Games Like STEINS;GATE 0

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: Time Travel 29% ★, Visual Novel 19.1%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Anime 9.6%, Story Rich 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: The essential predecessor that establishes the world and characters of the time-travel narrative.

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: Time Travel 33.3% ★, Visual Novel 22%, Anime 11.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%, Sci-fi 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fully animated remake of the original game that provides a more immersive cinematic experience.

A story for every lab member. Discover a new side of each STEINS;GATE character and get a glimpse of their inner thoughts through 10 new stories.

Why similar: Time Travel 34.3% ★, Visual Novel 22.7%, Anime 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%, Story Rich 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A collection of side stories that expands on the perspectives of various characters within the series.

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 30.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.7%, Anime 13.4%, Story Rich 11%, Sci-fi 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: Set in the same universe as Steins;Gate, this game offers a similarly dark and gripping psychological mystery.

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 25.9%, Story Rich 12.8%, Time Travel 11.3% ★, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Multiple Endings 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A brilliant combination of time-loop mechanics and puzzle-solving that mirrors the intensity of the Steins;Gate series.

Play as detective Kaname Date on the case of an elusive serial killer in this thrilling, sci-fi murder mystery.

Why similar: Visual Novel 30%, Anime 17.6%, Story Rich 14.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, Sci-fi 8%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi detective mystery with deep branching narratives and a unique, surreal approach to investigation.

CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!

Why similar: Visual Novel 38.6%, Anime 16.6%, Story Rich 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%, Sci-fi 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: The foundational entry in the Science Adventure series, exploring psychological themes and reality-bending mysteries.

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 37%, Anime 15.9%, Story Rich 12.3%, Multiple Endings 10.2%, Sci-fi 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes sci-fi thriller featuring complex branching paths and a focus on survival in a contained environment.

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 50.6%, Story Rich 16.9%, Great Soundtrack 15.6%, Adventure 5.5%, Mystery 5%

Why You'll Like It: A masterful use of multiple perspectives and time-sensitive choices that creates a complex, interconnected narrative web.

Thanks to the rising popularity of the PhoneDroid—a device which features augmented reality (A.R.)—the age of advanced technology has finally reached Tanegashima. On that island, Central Tanegashima High's "Robot Research Club" is about to have their club disbanded.

Why similar: Visual Novel 34.5%, Great Soundtrack 18.5%, Anime 13.2%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Story Rich 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: The third entry in the Science Adventure series, offering a more grounded but equally compelling sci-fi story.

The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?

Why similar: Visual Novel 43.4%, Story Rich 14.5%, Time Travel 8.3% ★, Anime 8.2%, Psychological Horror 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A gripping time-loop mystery that uses a folk-horror setting to explore psychological tension and survival.

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: Time Travel 36.8% ★, Visual Novel 19.1%, Anime 11.7%, Story Rich 9.9%, Sci-fi 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi time-loop mystery that blends social deduction with a compelling, evolving story.

Umineko When They Cry is the 2nd series of Sound Novel released by 07th Expansion. The steam version features renewed character sprites which is swappable from the classic art.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 33.8%, Visual Novel 29.6%, Story Rich 14.4%, Anime 10%, Mystery 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, complex mystery that challenges the player to solve intricate puzzles alongside the protagonist.

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: Great Soundtrack 33.8%, Visual Novel 29.7%, Story Rich 14%, Anime 10.1%, Mystery 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive conclusion to the Umineko mystery, providing the emotional payoff for the complex setup.

Fall in love with the lab members all over again in this sweet and slapstick romantic comedy!

Why similar: Visual Novel 59%, Anime 22.8%, Adventure 6.2%, Story Rich 6%, Romance 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted, character-focused spin-off that offers a more relaxed look at the cast of the series.

Seek the root of the Fate franchise. Return to where it all began.

Why similar: Visual Novel 33.9%, Anime 17.2%, Story Rich 12.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.3%, Multiple Endings 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: A foundational visual novel with deep lore, multiple endings, and a focus on supernatural conflict.

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 29.3%, Great Soundtrack 23.4%, Anime 21.7%, Story Rich 14.2%, Mystery 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes mystery game with a unique anime aesthetic and intense, character-driven narrative beats.

A tale told with vivid colors and rich sound in a classic TYPE-MOON visual novel.

Why similar: Visual Novel 46%, Great Soundtrack 18.9%, Anime 18.8%, Story Rich 11.1%, Adventure 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features stunning production values and a compelling supernatural mystery that feels cinematic in scope.

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 29.3%, Story Rich 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 12.5%, Anime 11.6%, Sci-fi 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: The final chapter in the time-bending trilogy, focusing on difficult moral choices and survival.

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 25.4%, Great Soundtrack 19.5%, Story Rich 12.9%, Anime 12.4%, Multiple Endings 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A hauntingly beautiful, story-rich experience that explores themes of tragedy and redemption over centuries.

Playtime's over. Time for despair. Experience the definitive version of a masterpiece in the Muv-Luv trilogy's thrilling conclusion. Note: therapy not included.

Why similar: Visual Novel 35%, Anime 19.4%, Story Rich 14.1%, Sci-fi 12.8%, Romance 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes sci-fi epic that shares the emotional intensity and world-altering stakes of Steins;Gate.

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 34.6%, Great Soundtrack 18.2%, Anime 17.9%, Story Rich 12.7%, Multiple Endings 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional, story-rich experience that shares the character-driven focus and long-term narrative payoff.

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 40.1%, Anime 15.3%, Story Rich 9.3%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%, Multiple Endings 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A meta-narrative visual novel that subverts player expectations and explores the nature of reality.

"As the world sank, I found you." In the near future, a sudden and unexplained sea rise has left much of human civilization underwater. In a little town slowly being enveloped by the ocean, an unforgettable summer is about to begin for a boy and a mysterious robot girl...

Why similar: Visual Novel 37.6%, Anime 17%, Story Rich 13.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Multiple Endings 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A touching, short-form sci-fi story about the relationship between a human and an AI in a flooded world.

You're here to slay the princess. Don't believe her lies.

Why similar: Visual Novel 49.4%, Story Rich 18.8%, Choices Matter 12.3%, Psychological Horror 8%, Romance 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A meta-narrative game with branching paths that rewards multiple playthroughs and explores complex themes.

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 40.6%, Anime 19.3%, Story Rich 13.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Psychological 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A classic psychological mystery that uses time-loop themes to build unbearable tension.

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 39.4%, Story Rich 15.2%, Anime 14.4%, Psychological Horror 6.4%, Psychological 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A philosophical and dark exploration of reality that challenges the player's perspective on the narrative.

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 41.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.4%, Anime 11.4%, Story Rich 9.5%, Multiple Endings 7%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, psychological sci-fi story that forces the player to question their own morality and perception.

If there was a robot that could laugh, cry and smile. ...Does it have a soul?

Why similar: Visual Novel 40.5%, Anime 20.9%, Story Rich 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.6%, Multiple Endings 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A poignant, character-driven story about the intersection of humanity and technology.

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 31.3%, Anime 19.7%, Story Rich 14.6%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Great Soundtrack 8%

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 38%, Anime 18.3%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%, Story Rich 12.4%, Psychological Horror 4.9%

Takuya Arima receives a package from his supposedly deceased father. It contains the mysterious Reflector Device which allows the user to travel between parallel worlds. Takuya must unearth the mystery of his father's legacy to prevent a calamity threatening to envelop reality itself.

Why similar: Visual Novel 31.5%, Time Travel 17.9% ★, Anime 15%, Story Rich 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 9%

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 31.7%, Great Soundtrack 20.8%, Anime 16.9%, Story Rich 12.9%, Psychological Horror 4.2%

Hack Into God

Why similar: Visual Novel 43.6%, Anime 24.5%, Story Rich 15.5%, Adventure 8.7%, Choices Matter 6.5%

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 32.2%, Great Soundtrack 19.1%, Anime 17.3%, Story Rich 12.7%, Psychological 5.7%

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 39.5%, Anime 25.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.9%, Story Rich 10.9%, Romance 3.9%

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 29.4%, Great Soundtrack 25.4%, Anime 18%, Story Rich 11.4%, Psychological Horror 4.7%

To the promise we once made and the place we must return

Why similar: Visual Novel 38.1%, Anime 19.8%, Sci-fi 12.7%, Story Rich 9.9%, Adventure 7.3%

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 39%, Anime 20.4%, Story Rich 13.6%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Psychological Horror 4.9%

"This is the Gunjo Broadcasting Club. Is there anyone left out there?” CROSS†CHANNEL is now available to the whole world for the first time ever. Eight students relive an eternally looping week as tensions rise. Can they mend their broken friendships, or are they too far gone to salvage...?

Why similar: Visual Novel 36.8%, Great Soundtrack 24.1%, Anime 18.5%, Story Rich 13.1%, Adventure 4.8%

Use "game" as a medium to showcase the world of "you/girl". Explore the truth of "you/girl/world" through the form of a "visual novel".

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.1%, Anime 18.1%, Multiple Endings 14.6%, Story Rich 14.4%, Psychological Horror 5.9%

Sanzenkai Setsuna awakens on the shore of isolated island Urashima with no memories of his past. Befriending three local girls, Rinne, Karen, and Sara, Setsuna's quest to discover the secrets of Urashima and how they tie into his own past - and future - begins.

Why similar: Time Travel 27.2% ★, Visual Novel 23%, Anime 14.1%, Story Rich 9.5%, Sci-fi 6.2%

From renowned visual novel studio Key, this is the sequel to the highly acclaimed visual novel CLANNAD. Featuring a truly memorable continuation to Tomoya and Tomoyo's journey, Tomoyo After promises to draw you even further into CLANNAD's world.

Why similar: Visual Novel 50.3%, Anime 22.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%, Story Rich 8%, Adventure 3.9%

Relive the four days of destiny...

Why similar: Visual Novel 48.5%, Anime 25.8%, Story Rich 8.1%, Multiple Endings 7.6%, Adventure 6.9%

Show the Spirits the power of love and save the world in this romantic visual novel!

Why similar: Visual Novel 41.6%, Anime 33.3%, Story Rich 10%, Romance 6.2%, Psychological Horror 2.7%

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 31.2%, Great Soundtrack 23.4%, Anime 20.9%, Story Rich 13.4%, Mystery 4.1%

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 32.1%, Great Soundtrack 22.5%, Anime 19%, Story Rich 15.4%, Mystery 3.8%

Fall in Luv all over again! Familiar faces and worlds collide in three massive new adventures, including the long-awaited follow-up to Muv-Luv Alternative!

Why similar: Visual Novel 35.2%, Anime 22.8%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Story Rich 9%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%

Special Agents Mizuki and Ryuki, along with their AI partners Aiba and Tama, are tasked to solve the bizarre Half Body serial killings in this sequel to the critically acclaimed AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES.

Why similar: Visual Novel 36.5%, Anime 23.1%, Sci-fi 17.9%, Artificial Intelligence 12.5%, Mystery 5.2%

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 40.8%, Great Soundtrack 20.3%, Anime 13.7%, Story Rich 11.3%, Psychological Horror 6.6%

It is an adventure game with multiple endings. An original script written by a well-known light novelist with a total of 400,000 words. With reasoning, suspense, love, and science fiction elements, it allows players to embark on a highly immersive journey of salvation on the submarine train.

Why similar: Time Travel 38.4% ★, Visual Novel 18.6%, Anime 10.3%, Story Rich 9.7%, Multiple Endings 6.9%

From renowned visual novel studio Key, which brought you the highly rated visual novel “planetarian~the reverie of a little planet~”, this is “Harmonia”, the latest kinetic novel in the series.

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.2%, Anime 23.2%, Great Soundtrack 18.1%, Story Rich 7.3%, Adventure 5.5%

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 36.9%, Anime 24.7%, Story Rich 17%, Adventure 6.8%, Psychological Horror 6%

Save me from this cage of infinity

Why similar: Visual Novel 36.5%, Anime 20.1%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Story Rich 10.4%, Adventure 7.8%

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 37.1%, Anime 22.3%, Story Rich 12.1%, Multiple Endings 9.7%, Psychological Horror 8.2%

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 39.6%, Anime 24.2%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Psychological 8%, Adventure 6%

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 44.5%, Anime 15.9%, Story Rich 10.3%, Adventure 8.3%, Sci-fi 5.8%

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 45.5%, Anime 27.6%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Story Rich 8.8%, Sci-fi 4.5%

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 37.3%, Anime 22.2%, Story Rich 15.5%, Multiple Endings 14.4%, Adventure 4.9%

Time flies and never comes back. But with an incredible 1-million-word script and 100+ original CGs, this game will take you back to when you were young, simple and pure. Go and get the love of your life back, start something new, or end everything in flame, that's for you to decide!

Why similar: Visual Novel 52%, Anime 18.9%, Great Soundtrack 14.7%, Story Rich 7.2%, Sexual Content 2.9%