident. But then, the bizarre happened: Takamine Kousei opened his eyes again. And what's more, when he woke up, it was the morning of the very day, he had died.
Why similar: Romance 21.6%, Visual Novel 19.5%, Multiple Endings 11.3%, Choices Matter 10.8%, Anime 8.4%
- #32 Otaku's Adventure
75% matchVery Positive95% of 8,937 reviews2019
Dev: Spacelight Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 12.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
"Otaku's Adventure" is a different kind of AVG.The story tells of an Otaku who has been single for many years and thirst for love. While he inadvertently embarks on a fantastic journey, he eventually wins girls' love. The game combines storytelling with alternative TAKAGISM, and mini-games.
Why similar: Multiple Endings 15.9%, Visual Novel 14.6%, Funny 14.1%, Romance 10.7%, Anime 9.9%
- #33 My New Memories
76% matchVery Positive82% of 462 reviews2021
Dev: Killer7
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 18.0 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Memories...One of the most important things in our lives. But what happens if you forget who you are? If you don't remember anything? Then you can only hope that the people that do know who you are help you out...This is your journey...On your way to finding new memories...
Why similar: Romance 24.3%, Visual Novel 19.5%, Interactive Fiction 15.7%, Choices Matter 13%, Story Rich 9.9%
- #34 Amairo Chocolate 3
73% matchVery Positive100% of 93 reviews2025
Dev: Cabbage SoftPub: Sekai Project
Windows
It's been about one year since a young man came to Yunagicho. And in this town, he's met quite a few people. This is the story of his loving relationships with the wonderful women he has met. Let's do our best today, with both our familiar friends, and our new ones, too! ♪
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 15.5%, Text-Based 14%, Visual Novel 12.5%, Emotional 10.8%, Anime 9.7%
- #35 LOVEJUICED! -Hi Neighbor, meet Gamer.-
74% matchVery Positive88% of 59 reviews2026
Dev: Atelier KAGUYAPub: Shiravune
Windows
Keita’s summer kicks off with a random game chat—just anonymous “bros” trading jokes and awkward confessions. But when he learns his whole party is actually a group of girls living next door, things spiral fast in a season of neighborly chaos, college camaraderie, and maybe... something more.
Why similar: Visual Novel 17.7%, Romance 16.7%, Text-Based 12.6%, Anime 10.1%, Emotional 9.7%
- #36 Highschool Possession
78% matchMixed68% of 179 reviews2015
Dev: Dharker Studios
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 24%
A visual novel game following a young man who wakes up in the body of another student... Learning his friends may not be living the perfect lives he thought they were.
Why similar: Visual Novel 45.6%, Anime 28.8%, Adventure 14.4%, Indie 11.3%
- #37 Jake's Love Story
77% matchVery Positive81% of 146 reviews2017
Dev: Mikołaj Spychał
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Everyday life comedy, where your choices matter.
Why similar: Romance 18.8%, Visual Novel 15.6%, Anime 13.1%, Multiple Endings 10%, Funny 9%
- #38 NYO-NIN-JIMA -My New Life in Charge of a Tropical Island-
74% matchVery Positive88% of 112 reviews2024
Dev: PacoPaco SoftPub: Shiravune
Windows
Japanese romance-adventure VN from hit developer PacoPaco Soft! Stepping ashore a remote southern island, the protagonist’s battered spirits are soothed by the lovely Kowakame family that takes him in. However, many more unexpected surprises await him on the island...
Why similar: Romance 17.2%, Visual Novel 13.5%, Text-Based 13.2%, Anime 12.1%, Cute 8%
- #39 Vampires' Melody
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 5,701 reviews2020
Dev: AsicxArt
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 35.9 hrs≥1hr: 88%
3 centuries have passed after sleeping for one night!? On a rainy night filled with thunderstorms, a young chef Raylan encountered a mysterious girl who resembled Sleeping Beauty in a huge tree hole, but everything suddenly went black before he could find out what happened...
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 21.6%, Visual Novel 19.9%, Multiple Endings 14.4%, Anime 13.7%, Romance 12.1%
- #40 Growing Up
72% matchVery Positive88% of 3,623 reviews2021
Dev: Vile Monarch
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 91%
This is the story of your life. Experience the entire journey from toddler to adulthood. Go to schools, learn new things, meet new friends, and have wild adventures! Every choice you make will influence your future career, and decide who your romantic partner will be. Who will you become?
Why similar: Emotional 23.3%, Choices Matter 16.4%, Visual Novel 14.7%, Multiple Endings 14.3%, Story Rich 10.1%
- #41 The Picture of Café au lait
73% matchVery Positive92% of 78 reviews2023
Dev: AstralSeal
Windows
The picture of café au lait is a visual novel game that makes the players feel immersed in story and character. They will experience the story in the game through the first-person perspective of the main character in the story named "Takagi".
Why similar: Visual Novel 20.5%, Romance 18.6%, Anime 13.5%, Interactive Fiction 12.2%, Comedy 6.5%
- #42 Mr. Saitou
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 502 reviews2023
Dev: Laura Shigihara
Windows · Mac · Linux
A short game about an average white-collar worker who struggles to find meaning in a life full of constant overtime and isolation. After an accident lands him in the hospital, Mr. Saitou is spirited away to a strange fantasy world where an unexpected friend takes him on a life-changing adventure.
Why similar: Emotional 27.1%, Anime 16.7%, Funny 14.4%, Story Rich 12.6%, Cute 9.5%
- #43 start;again
72% matchVery Positive95% of 182 reviews2022
Dev: Two and a Half Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
A BL/yaoi mystery visual novel that follows a man named Sebastian as he’s forced into a game of life-or-death, alongside three strangers. Who put him there, and more importantly… who can he trust?
Why similar: Romance 18.9%, Visual Novel 16.3%, Anime 12.5%, Multiple Endings 11.8%, Text-Based 11.7%
- #44 Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE
69% matchVery Positive89% of 1,069 reviews2025
Dev: VISUAL ARTS/KeyPub: VISUAL ARTS
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 125.1 hrs≥1hr: 64%
No matter how much times passes... I remember that blue, blue summer. Summer Pockets, the midsummer story brought to you by Key, has been powered-up with even more to play, including new heroines and routes, in Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE, now available on Steam!
Why similar: Emotional 19.6%, Visual Novel 17.9%, Multiple Endings 14.5%, Anime 10.9%, Choices Matter 8.6%
- #45 The Last Summer 那年夏末
70% matchVery Positive91% of 120 reviews2024
Dev: Seven Tales StudioPub: WindField Games
Windows
这是一个关于遗憾与成长的故事。男生的思绪不断回到17岁的夏天，在一次次回忆与抉择中徘徊，是去尝试弥补遗憾？还是在释然间体会成长的意义?回忆中的她会在那等我吗？
Why similar: Emotional 22.2%, Visual Novel 16.2%, Interactive Fiction 16%, Choices Matter 9.8%, Multiple Endings 9.2%
- #46 Memories Off Sousou ~Not always true~
70% matchMostly Positive73% of 121 reviews2025
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
かけがえのない想いを見つけた、その先に――
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 23.8%, Visual Novel 20.1%, Emotional 12.6%, Anime 11.7%, Multiple Endings 8.6%
- #47 그 어느 여름날의 이야기
71% matchVery Positive86% of 64 reviews2020
Dev: 유진게임즈
Windows
This world's most beautiful girl, visual noble. His fate is determined by his choice.
Why similar: Visual Novel 27%, Anime 18%, Multiple Endings 15.8%, Simulation 15.6%, Cute 7.4%
- #48 AMNESIA
70% matchMixed67% of 1,064 reviews2022
Dev: Super Alex
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 12.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
After a series of events now shrouded in mystery, our protagonist - a young man - fell into a coma, losing all recollection of the person he used to be. He is given a clean slate. All that’s left to do now is to carefully and thoroughly investigate every facet of your former self.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.2%, Romance 20.8%, Choices Matter 16%, Funny 9.7%, Story Rich 9.3%
- #49 Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid
66% matchVery Positive98% of 170 reviews2024
Dev: TOYBOX Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 76%
A circus troupe comes to Yomogi Town, a rural town in Japan situated between mountains and the ocean. As the son of the circus ringmaster, enjoy a special summer filled with wholesome adventures!
Why similar: Adventure 27.6%, Cute 25.1%, Atmospheric 16.8%, Colorful 15.2%, Story Rich 12.2%
- #50 Tamayura Mirai
67% matchVery Positive94% of 206 reviews2023
Dev: AzuritePub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 7.6 hrsMean: 43.1 hrs≥1hr: 72%
There is a girl, searching for something she lost... Tamayura Mirai is a midsummer fantasy visual novel of humans, spirits, and sorcerers that's won several industry awards in Japan.
Why similar: Romance 14.9%, Emotional 13.8%, Visual Novel 12.8%, Anime 10.6%, Multiple Endings 9.5%
- #51 Sumire
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 932 reviews2021
Dev: GameTomo TeamPub: GameTomo Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
One Day, One Life. Sumire is a magical narrative adventure about choices made, and dreams lost and found. Embark on a mysterious journey to help Sumire achieve her deepest wishes, before the day ends and the sky turns to twilight.
Why similar: Narrative 27.2% ★, Interactive Fiction 17.2%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Choices Matter 10.8%, Anime 10.3%
- #52 Our Life: Beginnings & Always
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 13,479 reviews2020
Dev: GB Patch Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 25.6 hrs≥1hr: 56%
A twenty-dollar bill, four summers, fifteen years, and a one of a kind life. Create an experience that’s all your own in this near-fully customizable visual novel where you grow from childhood to adulthood with the lonely boy next door.
Why similar: Romance 27.4%, Visual Novel 22.2%, Choices Matter 12.7%, Interactive Fiction 12.2%, Multiple Endings 10%
- #53 Transformative Summer: Life with a TS Companion
66% matchVery Positive88% of 321 reviews2024
Dev: 88DanukiPub: HENTAI Plan
Windows
During the university summer break, I was wondering how to spend my time with no particular plans when my roommate Akira becomes a girl due to TS syndrome! If she climaxes 100 times within 30 days of TS syndrome, her gender will become fixed!? A debauched summer life with a sudden girl begins...
Why similar: Simulation 22.2%, Romance 19.3%, Visual Novel 18.2%, Anime 16.8%, Choices Matter 11.2%
- #54 Himawari - The Sunflower -
69% matchVery Positive91% of 207 reviews2016
Dev: blank-note & FrontwingPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 85.6 hrs≥1hr: 86%
What begins as a slice-of-life romantic comedy will prove to be a sci-fi tale full of character drama, mysteries, and tragedy. This coming-of-age visual novel is a story about life, mistakes, pursuing your dreams, and finding your place in the universe.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.7%, Anime 19.1%, Comedy 11.4%, Story Rich 11.4%, Cute 10.6%
- #55 ef - the first tale. (All Ages)
67% matchVery Positive95% of 191 reviews2019
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 279.5 hrs≥1hr: 69%
What starts with a conversation between two long lost friends spills out into a captivating visual novel about four youths struggling to pursue their dreams and find their place in the world as love complicates everything.
Why similar: Emotional 16.6%, Romance 16.2%, Visual Novel 13.8%, Text-Based 9%, Anime 8.3%
- #56 夏日事件簿 Summer Fantasy
65% matchVery Positive94% of 50 reviews2025
Dev: Summer Fantasy
Windows
It is a story of going forward together with childhood sweetheart monsters and saving each other, accompanying each other to experience those sparkling youthful times that are both troublesome and joyful. There is unparalleled passion and warmth in the daily life of fighting and teasing each other.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30%, Anime 21.5%, Interactive Fiction 17.5%, Story Rich 12%, Adventure 8.4%
- #57 Summer Crush
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 516 reviews2022
Dev: Wet n' Juicy Games
Windows
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 14.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Summer Crush is a visual novel for adults where the plot develops from the decisions you make. Play as a young man who has already planned out his boring adult life, and is now waiting for summer to end. What could possibly go wrong?
Why similar: Romance 27.8%, Visual Novel 24.7%, Multiple Endings 14.8%, Story Rich 10.1%, Choices Matter 7.5%
- #58 Trajectory of summer flower
68% matchMostly Positive77% of 337 reviews2017
Dev: SoraPrayer
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 16.8 hrs≥1hr: 95%
"let's make a promise... When I grow up, I'll find you." By complete chance, these two childhood friends meet again after 10 years apart, but this time, will he be able to hold on to her? Or, will he lose here again forever? A love story about a summer trip in the countryside.
Why similar: Visual Novel 54.1%, Anime 33%, Adventure 12.9%
