- #1 GNOSIA
97% matchVery Positive94% of 4,733 reviews2022
Dev: Petit DepottoPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
The Gnosia lie. Pretending to be human, they’ll get in close, trick and deceive, and then eliminate one victim at a time...
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.1%, Mystery 13.9%, Psychological Horror 12.8%, Psychological 11.3%, Detective 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: It perfectly mirrors the social deduction and time-loop mechanics of Raging Loop within a sci-fi setting.
- #2 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
96% matchVery Positive93% of 6,967 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 21.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Kidnapped and taken to an unfamiliar location, nine people find themselves forced to participate in a diabolical Nonary Game by an enigmatic mastermind called Zero. Why were they there? Why were they chosen to put their lives on the line? And more importantly, who can be trusted?
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.5%, Mystery 17.7%, Psychological Horror 13.4%, Story Rich 10.4%, Detective 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: This series defines the death game genre with its intense puzzles and branching narrative paths.
- #3 428: Shibuya Scramble
96% matchVery Positive95% of 3,587 reviews2018
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 82%
A kidnapping on the streets of Shibuya brings together a hot-blooded detective, hard-hitting journalist, former gang leader, the head researcher of a big pharma manufacturer and a part-timer stuck in cat costume for a series of events each more unexpected and outrageous than the last.
Why similar: Visual Novel 46%, Mystery 22.2%, Story Rich 10.3%, Detective 8.3%, Adventure 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: It features a complex, interconnected branching narrative where multiple characters' choices impact the fate of the city.
- #4 PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,520 reviews2023
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
How far would you go to bring someone back from the dead? Discover the depths that some will go to in this horror-adventure game.
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.9%, Mystery 21.7%, Story Rich 11.1%, Anime 8.8%, Adventure 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A supernatural mystery set in Japan that balances horror and investigation with a unique, atmospheric presentation.
- #5 AI: The Somnium Files
94% matchVery Positive92% of 9,101 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 15.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Play as detective Kaname Date on the case of an elusive serial killer in this thrilling, sci-fi murder mystery.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.7%, Mystery 17.2%, Detective 15.6%, Story Rich 9.1%, Gore 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant detective mystery that uses unique psychological investigation mechanics to uncover dark truths.
- #6 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 3,866 reviews2023
Dev: NankidaiPub: 0UP GAMES
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority- is a multi-ending horror adventure game. Sara Chidouin returns home from school late one night to discover that something's gone terribly wrong. When she comes to, she finds herself, her friend Joe, and 9 other people trapped in a mysterious place.
Why similar: Mystery 24.9%, Psychological Horror 21.6%, Psychological 21.6%, Story Rich 10.4%, Anime 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A gripping death game that heavily emphasizes social deduction and voting mechanics similar to the feast in Raging Loop.
- #7 CHAOS;CHILD
93% matchVery Positive94% of 3,800 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 81.1 hrs≥1hr: 81%
From the creators of the critically acclaimed STEINS;GATE comes a sensational new visual novel: CHAOS;CHILD. Set in Shibuya in 2015, a group of high school students who survived an earthquake six years ago find themselves at the center of a new series of bizarre murders in the city.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31%, Mystery 15.4%, Psychological Horror 11.2%, Gore 8.1%, Story Rich 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, psychological thriller that follows a group of students investigating a series of gruesome murders.
- #8 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
92% 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 40%, Mystery 21%, Psychological 16.3%, Story Rich 9%, Anime 7%
Why You'll Like It: The quintessential folk horror visual novel that captures the feeling of being trapped in an isolated, dangerous village.
- #9 The House in Fata Morgana
91% matchVery Positive95% of 6,041 reviews2016
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 27.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A gothic suspense tale set in a cursed mansion. "The House in Fata Morgana" is a full-length visual novel spanning nearly a millennium that deals in tragedy, human nature, and insanity.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.3%, Mystery 17.8%, Psychological Horror 16.8%, Story Rich 10.3%, Anime 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: An incredibly atmospheric and gothic psychological horror story that explores deep themes of tragedy and mystery.
- #10 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 35,609 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Investigate murders, search for clues and talk to your classmates to prepare for trial. There, you'll engage in deadly wordplay, going back and forth with suspects. Dissect their statements and fire their words back at them to expose their lies! There's only one way to survive—pull the trigger.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.8%, Mystery 19.1%, Detective 18.1%, Psychological Horror 12.2%, Story Rich 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A classic death game visual novel where students must solve murders to survive their confinement.
- #11 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
90% matchVery Positive90% of 592 reviews2016
Dev: YetiPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 14.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Rescue squad captain Watase Kasasagi wakes up without his memories in the middle of his most critical mission yet-- a nuclear meltdown at a research facility. In an unfamiliar place and without his years of training, he must rescue the survivors and escape...
Why similar: Visual Novel 45.1%, Mystery 15.4%, Story Rich 10%, Anime 7.2%, Gore 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes thriller that uses a unique 'Senses Sympathy System' to manage branching paths during a disaster.
- #12 STEINS;GATE
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 25,378 reviews2016
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 66.2 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 44.6%, Story Rich 13.2%, Time Travel 8.9% ★, Anime 8.3%, Mystery 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: A definitive time-travel story that focuses on the consequences of altering the past to save those you love.
- #13 The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
89% 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 37.7%, Psychological Horror 12%, Mystery 11.1%, Gore 8%, Story Rich 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: A branching horror story where the choices you make significantly impact the survival of the cast.
- #14 Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
88% matchVery Positive82% of 4,723 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Nine participants awaken, trapped in an underground facility. To escape, they must play a game with deadly consequences. Who will live, and who will die? The choice is yours. Let the Decision Game begin…
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.4%, Psychological Horror 19.3%, Mystery 19.2%, Story Rich 10.9%, Anime 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: The final chapter of the Zero Escape trilogy, focusing on extreme moral dilemmas and survival.
- #15 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 30,083 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.8 hrsMean: 33.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.1%, Detective 20.1%, Mystery 17.6%, Psychological Horror 10.6%, Story Rich 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: The second entry in the series, expanding on the death game formula with more complex mysteries and character dynamics.
- #16 Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
87% matchVery Positive82% of 496 reviews2019
Dev: EXPERIENCEPub: Aksys Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 70%
A strange rumor is spreading through the shadows of Tokyo's H City: a mysterious disfigurement has been appearing on the bodies of certain individuals. Anyone who receives the Mark will rapidly die of unknown, horrifying causes. The countdown to death has already begun...
Why similar: Visual Novel 48.1%, Violent 17%, Adventure 13.3%, Detective 9.2%, Horror 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: A horror-adventure game that focuses on investigating urban legends and surviving supernatural threats.
- #17 Return to Shironagasu Island
86% matchVery Positive94% of 3,990 reviews2020
Dev: HYOGO ONIMUSHIPub: TABINOMICHI
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 14.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A mystery adventure game and visual novel set on solitary Shironagasu Island. Discover its secrets, solve its mysteries, and escape from the ominous island!
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.9%, Mystery 20%, Psychological Horror 10.2%, Adventure 10%, Detective 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style adventure mystery that focuses on uncovering the secrets of a remote, dangerous island.
- #18 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
85% matchVery Positive83% of 21,767 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.2 hrsMean: 30.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.3%, Detective 19.2%, Mystery 17.3%, Psychological Horror 10.7%, Story Rich 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: A meta-commentary on the death game genre that keeps the mystery and tension high throughout.
- #19 The Song of Saya
84% matchVery Positive90% of 9,092 reviews2019
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 56.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Bear witness to a love that will change the world, in this classic horror romance visual novel from acclaimed writer Urobuchi Gen.
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.8%, Psychological Horror 24.2%, Gore 14.8%, Story Rich 6%, Sexual Content 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: A deeply unsettling psychological horror story that challenges the player's perception of reality.
- #20 The Shell Part I: Inferno
83% 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 28.7%, Mystery 17.6%, Detective 16.6%, Psychological Horror 15.5%, Gore 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A gritty detective mystery that deals with dark psychological themes and complex investigation.
- #21 Fatal Twelve
84% matchVery Positive92% of 995 reviews2018
Dev: LYCORISPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Shishimai Rinka was a high schooler who ran a small café named Lion House in place of her grandmother. She lived her life much like any other person her age, but one day, she was caught up in an explosion while returning home on the train alongside her friend, Hitsuji Naomi.
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.9%, Mystery 17.5%, Story Rich 11.6%, Violent 7.3%, Anime 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A death game visual novel where twelve people compete to avoid their own demise through a series of eliminations.
- #22 Wonderful Everyday Down the Rabbit-Hole
82% matchVery Positive93% of 2,444 reviews2017
Dev: KeroQPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 9.4 hrsMean: 168.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Wonderful Everyday is a visual novel with multiple routes which develops a story based on a few concepts: "the sky and the world", "the beginning and the end", "literature and science", "savior and hero", "brother and sister".
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.2%, Psychological Horror 17.5%, Mystery 10.5%, Psychological 9%, Story Rich 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A philosophical and psychological visual novel that explores dark themes through fragmented, non-linear storytelling.
- #23 YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 6,464 reviews2020
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 128.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story is the visual novel medium in its purest form. Will Shinichi choose Miyuki, the beautiful queen bee of the school, or the endearingly awkward misfit Aoi? With art by Tsuji Santa, these beautifully rendered romances will stay with you forever.
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.1%, Psychological Horror 24.4%, Story Rich 6.3%, Anime 5.8%, Psychological 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror visual novel that subverts expectations and breaks the fourth wall in disturbing ways.
- #24 Magical Girl Witch Trials
78% 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 37.6%, Detective 16%, Mystery 15.1%, Story Rich 7.1%, Gore 6.2%
- #25 Death Come True
82% matchMostly Positive77% of 948 reviews2020
Dev: IzanagiGames
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Everything rides on your choices in this new wave interactive movie game. Experience a thrilling science fiction mystery in full-length live-action format—from genius creator of the "Danganronpa" series, Kazutaka Kodaka!
Why similar: Visual Novel 42.8%, Mystery 28.5%, Adventure 10%, Story Rich 9.8%, Horror 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: An FMV-based death game where the protagonist must use their ability to loop time to uncover the truth behind their situation.
- #26 Night Loops
80% matchVery Positive89% of 157 reviews2023
Dev: JiaquariumPub: indie.io
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Journey through the psyche… Welcome to the Seaside Hotel, where the final hour of your night shift awaits. Tend to guests, explore their dreams, and lose your sense of Self – time and again. In this dark, labyrinthine adventure, unravel the path to the truth below.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26%, Psychological Horror 19.5%, Psychological 16.5%, Story Rich 10.4%, Anime 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: A surreal psychological horror game that uses time-loop mechanics to explore a mysterious, dreamlike hotel.
- #27 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,766 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 17.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32%, Mystery 15.6%, Psychological Horror 15.1%, Psychological 7.2%, Story Rich 7%
Why You'll Like It: Continues the folk horror mystery of the series with new perspectives on the village's dark history.
- #28 CHAOS;HEAD NOAH
79% matchVery Positive89% of 1,696 reviews2022
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 52.6 hrs≥1hr: 82%
CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.2%, Mystery 15.4%, Psychological Horror 12.8%, Gore 11%, Story Rich 8.7%
- #29 PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,800 reviews2026
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 13.6 hrsMean: 13.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Will you survive the curse together this summer? A new supernatural mystery adventure begins, telling a bittersweet story of the passions of youth featuring new locations, new legends and a new cast of characters.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.2%, Mystery 18.7%, Gore 11.5%, Violent 10.7%, Adventure 9.6%
- #30 The Silver Case
79% matchVery Positive89% of 1,085 reviews2016
Dev: GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
The Silver Case – the debut title from world-renowned developer SUDA51 has been fully remastered and localized to English for the first time ever!
Why similar: Visual Novel 23%, Mystery 16.7%, Detective 14.2%, Psychological Horror 11.5%, Psychological 10%
Why You'll Like It: A stylish detective mystery that delves into a surreal and dark conspiracy within a futuristic city.
- #31 STEINS;GATE 0
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 7,939 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 124.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
If you can't save the one you love… How can you save humanity? Sequel to the visual novel cult classic. Experience an alternate worldline of STEINS;GATE.
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.4%, Story Rich 14.5%, Time Travel 8.3% ★, Anime 8.2%, Psychological Horror 5.1%
- #32 Folie Fatale
76% 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: Visual Novel 31.8%, Psychological Horror 20.9%, Mystery 16.7%, Story Rich 6.3%, Anime 5.8%
- #33 Banebush
75% matchVery Positive95% of 2,088 reviews2024
Dev: Hinterland Mood
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Banebush is a nonlinear and very red visual novel in the horror genre. Do you dare to step into a fairy tale if it turns out to be reality? 💀
Why similar: Visual Novel 40.2%, Psychological Horror 21.6%, Story Rich 10.9%, Violent 8.2%, Atmospheric 5%
- #34 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 663 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.8 hrsMean: 91.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 26.1%, Mystery 16.3%, Psychological Horror 15.7%, Story Rich 8%, Gore 7.8%
- #35 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 873 reviews2018
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 40.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.1%, Mystery 16.3%, Psychological Horror 14.7%, Story Rich 7.5%, Gore 7.3%
- #36 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,008 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 21.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.4%, Psychological Horror 16.9%, Mystery 16.2%, Story Rich 7.4%, Gore 7.1%
- #37 The House in Fata Morgana: A Requiem for Innocence
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,710 reviews2018
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 9.5 hrsMean: 16.6 hrs≥1hr: 79%
"A Requiem for Innocence" is a companion to the visual novel "The House in Fata Morgana." It tells the tale of a young man dragged down by his ambitions and a girl both worshiped as a saint and maligned as a witch. For them, there is no happily ever after.
Why similar: Visual Novel 40.6%, Gore 13.2%, Violent 11.2%, Adventure 10.7%, Story Rich 10.4%
- #38 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 753 reviews2020
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 19.6 hrsMean: 76.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.6%, Psychological Horror 24.9%, Adventure 10.2%, Story Rich 7.7%, Indie 5.2%
- #39 The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty
70% matchVery Positive95% of 57,826 reviews2024
Dev: 零创游戏(ZerocreationGame)
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 24.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
He is a bandit who sells lives. She is a mute girl seeking revenge. In a famine-ravaged ancient China, a ruthless trafficker escorts four girls to a demon's feast. But when a deadly secret is revealed, a cold transaction turns into a journey of redemption. A dark visual novel about an unlikely bond.
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.7%, Psychological Horror 13.7%, Mystery 11.6%, Story Rich 11%, Anime 6.1%
- #40 Sunlight Scream
73% 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: Visual Novel 24.5%, Detective 15.3%, Mystery 15.3%, Psychological Horror 13.7%, Story Rich 8.3%
- #41 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,224 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 22.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.1%, Mystery 15.7%, Psychological 13.1%, Psychological Horror 10.2%, Story Rich 7.7%
- #42 STEINS;GATE: My Darling's Embrace
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,772 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 12.2 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fall in love with the lab members all over again in this sweet and slapstick romantic comedy!
Why similar: Visual Novel 69.1%, Adventure 11.4%, Anime 9.9%, Story Rich 4.7%, Dating Sim 2.5%
- #43 Yet Another Killing Game
70% 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: Visual Novel 28.2%, Mystery 19.7%, Psychological Horror 18.6%, Story Rich 9.8%, Anime 7.1%
- #44 Higurashi When They Cry Hou+
71% matchVery Positive88% of 163 reviews2023
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The tragedy of Hinamizawa is over. Those held captive within its grip are free from the fate that bound them to June 1983. Yet the tale of Hinamizawa is not truly complete. There are many worlds not yet explored.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.5%, Psychological 16.8%, Gore 8.5%, Adventure 7.7%, Violent 7.6%
- #45 Cannibal Tales - Episode 1
71% matchVery Positive89% of 64 reviews2024
Dev: Fantastico Studio
Windows · Mac
Horror thriller visual novel written by cult director Ruggero Deodato. A cannibal story in three episodes. Embark on a challenging journey, where every choice has a price and consequences. Will you be able to reach the end without getting your soul devoured? Dare to decide!
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.8%, Psychological Horror 17%, Gore 9.1%, Mystery 9.1%, Violent 7.8%
- #46 Fate/stay night REMASTERED
69% 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 52.6%, Story Rich 13.1%, Anime 9.8%, Psychological Horror 8%, Adventure 6%
- #47 Trick and Treat - Visual Novel
72% matchVery Positive90% of 3,613 reviews2016
Dev: Eternal Night StudiosPub: Alberto Herrera
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Trick & Treat is a Visual Novel that test your instincts by making choices that can get you out from the cursed forest or drive you to death… or maybe just maybe your choices can guide you to something more?
Why similar: Visual Novel 55.2%, Anime 13.7%, Psychological Horror 6.7%, Mystery 4.5%, Story Rich 4.4%
- #48 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 867 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 20.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.9%, Mystery 15.9%, Psychological Horror 14.5%, Violent 8.3%, Story Rich 8.1%
- #49 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Rei
70% 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 45.5%, Adventure 10.4%, Story Rich 9.5%, Psychological Horror 8.5%, Anime 7.1%
- #50 NUKITASHI
68% 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 45%, Mystery 15.3%, Story Rich 11.3%, Anime 9.6%, Sexual Content 6.2%
- #51 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,457 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 24.7 hrsMean: 46.6 hrs≥1hr: 87%
This is the 2nd half of the Umineko When They Cry sound novel series, featuring episodes 5 through 8. This steam version features multi-language options, swap-able renewed character sprites, as well as the original BGMs and un-cut content.
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.5%, Mystery 22.4%, Story Rich 10.5%, Detective 8.2%, Psychological Horror 6.8%
- #52 Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 30,488 reviews2021
Dev: Team SalvatoPub: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 79.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Welcome to the club! Write poems for your crush and experience the terror of school romance in this critically-acclaimed psychological horror story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34%, Psychological Horror 27.6%, Gore 7.7%, Anime 7.5%, Story Rich 7.4%
- #53 ASTLIBRA Revision
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 30,051 reviews2022
Dev: KEIZOPub: WhisperGames
Windows
Median: 19.5 hrsMean: 44.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Confront time and fate in the 2D action RPG, Astlibra Revision. Explore meticulously crafted worlds, fight brutal boss battles, and upgrade your skills to take down enemies lurking around every corner.
Why similar: Time Travel 74.2% ★, Adventure 25.8%
- #54 Far Away
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 7,931 reviews2021
Dev: Gratesca
Windows
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 12.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Far Away is a visual novel full of dark humor depicting immersive storylines rather than romantic drama. You will play as Krosa, a typical girl who experiences gang conflicts, crimes, conspiracies, and family grudges in the port city of Bedjan.
Why similar: Visual Novel 50.2%, Story Rich 17.1%, Anime 10.5%, Adventure 8.5%, Indie 6.2%
- #55 Sakura no Mori † Dreamers
69% matchVery Positive92% of 1,051 reviews2017
Dev: MOONSTONEPub: HIKARI FIELD
Windows
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 192.2 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Who is the one hiding deeply in abyss? The Devil? The Killer? or—Yourself?
Why similar: Visual Novel 48.3%, Psychological Horror 15.8%, Mystery 8.2%, Anime 7.7%, Adventure 7.3%
- #56 STEINS;GATE ELITE
69% matchVery Positive90% of 1,627 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 272.4 hrs≥1hr: 66%
STEINS;GATE ELITE follows a rag-tag band of tech-savvy young students who discover the means of changing the past via e-mail using a modified microwave.
Why similar: Visual Novel 51.8%, Story Rich 10.8%, Time Travel 10.3% ★, Anime 10.3%, Adventure 5.3%
- #57 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
65% 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 67.8%, Story Rich 11%, Anime 10.2%, Adventure 8.1%, Sexual Content 1.5%
- #58 Hashihime of the Old Book Town
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 612 reviews2019
Dev: ADELTAPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Follow the protagonist's pursuit to uncover the death of his friends during the Taisho era of Japan. An highly-acclaimed, psychedelic BL murder-mystery visual novel from indie developer ADELTA!
Why similar: Visual Novel 47.9%, Story Rich 9.8%, Violent 9.1%, Gore 8.3%, Sexual Content 5.9%
- #59 Firework
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 43,818 reviews2021
Dev: Shiying StudioPub: Gamirror Games
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
An accidental fire at a funeral forces the police to re-investigate a closed case of massacre. Lin Lixun participates the re-investigation by chances. As the investigation goes deeper, the past of the victims gradually emerges. However, the case becomes more bewildering.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.6%, Mystery 25.3%, Psychological Horror 21.2%, Horror 9.9%, Indie 9.7%
- #60 Cooking Companions
67% 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: Visual Novel 27.9%, Mystery 18.3%, Psychological Horror 17.4%, Story Rich 9.4%, Anime 6.7%
