- #1 ToHeart
97% matchVery Positive90% of 338 reviews2025
Dev: AQUAPLUSPub: DMM GAMES
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 63%
The late-’90s landmark visual novel from AQUAPLUS is back and fully remastered with 3D scenes and animations, full HD resolution, the choice between the original cast or all-new voiceovers, and international translations for the first time ever!
Why similar: 1990's 18.6%, Old School 13.4%, Visual Novel 12%, Emotional 11.6%, Anime 10.4%
- #2 Dōkyūsei: Bangin' Summer
96% matchVery Positive93% of 1,841 reviews2022
Dev: ElfPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 60.6 hrs≥1hr: 58%
Dōkyūsei is a seminal classic of the dating sim genre that first blew Japan's mind in 1992. This updated remake adds HD art, optional modern features, and for the first time ever, a global release.
Why similar: 1990's 18%, Old School 12.5%, Visual Novel 12.1%, Anime 10.4%, Emotional 10.3%
- #3 WHITE ALBUM: Memories like Falling Snow
96% matchVery Positive94% of 854 reviews2023
Dev: AQUAPLUSPub: DMM GAMES
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 36.9 hrs≥1hr: 63%
The classic visual novel from AQUAPLUS that launched one of Japan's most beloved franchises, WHITE ALBUM is a story of love in many forms. Will a couple cling together, or drift apart on the cold wind? The album of their relationship will be as white as snow, and as poignant.
Why similar: 1990's 21%, Visual Novel 15.3%, Anime 10.8%, Choices Matter 9.6%, Romance 8.4%
- #4 Fate/hollow ataraxia REMASTERED
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 913 reviews2025
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 53.9 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Relive the four days of destiny...
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.4%, Emotional 14.1%, Anime 13.5%, Hand-drawn 10.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 7.9%
- #5 CLANNAD
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,460 reviews2015
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 105.4 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 30.9%, Anime 21%, Romance 11.6%, Emotional 9.6%, Choices Matter 8.2%
- #6 Mashiroiro Symphony HD -Sana Edition-
93% matchVery Positive91% of 394 reviews2024
Dev: PalettePub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 28.6 hrs≥1hr: 71%
A one-route standalone expansion for the fan-favorite visual novel Mashiroiro Symphony. The main character's classmate Sana finally takes the spotlight with a new story and new CGs by artist Tsubasu Izumi!
Why similar: Visual Novel 15.8%, Anime 13.4%, Hand-drawn 12.6%, Interactive Fiction 11.8%, Emotional 11.7%
- #7 ef - the first tale. (All Ages)
94% matchVery Positive96% of 189 reviews2019
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 7.1 hrsMean: 286.2 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 20.5%, Visual Novel 17.6%, Anime 10.9%, Romance 9.5%, Choices Matter 9.2%
- #8 Symphonic Rain
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,136 reviews2017
Dev: KOGADO STUDIOPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 33.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
The reborn HD edition, Remastered by Siro! Set in Piova, the city of music and endless rain. Guide Chris Vertin on the path to become a master musician in a harmonious fusion of Visual Novel and Music-based gameplay.
Why similar: Visual Novel 17.9%, Anime 14.9%, Choices Matter 13.5%, Emotional 13.4%, Hand-drawn 9.6%
- #9 9-nine-:NewEpisode
91% matchVery Positive94% of 713 reviews2022
Dev: PALETTEPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 184.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Enjoy short after stories for the heroines of the 9-nine- series in 9-nine-:NewEpisode!
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.2%, Anime 16.5%, Emotional 13.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 9.1%, Text-Based 8.1%
- #10 Memories Off
91% matchVery Positive92% of 238 reviews2024
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 64%
*This game is only available in Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. 「メモリーズオフ」シリーズ1作目 1999年に登場した恋愛アドベンチャーゲーム「メモリーズオフ」をフルＨＤ移植。
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.2%, Emotional 21.2%, Hand-drawn 11.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 10.8%, Cute 7.9%
- #11 Karigurashi Ren'ai: Living on Borrowed Love
90% matchVery Positive98% of 91 reviews2026
Dev: ASa ProjectPub: Kagami Games
Windows
Welcome back to your childhood town! The Full HD Remaster of Karigurashi Ren’ai: Living on Borrowed Love perfectly preserves ASa Project's signature blend of comedy and heartwarming charm while offering a stunning new visual experience.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.2%, Anime 17.2%, Comedy 13.4%, Choices Matter 8.6%, Choose Your Own Adventure 8.4%
- #12 Waning Flowers of a World Eternal - The Rainbow Appears After Flowering Rain
88% matchVery Positive98% of 265 reviews2025
Dev: SWEET&TEAPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 26.9 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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 17.9%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Anime 13.1%, Interactive Fiction 11.6%, Romance 7.9%
- #13 Little Busters! English Edition
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,092 reviews2017
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 42.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Capturing the hearts of countless fans since 2007, Little Busters! is an emotional visual novel from Key, the minds behind Angel Beats! and CLANNAD. This special English release supports touch controls and dynamic switching between English and Japanese text, and is in HD for the first time on PC.
Why similar: Visual Novel 36.2%, Anime 20.3%, Comedy 8.7%, Romance 7.2%, Story Rich 6.3%
- #14 Trinoline All Ages Version
89% matchVery Positive89% of 153 reviews2019
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 26.8 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 18.2%, Visual Novel 16.3%, Anime 13.7%, Choices Matter 10.3%, Text-Based 10.2%
- #15 Kanon
87% matchVery Positive98% of 399 reviews2024
Dev: VISUAL ARTS/KeyPub: VISUAL ARTS
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 20.8 hrs≥1hr: 69%
A tale of small miracles in a snow-covered town— Kanon, the very first game from visual novel studio Key, is now available on Steam! Now featuring HD visuals and full voice support! (The protagonist is only voiced in certain scenes.)
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.1%, Anime 13.5%, Text-Based 13.1%, Emotional 12.2%, Cute 8.4%
- #16 OneRoom ―Yui Hanasaka Memorial―
86% matchVery Positive92% of 410 reviews2025
Dev: 株式会社さかさうま工房Pub: Laplacian
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 18.5 hrs≥1hr: 16%
That pure love, that lovey-dovey moment again――A new, immersive animated novel game where you can experience the story of Yui Hanasaka, the main heroine of the popular short anime series OneRoom, from the protagonist’s point of view.Revisit her special moments in this innovative experience!
Why similar: Anime 24%, Visual Novel 22.2%, Text-Based 17.8%, Cute 12.8%, Emotional 10.6%
- #17 planetarian HD
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 3,260 reviews2017
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 65.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
planetarian HD is an engaging and emotional visual novel from legendary game studio, Key. A sub-brand of VISUAL ARTS, Key are also famed for creating Kanon, AIR, CLANNAD, Little Busters!, Rewrite, Angel Beats!, and Summer Pockets.
Why similar: Visual Novel 40%, Anime 31.8%, Emotional 12.4%, Cute 6.6%, Story Rich 4.7%
- #18 Fate/stay night REMASTERED
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 4,307 reviews2024
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 47.6 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Seek the root of the Fate franchise. Return to where it all began.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29%, Anime 19.3%, Emotional 17%, Choices Matter 10.7%, Story Rich 6.5%
- #19 Kimi ga Nozomu Eien: Enhanced Edition
85% matchVery Positive89% of 84 reviews2024
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
"Kimi ga Nozomu Eien" returns as an Enhanced Edition! This legendary visual novel left fans emotionally wrecked for days after its release, and two decades later, its rollercoaster storyline still captivates hearts. Experience the romance that shook a generation!
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.8%, Anime 21.5%, Choices Matter 14.8%, Romance 14%, Choose Your Own Adventure 10.1%
- #20 GINKA
83% matchVery Positive91% of 2,764 reviews2023
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 41.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
"Return to that summer with you..." Ryusei returns to the small island of his younger years, where time flows by gently, to spend a fairy-tale summer vacation with his childhood friend who was spirited away.
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.2%, Emotional 22.1%, Anime 16.9%, Romance 9.2%, Cute 8.2%
- #21 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,215 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 21.9 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 43.5%, Anime 27.2%, Story Rich 8.9%, Cute 6.7%, Atmospheric 6%
- #22 Love, Elections, and Chocolate
82% matchVery Positive91% of 499 reviews2025
Dev: spritePub: NekoNyan Ltd.
Windows
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 57.7 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Love, Elections, and Chocolate is a romantic visual novel developed by the Japanese game studio Sprite. Upon its release in Japan, it garnered numerous awards for its exceptional art, captivating music, and well-crafted characters.
Why similar: Visual Novel 20%, Emotional 16.5%, Choices Matter 12.9%, Romance 11.1%, Comedy 8%
- #23 Muv-Luv
82% matchVery Positive94% of 1,935 reviews2018
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 20.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
One of the most highly-acclaimed visual novel series arrives on Steam, newly revamped and officially in English! An interdimensional love story that takes high school romance on a roller-coaster ride through the depths of despair, culminating in a sci-fi grand finale of epic proportions.
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.5%, Anime 20.3%, Romance 13.6%, Comedy 13.1%, Cute 9.9%
- #24 NUKITASHI
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 3,440 reviews2023
Dev: QruppoPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 43.4 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Seiran Island. Even here in paradise, there are those who work in the shadows to bring it down... Confront the tyranny of a twisted system in this long-awaited visual novel adventure.
Why similar: Visual Novel 20.2%, Anime 15.3%, Emotional 14.1%, Comedy 11.9%, Romance 8.8%
- #25 eden*
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 5,041 reviews2015
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 60.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
A tale of the planet's final love story told using the full force of minori's critically acclaimed illustrative style, engaging musical compositions, and the highly talented staff that has led fans coming back for more every single time!
Why similar: Visual Novel 37.8%, Anime 32.2%, Romance 10.5%, Cute 6.9%, Story Rich 6.3%
- #26 Otome * Domain
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 865 reviews2022
Dev: PALETTE-QUALIAPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 8.1 hrsMean: 128.5 hrs≥1hr: 76%
An inconveniently orphaned young man must attend an all-girls school just to survive in this comedy visual novel. His housemates took him in when he was in trouble, but now he doesn't know who's taking care of who...!
Why similar: Visual Novel 21.3%, Emotional 15.4%, Comedy 13.5%, Cute 10.7%, Choose Your Own Adventure 6.9%
- #27 Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch (The witch of the Ihanashi)
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 836 reviews2022
Dev: Fragaria
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 87%
The English version of the heartwarming story that was highly acclaimed in Japan. Enjoy the meticulously crafted narrative. Set in Okinawa, Japan, it is also a story that unravels the mysteries hidden within its history and fantasy.
Why similar: Emotional 19.5%, Visual Novel 16.8%, Text-Based 12%, Comedy 10.8%, Hand-drawn 7.5%
- #28 Princess Evangile All Ages Version
81% matchVery Positive90% of 234 reviews2015
Dev: MOONSTONEPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 65.7 hrs≥1hr: 94%
This romantic visual novel has you joining a financially struggling all-girls' private school as one student's example case for gender integration. The two of you try to prove that going co-ed could save the school, while the story explores themes of traditions, change, family, and relationships.
Why similar: Visual Novel 12.1%, Anime 11.4%, Emotional 10.6%, Interactive Fiction 9.1%, Choices Matter 8.9%
- #29 NUKITASHI 2
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 2,547 reviews2024
Dev: QruppoPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 14.8 hrsMean: 51.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
A new battle begins for Junnosuke—backed by the FS Big Three! “This is what it truly means for the minority to get vengeance.”
Why similar: Visual Novel 17.6%, Anime 13.9%, Emotional 13.6%, Comedy 10.5%, Romance 9%
- #30 Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE
76% matchVery Positive88% of 989 reviews2025
Dev: VISUAL ARTS/KeyPub: VISUAL ARTS
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 118.0 hrs≥1hr: 62%
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 21%, Visual Novel 20.2%, Anime 12.6%, Choices Matter 9.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 8.5%
- #31 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Rei
78% matchVery Positive98% of 252 reviews2022
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 197.5 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 24.7%, Emotional 14.2%, Anime 13.7%, Cute 11.3%, Funny 11.2%
- #32 Rewrite+
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 669 reviews2021
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 60.5 hrs≥1hr: 78%
In this city built upon the ideal coexistence of civilization and the environment, Tennouji Kotarou spends his days with his friends, Kanbe Kotori and Yoshino Haruhiko. In this peaceful city, a tumultuous event shakes the foundations of Kazamatsuri once a year.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 20.7%, Visual Novel 19.6%, Anime 15.9%, Comedy 8.2%, Choose Your Own Adventure 7.7%
- #33 Hatsuyuki Sakura
74% matchVery Positive95% of 878 reviews2024
Dev: SAGA PLANETSPub: HIKARI FIELD
Windows
Median: 13.1 hrsMean: 42.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
"Hatsuyuki Sakura" is one of the most popular works by SAGA PLANETS, a popular Japanese developer for visual novels. Experience Hatsuyuki Sakura for the first time in 1080p! This version includes the English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese versions.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 24.8%, Visual Novel 23.5%, Anime 14.9%, Emotional 14.3%, Cute 6.9%
- #34 NYO-NIN-JIMA -My New Life in Charge of a Tropical Island-
76% matchVery Positive89% of 106 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: Old School 13.4%, Visual Novel 13.2%, Anime 12.1%, Comedy 8.4%, Text-Based 8.3%
- #35 VIDEOVERSE
75% matchVery Positive96% of 235 reviews2023
Dev: Kinmoku
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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: Interactive Fiction 22.6%, Visual Novel 18.2%, Emotional 16.5%, Choices Matter 12.2%, Anime 8.6%
- #36 Ever 17 - The Out of Infinity
75% matchVery Positive84% of 187 reviews2025
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
To the promise we once made and the place we must return
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.6%, Anime 20.9%, Choices Matter 14.7%, Romance 12.9%, Adventure 8.9%
- #37 Class of '09: The Re-Up
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 4,498 reviews2023
Dev: SBN3
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
The REJECTION SIM returns! Explore a slice of chaotic life in late 2000's American high school as you assume the role of Nicole once again. A 100% fully voiced VN presenting as the most culturally accurate period piece in the history of gaming.
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.6%, Interactive Fiction 18%, Anime 17.8%, Comedy 15.9%, Hand-drawn 11%
- #38 Real Anime Situation! 2
74% matchVery Positive94% of 64 reviews2024
Dev: Jitaku StudioPub: Shiravune
Windows
When chronic daydreamer Tooru’s dastardly diary is discovered, classmates old and new won’t give him a moment’s peace! Featuring eye-popping art, intricate animations, and multiple moonstruck heroines, this ’20 Moe Game Awards-winning comedy VN also received its own hit anime adaptation.
Why similar: Visual Novel 17.7%, Anime 14.9%, Comedy 11.9%, Text-Based 9.9%, Choices Matter 9.8%
- #39 LOVEPICAL-POPPY!
71% matchVery Positive96% of 319 reviews2025
Dev: SMEEPub: Kagami Games
Windows
Median: 6.9 hrsMean: 27.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
From renowned Japanese visual novel brand SMEE, LOVEPICAL-POPPY!, the ultimate moege, arrives on Steam! Made for SMEE’s 15th anniversary and celebrating 150k+ sales, it keeps the brand’s signature sweetness while adding life-sim gameplay and a unique story progression system.
Why similar: Visual Novel 24%, Anime 17%, Interactive Fiction 14.5%, Romance 10%, Comedy 9.9%
- #40 OneShot: World Machine Edition
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 4,777 reviews2024
Dev: Future Cat LLCPub: KOMODO
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 78%
A completely self-contained portable version of one of the highest user-rated games. Built on an entirely new engine with new UI, support for Steam Deck, & more. Features world-bending puzzles, intriguing denizens, surreal environments, and a captivating story about the truth of the game's reality.
Why similar: Choices Matter 27.6%, Cute 16%, Emotional 14.7%, Story Rich 12.3%, 2D 8.6%
- #41 The Shell Part I: Inferno
72% matchVery Positive91% of 1,325 reviews2023
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 10.7 hrsMean: 110.2 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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 28%, Choices Matter 18.5%, Romance 13.1%, Anime 10.7%, Text-Based 9.4%
- #42 Three Wishes
70% matchVery Positive100% of 76 reviews2025
Dev: Kyuppin
Windows · Mac · Linux
Ever wonder what the little sisters of famous idols get up to in their free time? Get ready for an adventure full of headpats and wish-driven insanity! Discover 12+ endings in this visual novel that pushes the genre beyond its limits.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 16.8%, Funny 15.1%, Anime 13.8%, Cute 13.4%, Hand-drawn 8.5%
- #43 Riviera: The Promised Land
71% matchVery Positive89% of 95 reviews2024
Dev: Sting
Windows
The long-awaited "Riviera: The Promised Land" is back with many added features for easier play! The story unfolds like flipping through a picture book with various variations of music color the adventure. Let's set out on the journey to protect Riviera from the devastation of the "The Retribution."
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.4%, Anime 22.6%, Romance 12.2%, Cute 12.1%, Choices Matter 11.8%
- #44 Kono Aozora ni Yakusoku o Refine
70% matchVery Positive86% of 197 reviews2025
Dev: GIGAPub: HIKARI PULSE
Windows
Median: 11.8 hrsMean: 21.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
《青空下的约定― Refine》国际中文版是由日本美少女游戏老牌厂商 GIGA / Entergram（戏画社） 推出的经典恋爱冒险游戏重制版。原作并曾改编为电视动画。在首届“美少女游戏大赏”荣获年度大奖，并同时获得剧本奖、主题曲奖、纯爱游戏奖及玩家支持奖，堪称当年的现象级作品。
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 28.1%, Visual Novel 19.9%, Emotional 13.2%, Anime 12.1%, Adventure 7.1%
- #45 Love, Money, Rock'n'Roll
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 7,107 reviews2022
Dev: Soviet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 32.9 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: Visual Novel 16.7%, Interactive Fiction 15.5%, Anime 13%, Choices Matter 11.7%, Romance 8.5%
- #46 Sky in your eyes
72% matchMostly Positive72% of 61 reviews2022
Dev: Aleksey Izimov
Windows · Mac · Linux
Visual novel about the life in the post-soviet country. Cute artstyle, 10 animated CGs, 5 BGs and 5 chibi CGs in 4k, English voice-over for each heroine, animated live2d sprites, original OSTs and a dramatic story!
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 21.3%, Visual Novel 17.2%, 1990's 16%, Anime 13%, Hand-drawn 10.6%
- #47 Tamayura Mirai
69% matchVery Positive94% of 200 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: Emotional 16%, Visual Novel 15.4%, Anime 13%, Choices Matter 10%, Comedy 9.2%
- #48 Marshmallow All the Way Home
68% matchVery Positive96% of 54 reviews2025
Dev: MarmaladePub: Shiravune
Windows
Find friendship, love, and pastries in the most unexpected places in this cute visual novel about baking a home.
Why similar: Visual Novel 17.1%, Comedy 12.8%, Choices Matter 11%, Interactive Fiction 10.1%, Funny 9.6%
- #49 AMANATSU ~Perfect Edition~
67% matchVery Positive95% of 384 reviews2024
Dev: AZARASHI SOFTWAREPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 27.3 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Japanese coming-of-age VN from hit developer AZARASHI SOFTWARE. After moving to a sleepy seaside town, Haruto befriends three unforgettable heroines, each with unique traits—and a surprise confession. Navigate your own summer of love on this sugar-sweet journey of romance and discovery.
Why similar: Visual Novel 16.3%, Emotional 15.1%, Comedy 11%, Old School 9.4%, Romance 9.3%
- #50 Chihiro Himukai Always Walks Away
69% matchVery Positive96% of 319 reviews2021
Dev: SMILEPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Chihiro Himukai can't hold down a job... A sweet visual novel about two people finding each other after slipping apart.
Why similar: Emotional 15.1%, Visual Novel 14.8%, Anime 13.1%, Interactive Fiction 11.3%, Comedy 9.9%
- #51 ANONYMOUS;CODE
69% matchMostly Positive80% of 513 reviews2023
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Hack Into God
Why similar: Visual Novel 36.4%, Anime 26.9%, Choices Matter 17.8%, Adventure 11%, Story Rich 7.9%
- #52 9-nine-:Episode 1
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,894 reviews2019
Dev: PALETTEPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 145.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Help Miyako and Kakeru track down a superpowered serial killer before they strike again.
Why similar: Visual Novel 44.2%, Anime 27.3%, Cute 12.2%, Choices Matter 11%, Story Rich 5.2%
- #53 AIR
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 594 reviews2025
Dev: VISUAL ARTS/KeyPub: VISUAL ARTS
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 54.8 hrs≥1hr: 60%
Summer stretches on endlessly. Beneath the vast blue sky. Beneath the air in which she awaits— AIR, the second game released by visual novel studio Key, is now available on Steam! Now featuring the side story novel, "First Sky Chapter" and full voice support!
Why similar: Visual Novel 21.7%, Anime 13.7%, Emotional 13.6%, Text-Based 13.2%, Cute 8.4%
- #54 OmOneko
66% matchVery Positive100% of 62 reviews2025
Dev: TaleChaser
Windows · Mac · Linux
“A story about cat girls … with bite.” Nekos have evolved in the shadows of human society. Beautiful. Mysterious. Chaotic. And now, three of them live with you. Will you be able to get past the stigma and grow closer to them? OmOneko is a tale of cat and mouse... and rats.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 18.2%, Visual Novel 14.9%, Text-Based 9.6%, Choices Matter 9.3%, Romance 8.5%
- #55 The Shell Part II: Purgatorio
66% matchVery Positive95% of 590 reviews2024
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 20.4 hrsMean: 157.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Detective Reiji Tokisaka is back to face down a mystery that spans decades, if not centuries. With the aftermath of his last case weighing on his soul and a long-silent cult resurgent, can he solve the crime—or will it become his curse?
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.2%, Anime 17.9%, Text-Based 16.8%, Hand-drawn 14.8%, Romance 13.8%
- #56 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 7,330 reviews2023
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 14.0 hrsMean: 62.4 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A tale told with vivid colors and rich sound in a classic TYPE-MOON visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.2%, Anime 21.1%, Emotional 20%, Story Rich 5.8%, 2D 5.4%
- #57 Kunado Chronicles
68% matchMostly Positive78% of 173 reviews2023
Dev: Purple SoftwarePub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 13.1 hrsMean: 24.7 hrs≥1hr: 77%
The dragon is already dead. Help what's left of humanity learn how to live in this post-apocalyptic fantasy visual novel.
Why similar: Emotional 16.7%, Visual Novel 14.7%, Anime 12.6%, Choices Matter 11.4%, Comedy 10.3%
