- #1 Amnesia™: Memories
97% matchVery Positive92% of 4,125 reviews2015
Dev: Idea FactoryPub: Idea Factory International
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 9.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
You awaken to find your memories gone. To learn the truth behind your amnesia, you’ll choose from five romantic paths, each its own world. With 20+ endings, can you write the lasting love story you deserve, or will your love and life come to an end?
Why similar: Otome 43.8% ★, Visual Novel 11.7%, Dating Sim 10.8%, Female Protagonist 8.8%, Romance 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential mystery-focused otome that shares the same blend of romance and psychological suspense found in Nicole.
- #2 Psychedelica of the Black Butterfly
96% matchVery Positive86% of 887 reviews2018
Dev: IDEA FACTORYPub: Intragames
Windows
Median: 9.9 hrsMean: 15.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Awakening in a mysterious mansion, her first, frantic thoughts are: 'Where am I? And more importantly, WHO am I?'
Why similar: Otome 64.4% ★, Visual Novel 12.6%, Female Protagonist 10.1%, Romance 5.5%, Mystery 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: This title masterfully combines a dark, mysterious narrative with otome elements and a strong female protagonist.
- #3 Folie Fatale
95% matchVery Positive86% of 2,482 reviews2024
Dev: Kanmidoko (神海処)Pub: 346lab Localization
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
All capture targets are mentally "Jirai"(landmine)!? Meet these eccentric boys, reveal the truth beneath in this Psycho-love-horror VN!
Why similar: Otome 30.4% ★, Dating Sim 9.8%, Female Protagonist 9.7%, Visual Novel 9%, Thriller 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, psychological otome that captures the unsettling atmosphere of a mystery-driven visual novel.
- #4 Pinewood Island
96% matchVery Positive84% of 55 reviews2017
Dev: Jaime Scribbles Games
Windows · Mac
Find love, solve a murder, and prevent more death in this murder-mystery horror otome | visual novel.
Why similar: Otome 26.5% ★, Dating Sim 9.7%, Investigation 8.1%, Visual Novel 7.2%, Female Protagonist 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: Shares the specific 'mystery at a secluded location' trope combined with otome romance mechanics.
- #5 7'scarlet
94% matchMostly Positive75% of 854 reviews2019
Dev: IDEA FACTORYPub: Intragames
Windows
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 15.0 hrs≥1hr: 76%
The remote town of Okunezato is shaped like a crescent moon and shrouded in dark myths and legends. Take on the role of a brave young woman journeying into the unknown to uncover dangerous truths and locate her missing brother with her childhood friend.
Why similar: Otome 37% ★, Dating Sim 12.2%, Visual Novel 10.4%, Female Protagonist 9.3%, Romance 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: Features a compelling mystery set in a remote town that mirrors the investigative focus of Nicole's campus disappearances.
- #6 X-note
94% matchMixed51% of 253 reviews2015
Dev: Zeiva Inc
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 97%
X-note is a blend between Visual Novel and Dating Sim. Follow the story of Essi as she pursues the truth of her mother's death.
Why similar: Otome 36.6% ★, Visual Novel 17.2%, Female Protagonist 9.6%, Anime 7.8%, Dating Sim 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: Blends supernatural mystery with school life and otome romance, making it a direct thematic sibling to Nicole.
- #7 Dark Nights
93% matchVery Positive92% of 407 reviews2022
Dev: Pinlin
Windows · Mac · Linux
Nothing is as it seems.
Why similar: Otome 34% ★, Dating Sim 10.3%, Visual Novel 9.8%, Mystery 8.1%, Romance 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on a dark, mystery-laden narrative within an otome framework that fans of Nicole will appreciate.
- #8 Midnight Witch
92% matchVery Positive93% of 345 reviews2023
Dev: Crimson Moon Studio
Windows
Your average student life quickly descents into horror as a mysterious witch takes over the college... Can you save the girl you love? Or even make it out alive?
Why similar: Dating Sim 15.8%, Visual Novel 13.3%, Psychological Horror 11.3%, Thriller 10%, Anime 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: Combines dating simulation with psychological horror and anime aesthetics in a way that feels very similar to Nicole.
- #9 Doki Doki Literature Club!
90% 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: Psychological Horror 21.2%, Dating Sim 20.9%, Visual Novel 20%, Anime 13.7%, Romance 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A subversion of the school-based dating sim that leans heavily into the psychological horror elements hinted at in Nicole.
- #10 The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
91% 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 25.2%, Horror 14.1%, Choices Matter 11.7%, Psychological Horror 10.3%, Mystery 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a more intense horror experience while maintaining the branching narrative and mystery elements seen in Nicole.
- #11 Roommates
91% matchMostly Positive71% of 231 reviews2014
Dev: Winter Wolves
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 60%
Join Max or Anne in Latin House for their first college year! They'll juggle classes, jobs, and social life with four dorm mates, potentially sparking some extracurricular fun. As Anne you can romance Max, Isabella, Dominic and Rakesh. As Max, romance Anne, Isabella, Sally and Rakesh.
Why similar: Otome 25.6% ★, Dating Sim 17.1%, Visual Novel 12.9%, Romance 8.6%, Female Protagonist 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the college life aspect of Nicole, offering a lighthearted but engaging dating simulation experience.
- #12 Always Remember Me
89% matchMixed60% of 270 reviews2014
Dev: Winter Wolves
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Amy is desperate! Her boyfriend Aaron doesn't remember her anymore after a car accident! Will you be able to make him remember again? Or perhaps it's time to move on. Maybe Amy will fall in love with someone else? It's up to you to decide. Play this life simulation game with dating sim elements and shape Amy's destiny.
Why similar: Otome 31.8% ★, Dating Sim 13.4%, Visual Novel 12.2%, Female Protagonist 8.6%, Anime 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: Another title from the same developer that excels at the stat-management and dating sim mechanics found in Nicole.
- #13 Date Warp
89% matchVery Positive89% of 178 reviews2014
Dev: Hanako Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Five days ago, Janet left her dorm to go on a date - and never came back. Was she kidnapped? Murdered? The truth may be even stranger. Solve puzzles to connect together pieces of the story in a science-fiction adventure with eleven possible endings!
Why similar: Otome 27.5% ★, Visual Novel 12.1%, Dating Sim 9.9%, Female Protagonist 9.8%, Mystery 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A unique mystery visual novel that shares the female-protagonist focus and investigative gameplay.
- #14 Particles of Reality
87% matchVery Positive91% of 55 reviews2023
Dev: Arewar Games
Windows · Mac
You are a troubled college student trying to live a normal life surrounded by some... complicated men. Although unaware, you are causing the destruction of reality. Will the Guardians kill you to protect the universe? Can you find your happily ever after... How many times will you die trying?
Why similar: Otome 36.4% ★, Dating Sim 11.7%, Visual Novel 10.6%, Psychological Horror 8.2%, Female Protagonist 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, choice-heavy visual novel that leans into the psychological aspects of the genre.
- #15 SoulSet
88% matchVery Positive90% of 161 reviews2017
Dev: NoBreadStudio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
SoulSet is a mystery/romance visual novel, in which you can try to avoid death and pursue a relationship with both male and female characters. You play as Mariko, who finds herself trapped in an eerie mansion with five other people who claim to have no recollection of their past. Who will you trust?
Why similar: Otome 25% ★, Visual Novel 16.5%, Female Protagonist 11.2%, Dating Sim 10.5%, Mystery 7%
Why You'll Like It: A mystery-heavy visual novel that requires careful decision-making to uncover the truth behind the plot.
- #16 Degraman: Act I. Vincent
86% matchVery Positive84% of 190 reviews2021
Dev: NamNorm
Windows · Mac · Linux
An otome visual novel - play a powerless victim of a terrifying, unfair world. 200+ choices, 50+ endings, 20+ hours of play - and only one way to escape.
Why similar: Otome 31.2% ★, Thriller 10.3%, Visual Novel 9.4%, Female Protagonist 7.9%, Multiple Endings 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: A thriller-focused otome that provides a darker, more mature take on the genre.
- #17 Demonheart: The Cursed Trial
85% matchVery Positive91% of 127 reviews2025
Dev: Rolling Crown
Windows · Mac
You are a girl with a demonic heart, trapped with a group of suspicious individuals. A demonspawn arrives, setting off a chain of mysterious murders. Can you trust any of your fellow captives and find love in the chaos? Or will you fight for your life alone?
Why similar: Otome 34.6% ★, Dating Sim 13.6%, Investigation 12.2%, Visual Novel 10.2%, Mystery 9%
Why You'll Like It: Features a dark fantasy setting with strong mystery elements and complex romantic choices.
- #18 Magical Girl Witch Trials
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 29,650 reviews2025
Dev: AcaciaPub: Re,AER
Windows · Mac
Median: 15.8 hrsMean: 28.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Thirteen girls awaken, only to find themselves in a prison. What awaits them: a Witch Trial. Help them prepare for the trial by exploring the prison in order to find the witch hidden amongst them. Find the witch, learn what kind of magic she holds, dispel the lies, and prepare for the execution.
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.8%, Female Protagonist 22.3%, Mystery 13.7%, Investigation 9%, Anime 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: Combines detective-style mystery with a school-based setting and a strong female lead.
- #19 Bionic Heart
86% matchMostly Positive73% of 132 reviews2014
Dev: Winter Wolves
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 2.8 hrs≥1hr: 65%
London, 2099. The earth isn't what it used to be anymore. Incredible climate changes have corrupted the weather, causing a permanent rain on most of the Earth's surface. You play the role of Luke Black, a 36-year-old bio-informatic engineer. He is one of the lead programmers at Nanotech, a big nanotechnology research company.
Why similar: Dating Sim 20.8%, Visual Novel 18.6%, Multiple Endings 13.5%, Anime 11.9%, Romance 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi mystery visual novel from the same developer that features similar investigation mechanics.
- #20 Sunlight Scream
84% matchVery Positive84% of 81 reviews2023
Dev: Faithy Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
The hero moves to a new city. However, along with him comes a masked killer who begins to kill his friends one by one... Make decisions to build your adventure. Can you stop him before it's too late?
Why similar: Dating Sim 15%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Mystery 10.8%, Psychological Horror 10.1%, Anime 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: A detective-focused visual novel that emphasizes mystery and story-rich narrative progression.
- #21 Amelie
83% matchVery Positive92% of 442 reviews2021
Dev: Two and a Half Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 61%
A psychological mystery yuri visual novel about a girl named Amelie. Forbidden from leaving the house, Amelie awaits the arrival of her long time penpal, Sofia, to her dear friend Lilika’s dismay. What secrets will Sofia unravel that were best kept buried?
Why similar: Female Protagonist 15.3%, Visual Novel 15.2%, Thriller 13.6%, Mystery 11.5%, Psychological Horror 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: Explores psychological themes within a visual novel format, appealing to those who enjoyed the darker side of Nicole.
- #22 High School Dirty Secrets
82% matchVery Positive94% of 51 reviews2025
Dev: Mitsuki Game StudioPub: JanduSoft
Windows
High School Dirty Secrets is a horror/puzzle adventure where Kasuga wakes up locked inside her high school with no memory of how she got there. As she searches for a way out, strange and unsettling events unfold, leading her to uncover dark secrets hidden within the school's walls.
Why similar: Psychological Horror 15.9%, Female Protagonist 15.3%, Mystery 13.4%, Multiple Endings 12.8%, Anime 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the dark, hidden secrets of a school setting, mirroring the investigative premise of Nicole.
- #23 Yet Another Killing Game
81% matchVery Positive98% of 220 reviews2025
Dev: Soulseer Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
You wake up in a house, alone with two beautiful girls... But no one is allowed to leave until one of you DIES. Why is this happening? What is the purpose of this “killing game”? But most importantly...WHO SHOULD DIE?!
Why similar: Thriller 13.8%, Investigation 13.8%, Visual Novel 13.6%, Mystery 11.6%, Psychological Horror 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes mystery visual novel that captures the sense of danger present in the disappearances of Nicole.
- #24 dUpLicity ~Beyond the Lies~
84% matchMixed39% of 66 reviews2015
Dev: ROSEVERTE
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 97%
dUpLicity ~Beyond the Lies~ is a romance mystery visual novel with romancable guys. Different with the usual dating sims, the main purpose of the game is to find out the truth hidden in the past.
Why similar: Otome 58.5% ★, Visual Novel 21.9%, Simulation 7.3%, Anime 6.3%, Adventure 2.3%
Why You'll Like It: A mystery-focused otome that emphasizes uncovering the truth through character interactions.
- #25 Drops of Death
79% matchVery Positive93% of 86 reviews2025
Dev: Snowhaven Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
A murder mystery visual novel with a romantic twist. The killer is randomly chosen at the start of each playthrough, and you may unknowingly fall in love with them. How will your story come to its end? Will you bring the killer to justice, fall in love with them, or die at their hands?
Why similar: Otome 24.2% ★, Dating Sim 13.6%, Visual Novel 10.9%, Thriller 8.4%, Mystery 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A mystery-driven dating sim that forces the player to navigate dangerous situations alongside romantic interests.
- #26 Heart Fragment
80% matchVery Positive92% of 325 reviews2021
Dev: Starfield Gaming
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 51%
Can you collect all the fragments to reach your happy ending? Or will your attempts only end in tragedy? Find out in this psychological otome game as you sort your way through the secrets & lies.
Why similar: Otome 31.2% ★, Visual Novel 11.3%, Dating Sim 9.8%, Simulation 9.5%, Romance 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: An indie simulation-heavy visual novel that balances mystery and romance effectively.
- #27 Queen Of Thieves
82% matchMixed55% of 33 reviews2017
Dev: Winter Wolves
Windows · Mac · Linux
Play as Joanne, Kira and Thalia in this dating sim/RPG. Explore the catacombs and do robberies across the town of Ahkra. Meet 6 characters for a total of 12 possible different romances!
Why similar: Otome 37.3% ★, Dating Sim 14.7%, Visual Novel 12%, Female Protagonist 10.5%, Romance 9%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a blend of mystery and romance that aligns well with the investigative tone of Nicole.
- #28 Enamored Risks
78% matchVery Positive86% of 204 reviews2020
Dev: Crystal Game Works
Windows
Upon finding a mysterious social media account, Alex sets out to find the origins of the photos and meets three urban explorers, each of them unearthing something new and unfamiliar in her heart.
Why similar: Otome 32.3% ★, Dating Sim 13.7%, Visual Novel 10.8%, Romance 7.9%, Mystery 7.3%
- #29 Taboo University Book One
77% matchMostly Positive79% of 332 reviews2024
Dev: ViNovella Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Set before all the events of Fetish Locator, something strange happened and three girls went missing! Now you must immerse yourself in a prestigious university's depths to learn more about it. Meet new people, meet new sexy girls, and discover all the secrets hidden in this big university!
Why similar: Dating Sim 28.8%, Visual Novel 23.4%, Romance 16%, Choices Matter 11.3%, Investigation 10.7%
- #30 Magical Diary: Horse Hall
78% matchVery Positive90% of 1,019 reviews2012
Dev: Hanako Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%
You have been invited to attend a magical school. You can make new friends, learn spells, face exams, run for class office, and try to find a date for the May Day Ball.
Why similar: Otome 22.9% ★, Visual Novel 20.4%, Dating Sim 19.9%, Female Protagonist 12.7%, Anime 9.5%
- #31 Veloria
75% matchVery Positive91% of 138 reviews2025
Dev: WANDERING WITCH PROIECTUM
Windows · Mac
Velaria awakens from a nightmare in an abandoned orphanage. As childhood fears resurface, she must piece together fragmented memories and uncover a dark past. Explore, solve puzzles, and survive this twisted place to reach her true ending.
Why similar: Otome 25.8% ★, Dating Sim 12.9%, Thriller 10.9%, Female Protagonist 8.5%, Psychological Horror 8.2%
- #32 The Elevator Game with Catgirls
76% matchVery Positive100% of 107 reviews2022
Dev: NoBreadStudio
Windows · Linux
Kirin plays the elevator game and disappears. Will her girlfriend, Asahi, be able to find her? The Elevator Game with Catgirls is a horror visual novel with point-and-click elements, inspired by the Korean urban legend, Elevator to Another World.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.7%, Psychological Horror 16.5%, Female Protagonist 11.7%, Horror 11.1%, Choices Matter 9.6%
- #33 Heileen 3: New Horizons
79% matchMixed63% of 89 reviews2014
Dev: Winter Wolves
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 99%
Traveling with pirate Morgan, Heileen seeks her lost friends, aiming to reunite. This is just the start, as the story unfolds with a fixed game time to secure a romantic or career ending. The Virtues/Sins system from the second game is incorporated, with each choice molding Heileen's character.
Why similar: Otome 32.2% ★, Dating Sim 14.9%, Visual Novel 12.3%, Female Protagonist 10.2%, Anime 7.4%
- #34 Demonheart: The Ice Demon
76% matchMostly Positive79% of 128 reviews2022
Dev: Rolling Crown
Windows · Mac
Play as the young witch Shar, as she moves in with a famous witch who keeps demonic prisoners in her basement. Will you find romance or doom?
Why similar: Otome 34.3% ★, Dating Sim 13.6%, Visual Novel 10.9%, Female Protagonist 8.4%, Multiple Endings 7.9%
- #35 妄想症：Deliver Me
75% matchVery Positive88% of 2,517 reviews2018
Dev: 属音制作组Pub: SakuraGame
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Based on the best seller 妄想症Paranoia, the story about Lingluo's college life will bring you to a world unknown. She pursues her music dream without knowing her life is about to be turned upside down. Losing her best friend and her confidence, she plunges into the depth of despair. What will she do?
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.6%, Mystery 14.3%, Simulation 12.6%, Anime 10%, Psychological Horror 9.3%
- #36 Otome Legends
74% matchVery Positive91% of 110 reviews2023
Dev: Jagaimo Studios
Windows · Linux
Play a dating sim inside of a dating sim to become an otome heroine protagonist. Nothing can possible go wrong... right?
Why similar: Otome 36.3% ★, Dating Sim 13.3%, Visual Novel 11.7%, Psychological Horror 9.7%, Female Protagonist 8%
- #37 Heileen 1: Sail Away
77% matchMixed55% of 134 reviews2014
Dev: Winter Wolves
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Embark with Heileen in a unforgettable voyage to the New World! Met with old friends, and make new ones. Find romance, avoid dangers and life your life to the fullest!
Why similar: Otome 33.6% ★, Visual Novel 13.5%, Female Protagonist 10.6%, Dating Sim 9.8%, Romance 9%
- #38 Case 03: True Cannibal Boy
73% matchVery Positive98% of 54 reviews2023
Dev: Sounding Stone / 老奉毊
Windows
A horror mystery adventure game with ghost story elements. Anxiety plagues college student Lily, whose crush Sally has gone missing. As Lily explores the truth, Sally's boyfriend starts to look increasingly suspicious. Even worse, the story of the Cannibal Boy seems to be involved somehow...
Why similar: Visual Novel 18%, Female Protagonist 17%, Multiple Endings 14.8%, Choices Matter 13%, Mystery 11.5%
- #39 Heart Cage
71% matchVery Positive98% of 292 reviews2025
Dev: RiceLoveCoffee
Windows · Mac · Linux
Yandere x Otome x Mystery A mystery Otome game with all yandere love interest, play as a detective and find out the truth!
Why similar: Otome 41.6% ★, Dating Sim 13.4%, Female Protagonist 10%, Visual Novel 9.6%, Mystery 7%
- #40 Cooking Companions
72% matchVery Positive94% of 1,183 reviews2021
Dev: Deer Dream StudiosPub: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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: Dating Sim 18.3%, Visual Novel 13.9%, Mystery 11.2%, Psychological Horror 11.1%, Female Protagonist 10.8%
- #41 Deluge: Sermon for the Dead
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 102 reviews2024
Dev: leavesPub: socah
Windows · Mac · Linux
High school girls have been disappearing from Abbotsford. Unravel the mystery before all things wash away in a tidal wave of deep despair. An interactive visual novel with psychological and lovecraftian undertones.
Why similar: Dating Sim 22.6%, Visual Novel 19.9%, Mystery 16.4%, Anime 13.7%, Choices Matter 9%
- #42 Mystic Destinies: Serendipity of Aeons
74% matchVery Positive82% of 398 reviews2016
Dev: Aeon Dream Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 17.0 hrs≥1hr: 61%
During your first year of university, immense magical powers are forced onto you, thus revealing the supernatural world hidden within ours. But you must learn to control your powers with the help of a partner or risk destroying everything around you. Will your new fate be one of tragedy or serendipity?
Why similar: Otome 48.4% ★, Visual Novel 20.9%, Female Protagonist 13%, Simulation 5%, Romance 4.6%
- #43 outside the door
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 543 reviews2024
Dev: basandaika games
Windows
Outside the door is a mystic visual novel set within one office. You are about to figure out the stories of a few visitors without having a single memory of yourself.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.1%, Psychological Horror 16.1%, Anime 15.7%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Mystery 9.6%
- #44 Love Love Mystery Club
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 559 reviews2026
Dev: LuminDrivePub: NANA Stories
Windows · Mac
In Love Love Mystery Club, you’re the newest member of the Detective Club at a seemingly ordinary high school. Through Full Motion Video (FMV) storytelling, your choices steer the narrative—will your heart find tenderness… or will hidden horrors emerge from the darkness?
Why similar: Dating Sim 29%, Visual Novel 20%, Female Protagonist 12.3%, Multiple Endings 10.3%, Simulation 8.8%
- #45 Bad Faith
72% matchVery Positive92% of 63 reviews2022
Dev: Mado
Windows · Mac · Linux
Sanctuaries. Secrets. Serious consequences. A solo-developed psychological horror/drama visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 20.6%, Psychological Horror 16.9%, Thriller 16.9%, Anime 14%, Female Protagonist 11.7%
- #46 Lucid9: Inciting Incident
71% 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 29.6%, Mystery 17.2%, Anime 16.5%, Simulation 7.8%, Horror 7.4%
- #47 Memory Girl +
68% matchVery Positive97% of 66 reviews2025
Dev: cream△Pub: Champloo Games
Windows
A tragic love story following Memori and her search for the missing "him."
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.5%, Psychological Horror 14%, Romance 11.2%, Mystery 10.3%, Multiple Endings 10.3%
- #48 Once Upon an All Hallow's Eve
71% matchVery Positive82% of 197 reviews2017
Dev: RanPub: Visual Wordplay
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12 minMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 24%
What happens when a girl gets lost all alone in the woods and can only find the occupants of one mysterious mansion to help her?
Why similar: Otome 51.2% ★, Simulation 17.5%, Visual Novel 17.1%, Female Protagonist 14.2%
- #49 Train of Afterlife
73% 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 32.8%, Anime 12.9%, Simulation 10.8%, Mystery 8.3%, Psychological Horror 7.2%
- #50 Holo ADV: SakuraSingularity.exe
67% matchVery Positive92% of 63 reviews2025
Dev: Lexilia GamesPub: holo Indie
Windows
Sakura Miko and the Hololive members are suddenly warped into an alternate future timeline. In this 3D adventure game, Miko must reunite with her friends and uncover the truth of this strange world to find her way back home.
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.9%, Psychological Horror 17.2%, Anime 15.1%, Female Protagonist 14.5%, Mystery 11.4%
- #51 Hazy Mind
67% matchVery Positive86% of 318 reviews2024
Dev: betetiro
Windows · Mac · Linux
You can't remember anything, and all you can see is HER. Delve into your story and uncover the truth behind what happened to you and your parents.
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.8%, Psychological Horror 18.2%, Multiple Endings 12.6%, Choices Matter 11.3%, Anime 10.2%
- #52 SAEKO: Giantess Dating Sim
66% matchVery Positive88% of 678 reviews2025
Dev: SAFE HAVN STUDIOPub: HYPER REAL
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 77%
You opened your eyes to find a giant girl looking down at you. Experience the fate of Saeko and the little people in this cruel yet captivating story with avant-garde art.
Why similar: Dating Sim 16.6%, Visual Novel 13.2%, Psychological Horror 12.3%, Choices Matter 9.2%, Romance 8.6%
- #53 Deluge: Threnody of Crashing Waves
68% matchVery Positive85% of 252 reviews2022
Dev: leavesPub: socah
Windows · Mac · Linux
In the not so distant past, the Isle of Abbot underwent a mysterious evacuation event. Delve into the secrets of this unsettling place and elicit the girls' tragic fate. An interactive visual novel with psychological and lovecraftian undertones.
Why similar: Dating Sim 25.5%, Visual Novel 19.2%, Mystery 13.6%, Anime 13.2%, Female Protagonist 12.9%
- #54 Ten Trials of Babel: The Doppelganger Maze
66% matchVery Positive93% of 4,340 reviews2022
Dev: 红渊Pub: NVLMaker
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Otome × Death Game × Mild Horror Multiple Endings Puzzle RPG
Why similar: Otome 41.3% ★, Female Protagonist 18.7%, Multiple Endings 12.3%, Mystery 8.2%, Choices Matter 6.6%
- #55 How To Date A Magical Girl!
69% 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: Dating Sim 18.5%, Visual Novel 18.1%, Psychological Horror 14.6%, Anime 12.6%, Romance 8.2%
- #56 Our Lovely Escape
70% matchMixed66% of 79 reviews2019
Dev: Reine Works
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Your life is a peaceful one. Each day, you work alongside your (otherwise?) all-female workforce in the pursuit of creating otome games. Will you complete your life with a cute girlfriend? Will you be doomed to a life of normalcy? Or...? Find out in this (mostly...?) normal visual novel!
Why similar: Dating Sim 17.2%, Visual Novel 13.8%, Romance 10.6%, Female Protagonist 10.3%, Psychological Horror 10.2%
- #57 Departed Away
66% matchVery Positive90% of 546 reviews2024
Dev: Alperen Torun
Windows
Discover 'Departed Away,' a captivating visual novel where friendship intertwines with mystery. Uncover secrets, engage in verbal duels, and make choices that shape your story. Delve into emotional depth and intricate connections in this unique story.
Why similar: Dating Sim 18.4%, Visual Novel 14.7%, Psychological Horror 13%, Investigation 12%, Mystery 10.4%
- #58 The Butterfly Collector
65% matchVery Positive89% of 870 reviews2025
Dev: Wicky Yu
Windows
investigate the evidence left by a stalker and kidnapper and track the fate of a college girl. The player advances and watches the plot by clicking to make choices for the heroine at key moments, with different choices leading to different endings.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.1%, Female Protagonist 20.9%, Psychological Horror 20.3%, Horror 14.2%, Story Rich 4.3%
- #59 Sweet Home
62% matchVery Positive95% of 8,945 reviews2025
Dev: 开心茶房Pub: Tailtone Games
Windows
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Sweet Home is a visual novel set in a Chinese high school. Parted friendships, ambiguous romances, tangled relationships, and flawed families... Are these just the pangs of adolescence—or something heavier? Step into the shoes of Zhao Ying, shape her choices, and uncover every possible path.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 25.8%, Dating Sim 23%, Visual Novel 22.8%, Multiple Endings 10.6%, Simulation 6.2%
