Games Like NZ78

A short, melancholic sci-fi visual novel told through text and ink-wash images, where Naomi wakes in an impossible world and searches for a way back.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 20.7%, Visual Novel 18.7%, Text-Based 12.5%, Mystery 12.4%, Sci-fi 12.3%

A short sci-fi visual novel about four scientists trapped in an underground lab. Explore their chat records to uncover the mysteries of Inturg Technologies. How can they escape their doom?

Why similar: Visual Novel 23.4%, Interactive Fiction 19.9%, Mystery 17.1%, Sci-fi 16.8%, Text-Based 11.2%

In this interactive narrative, you (a goblin custodian) fix up the neighborhood, help solve eccentric neighbors' problems, and uncover a dark and dangerous mystery, all while untangling the occasional drag & drop image puzzle!

Why similar: Narrative 30.6% ★, Interactive Fiction 21.4%, Visual Novel 12.8%, Text-Based 10.1%, Mystery 9.5%

After witnessing a murder, 16-year-old skater Azar Warren seeks refuge with her estranged grandfather on his rural compound, only to suspect he may be more dangerous than her pursuers. Ashes blends graphic novel panels with interactive puzzles in a story of murder and unease.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 25.7%, Visual Novel 21.7%, Narrative 17.4% ★, Mystery 12.7%, Story Rich 11%

The Appraiser is a short, first person narrative game. As an art appraiser you will sell the art collection of a dying man. Each painting is by 4 famed artist. They have a story to tell you, but only if you choose to listen.

Why similar: Narrative 27.6% ★, Interactive Fiction 20%, Visual Novel 15.1%, Mystery 10.9%, Experimental 8.8%

An archaeologist uncovers a lost history in an ancient space Nebula. Award-winning narrative adventure game with hieroglyphic language puzzles, from the creators of 80 DAYS.

Why similar: Narrative 38.8% ★, Interactive Fiction 18.7%, Mystery 15.1%, Sci-fi 13.2%, Atmospheric 6.6%

Alex, a mid-level manager from the big city, is forced to return to his home village following a family tragedy. A temporary visit soon becomes a deeply emotional trial. He will have to confront a mystical lake, put his friendships to the test, and find true love.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 23.1%, Comic Book 21.1%, Visual Novel 20.4%, Text-Based 19.2%, Story Rich 5.6%

The Tenth Minute is a short narrative game told through chat and novel-style reading. Revisit a school-day memory shaped by unspoken feelings, misaligned memories, and belated understanding between three people. A youthful story with light psychological mystery, complete in around 2 hours.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 28.7%, Text-Based 20.9%, Visual Novel 20.2%, Mystery 11.5%, Story Rich 8%

A breathtaking sci-fi visual novel! Since the Z gas appeared in the atmosphere, it is no longer possible to breath outside the Dome. You play as Carl Thanavan, a young scientist determined to uncover the origin of the catastrophe. Which path will you choose?

Why similar: Visual Novel 27.5%, Interactive Fiction 19.6%, Sci-fi 18.3%, Text-Based 15.4%, Mystery 10.6%

'Beneath the Woods' is a stylized, narrative-focused 3rd person mystery / horror / puzzle game about a young man in a race against time to investigate the disappearance of his younger sister. What he stumbles upon is something far more sinister than he could ever imagined.

Why similar: Narrative 40.4% ★, Interactive Fiction 20.2%, Mystery 15.5%, Comic Book 14.7%, Story Rich 6.1%

Talewarden is a weird west adventure visual novel. Restore time on a planet where the sun never sets as you explore locations, talk, romance, and bond with your companions. Find the source of the voice in your head and discover why you all fell here from different worlds.

Why similar: Narrative 35.9% ★, Interactive Fiction 15.2%, Visual Novel 14.4%, Mystery 11.6%, Sci-fi 9.5%

Fishbowl Kid is an uplifting interactive story about coping with depression.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 33.1%, Comic Book 25.9%, Visual Novel 22.8%, Story Rich 7.6%, Atmospheric 6.1%

You arrive in a small village as a fortune-teller who reads the future in tea leaves. But an apocalyptic vision leads you to question its tranquillity. What if you had a part to play in this? Ready your cups and tea leaves, as the future of this village will be shaped by four unusual visitors.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 22.1%, Narrative 20.7% ★, Visual Novel 16.6%, Text-Based 14.8%, Mystery 14.4%

Marginalia is an atmospheric narrative anthology. Seven stories, one for each deadly sin. Enter the library. Choose your tale. Your choices will not save you. But they will define you.

Why similar: Narrative 42.1% ★, Interactive Fiction 27.9%, Mystery 10.9%, Story Rich 10.7%, Atmospheric 6.6%

A sci-fi visual novel reimagining The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902). Follow Vornovians Sherr-Lok & Watt-Sun as they try to uncover the truth of the "curse"

Why similar: Visual Novel 25.5%, Interactive Fiction 22.6%, Mystery 17.2%, Text-Based 15.1%, Sci-fi 9.5%

A visual novel about a man who discovers the existence of another dimension hidden in dreams. Explore and learn the rules of a new reality, meet fellow dreamwalkers and solve the mystery of a disaster in the past. Make decisions, build relationships and strive to reach the best ending!

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 33.5%, Visual Novel 30.7%, Mystery 14.2%, Story Rich 9.5%, Atmospheric 9.3%

A dark text-based RPG set in a world gripped by a restless race for survival against a merciless mushroom Forest. As a prophet’s apprentice, guide your clan along the knife-edge between life and oblivion. Decipher misty visions, make critical decisions, and do whatever it takes to survive.

Why similar: Narrative 30.7% ★, Interactive Fiction 22.3%, Visual Novel 18.4%, Text-Based 13.4%, Story Rich 7.1%

Enter the world of Playcardia. A short visual novel based on a Jester, who is keen to unleash havoc in the name of entertainment. Just don't upset the royals! Find items, discover pranks and play them on unsuspecting victims... Who knows what will happen next?

Why similar: Narrative 35.7% ★, Interactive Fiction 19%, Visual Novel 17.5%, Comic Book 17.1%, Story Rich 4.9%

A short mystery and psychological visual novel. Hook in to a state-of-the-art gaming machine capable of creating whole virtual experiences based on your imagination. But be careful, the other testers might be there with a different plan in mind.

Why similar: Narrative 38.7% ★, Visual Novel 22.3%, Text-Based 13.8%, Sci-fi 11.1%, Story Rich 8.1%

Cast Into A Boundless White Void. Paintings Hunger For Your Story. What Will You Answer?

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 28.1%, Visual Novel 21.4%, Narrative 16.6% ★, Mystery 13.8%, Atmospheric 8.8%

You log on to a computer having no clue of what lies within. Explore its files, solve puzzles to recover missing pieces, and decipher passwords to enter otherwise prohibited folders. As you delve deeper into its content, you’ll find that there is a greater mystery to be solved.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 30.3%, Narrative 22.9% ★, Text-Based 21.5%, Mystery 14.9%, Atmospheric 4.2%

Field Recordings is an atmospheric sci-fi adventure set in the fragments of a collapsing reality. Guided by a lonely AI from the abandoned Project Ariadne, explore isolated pockets of the world and search for survivors. Use a Field Recorder to tune into echoes and uncover what remains.

Why similar: Narrative 32.5% ★, Mystery 21.7%, Sci-fi 18.4%, Story Rich 12.7%, Atmospheric 12.1%

Peaches Interplanetary is a short relaxing game about growing peaches on a spaceship. Explore the ship, talk to trees, drink some tea or coffee, and help Margot prepare for her first day spreading the power of peaches throughout the stars.

Why similar: Narrative 43.7% ★, Interactive Fiction 20.3%, Visual Novel 13.5%, Sci-fi 11.2%, Story Rich 7.6%

Your Future Self is a 1-2 hour long story-driven experimental text adventure with unique conversational mechanics, time loop based gameplay, and an emotionally gripping time travel mystery set against the backdrop of a darkly realistic vision of our world ravaged by climate change.

Why similar: Text-Based 21%, Interactive Fiction 17.6%, Visual Novel 12.7%, Mystery 12.3%, Sci-fi 11.3%

"Do you know a monster that dwells around here?" she asked. An ordinary barkeepers' journey, intertwined with the only survivor from a shrouded monster hunter company, started with this question.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 20.7%, Comic Book 19.3%, Visual Novel 17.7%, Text-Based 16.9%, Mystery 12.8%

"Someone must have been telling lies about Josef K., he knew he had done nothing wrong but, one morning, he was arrested." Story about life, choices and a Man vs the System. This unique interactive literature adaptation. A game, brought to You in early visual novel, text-adventure style.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 22.9%, Text-Based 20.3%, Visual Novel 19.6%, Mystery 14.9%, Story Rich 7.8%

Is it okay to kill 6 billion people to avenge the deaths of 2 billion? In this epic sci-fi visual novel, make tough choices to solve "impossible" problems, unlock branching paths and achieve multiple endings.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 27.7%, Visual Novel 24.7%, Sci-fi 16.7%, Mystery 9.3%, Comic Book 8.4%

『Letters of Bernard Thorne』 is a story-driven psychological horror game about trauma. Take a seat in Bernard's motorized wheelchair. Roam around the old man's house. Discover his scarred past. Flee from his sins. Climb up the attic.

Why similar: Narrative 43.4% ★, Text-Based 22.4%, Interactive Fiction 20%, Story Rich 8.7%, Atmospheric 4.9%

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: Narrative 32% ★, Interactive Fiction 18.8%, Text-Based 18.2%, Visual Novel 16.4%, Atmospheric 6%

The Antarctic Sphere is a sci-fi narrative game in which you decipher an unknown language in order to communicate with a mysterious sphere that has been found under the ice of Antarctica.

Why similar: Narrative 39.1% ★, Interactive Fiction 15.8%, Mystery 14.6%, Sci-fi 13.9%, Atmospheric 6.8%

An image created by AI — is it yours? An AI art tool is placed before a nameless illustrator. To accept, or to refuse. A visual novel that tells the same story in different forms. Your choices shape the ending - there is no right answer.

Why similar: Narrative 37.8% ★, Visual Novel 24%, Interactive Fiction 18.5%, Story Rich 8.8%, Atmospheric 6%

A unique adventure, where every choice shapes your fate. A classic gamebook brought to life, with countless paths to discover.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 27.7%, Text-Based 22.7%, Visual Novel 20.5%, Sci-fi 10.7%, Story Rich 7.6%

Thorns. Police never sleeps is a kinetic visual novel about an alternative future. After global warming, cities were separated by a giant ocean. Our story begins in one of these cities.

Why similar: Narrative 31.3% ★, Text-Based 20.4%, Visual Novel 18.1%, Sci-fi 10.3%, Story Rich 7.5%

Unravel the mysteries of the ocean spirit world by accompanying a recent high school graduate, Bulut, who lost all of his memories of family and friends. The Inspireist is a story-rich puzzle adventure narrative set in a recent 21st century, alternate realm Izmrr.

Why similar: Narrative 53.2% ★, Mystery 17.6%, Interactive Fiction 17%, Story Rich 3.7%, Atmospheric 3.2%

A short, nostalgic slice-of-life visual novel with a coming-of-age story about a forgotten ice pop and the girl who once felt like a big sister to you.

Why similar: Comic Book 19.3%, Visual Novel 18.9%, Interactive Fiction 18%, Text-Based 16.4%, Mystery 10.7%

Beacon 2010 is a short science fiction visual novel that, with the development of technology, humanity has embarked on an interstellar exploration. The story originates from a super jump project

Why similar: Text-Based 36.6%, Visual Novel 33.9%, Sci-fi 23.9%, Singleplayer 3%, Indie 2.6%

Three teenagers find a mysterious audio tape recording which turns out to be evidence of a murder. It’s the end of the world as they know it. Immerse yourself in a kinetic novel that encapsulates the essence of the 1990s by completely reinventing its music scene.

Why similar: Narrative 25.9% ★, Visual Novel 16.7%, Interactive Fiction 16%, Comic Book 16%, Mystery 12.6%

少年们的梦想，是清晨大海般壮阔的晨光，他们立誓冲破黑暗的牢笼 —找到光。 安然的日子稍纵即逝，命运的交织都随着夜雨之季的到来而备受考验， 人间冷暖、烟花绽放，十七八岁的年纪里，所有的一切都是故事的开始。 根据游戏制作人【真实经历】改编，愿你我的青春永不散场。—《晨海星澜》

Why similar: Narrative 33.6% ★, Comic Book 17.6%, Interactive Fiction 17.2%, Visual Novel 13.4%, Atmospheric 7.1%

Follow Joseph, Eric, and William (as well as a handful of other characters) as they awake from cryogenic stasis at the enigmatic facility known as Intermine Laboratories. But, deep within the abyss exists an ancient evil that is seeking to enact its own twisted machinations ...

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 29.3%, Visual Novel 22.4%, Text-Based 20.3%, Sci-fi 10.7%, Story Rich 7.7%

A story-rich coming-of-age experience told through a 2004 desktop, where friendships, music, and late-night conversations shape who you become. Explore chats, drama, mini-games, and the early internet in a branching story about growing up, making mistakes, and finding your place.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 28.2%, Visual Novel 24.8%, Text-Based 18.9%, Narrative 11.2% ★, Story Rich 8.9%

An LGBTQ+ Mystery Visual Novel with comic panel style aesthetics and pixel styled backgrounds. Join The Heart Breachers operatives as they navigate the world of desire, treachery, and emotional turmoil while learning to understand lofty concepts such as friendship, hope, and belief in oneself.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 25.7%, Visual Novel 21.3%, Comic Book 21.2%, Text-Based 15.3%, Mystery 9.9%

Late at night, a teacher shares two bizarre tales: a corpse stuffed in a sheet, and an abnormal presence in the mountains. It was just a ghost story, but a creepy "sense of unease" lurks within. A short psychological horror visual novel offering a dense, terrifying experience in about an hour.

Why similar: Visual Novel 27.7%, Text-Based 26.3%, Interactive Fiction 24.4%, Mystery 17.4%, 2D 3.1%

Sequel of Old Watch

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 20.9%, Visual Novel 19.7%, Sci-fi 16.7%, Text-Based 16.3%, Mystery 15.8%

A narrative-driven psychological visual novel where every floor of an elevator reveals a key moment from your past. Face your regrets, uncover forgotten memories, and make choices that shape your future. Will you find closure, or remain trapped in your own mind?

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 32.1%, Text-Based 28.9%, Visual Novel 27.5%, Story Rich 4.5%, Atmospheric 4.3%

Late Bird is a short interactive story about birds, movies, suicidal thoughts and not growing up in time.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 31.1%, Visual Novel 21.4%, Narrative 17.8% ★, Text-Based 13.9%, Experimental 6.4%

Take an atmospheric journey in a fresh, critically acclaimed format of a hand-drawn point-and-click comic-book. When a freeloading owner of a blue Mustang drives through without paying for the ticket, Harry Hunter, freelance parking attendant, ventures inside The Lot to Make. Him. Pay. (tm).

Why similar: Narrative 30.7% ★, Comic Book 20.2%, Interactive Fiction 17.8%, Mystery 13.9%, Atmospheric 6.9%

Firebird is a narrative road trip that takes place in Slavic folklore, in an adventure that ressembles a traditional tale. Aboard your truck, travel to the far north, meet colorful characters, and face the creatures inhabiting these sacred lands.

Why similar: Narrative 32.3% ★, Comic Book 16.6%, Interactive Fiction 16.3%, Visual Novel 14.5%, Text-Based 13%

A short kinetic visual novel (about 45 minutes). Silas Reed returns to his hometown of Dry Creek… but something feels wrong in the abandoned town.

Why similar: Visual Novel 29.7%, Mystery 21%, Sci-fi 17.7%, Text-Based 17.2%, Atmospheric 11.8%

Relive the days of the early internet and dive into this fictional video game era, where the 'Kinmoku Shark’ gaming system and its online social network 'Videoverse' were still popular…

Why similar: Narrative 41.1% ★, Interactive Fiction 24.7%, Visual Novel 20.3%, Story Rich 8.6%, Indie 2%

Awake from your slumber and venture out to the mighty CITADEL.

Why similar: Visual Novel 24.9%, Interactive Fiction 17.2%, Sci-fi 16.9%, Text-Based 12.9%, Mystery 12.8%

In an AI-powered age where original authors have become largely redundant, play as a dejected writer on the brink of losing their creative drive forever.

Why similar: Text-Based 23.9%, Visual Novel 23.6%, Interactive Fiction 21.6%, Narrative 14.3% ★, Story Rich 7.5%

The Lyra Signal is a story-driven visual novel about memory, mystery, and the echoes of the past. Follow Leo as he uncovers a strange recording left by his father and begins searching for the meaning behind a name that refuses to disappear: Lyra.

Why similar: Narrative 32.5% ★, Mystery 24.2%, Visual Novel 22.8%, Story Rich 10.3%, Atmospheric 4%

The Spirit Weaver is a narrative-driven visual novel where you use the power of Tarot to guide lost spirits through their grief, and maybe figure out your own. Explore a mystical spirit realm, help its denizens, and restore balance in a bittersweet story of love, loss, and empathy.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 28.4%, Narrative 25.4% ★, Visual Novel 20.1%, Text-Based 12.6%, Casual 4.4%

Parallels: Year One is a visual novel that will take you on a journey through one relationship in five parallel worlds. Join Ron and Jessica on a journey to see each other from a new perspective.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 37.5%, Visual Novel 26.1%, Text-Based 16.2%, Story Rich 6.6%, Atmospheric 4.6%

Conversation is a dangerous game. Manipulate a fractured band of renegade divers to reach the depths of this short narrative puzzle. Uncover alliances and expose betrayals — before something horrific from the dark abyss silences you all. Don’t let the conversation get too deep.

Why similar: Narrative 41.2% ★, Interactive Fiction 17.8%, Sci-fi 13.6%, Visual Novel 9.6%, Atmospheric 8.9%

Scent of Clouds is a hand-drawn illustrated, text-based adventure game. As a perfumer's assistant, you create fragrances and journey through unknown lands in search of ingredients for the legendary "Scent of Clouds." With a keen nose, you'll unravel the timeless mystery of this world.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 23.4%, Text-Based 21.6%, Visual Novel 15%, Mystery 14.7%, Sci-fi 10.6%

All Whispering Tome is a reading adventure game about exploring stories. The hidden stories in the game are unfold while you read multiple seamingly unrelated stories. May you discover what the All Whispering Tome, whispers to you.

Why similar: Narrative 26.5% ★, Interactive Fiction 21.9%, Text-Based 17.8%, Visual Novel 16.5%, Story Rich 7.8%

I have some memories of saying goodbye that I don't want to forget, so I turned them into 11 minigames and backed them up in this collection.

Why similar: Narrative 45.2% ★, Interactive Fiction 23.1%, Experimental 9.6%, Atmospheric 9.1%, Story Rich 9.1%

"The hardest part is not to speak up. It’s being heard." Part video game, part graphic novel, Wednesdays seeks to raise awareness about child sexual abuse through a surprisingly hope-filled story.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 25.2%, Comic Book 24.1%, Visual Novel 20.8%, Text-Based 18.9%, Story Rich 7.2%

Amy receives an invitation to a group chat set up by some of her former classmates. Its purpose is to reconnect after all these years. But soon more and more disturbing facts about Amy's classmates are revealed, and Amy begins to fear that the people she's texting with may not be what they seem.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 26.9%, Text-Based 24%, Visual Novel 21.8%, Mystery 14.8%, Atmospheric 9.4%