- #1 STEINS;GATE
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 25,836 reviews2016
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 66.9 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, STEINS;GATE was awarded Famitsu magazine's coveted annual Game of Excellence award and was voted one of the most emotionally charged “tear-inducing games” ever made, in a Famitsu poll. It is a gripping and moving Visual Novel, which has already spawned manga and anime adaptations.
Why similar: Time Travel 36.8% ★, Visual Novel 23.4%, Anime 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.7%, Sci-fi 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: The original masterpiece that establishes the core time-travel mechanics and character dynamics central to the entire series.
- #2 STEINS;GATE 0
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 8,091 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 125.7 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 34.3% ★, Visual Novel 22.7%, Anime 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 9.5%, Story Rich 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A direct, emotionally heavy sequel that explores the darker consequences of the original story's timeline.
- #3 STEINS;GATE ELITE
96% matchVery Positive90% of 1,651 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 273.2 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 38% ★, Visual Novel 24.1%, Anime 12%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Story Rich 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: A fully animated reimagining of the original game that brings the visual novel experience closer to the anime adaptation.
- #4 STEINS;GATE: My Darling's Embrace
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,820 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fall in love with the lab members all over again in this sweet and slapstick romantic comedy!
Why similar: Visual Novel 54.4%, Anime 19.6%, Adventure 18.9%, Story Rich 4.3%, Singleplayer 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted spin-off that focuses on the romantic side of the lab members, perfect for fans of the characters.
- #5 CHAOS;CHILD
94% matchVery Positive93% of 3,899 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 81.0 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 40.5%, Anime 16.5%, Great Soundtrack 12.3%, Story Rich 11.4%, Sci-fi 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: Part of the same Science Adventure universe, this title offers a gripping mystery with deep psychological themes.
- #6 ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE
94% matchVery Positive90% of 669 reviews2020
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 38.2 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 32.9%, Adventure 20.9%, Sci-fi 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Anime 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: Another entry in the Science Adventure series that shares the same world-building and high-quality character writing.
- #7 ANONYMOUS;CODE
93% matchMostly Positive79% of 525 reviews2023
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Hack Into God
Why similar: Visual Novel 39.9%, Adventure 26.5%, Anime 20.9%, Story Rich 11.1%, Singleplayer 1.5%
Why You'll Like It: The latest entry in the Science Adventure series, focusing on hacking and reality-bending sci-fi concepts.
- #8 AI: The Somnium Files
92% matchVery Positive92% of 9,207 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 15.0 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 36%, Anime 19.7%, Story Rich 13.3%, Adventure 11.2%, Sci-fi 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: A detective-themed visual novel with a strong sci-fi premise and complex, branching narrative paths.
- #9 YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world
91% matchMostly Positive79% of 373 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 24.4 hrs≥1hr: 59%
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 30.9%, Time Travel 18.3% ★, Anime 13.7%, Adventure 13.5%, Story Rich 9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic time-travel visual novel that heavily influenced the genre and shares similar themes of causality.
- #10 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
91% matchVery Positive93% of 7,129 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 21.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 34.1%, Time Travel 15.5% ★, Story Rich 13.2%, Anime 11.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: An essential collection for fans of time-travel and complex, branching sci-fi mysteries.
- #11 Fate/stay night REMASTERED
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 4,490 reviews2024
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 48.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Seek the root of the Fate franchise. Return to where it all began.
Why similar: Visual Novel 44%, Anime 20.6%, Story Rich 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.9%, Adventure 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: A seminal visual novel featuring deep lore, multiple endings, and high-stakes supernatural battles.
- #12 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,708 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.3 hrsMean: 42.9 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: Visual Novel 38.4%, Great Soundtrack 29.9%, Story Rich 14.6%, Anime 12%, Adventure 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: An incredibly dense and rewarding mystery visual novel that challenges the player to solve its complex narrative puzzles.
- #13 AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative
89% matchVery Positive86% of 3,657 reviews2022
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 16.2 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 38.9%, Anime 23%, Sci-fi 21.1%, Adventure 17%
Why You'll Like It: A direct sequel that expands on the investigative gameplay and surreal sci-fi mystery of the first game.
- #14 GNOSIA
88% matchVery Positive94% of 4,865 reviews2022
Dev: Petit DepottoPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 7.3 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 40.1% ★, Visual Novel 20.3%, Anime 11.5%, Sci-fi 10.9%, Story Rich 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A unique sci-fi social deduction game that utilizes a time-loop mechanic to uncover the truth behind a mysterious threat.
- #15 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 7,710 reviews2023
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 14.7 hrsMean: 64.0 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A tale told with vivid colors and rich sound in a classic TYPE-MOON visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 46.8%, Anime 17.9%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, Adventure 11.9%, Story Rich 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A beautifully produced visual novel from Type-Moon that offers a cinematic experience and a compelling, character-driven story.
- #16 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,381 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 21.7 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 48.3%, Anime 21.4%, Story Rich 12.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.6%, Adventure 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror mystery that uses time-loop-like narrative structures to explore its dark, small-town secrets.
- #17 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,497 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 17.1 hrsMean: 50.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
This is the 2nd half of the Umineko When They Cry sound novel series, featuring episodes 5 through 8. This steam version features multi-language options, swap-able renewed character sprites, as well as the original BGMs and un-cut content.
Why similar: Visual Novel 36.6%, Great Soundtrack 28.6%, Story Rich 13.5%, Anime 11.5%, Adventure 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: The conclusion to the Umineko mystery, providing the necessary closure and revelations for the series' intricate plot.
- #18 CLANNAD
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,614 reviews2015
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 106.2 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 45.1%, Anime 21.7%, Great Soundtrack 16.1%, Story Rich 12.9%, Adventure 3%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary visual novel known for its profound emotional impact and extensive character-focused storytelling.
- #19 The House in Fata Morgana
84% matchVery Positive95% of 6,235 reviews2016
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.5 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 36.2%, Great Soundtrack 19%, Anime 16.5%, Story Rich 14.4%, Adventure 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: A masterfully written gothic mystery that, like Steins;Gate, relies on deep character development and a complex, unfolding plot.
- #20 ISLAND
84% matchVery Positive95% of 1,753 reviews2018
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 154.1 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 31.5% ★, Visual Novel 25.8%, Anime 14.7%, Story Rich 8.3%, Sci-fi 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi mystery visual novel that deals with time-travel and isolation on a remote island.
- #21 Summer Pockets
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 4,831 reviews2020
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 10.3 hrsMean: 138.1 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 41.3%, Adventure 19.2%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Anime 15.2%, Story Rich 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A touching, story-rich visual novel that excels at character-driven drama and emotional depth.
- #22 planetarian HD
83% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 3,297 reviews2017
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 66.3 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 44.6%, Anime 24.8%, Adventure 10.9%, Story Rich 6.9%, Great Soundtrack 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A short, poignant sci-fi story that focuses on the relationship between a human and a robot in a post-apocalyptic world.
- #23 Little Busters! English Edition
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,122 reviews2017
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 42.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 44.6%, Anime 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Adventure 13.3%, Story Rich 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A classic visual novel that balances humor and deep, emotional character arcs with a mysterious underlying plot.
- #24 The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
80% matchVery Positive94% of 9,191 reviews2021
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 11.2 hrsMean: 34.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 39.4%, Anime 20.4%, Adventure 17.2%, Story Rich 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant mystery series that shares the same focus on investigation and logical deduction found in the best visual novels.
- #25 Ciconia When They Cry - Phase 1: For You, the Replaceable Ones
81% matchVery Positive93% of 549 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac
Median: 12.2 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 74%
This is the first chapter in newest entry When They Cry visual novel series produced by Ryuukishi07. It features HD graphics, more detailed animations, and newly created songs by many of the composers from Umineko, as well as several new additions.
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.4%, Adventure 15.6%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Anime 13.1%, Sci-fi 12%
Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi mystery from the creators of Higurashi that explores global conflict and high-tech weaponry.
- #26 Harmonia
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 783 reviews2016
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 90.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 38.3%, Anime 21.1%, Adventure 17.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, Story Rich 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: A short but emotional sci-fi visual novel that explores what it means to be human in a world of machines.
- #27 Adabana Odd Tales
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,043 reviews2020
Dev: Liar-softPub: ANIPLEX.EXE
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 52.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
"This is a tale of 'flowers' that never bloom." Shirohime, a girl who has lost her memory, and Kurofude, a mysterious boy, traverse through classic Japanese fairy tales within the land of Adabana, a realm of illustrated books. What awaits them after they mend the distorted tales?
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.2%, Adventure 30.6%, Story Rich 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Anime 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A story-rich visual novel that uses folklore and meta-narrative elements to create a unique, atmospheric experience.
- #28 CROSS†CHANNEL: Steam Edition
79% matchVery Positive90% of 438 reviews2018
Dev: MoeNovel
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 20.4 hrs≥1hr: 52%
"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 37.7%, Anime 17.7%, Great Soundtrack 16.8%, Adventure 16.2%, Story Rich 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: A cult-classic visual novel featuring a time-loop premise and a focus on the psychological state of its protagonist.
- #29 eden*
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 5,086 reviews2015
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 59.9 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 42.7%, Anime 25.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%, Story Rich 9.2%, Adventure 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A beautifully illustrated sci-fi romance that focuses on the final days of humanity with a strong, character-centric narrative.
- #30 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 795 reviews2020
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 19.3 hrsMean: 75.1 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 41.4%, Adventure 21.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.1%, Anime 12.9%, Story Rich 9%
- #31 CLANNAD Side Stories
78% matchVery Positive88% of 404 reviews2016
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 153.8 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Delve further into the world of CLANNAD and experience the stories beyond the original visual novel adventure. Known as CLANNAD Hikari Mimamoru Sakamichi de in Japan, This Steam version features high resolution assets and is translated into English for the very first time.
Why similar: Visual Novel 59.2%, Anime 17.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Story Rich 11.1%
- #32 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 908 reviews2018
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 39.7 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 42.6%, Anime 20.8%, Adventure 15.6%, Story Rich 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%
- #33 ENIGMA:
76% matchVery Positive95% of 144 reviews2016
Dev: UzumeyaPub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Enigma is an atmospheric, full-length visual novel where you discover the secrets of Enigma, a worldwide epidemic, and a forest on a lonely island that bears its name.
Why similar: Visual Novel 40.6%, Adventure 23.1%, Anime 19.2%, Great Soundtrack 17.1%
- #34 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,058 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 21.8 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 33.8%, Great Soundtrack 19.9%, Anime 19.3%, Adventure 15.1%, Story Rich 10.3%
- #35 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 43,374 reviews2019
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 8.8 hrsMean: 26.5 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 36.9%, Great Soundtrack 21%, Anime 16.8%, Story Rich 14.3%, Adventure 9.3%
- #36 Ever 17 - The Out of Infinity
72% matchVery Positive84% of 197 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 36.7%, Adventure 23.5%, Anime 17.8%, Sci-fi 13.5%, Story Rich 7.5%
- #37 The Melody of Grisaia
75% matchVery Positive95% of 93 reviews2016
Dev: FrontwingPub: Frontwing USA
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 31.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
A side story for The Labyrinth of Grisaia, this episode takes place just after Kusakabe Asako officially names Kazami Yuuji her successor as number 9029, and details his globe-hopping exploits thereafter. Yet more secret passages of The Labyrinth of Grisaia are revealed within...
Why similar: Visual Novel 42.2%, Anime 23.8%, Adventure 18.3%, Story Rich 13.3%, Singleplayer 2.3%
- #38 Muv-Luv photonmelodies♮
74% matchVery Positive88% of 253 reviews2020
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 96%
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 36.9%, Anime 22.2%, Adventure 16.2%, Sci-fi 10.8%, Story Rich 7.4%
- #39 OMNIMUS
74% matchVery Positive87% of 55 reviews2019
Dev: Angry gamesPub: Total
Windows · Mac · Linux
Omnimus. Welcome to the future! A visual novel about a daring experiment.
Why similar: Adventure 33.4%, Visual Novel 27.3%, Anime 14.4%, Sci-fi 13.9%, Story Rich 9.1%
- #40 Higurashi When They Cry Hou+
71% matchVery Positive88% of 170 reviews2023
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 65%
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 42.5%, Anime 23.8%, Adventure 20.9%, Great Soundtrack 6.4%, Story Rich 4.1%
- #41 CHAOS;HEAD NOAH
71% matchVery Positive88% of 1,810 reviews2022
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 52.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 44%, Anime 18.1%, Story Rich 13.2%, Adventure 11.6%, Great Soundtrack 6.3%
- #42 Yumeutsutsu Re:After
73% matchVery Positive88% of 106 reviews2020
Dev: KOGADO STUDIOPub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 18.6 hrs≥1hr: 63%
What happens "After?" Five stories to continue the possible endings of Yumeutsutsu Re:master.
Why similar: Adventure 54.2%, Visual Novel 25.7%, Anime 8%, Great Soundtrack 6.6%, Story Rich 4.6%
- #43 ROBOTICS;NOTES DaSH
73% matchMixed67% of 274 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 30.2%, Story Rich 18.9%, Sci-fi 17.7%, Anime 16.9%, Adventure 16.3%
- #44 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 703 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.8 hrsMean: 89.0 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 38.1%, Anime 23.8%, Adventure 23.4%, Story Rich 13.7%, Singleplayer 1%
- #45 An Octave Higher
73% matchVery Positive82% of 298 reviews2015
Dev: KidalangPub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Fall into the magically complicated world of Overture as the three main characters embark on an adventure that will shake their lives and the world around them. Will they fan the flames of the growing revolution, or will they be the key to extinguishing it?
Why similar: Visual Novel 45.6%, Anime 18.3%, Adventure 17.1%, Story Rich 8.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%
- #46 fault - milestone two side:above
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,565 reviews2015
Dev: ALICE IN DISSONANCE
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 33.2 hrs≥1hr: 94%
fault - milestone two side:above is a Cinematic Visual Novel that takes place right after the events of milestone one. Please note that this novel is a direct sequel to fault - milestone one and contains massive spoilers of the first story. Play through of the first title is highly advised.
Why similar: Visual Novel 45.3%, Anime 23.1%, Story Rich 13.3%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Adventure 5.1%
- #47 Muv-Luv
70% matchVery Positive94% of 1,987 reviews2018
Dev: aNCHOR Inc.
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 21.1 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 35%, Anime 20.5%, Sci-fi 14.9%, Story Rich 12.8%, Adventure 9%
- #48 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Rei
68% matchVery Positive98% of 262 reviews2022
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 200.6 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 46.8%, Adventure 22.2%, Anime 18.2%, Story Rich 11.3%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #49 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 899 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 38.5%, Anime 19.2%, Great Soundtrack 17.2%, Story Rich 12.3%, Adventure 11%
- #50 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,271 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 21.9 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 40.3%, Anime 20.3%, Great Soundtrack 16.4%, Story Rich 12.5%, Adventure 8.8%
- #51 Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
70% matchVery Positive82% of 4,789 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 37.1%, Story Rich 14.5%, Anime 13.6%, Sci-fi 11.6%, Adventure 11.1%
- #52 Return to Shironagasu Island
67% matchVery Positive94% of 4,067 reviews2020
Dev: HYOGO ONIMUSHIPub: TABINOMICHI
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 14.1 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A mystery adventure game and visual novel set on solitary Shironagasu Island. Discover its secrets, solve its mysteries, and escape from the ominous island!
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.2%, Adventure 26.9%, Anime 14.7%, Story Rich 7.9%, Sci-fi 6.2%
- #53 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,830 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 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 47.1%, Anime 21%, Story Rich 12%, Great Soundtrack 11.9%, Adventure 6.8%
- #54 Tomoyo After ~It's a Wonderful Life~ English Edition
69% matchVery Positive91% of 721 reviews2016
Dev: VisualArts/KeyPub: VisualArts
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 56.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 51.2%, Anime 21.3%, Adventure 13.2%, Great Soundtrack 6.9%, Story Rich 6.4%
- #55 Persona 4 Golden
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 84,776 reviews2020
Dev: ATLUSPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 12.9 hrsMean: 45.0 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%, Anime 26.5%, Story Rich 19.3%, Visual Novel 10.3%, Adventure 7.3%
- #56 Everlasting Summer
67% matchVery Positive94% of 77,532 reviews2014
Dev: Soviet Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 58.7 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Visual novel loved by many – Everlasting Summer – now on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 42.4%, Anime 19%, Great Soundtrack 18.7%, Story Rich 13.9%, Adventure 4.5%
- #57 Fate/hollow ataraxia REMASTERED
63% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 980 reviews2025
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 62.1 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Relive the four days of destiny...
Why similar: Visual Novel 47.6%, Anime 23.4%, Adventure 22.3%, Story Rich 6.2%, Singleplayer 0.6%
- #58 ef - the latter tale. (All Ages)
68% matchVery Positive97% of 125 reviews2019
Dev: minoriPub: MangaGamer
Windows
In this direct continuation of "ef - the first tale", Yuu tells the tale of a young woman who has lost one of her eyes due to an accident, but who may have lost so much more beneath the surface.
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.7%, Adventure 27.8%, Anime 19.1%, Story Rich 15.5%, Singleplayer 1.9%
- #59 Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
64% matchVery Positive88% of 4,237 reviews2024
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 35.6 hrsMean: 54.6 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese.
Why similar: Visual Novel 40%, Adventure 20%, Anime 17.5%, Story Rich 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.1%
