- #1 STEINS;GATE 0
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 8,522 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 128.7 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: Time Travel 28.9% ★, Visual Novel 19.2%, Great Soundtrack 11.1%, Anime 9.6%, Story Rich 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: This direct sequel explores an alternate worldline with the same cast, dense time-travel science fiction, and a more tragic route through Okabe's story.
- #2 STEINS;GATE ELITE
96% matchVery Positive90% of 1,688 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 277.2 hrs≥1hr: 65%
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 34.5% ★, Visual Novel 21.9%, Anime 11.5%, Sci-fi 7.1%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: It retells the original story in an animated presentation while preserving its phone-trigger choices, conspiracy mystery, and branching endings.
- #3 STEINS;GATE: Linear Bounded Phenogram
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,360 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 130.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 36.4% ★, Visual Novel 23.8%, Anime 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 9%, Sci-fi 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: This companion visual novel offers character-focused alternate worldlines that expand the setting and let players spend more time with the Future Gadget Lab.
- #4 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
95% matchVery Positive93% of 7,427 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 21.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 25.4%, Time Travel 11.6% ★, Story Rich 11%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, Multiple Endings 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Its tightly plotted escape-room mysteries, multiple timelines, and route-based revelations deliver the same addictive need to untangle a larger sci-fi conspiracy.
- #5 CHAOS;CHILD
94% matchVery Positive93% of 4,142 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 81.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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%, Anime 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 12.8%, Story Rich 9.9%, Sci-fi 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: This Science Adventure mystery uses a darker tone, unreliable perception, and a meticulously built conspiracy that rewards close attention to its clues.
- #6 CHAOS;HEAD NOAH
94% matchVery Positive88% of 2,108 reviews2022
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 54.9 hrs≥1hr: 84%
CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.7%, Anime 16.3%, Story Rich 12.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%, Mystery 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: This earlier Science Adventure title pairs otaku culture and psychological tension with delusions, branching choices, and a sinister scientific mystery.
- #7 ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE
93% matchVery Positive91% of 723 reviews2020
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 38.0 hrs≥1hr: 69%
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 35.8%, Great Soundtrack 18.1%, Anime 13.5%, Sci-fi 12.6%, Story Rich 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: A fellow Science Adventure story centered on youthful science enthusiasts, technology, conspiracies, and a gradually expanding threat behind seemingly ordinary events.
- #8 ANONYMOUS;CODE
92% matchMostly Positive79% of 560 reviews2023
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Hack Into God
Why similar: Visual Novel 45.4%, Anime 25.2%, Story Rich 14.3%, Choices Matter 8.8%, Adventure 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: Another Science Adventure entry, it mixes internet-age techno-thriller ideas, reality-bending mechanics, and an escalating conspiracy in a fast-moving visual-novel format.
- #9 AI: The Somnium Files
91% matchVery Positive91% of 9,439 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 15.2 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 30.4%, Anime 17.4%, Story Rich 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%, Sci-fi 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: This detective visual novel combines eccentric humor, branching dream investigations, and a progressively stranger sci-fi murder conspiracy.
- #10 Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
91% matchVery Positive82% of 4,933 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 27.7%, Story Rich 12.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Anime 10.7%, Sci-fi 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: Its nonlinear structure, life-or-death decision games, and timeline-heavy reveals make it an especially strong fit for players who enjoyed STEINS;GATE's causality puzzles.
- #11 STEINS;GATE: My Darling's Embrace
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,964 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 13.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fall in love with the lab members all over again in this sweet and slapstick romantic comedy!
Why similar: Visual Novel 56.4%, Anime 22.4%, Romance 6.3%, Story Rich 5.2%, Dating Sim 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: Though much lighter in tone, this romantic spin-off preserves the lab's lovable cast, visual-novel presentation, and alternate-worldline premise.
- #12 Raging Loop
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 11,351 reviews2017
Dev: KEMCO
Windows
Median: 24.2 hrsMean: 60.5 hrs≥1hr: 83%
The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?
Why similar: Visual Novel 45%, Story Rich 12.8%, Time Travel 9.7% ★, Mystery 7.9%, Anime 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: Its isolated-village death game uses repeated loops, hidden rules, and route-based revelations to create the same compulsive desire to solve an impossible situation.
- #13 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
89% matchVery Positive91% of 616 reviews2016
Dev: YetiPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 14.2 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 36.7%, Anime 15.6%, Story Rich 10.7%, Multiple Endings 9.8%, Sci-fi 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: A tense sci-fi visual novel about a nuclear facility disaster, it uses alternate perspectives, difficult decisions, and detailed scientific stakes to build suspense.
- #14 AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative
88% matchVery Positive86% of 3,791 reviews2022
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 16.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 39.9%, Anime 24.7%, Sci-fi 19.6%, Mystery 9.9%, Adventure 3%
Why You'll Like It: The sequel deepens the series' nonlinear storytelling with two protagonists, interlocking timelines, surreal investigations, and elaborate mystery plotting.
- #15 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,887 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.0 hrsMean: 45.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 31.9%, Visual Novel 30%, Story Rich 12.6%, Anime 9.9%, Mystery 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: This sprawling mystery emphasizes unreliable narratives, repeated scenarios, elaborate theories, and a rich soundtrack for players who enjoy dissecting every clue.
- #16 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,855 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 21.5 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%, Anime 20.1%, Story Rich 12.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.9%, Mystery 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: It begins as an everyday anime visual novel before revealing a looping, paranoia-filled mystery whose answers emerge through repeated perspectives and escalating horror.
- #17 428: Shibuya Scramble
86% matchVery Positive95% of 3,991 reviews2018
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 52.5%, Story Rich 14.9%, Great Soundtrack 14.4%, Mystery 9.2%, Choices Matter 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: Its interwoven protagonists and consequential branching routes create a highly polished urban thriller where small choices reshape a much larger mystery.
- #18 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 38,953 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 22.7 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 31%, Great Soundtrack 21.5%, Anime 20.2%, Story Rich 11.5%, Mystery 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A stylized murder-mystery visual novel with investigations, trials, memorable characters, and frequent twists that reward following its larger hidden agenda.
- #19 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 32,966 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.4 hrsMean: 32.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 28.7%, Great Soundtrack 21.5%, Anime 20.8%, Story Rich 12.1%, Mystery 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: This sequel expands the series' mystery scope with stronger character relationships, a stranger setting, and increasingly ambitious sci-fi revelations.
- #20 PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,313 reviews2023
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 8.8 hrsMean: 10.2 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 37.4%, Anime 21.6%, Multiple Endings 13.7%, Story Rich 13.5%, Mystery 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: This compact supernatural mystery excels at tense dialogue, perspective shifts, branching outcomes, and steadily unraveling rules behind its central phenomenon.
- #21 The Sekimeiya: Spun Glass
84% matchVery Positive87% of 299 reviews2021
Dev: Trinitite Team
Windows · Mac · Linux
An intricate mystery visual novel. Search text, piece together clues, and jump around the story to unravel the tangled events within the sealed tower.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.5%, Anime 19.3%, Sci-fi 16.6%, Story Rich 15.5%, Mystery 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: This demanding mystery visual novel centers on amnesia, locked-room logic, time-related twists, and piecing together a carefully constructed conspiracy.
- #22 The House in Fata Morgana
83% matchVery Positive95% of 6,743 reviews2016
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 27.9 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 24.1%, Great Soundtrack 17.4%, Anime 11.4%, Story Rich 10.7%, Multiple Endings 8%
Why You'll Like It: While gothic rather than scientific, its layered timelines, tragic revelations, exceptional writing, and emotional payoff make it a superb story-first visual novel.
- #23 GNOSIA
81% matchVery Positive94% of 5,158 reviews2022
Dev: Petit DepottoPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 38.5% ★, Visual Novel 19.5%, Anime 11.7%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Story Rich 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: Its social-deduction loop repeatedly resets with new roles and information, creating a clever sci-fi mystery about using accumulated knowledge to escape a closed system.
- #24 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
82% matchVery Positive83% of 23,420 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 8.9 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 31.4%, Great Soundtrack 20.7%, Anime 18.1%, Story Rich 13.1%, Mystery 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: Its long-form murder cases, detective gameplay, branching conversations, and bold meta-mystery suit players seeking another twist-heavy anime thriller.
- #25 STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT
78% matchVery Positive90% of 1,088 reviews2026
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 15.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
STEINS;GATE returns! Rebooted for the modern era! Featuring fully updated visuals, UI, and an all-new story that breathes new life into the streets of Akihabara.
Why similar: Time Travel 28.1% ★, Visual Novel 19.5%, Anime 7.2%, Sci-fi 6.9%, Multiple Endings 6.5%
- #26 Muv-Luv
81% matchVery Positive93% of 2,103 reviews2018
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 21.3 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 31.3%, Anime 19.4%, Story Rich 12.7%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Romance 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: Its early character-driven routes eventually establish a major branching sci-fi saga, making it worthwhile for players who enjoy visual novels that transform dramatically over time.
- #27 Fate/stay night REMASTERED
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 4,934 reviews2024
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 50.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Seek the root of the Fate franchise. Return to where it all began.
Why similar: Visual Novel 35%, Anime 17.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Story Rich 11.3%, Multiple Endings 11.1%
- #28 ISLAND
79% matchVery Positive95% of 1,776 reviews2018
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 154.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 27.6% ★, Visual Novel 22.5%, Anime 13.5%, Story Rich 8%, Sci-fi 6%
Why You'll Like It: This emotional island mystery combines amnesia, apparent time-travel elements, romance routes, and a gradually clarified science-fiction premise.
- #29 The Centennial Case : A Shijima Story
79% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,133 reviews2022
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 8.2 hrsMean: 15.1 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Unravel the mysteries of death, and find the answers to life.A unique Mystery-Adventure Game:The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story
Why similar: Story Rich 35%, Choices Matter 25.3%, Mystery 22.8%, Atmospheric 7.5%, Adventure 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: This live-action mystery lets you build and test theories across several eras, offering satisfying clue assembly and a family conspiracy spanning generations.
- #30 CLANNAD
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 11,028 reviews2015
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 106.8 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 33.7%, Anime 17%, Great Soundtrack 16.5%, Story Rich 10.7%, Romance 7.4%
- #31 YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world
80% matchMostly Positive79% of 389 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 25.4 hrs≥1hr: 60%
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 32.8%, Time Travel 19.5% ★, Anime 15.4%, Story Rich 10.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A foundational time-travel visual novel built around visiting divergent timelines, solving mysteries through accumulated knowledge, and pursuing multiple routes.
- #32 Senren＊Banka
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 37,218 reviews2020
Dev: YUZUSOFTPub: HIKARI FIELD
Windows
Median: 16.8 hrsMean: 170.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Senren＊Banka is a Japanese-style visual novel produced by Yuzusoft, a Japanese developer of romance VNs. This game commemorated Yuzusoft's 10th anniversary. It won numerous awards on the year of its release in Japan for its art, music, and characters.
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.4%, Anime 18%, Multiple Endings 8.2%, Romance 7%, Dating Sim 7%
- #33 eden*
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 5,271 reviews2015
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 60.8 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 40.2%, Anime 25.5%, Great Soundtrack 13%, Story Rich 9.6%, Romance 6.6%
- #34 Little Busters! English Edition
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,251 reviews2017
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 41.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 38.8%, Great Soundtrack 16.8%, Anime 16.4%, Story Rich 9.9%, Multiple Endings 6.9%
- #35 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 8,706 reviews2023
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 67.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A tale told with vivid colors and rich sound in a classic TYPE-MOON visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 48.4%, Anime 19.5%, Great Soundtrack 18.7%, Story Rich 10.2%, Adventure 2.1%
- #36 planetarian HD
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 3,471 reviews2017
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 68.3 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 46.7%, Anime 27.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Story Rich 8.1%, Sci-fi 4.9%
- #37 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,598 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 26.1 hrsMean: 54.6 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: Great Soundtrack 32.3%, Visual Novel 29.9%, Story Rich 12.2%, Anime 9.9%, Mystery 7.2%
- #38 YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story
73% matchVery Positive95% of 7,095 reviews2020
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 133.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 39.3%, Anime 14.5%, Psychological Horror 8.5%, Story Rich 8%, Great Soundtrack 7.9%
- #39 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 2,000 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 17.0 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 39%, Anime 18.2%, Great Soundtrack 13.3%, Story Rich 10.9%, Mystery 6.7%
- #40 ATRI -My Dear Moments-
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 23,554 reviews2020
Dev: FrontwingPub: ANIPLEX.EXE
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 110.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
"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 36.8%, Anime 16.1%, Story Rich 11.1%, Great Soundtrack 11%, Romance 8%
- #41 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 995 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 20.6 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 32.8%, Great Soundtrack 20.3%, Anime 17.2%, Story Rich 11.7%, Mystery 6.3%
- #42 Summer Pockets
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 4,963 reviews2020
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 10.0 hrsMean: 135.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
From the creators of Angel Beats! and CLANNAD, Key, comes their latest emotional, award-winning journey. Follow protagonist Takahara Hairi as he travels to the secluded island Torishirojima, where he rediscovers what it means to enjoy summer vacation.
Why similar: Visual Novel 40.1%, Great Soundtrack 20.6%, Anime 15.6%, Story Rich 9.4%, Romance 4.9%
- #43 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,401 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 21.7 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 34.2%, Great Soundtrack 19%, Anime 18%, Story Rich 11.6%, Mystery 6.6%
- #44 The Song of Saya
71% matchVery Positive89% of 10,280 reviews2019
Dev: NitroplusPub: JAST
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 64.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 41.6%, Great Soundtrack 13%, Anime 11.3%, Psychological Horror 9.3%, Story Rich 8%
- #45 Symphonic Rain
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,260 reviews2017
Dev: KOGADO STUDIOPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 33.2 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 24.1%, Anime 14.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Story Rich 11.1%, Multiple Endings 11%
- #46 The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
69% matchVery Positive94% of 9,542 reviews2021
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 34.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Immerse yourself in a dramatic yet charming and witty world of evidence-gathering, deduction and courtroom battles with this double-pack of the adventures of rookie lawyer Ryunosuke.
Why similar: Visual Novel 38.1%, Anime 20.7%, Great Soundtrack 14.2%, Story Rich 12.3%, Mystery 7.8%
- #47 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 897 reviews2020
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 18.7 hrsMean: 71.0 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 41.3%, Great Soundtrack 19.4%, Anime 13.6%, Story Rich 10%, Psychological Horror 9%
- #48 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,182 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 21.6 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 29.2%, Great Soundtrack 24.6%, Anime 17.7%, Story Rich 10%, Psychological Horror 6.3%
- #49 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,034 reviews2018
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 38.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 38.8%, Anime 19.6%, Story Rich 12%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Mystery 7.4%
- #50 Tricolour Lovestory
70% matchVery Positive81% of 28,081 reviews2017
Dev: HL-Galgame
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 48.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 49.7%, Anime 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Dating Sim 7.4%, Story Rich 6%
- #51 Everlasting Summer
69% matchVery Positive94% of 78,183 reviews2014
Dev: Soviet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 59.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 32%, Great Soundtrack 19.4%, Anime 15%, Story Rich 11.7%, Multiple Endings 6%
- #52 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 45,237 reviews2019
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 26.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Become Phoenix Wright and experience the thrill of battle as you fight to save your innocent clients in a court of law. Play all 14 episodes, spanning the first three games, in one gorgeous collection.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.9%, Great Soundtrack 25.7%, Anime 15.8%, Story Rich 14.3%, Mystery 7.1%
- #53 Ever 17 - The Out of Infinity
67% matchVery Positive85% of 225 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 38.2%, Anime 19.2%, Sci-fi 12.5%, Romance 9.4%, Story Rich 8.5%
- #54 Rail of Möbius
68% matchVery Positive95% of 495 reviews2021
Dev: PHOSEPO
Windows
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 37.1% ★, Visual Novel 17.3%, Anime 9.4%, Story Rich 7.9%, Multiple Endings 6.2%
- #55 Persona 4 Golden
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 87,638 reviews2020
Dev: ATLUSPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 13.2 hrsMean: 45.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A coming of age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 34.9%, Anime 20.8%, Story Rich 16%, Multiple Endings 9.8%, Visual Novel 7.8%
- #56 Muv-Luv Alternative
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 3,810 reviews2018
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
Median: 10.0 hrsMean: 34.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 32.8%, Anime 17.9%, Sci-fi 12%, Story Rich 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%
- #57 Doki Doki Literature Club!
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 228,468 reviews2017
Dev: Team Salvato
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 38.4 hrs≥1hr: 74%
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.6%, Anime 20.5%, Great Soundtrack 14%, Psychological Horror 9.6%, Story Rich 8.6%
- #58 Persona 5 Royal
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 140,645 reviews2022
Dev: ATLUSPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 30.9 hrsMean: 65.7 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Lead the Phantom Thieves of Hearts in this award winning, stylish turn-based RPG filled with dungeon crawling, party customization, strategic combat, and Persona fusion. Explore Tokyo, build relationships, battle Shadows, and infiltrate the minds of the corrupt to make them change their ways!
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 34.2%, Anime 22.8%, Multiple Endings 17.1%, Story Rich 17%, Dating Sim 4.2%
- #59 Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 32,549 reviews2021
Dev: Team SalvatoPub: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 84.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 35.6%, Anime 20.6%, Psychological Horror 10.3%, Story Rich 9.9%, Multiple Endings 8.7%
