- #1 STEINS;GATE 0
97% 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: Time Travel 29% ★, Visual Novel 19.1%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Anime 9.6%, Story Rich 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: It directly expands STEINS;GATE’s time-travel tragedy with the same cast, same scientific themes, and an even heavier focus on the emotional cost of changing timelines.
- #2 STEINS;GATE ELITE
96% 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: Time Travel 34.5% ★, Visual Novel 21.9%, Anime 11.5%, Sci-fi 7.2%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: This is the same core story retold with fully animated presentation, making it the closest possible match in tone, structure, and themes.
- #3 STEINS;GATE: Linear Bounded Phenogram
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,225 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 129.0 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 36.8% ★, Visual Novel 23.4%, Anime 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Sci-fi 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: Its route-based side stories deepen the original cast and world while preserving the series’ blend of sci-fi speculation, humor, and melancholy.
- #4 CHAOS;CHILD
95% 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%, Anime 13.3%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Story Rich 9.8%, Sci-fi 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: It shares STEINS;GATE’s slow-burn build, dense mystery plotting, and devastating character payoffs, just with a darker psychological edge.
- #5 CHAOS;HEAD NOAH
94% 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 39.1%, Anime 16.4%, Story Rich 13.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.2%, Mystery 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: This earlier Science Adventure VN offers the same kind of paranoid conspiracy unraveling and escalating sci-fi weirdness that STEINS;GATE fans tend to love.
- #6 ANONYMOUS;CODE
94% matchMostly Positive80% of 513 reviews2023
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Hack Into God
Why similar: Visual Novel 45.2%, Anime 24.9%, Story Rich 14.2%, Choices Matter 9.4%, Adventure 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: Another Science Adventure entry, it delivers fast-moving techno-thriller storytelling, layered conspiracies, and reality-bending ideas that hit a very similar nerve.
- #7 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
93% 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 25.2%, Time Travel 11.4% ★, Story Rich 11%, Multiple Endings 9.6%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its branching narrative, timeline experimentation, and high-stakes mystery construction make it one of the best non-SciADV matches for STEINS;GATE’s structure and tension.
- #8 ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE
92% matchVery Positive91% of 653 reviews2020
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 38.0 hrs≥1hr: 68%
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 36.1%, Great Soundtrack 17.3%, Anime 13.5%, Sci-fi 12.7%, Story Rich 11%
Why You'll Like It: Set in the same universe, it starts with charming slice-of-life character dynamics before gradually turning into a larger science-driven conspiracy thriller.
- #9 AI: The Somnium Files
91% 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 30.4%, Anime 17.5%, Story Rich 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Sci-fi 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: It mixes anime-style storytelling, route-based reveals, sci-fi concepts, and a central mystery that grows smarter and more emotional the deeper you go.
- #10 STEINS;GATE: My Darling's Embrace
90% 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 57.7%, Anime 21.8%, Romance 6%, Story Rich 5.2%, Dating Sim 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: This one is much more comedic and romantic, but it preserves the cast, presentation, and intimate character writing that made the original memorable.
- #11 YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world
91% matchMostly Positive79% of 360 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 24.9 hrs≥1hr: 58%
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 33%, Time Travel 19.5% ★, Anime 15.4%, Story Rich 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: This classic VN is built around route-hopping and causality puzzles, making it a natural fit if the time-travel and multiple-ending design was your favorite part of STEINS;GATE.
- #12 428: Shibuya Scramble
89% 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 51.8%, Story Rich 15.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.3%, Mystery 9.3%, Choices Matter 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its multi-perspective story web and choice-driven narrative experimentation create the same satisfying feeling of slowly locking a complex thriller into place.
- #13 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
89% 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 36.6%, Anime 15.4%, Story Rich 10.8%, Multiple Endings 10.1%, Sci-fi 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: It’s a tense hard-sci-fi VN with multiple perspectives, branching routes, and a mystery that gradually recontextualizes everything you thought you knew.
- #14 Fate/stay night REMASTERED
86% 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 34.9%, Anime 17.3%, Story Rich 11.5%, Multiple Endings 11.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: Its long branching routes, strong ensemble cast, and blend of everyday scenes with increasingly intense lore-heavy drama mirror the rhythm that STEINS;GATE does so well.
- #15 Raging Loop
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 9,674 reviews2017
Dev: KEMCO
Windows
Median: 23.9 hrsMean: 58.6 hrs≥1hr: 84%
The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?
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: It captures that addictive ‘one more chapter’ momentum through repeated loops, escalating revelations, and a cast trapped inside a mystery bigger than they realize.
- #16 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 27.5%, Story Rich 12.3%, Anime 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.5%, Sci-fi 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: Its fragmented chronology, brutal stakes, and constant timeline shifts make it a strong pick for anyone who loved STEINS;GATE’s branching causality.
- #17 The Sekimeiya: Spun Glass
86% matchVery Positive86% of 279 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 34.2%, Anime 19.2%, Sci-fi 16.6%, Story Rich 15.7%, Mystery 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: This is a very logic-heavy mystery VN whose intricate structure and time-related puzzle-box storytelling strongly echo STEINS;GATE’s appeal to theory-crafting players.
- #18 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,634 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.9 hrsMean: 40.4 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 30.7%, Visual Novel 30.1%, Story Rich 13%, Anime 10%, Mystery 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: If you want another huge slow-burn mystery full of clues, theories, and unforgettable character writing, this is one of the best VN rabbit holes on Steam.
- #19 The House in Fata Morgana
84% 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 23.9%, Great Soundtrack 16.4%, Anime 11.5%, Story Rich 10.7%, Multiple Endings 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: It is less science-focused, but its devastating emotional storytelling, layered structure, and long-form mystery payoff will strongly appeal to STEINS;GATE fans.
- #20 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,215 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 21.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.1%, Anime 20.1%, Story Rich 12.8%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Mystery 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: Its rural setting is very different, but the escalating paranoia, hidden rules, and mystery-first structure scratch a similar itch.
- #21 ROBOTICS;NOTES DaSH
84% matchMixed67% of 268 reviews2020
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 29.8 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Half a year after the events of ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE, Kaito Yashio is introduced to Itaru Hashida through Nae Tennouji. Unsettling incidents start occurring all around them, harbingers of an event that will again plunge the world into chaos.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.9%, Story Rich 22.5%, Anime 18.8%, Sci-fi 17%, Mystery 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: While lighter overall, it still extends the Science Adventure universe with familiar character chemistry, tech-focused storytelling, and larger hidden stakes.
- #22 ISLAND
82% matchVery Positive95% of 1,748 reviews2018
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 154.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 27.5% ★, Visual Novel 22.3%, Anime 13.5%, Story Rich 8.2%, Sci-fi 6%
Why You'll Like It: This VN combines romance, isolation, and a gradually unfolding time-bending sci-fi mystery in a way that feels very adjacent to STEINS;GATE.
- #23 AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative
81% matchVery Positive86% of 3,598 reviews2022
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 16.3 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 40.9%, Anime 25.4%, Sci-fi 20.1%, Mystery 10.5%, Adventure 3%
Why You'll Like It: It leans even harder into fractured timelines, elaborate reveals, and sci-fi mystery twists while keeping the same anime-thriller flavor.
- #24 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
82% 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: Great Soundtrack 30.8%, Visual Novel 30.3%, Story Rich 12.6%, Anime 10.1%, Mystery 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: It pays off the prior game’s sprawling mystery with major thematic and emotional reveals, much like the best route payoffs in STEINS;GATE.
- #25 Muv-Luv
81% matchVery Positive94% of 1,935 reviews2018
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 20.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
One of the most highly-acclaimed visual novel series arrives on Steam, newly revamped and officially in English! An interdimensional love story that takes high school romance on a roller-coaster ride through the depths of despair, culminating in a sci-fi grand finale of epic proportions.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.3%, Anime 19.3%, Story Rich 12.9%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Romance 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: This starts much lighter, but its route-based setup and eventual shift toward bigger sci-fi ideas make it worthwhile for players who enjoy long-form VN payoffs.
- #26 Muv-Luv Alternative
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 3,575 reviews2018
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 34.3 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 36.5%, Anime 19.8%, Sci-fi 13.4%, Story Rich 13%, Romance 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers massive sci-fi stakes, route-driven emotional payoff, and a relentless escalation from character drama into world-shaking speculative fiction.
- #27 ATRI -My Dear Moments-
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 22,459 reviews2020
Dev: FrontwingPub: ANIPLEX.EXE
Windows
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 106.2 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 36.6%, Anime 16.2%, Story Rich 11.4%, Great Soundtrack 10.6%, Romance 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: It trades thriller intensity for warmth and melancholy, but its emotional sci-fi storytelling and strong character focus line up well with STEINS;GATE’s softer side.
- #28 YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story
79% 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 39.5%, Anime 14.7%, Psychological Horror 8.8%, Story Rich 8.1%, Romance 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: Its meta use of visual-novel choices and reality-breaking narrative tricks will appeal if you enjoyed STEINS;GATE’s willingness to play with structure and player expectations.
- #29 planetarian HD
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 3,260 reviews2017
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 65.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
planetarian HD is an engaging and emotional visual novel from legendary game studio, Key. A sub-brand of VISUAL ARTS, Key are also famed for creating Kanon, AIR, CLANNAD, Little Busters!, Rewrite, Angel Beats!, and Summer Pockets.
Why similar: Visual Novel 47.2%, Anime 28%, Great Soundtrack 8.8%, Story Rich 8.1%, Sci-fi 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: It’s shorter and more linear, but its melancholic sci-fi atmosphere and emotional storytelling make it a strong pick if the heartfelt side of STEINS;GATE hit hardest for you.
- #30 GNOSIA
78% 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: Time Travel 38.5% ★, Visual Novel 19.3%, Anime 11.6%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Story Rich 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: This time-loop sci-fi mystery turns repeated runs and social deduction into a gradual process of learning the truth, which makes it a great fit for fans of timeline-based storytelling.
- #31 CLANNAD
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,460 reviews2015
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 105.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
From the world renowned visual novel studio Key, the highly rated story of CLANNAD is now available on Steam! Improved visuals, achievement integration, and Dangopedia make this the best version of CLANNAD to date.
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.7%, Anime 17.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.8%, Story Rich 10.9%, Romance 7.5%
- #32 eden*
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 5,041 reviews2015
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 60.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
A tale of the planet's final love story told using the full force of minori's critically acclaimed illustrative style, engaging musical compositions, and the highly talented staff that has led fans coming back for more every single time!
Why similar: Visual Novel 40.3%, Anime 25.6%, Great Soundtrack 12.6%, Story Rich 9.8%, Romance 6.6%
- #33 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
73% 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 48.8%, Anime 19.6%, Great Soundtrack 17.9%, Story Rich 10.5%, Adventure 2.1%
- #34 Little Busters! English Edition
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,092 reviews2017
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 42.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Capturing the hearts of countless fans since 2007, Little Busters! is an emotional visual novel from Key, the minds behind Angel Beats! and CLANNAD. This special English release supports touch controls and dynamic switching between English and Japanese text, and is in HD for the first time on PC.
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.4%, Anime 16.5%, Great Soundtrack 16%, Story Rich 9.9%, Multiple Endings 7.1%
- #35 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
76% 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 28.9%, Anime 20.9%, Great Soundtrack 20.6%, Story Rich 12.4%, Mystery 6.7%
- #36 Senren＊Banka
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 35,519 reviews2020
Dev: YUZUSOFTPub: HIKARI FIELD
Windows
Median: 16.8 hrsMean: 160.8 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 39.7%, Anime 17.8%, Multiple Endings 8.6%, Story Rich 7.3%, Romance 6.8%
- #37 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
75% 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 31%, Great Soundtrack 20.8%, Anime 20.4%, Story Rich 11.8%, Mystery 7.4%
- #38 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
75% 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 38.5%, Anime 18.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Story Rich 11.1%, Mystery 7%
- #39 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi
74% 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 33%, Great Soundtrack 19.3%, Anime 17.2%, Story Rich 11.9%, Mystery 6.5%
- #40 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 34.2%, Great Soundtrack 18.1%, Anime 18%, Story Rich 12%, Mystery 6.9%
- #41 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
73% 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 31.6%, Great Soundtrack 19.8%, Anime 18.3%, Story Rich 13.4%, Mystery 6.7%
- #42 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
71% 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 41.5%, Great Soundtrack 18.5%, Anime 13.6%, Story Rich 10.2%, Psychological Horror 9.3%
- #43 Summer Pockets
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 4,789 reviews2020
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 10.3 hrsMean: 137.8 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 40.6%, Great Soundtrack 19.8%, Anime 15.7%, Story Rich 9.7%, Romance 5%
- #44 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
72% 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 29.7%, Great Soundtrack 23%, Anime 17.9%, Story Rich 10.3%, Psychological Horror 6.6%
- #45 Persona 4 Golden
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 83,940 reviews2020
Dev: ATLUSPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 12.9 hrsMean: 44.7 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 33.7%, Anime 21.1%, Story Rich 16.4%, Multiple Endings 10.2%, Visual Novel 7.6%
- #46 The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
70% matchVery Positive94% of 9,045 reviews2021
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 34.7 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 38.3%, Anime 20.8%, Great Soundtrack 13.2%, Story Rich 12.6%, Mystery 8.1%
- #47 Lucy -The Eternity She Wished For-
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 8,175 reviews2016
Dev: Modern Visual Arts Laboratory
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 38.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
If there was a robot that could laugh, cry and smile. ...Does it have a soul?
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.1%, Anime 19.7%, Story Rich 10%, Romance 6.8%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%
- #48 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi
71% 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 39%, Anime 20.1%, Story Rich 12.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Mystery 7.4%
- #49 The Song of Saya
70% 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 40.8%, Great Soundtrack 12.7%, Anime 11%, Psychological Horror 9.5%, Story Rich 8.3%
- #50 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 42,629 reviews2019
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 8.8 hrsMean: 26.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 33.1%, Great Soundtrack 24.8%, Anime 15.9%, Story Rich 14.6%, Mystery 7.3%
- #51 Ever 17 - The Out of Infinity
68% matchVery Positive84% of 187 reviews2025
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
To the promise we once made and the place we must return
Why similar: Visual Novel 37.6%, Anime 19.2%, Sci-fi 12.6%, Romance 9.4%, Story Rich 8.7%
- #52 Rail of Möbius
69% matchVery Positive95% of 485 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 36.8% ★, Visual Novel 17.1%, Anime 9.3%, Story Rich 7.9%, Multiple Endings 6.4%
- #53 The NOexistenceN of you AND me
65% matchVery Positive93% of 19,673 reviews2024
Dev: 0x0Real StudioPub: Nino Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 15.7 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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 40.4%, Anime 18.3%, Multiple Endings 15%, Story Rich 13.2%, Psychological Horror 8.4%
- #54 Everlasting Summer
68% matchVery Positive95% of 77,204 reviews2014
Dev: Soviet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 57.7 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 32%, Great Soundtrack 18.6%, Anime 15.1%, Story Rich 11.9%, Multiple Endings 6.2%
- #55 Doki Doki Literature Club!
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 219,150 reviews2017
Dev: Team Salvato
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 38.2 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 31.8%, Anime 20.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.3%, Psychological Horror 9.8%, Story Rich 8.8%
- #56 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi
67% 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 36.9%, Anime 24.2%, Story Rich 15%, Mystery 8.6%, Psychological Horror 8.3%
- #57 Tricolour Lovestory
68% matchVery Positive81% of 28,032 reviews2017
Dev: HL-GalgamePub: SakuraGame
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 48.3 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 50.2%, Anime 17.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.7%, Dating Sim 7.3%, Story Rich 6.1%
- #58 Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
65% 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 34.9%, Anime 20.5%, Psychological Horror 10.5%, Story Rich 10.1%, Multiple Endings 9%
- #59 Kanon
64% matchVery Positive98% of 399 reviews2024
Dev: VISUAL ARTS/KeyPub: VISUAL ARTS
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 20.8 hrs≥1hr: 69%
A tale of small miracles in a snow-covered town— Kanon, the very first game from visual novel studio Key, is now available on Steam! Now featuring HD visuals and full voice support! (The protagonist is only voiced in certain scenes.)
Why similar: Visual Novel 46.4%, Anime 20.3%, Romance 9%, Multiple Endings 8.2%, Dating Sim 6.9%
