- #1 Insects Awaken
97% matchVery Positive90% of 445 reviews2025
Dev: HelloMeow
Windows · Mac
Insects Awaken is a puzzle visual novel set in the 1940s. It follows the story of Chen Shan, a young man entangled in espionage while defending his family and homeland. He embarks on a journey between the isolated cities of Chongqing and Shanghai, braving the chaos of war with his passion and youth.
Why similar: Historical 14.1%, Visual Novel 12.8%, Choices Matter 12.6%, Drama 12.1%, RPG 11.9%
- #2 Raid on Taihoku
96% matchVery Positive82% of 193 reviews2023
Dev: Mizoriot Creative Company LTD.Pub: Loftstar Entertainment Inc.
Windows
Raid On Taihoku is an adventure game with the backdrop of WW2 Taiwan. By controlling the characters pass through different danger and safe zones, you will experience the struggles of human nature and cruelty of war.
Why similar: World War II 30.5% ★, Historical 19.3%, Drama 12.7%, RPG 9.6%, Story Rich 9.2%
- #3 Undying Symphony
95% matchVery Positive84% of 184 reviews2024
Dev: Siberian Koala
Windows
«Undying Symphony» tells a story about challenges that Leningrad people faced during the Siege and shows us one of the most tragic episodes of Leningrad history
Why similar: World War II 45.6% ★, Historical 19.8%, Story Rich 9.5%, Multiple Endings 7.6%, Visual Novel 7.2%
- #4 Murders on the Yangtze River
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 20,376 reviews2024
Dev: OMEGAMES STUDIO
Windows · Mac
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
"Murders on Yangtze River" is an Ace Attorney-like detective game that takes you on a journey through early 20th century China as you solve a series of intriguing cases. Use your logical reasoning and deduction skills to uncover clues, interrogate suspects, and solve the mysteries.
Why similar: Detective 22.3%, Lore-Rich 12.7%, Drama 11.5%, Historical 11.4%, Puzzle 10.1%
- #5 Attentat 1942
94% matchVery Positive93% of 479 reviews2017
Dev: Charles Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Attentat 1942 is a historically-accurate adventure about World War 2. Face moral dilemmas and existential struggles as you uncover the troubled past of your family.
Why similar: World War II 36% ★, Historical 18.3%, Visual Novel 13%, Drama 12.7%, Story Rich 8.9%
- #6 Forgotten Fables: Wolves on the Westwind
94% matchVery Positive89% of 80 reviews2022
Dev: Owned by GravityPub: Ulisses Digital
Windows
Forge your own path and embark on a perilous journey on board a ship of Thorwal raiders in this epic tale set in the award-winning world of The Dark Eye RPG.
Why similar: Historical 14.1%, Visual Novel 12.5%, Hand-drawn 12.1%, Choices Matter 10.5%, Female Protagonist 10.3%
- #7 Gerda: A Flame in Winter
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 515 reviews2022
Dev: BirdIsland/PortaPlayPub: DON'T NOD
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 59%
You have five days to save your husband, who has just been arrested by the Gestapo. Investigate, explore and form allegiances in this story-rich RPG-lite. Who will you trust?
Why similar: World War II 33.2% ★, Historical 16.2%, Female Protagonist 11.1%, Hand-drawn 10.8%, RPG 6.5%
- #8 TR-49
90% matchVery Positive95% of 930 reviews2026
Dev: inkle Ltd
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
A World War II computer. An archive of lost books. A world-changing secret. Narrative deduction meets audio drama, from the creators of Overboard!, Heaven's Vault and A Highland Song.
Why similar: World War II 28.9% ★, Detective 14.7%, Drama 12.9%, Story Rich 9.9%, Mystery 9.2%
- #9 Torn Away
91% matchVery Positive93% of 687 reviews2023
Dev: perelesoq
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Torn Away is an award winning interactive story with a unique blend of adventure games, side-scrollers, and cinematic first-person levels. Help little Asya find her way home in the middle of war.
Why similar: World War II 34.3% ★, Hand-drawn 14%, Drama 13.1%, Female Protagonist 12.1%, Visual Novel 11.1%
- #10 Over the Alps
91% matchVery Positive88% of 243 reviews2020
Dev: Stave Studios
Windows · Mac
Over The Alps is a choices-matter narrative adventure game told through interactive postcards, sent from a secret agent to their handler, in 1930s Switzerland.
Why similar: World War II 33.1% ★, Choices Matter 15.2%, Story Rich 12.1%, Visual Novel 9.5%, Multiple Endings 6.6%
- #11 Guilty Parade
89% matchVery Positive93% of 290 reviews2021
Dev: Nozori Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.6 hrsMean: 10.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
One war. Two sides of a military conflict. Which side will you choose if you take a look at the world from both sides of the conflict? Whom will you support and whom will you destroy if some are fighting for an uncertain future, while others are for a peaceful present?
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.7%, Detective 22.3%, Choices Matter 11.9%, Mystery 11.3%, Story Rich 10.4%
- #12 江华号
89% matchMostly Positive77% of 177 reviews2023
Dev: 知音动漫Pub: IndieArk
Windows
《江华号》是一款国风水墨横版卷轴叙事游戏。1928年,武汉的大街小巷流传着一则“头七夜死者还魂”的诡异消息,引发各界关注。《楚城时报》新人记者虞慧龄奉命前去采访,却误打误撞,被种种谜团指引着登上了一艘名为“江华号”的豪华客轮。在那里,一段不为人知的隐秘往事渐渐浮出水面……
Why similar: Historical 15.6%, Detective 14%, Female Protagonist 13.6%, Hand-drawn 10%, Story Rich 8.8%
- #13 Duskpunk
87% matchVery Positive92% of 147 reviews2025
Dev: Clockwork Bird
Windows · Mac · Linux
A gritty dice-driven RPG, in a steampunk city. You escaped the War, but how to survive? Explore the city. Build up your skills. Decide who to trust. Choose carefully: you might just spark a revolution!
Why similar: Lore-Rich 24.8%, Hand-drawn 15.1%, Choices Matter 12.4%, RPG 12.4%, Story Rich 12.1%
- #14 神都不良探 Underdog Detective
88% matchMostly Positive73% of 2,843 reviews2022
Dev: 天津芸芸科技有限公司
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Underdog Detective is a video-based playable, interactive story Set in the reign of Empress Wu Zetian of ancient China, you will play as a slum dweller in the imperial capital of Luoyang and embark on a thrilling yet comedic adventure! Traps and conspiracies, comradery and your unknown origin...
Why similar: Historical 14.9%, Lore-Rich 13.9%, Drama 12.2%, Visual Novel 11.2%, Choices Matter 10.3%
- #15 Sub-Verge
86% matchMostly Positive74% of 53 reviews2025
Dev: Interactive Tragedy, LimitedPub: Pantaloon
Windows · Mac
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: Choices Matter 16.7%, Story Rich 15%, Puzzle 14.2%, RPG 13.5%, Visual Novel 12.7%
- #16 Ignited in Cavern
85% matchVery Positive95% of 1,123 reviews2024
Dev: 伤官制作组
Windows · Mac · Linux
In the waning years of the Northern Wei Dynasty, a rumor circulates about a stone statue that bestows blessings in the mortal realm. Lured by the rumor, Anu and Chu Qingqing, a Xianbei General and her Han captive, are led to Dunhuang to face their fates.
Why similar: Historical 21.6%, Visual Novel 18.6%, Female Protagonist 13%, RPG 12.5%, Multiple Endings 8%
- #17 Overboard!
86% matchVery Positive90% of 640 reviews2021
Dev: inkle Ltd
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 66%
GET AWAY WITH MURDER. Highly replayable detective game where you're the one whodunnit. From the creators of 80 Days and Heaven's Vault.
Why similar: Detective 15.4%, Hand-drawn 14%, Historical 12.7%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Visual Novel 9.8%
- #18 Under the River
82% matchVery Positive96% of 188 reviews2026
Dev: 夜火游戏(Night Fire Game)
Windows
Under the River: The Borrowed Skin-She saved you—but turned you into a monster. You live on, wearing her skin as your body rots. To survive, you must devour her. One begs you to eat her. One begs you to stay human. What will you choose?
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.9%, RPG 18.6%, Interactive Fiction 11.6%, Hand-drawn 10.2%, Choices Matter 9.3%
- #19 Miss Peacock
82% matchVery Positive100% of 77 reviews2026
Dev: Otter Club
Windows · Mac
Between 1930 and 1933, Lieutenant Chen, an ambitious Asian officer, travels to a remote mine in the mountains of French Indochina to investigate a decrease in mineral production. Various forces become entangled in the power play, revealing the truth amid diplomatic mediation and supernatural events.
Why similar: Hand-drawn 17.6%, Visual Novel 16.6%, Detective 12.5%, RPG 10.9%, Historical 10.8%
- #20 Deluge: Threnody of Crashing Waves
84% 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: Visual Novel 29.8%, Female Protagonist 19.2%, Mystery 15.9%, Conspiracy 12.4% ★, Story Rich 11.4%
- #21 Unrest
84% matchMixed68% of 195 reviews2014
Dev: Pyrodactyl
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Unrest is a role playing adventure game set in a fantasy interpretation of ancient India that adapts to death, failure, and the choices you make. Play as ordinary people in a struggle for safety, freedom, and a chance at peace. Use conversation, manipulation (and rarely, violence) to achieve your goals.
Why similar: Historical 14.8%, Visual Novel 14.6%, Hand-drawn 12%, Female Protagonist 11.7%, Choices Matter 9.6%
- #22 Untale: King of Revinia
83% matchMostly Positive77% of 56 reviews2020
Dev: Empty Die Studio
Windows · Linux
Unravel the mystery of the King's sudden death... Claim your right for the throne. Try to stay alive as long as possible. Will you take the risk? The story for those who are brave enough to dive in a dark story and are able to think reasonably.
Why similar: Drama 13.9%, Detective 13.8%, Visual Novel 13.8%, Choices Matter 10.7%, Story Rich 9.1%
- #23 The Narcotic Operation
79% matchVery Positive88% of 507 reviews2025
Dev: Beijing Kuailai Technology Co., Ltd.
Windows
Step into the role of a shadowed undercover police officer in Dark Eyes, brave an area dominated by vice and crime, where allies and enemies blur. Every smirk, tear, and lie tightens the web of deceit—will you destroy the empire or lose yourself in its shadows?
Why similar: Lore-Rich 23.3%, Visual Novel 16.3%, Drama 13.8%, Story Rich 10.3%, RPG 9.5%
- #24 蜀汉再临:源起 Restart ShuHan Dynasty:Origin
80% matchMostly Positive77% of 410 reviews2025
Dev: 浙江海蕊盈信网络科技有限公司
Windows
In the first Three Kingdoms-themed interactive movie game ‘Restart ShuHan Dynasty:Origin’, you take a role of an unlucky worker who time-travels to the late Eastern Han Dynasty. Faced with intricate storylines and the merciless twists of fate, you will personally experience a unique tale.
Why similar: Lore-Rich 14.9%, Historical 14.4%, Drama 13.2%, Choices Matter 13.2%, Story Rich 9.4%
- #25 Town of Dusk
81% matchVery Positive87% of 69 reviews2023
Dev: 酱爆(Sauce Bomb)
Windows · Mac · Linux
Players will enter the Town of Dusk, built on the eve of Empire of Japan's defeat in World War II, along with other characters. Avoid being killed by other characters! Find the mastermind behind the scenes, unravel all the conspiracies, and uncover the truth! Ultimately escape the Town of Dusk!
Why similar: Lore-Rich 20.6%, Detective 15.6%, Visual Novel 13%, Mystery 10.7%, Puzzle 8.8%
- #26 Interrogation: You will be deceived
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 369 reviews2019
Dev: Critique GamingPub: Assemble Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
As a detective tasked with bringing down a dangerous terrorist group, you fight on two fronts: interrogating suspects & managing your team and its reputation. With time running out, how far will you go to stop these criminals? Manipulation, threats or even torture? Does the end justify the means?
Why similar: Detective 27.2%, Visual Novel 20%, Choices Matter 18.4%, Story Rich 14%, Interactive Fiction 9.3%
- #27 THE VIG
77% matchVery Positive92% of 502 reviews2026
Dev: 亦盈文化
Windows
You'll be "Xie En", infiltrating the traitor's money empire. This urban hunt is a revenge saga where wit is your spear. Return as "Wu Wei," using rules as your shield in a world of grey. Will you choose love or vengeance? This lethal game of cash, betrayal and redemption awaits your move.
Why similar: RPG 22.3%, Visual Novel 20.6%, Lore-Rich 15.9%, Drama 12.2%, Interactive Fiction 11.5%
- #28 The Diary
78% matchMixed68% of 199 reviews2025
Dev: HuCang StudioPub: IndieArk
Windows · Mac
Several diaries gradually reveal the thrilling story of a missing case; after multiple deductions, are the answers in the past or present? With frequent plot twists, you never know which is the truth and which is the unexpected; in a dense fog, time buries the past, but the marks remain.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 14.8%, Choices Matter 14.8%, Visual Novel 14.5%, Drama 11%, Story Rich 11%
- #29 A War of a Madman's Making
76% matchVery Positive96% of 101 reviews2024
Dev: Witching Metal Prod.
Windows
You are subordinate to the deranged dictator and must plan his doomed invasion in this text-based RPG / Visual Novel. Navigate the shark-filled waters of the Great Leader's presidential cabinet, try to save your family, and survive the purges in a world of power-hungry leaders and nuclear warfare.
Why similar: Historical 21.8%, Visual Novel 21.4%, Choices Matter 13.8%, Interactive Fiction 11.8%, Story Rich 11.7%
- #30 One's Own Exile
74% matchVery Positive100% of 394 reviews2025
Dev: Updog Software
Windows
Follow Sybil in her pursuit for survival, having to sacrifice everything - her culture, her identity, her values - to achieve a single objective: escape from a place that is constantly trying to kill her. A short game about persecution and identity.
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.2%, Story Rich 17.7%, Multiple Endings 14.8%, Choices Matter 13.9%, Female Protagonist 11.4%
- #31 Through the Darkest of Times
77% matchVery Positive84% of 1,135 reviews2020
Dev: Paintbucket GamesPub: HandyGames
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 61%
Berlin 1933. “Adolf Hitler is chancellor!” We all know the consequences this message bore. Unspeakable horrors and suffering would sweep across the world. Few would stand and fight the monstrosity that was the German Reich. Will you? Lead an underground resistance group Through the Darkest of Times.
Why similar: World War II 39.4% ★, Historical 17.9%, Choices Matter 11.4%, Story Rich 8.1%, Visual Novel 8%
- #32 Saltsea Chronicles
75% matchVery Positive97% of 103 reviews2023
Dev: Die Gute Fabrik
Windows · Mac
It begins with a kidnapped captain and a stolen ship. Where it leads next? That’s up to you… In this story-driven adventure game you will explore strange and wonderful communities, uncover a deep conspiracy, and chart a journey through twists and turns, difficulties and delights.
Why similar: Hand-drawn 19.7%, Drama 18.5%, Choices Matter 15.2%, Mystery 12%, Story Rich 11.4%
- #33 Conquer the world
72% matchVery Positive93% of 2,312 reviews2025
Dev: 互动之星
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
"Conquer the world" is a historical theme of live-action interactive film game. First-person immersive experience, super-long and massive endings,rich interaction with multiple gameplay. Here,you will cross the river of history, Against invaders!
Why similar: Historical 19.6%, Visual Novel 17%, Female Protagonist 14.2%, Drama 13.6%, Interactive Fiction 10.2%
- #34 Lovely Lady RPG
73% matchVery Positive100% of 86 reviews2025
Dev: DAS POPPY UND MIA KUNSTKOLLEKTIV
Windows · Mac · Linux
Lovely Lady RPG is a visual novel about wandering around and just sort of seeing what life has in store for you. After waking up with a hole in her ceiling, a cosmic space Orb embedded in her chest and no recollection of basically anything, Ghost sets out to continue her life as best she can.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.3%, Lore-Rich 21.5%, RPG 19.6%, Choices Matter 10.6%, Multiple Endings 6.5%
- #35 The Joker's Game
72% matchVery Positive87% of 493 reviews2025
Dev: All In Game Co., Limited
Windows · Mac
"The Joker's Game" is an FMV crime battle royale. Jack, drowning in debt, joins a lethal game. Critical choices, even small ones, shape outcomes. Outwit rivals, uncover truths, or perish? Every move decides survival... or the deadly prize.
Why similar: Detective 18.8%, Visual Novel 17%, Drama 12.3%, RPG 9.8%, Puzzle 9.5%
- #36 Tide—1927—
75% matchMostly Positive76% of 441 reviews2023
Dev: 咕咕制作组
Windows
In the 16th year of the Republic of China, Shanghai. Bai Youfu, a young girl who was dissatisfied with the arranged marriage, saw the news of her fiancé's murder in the newspaper one day, pointing to the innocent woman as the murderer. In order to protect her father, she decides to leave home.
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.1%, Drama 16.9%, Female Protagonist 15.9%, Hand-drawn 15.1%, World War II 14.9% ★
- #37 Double
76% matchVery Positive83% of 219 reviews2019
Dev: Tomato Fantasy Games
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 2.8 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Double is an action-quest game telling about a fight with a mental disorder by immersing in dreams. Choose your way and find out how this mystical story ends.
Why similar: Hand-drawn 20.8%, Historical 17%, Choices Matter 14.9%, Visual Novel 14.9%, Story Rich 11%
- #38 Minds Beneath Us
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 5,416 reviews2024
Dev: BearBoneStudio
Windows
Median: 11.0 hrsMean: 12.9 hrs≥1hr: 81%
MINDS BENEATH US is an emotional sci-fi narrative game. Through the eyes of a humble individual, experience a mad world where humans are exploited as computing devices for AI. Listen to the concerns of those you meet and offer guidance. Together, face challenges and confront an uncertain destiny.
Why similar: Visual Novel 23.5%, Choices Matter 19.3%, Story Rich 15.1%, RPG 14.4%, Multiple Endings 11.5%
- #39 我打不过漂亮的她们
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,304 reviews2025
Dev: 想象颗粒
Windows
Shi Lei once ruled the underground world and retired at his peak. Years later, unsettling truths emerge, disrupting his peace. Will he resolve old issues or break free from fate to uncover the secrets behind these truths? This time, he won't face it alone; she will help him.
Why similar: Drama 15.5%, Lore-Rich 15.3%, RPG 15.2%, Story Rich 13.3%, Visual Novel 11.4%
- #40 Knell of St. Godhrkar
73% matchVery Positive94% of 1,530 reviews2021
Dev: 二律背反Pub: 旅人计划
Windows · Mac
In this game, you can watch as 7 protagonists come to a crossroad, facing their own destiny. You will witness their own choices and the blood-splattering consequence they have on one another. There is no way out except to plunge them into the abyss...
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.2%, RPG 16.5%, Drama 16%, Story Rich 15.8%, Puzzle 7.3%
- #41 We. The Refugees: Ticket to Europe
73% matchVery Positive87% of 127 reviews2023
Dev: Act Zero
Windows
‘We. The Refugees: Ticket to Europe’ is a socially engaged, text-based RPG about a journalist looking for his big break by uncovering the plights of refugees travelling from Africa to Europe. It is a story inspired by true events.
Why similar: Detective 16.9%, Hand-drawn 15.6%, Drama 13.7%, Choices Matter 12.8%, Story Rich 10.8%
- #42 All Quiet in the Trenches
71% matchVery Positive90% of 855 reviews2024
Dev: Totally Not Aliens
Windows · Linux
All Quiet in the Trenches is a narrative turn-based strategy RPG set in World War I. Get to know your soldiers, take care of their needs and lead them in battle, trying to strike a precarious balance between the ambitions of your superiors and the survival of your men.
Why similar: Historical 24.8%, Choices Matter 23.2%, RPG 17.3%, Drama 13.4%, Story Rich 13.4%
- #43 Postmortem: One Must Die (Extended Cut)
78% matchMostly Negative40% of 187 reviews2013
Dev: Unbound Creations
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 20%
Narrative-adventure playing an Agent of Death who must take ONE life that could change the fate of a conflict-torn Nation
Why similar: RPG 26.3%, Choices Matter 14%, Visual Novel 12.2%, Female Protagonist 11.3%, Story Rich 10.1%
- #44 再见断刀
69% matchVery Positive93% of 2,313 reviews2025
Dev: 非侠游戏Pub: LoveStoryProject
Windows
Median: 11.7 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
古风悬疑推理AVG《再见断刀》——在与世隔绝的山庄之中,接二连三地发生了骇人命案。只有通过细致入微的调查,抽丝剥茧的推理,才能定一个是非清白,还一个天理公道。 然而,在逐渐浮出水面的真相之下,似乎还有暗流涌动……
Why similar: Detective 15.1%, Historical 14.8%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Choices Matter 10.3%, Drama 10.2%
- #45 Misty Judgment
69% matchVery Positive94% of 1,412 reviews2025
Dev: 次元边界
Windows
This is a suspense reasoning interactive work with real people. You will play the protagonist "Qi Yi", find evidence in a series of murders, piece together the truth, and find the ultimate murderer, all of which will lead you to an unpredictable future.
Why similar: Detective 18.5%, Visual Novel 17.7%, Drama 11.9%, Mystery 11.3%, Interactive Fiction 10.5%
- #46 逆光迷途 Lost in Darklight
74% matchMixed51% of 82 reviews2023
Dev: Beijing Changyou Chuangxiang Software Technology Co., Ltd.Pub: Changyou.com HK Limited
Windows
Themed on urban suspense, Lost in Darklight is a live action interactive game. A retired ace soldier, four girls, a hidden chamber at home, genetic cloning tech... Experience interactive VR panoramic evidence searching with this game and decide your own ending. Every choice you make is crucial!
Why similar: Lore-Rich 27.9%, Choices Matter 13.1%, RPG 12.5%, Mystery 10%, Story Rich 9.3%
- #47 Long Gone Days
71% matchVery Positive89% of 549 reviews2023
Dev: This I DreamtPub: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
A modern-day JRPG that imagines a world of war. Overcome language barriers, forge unlikely friendships, and find hope amidst conflict.
Why similar: Drama 23.3%, Choices Matter 20.6%, Visual Novel 19%, Story Rich 16.7%, RPG 14.4%
- #48 The Darkest Files
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 580 reviews2025
Dev: Paintbucket Games
Windows · Mac
Germany, 1956. The war is over, but justice is not served. Former Nazis walk free, while their victims lie in unmarked graves. As a prosecutor, you'll unearth long-buried evidence, confront witnesses and hunt down perpetrators. Will you have the courage to bring these "ordinary men" to court?
Why similar: Historical 27.3%, Detective 26.2%, Female Protagonist 18.8%, Puzzle 11.9%, Mystery 7.2%
- #49 Long Knives
67% matchVery Positive99% of 249 reviews2025
Dev: Jade Hex
Windows · Mac
An oriental narrative mystery. The story branches upon your choices. The dice lies.
Why similar: Detective 24.2%, Historical 22.8%, Choices Matter 14.2%, Visual Novel 11.5%, Story Rich 11.2%
- #50 子夜之章:历史的终局~MidNights of Desperado~
71% matchVery Positive98% of 305 reviews2021
Dev: 银阼Pub: NPC Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 74%
The protagonist of this lonely life is you. You leave your hometown and come to a strange world. The world is prosperous and cold, strange but real. You may like it or wish you could tear it to pieces. The good news is, you have the choice!
Why similar: Lore-Rich 30.3%, Choices Matter 15.6%, Female Protagonist 15.1%, Story Rich 12.8%, RPG 10.9%
- #51 The Dawning Letters -Sunrise-
68% matchVery Positive96% of 162 reviews2025
Dev: 戏幻言制作组
Windows · Mac
In 1927, Lu Yanhe, a daughter of a royal family of the Qing dynasty decided, to run away from home. Under the changing times and the subtle influence of new thoughts, she began to seek possibilities beyond her destiny......
Why similar: Historical 25.6%, Visual Novel 22.8%, Female Protagonist 19.1%, RPG 12.2%, Drama 9.5%
- #52 Road to Empress I
64% matchVery Positive87% of 11,428 reviews2025
Dev: New One Studio
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 95%
You've never played a game like this before. Road to Empress I is a cinematic palace adventure where your choices decide everyone's fate. Tackle multiple story branches and a high mortality rate with charm, wisdom and courage? First...survive.
Why similar: Choices Matter 16.3%, Visual Novel 14.7%, Female Protagonist 14.3%, Historical 13%, RPG 11.1%
- #53 Sigh of the Abyss: Shadow Bonds
69% matchVery Positive93% of 103 reviews2022
Dev: Rascal Devworks
Windows
Embrace the monster within to free yourself from a curse in this dark fantasy visual novel, a standalone introduction to the characters and setting of Sigh of the Abyss.
Why similar: Lore-Rich 17.8%, Historical 14.8%, Hand-drawn 12.6%, Visual Novel 11.8%, Female Protagonist 11%
- #54 The Story of The Flood
70% matchMostly Positive74% of 77 reviews2022
Dev: ZHANG FANPub: SHEN JIAWEI
Windows · Mac · Linux
Gods decide to bring the flood of water upon the earth. Salvage what you think is valuable and bring it back to base. It's a psychological test of the apocalypse, also an interactive experiment about trade-offs.
Why similar: Choices Matter 29.2%, Multiple Endings 20.9%, Interactive Fiction 19.6%, Visual Novel 18.5%, Exploration 11.8%
- #55 IZGUB 2001
66% matchVery Positive98% of 97 reviews2024
Dev: Dbrhdk
Windows
You decide how a civil war in the country of Izgub is supposed to end. Visual novel with strong themes of war, political violence and moral dilemma.
Why similar: Hand-drawn 22.2%, Lore-Rich 21.9%, Visual Novel 21%, RPG 13.4%, Interactive Fiction 10.7%
- #56 Boat Crew
67% matchVery Positive89% of 418 reviews2022
Dev: Tabbing TabbyPub: MicroProse Software
Windows
Command your crew in Boat Crew, a gripping action-strategy experience amidst the Pacific War. Take charge of a PT boat against Imperial Japan, skillfully managing resources and personnel by any means necessary to ensure victory in this high-stakes conflict.
Why similar: World War II 71.2% ★, Choices Matter 20.2%, Stylized 8.6%
- #57 ArmaCulture
68% matchVery Positive89% of 209 reviews2021
Dev: RageForDragons
Windows
ArmaCulture is an indie factory-builder RPG set in the midst of a bitter, industrialized war between two nations in a fictional world similar to our own. The game combines illustrated character art with stylized pixel art to create a unique and dark historic atmosphere.
Why similar: World War II 41.2% ★, Visual Novel 18%, Choices Matter 15.2%, RPG 13.4%, Drama 8.6%
- #58 The Occult Detective
65% matchMostly Positive72% of 323 reviews2025
Dev: Battlecry Studio
Windows
A narrative detective game blended with supernatural elements. Play as a rookie investigator, discover vital clues in every case, dive into unscripted interrogations and uncover truths that break minds. But with each revelation, the world feels... less human.
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.1%, Detective 19%, Story Rich 12.6%, Drama 11.8%, Puzzle 10.4%