- #1 Raging Loop
97% 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 29.3%, Psychological 14.3%, Psychological Horror 13.8%, Mystery 13.6%, Detective 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: This game features a similar blend of psychological horror, mystery, and time-loop mechanics that force the player to make difficult choices to survive.
- #2 PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,520 reviews2023
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 10.1 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 16.1%, Text-Based 15%, Hand-drawn 12%, JRPG 11.7%, Horror 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: It captures the same eerie, investigative atmosphere with a focus on supernatural mysteries and branching narrative paths.
- #3 Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
96% matchVery Positive82% of 496 reviews2019
Dev: EXPERIENCEPub: Aksys Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 70%
A strange rumor is spreading through the shadows of Tokyo's H City: a mysterious disfigurement has been appearing on the bodies of certain individuals. Anyone who receives the Mark will rapidly die of unknown, horrifying causes. The countdown to death has already begun...
Why similar: Visual Novel 35%, Horror 29.5%, Adventure 14.2%, Anime 12.2%, Detective 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: This title excels at the same blend of horror and investigation, requiring players to solve lethal mysteries in a dark, anime-inspired setting.
- #4 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
95% 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 28.6%, Mystery 15.3%, Puzzle 15.2%, Psychological Horror 13.2%, Anime 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: It features high-stakes death game scenarios and complex puzzles that demand careful choices within a strict time limit.
- #5 7 Days to End with You
94% matchVery Positive88% of 3,158 reviews2022
Dev: LizardryPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 69%
To know a language, know the world, and finally know you.
Why similar: Investigation 20.5%, Interactive Fiction 17.6%, Psychological 15.4%, Text-Based 15.3%, Visual Novel 14.1%
Why You'll Like It: This unique puzzle-visual novel hybrid shares the theme of time-sensitive discovery and deciphering a mysterious, unfolding narrative.
- #6 Return to Shironagasu Island
94% matchVery Positive94% of 3,990 reviews2020
Dev: HYOGO ONIMUSHIPub: TABINOMICHI
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 14.2 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 23.8%, Mystery 13.4%, Horror 13.3%, Adventure 10.3%, Anime 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a compelling mystery-horror experience with a strong focus on investigation and atmospheric storytelling.
- #7 BAD END
93% matchVery Positive84% of 393 reviews2015
Dev: Arai Koh Create OfficePub: YOX-Project
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
It's rumored that those who play 'BAD END'- a Visual Novel will die in REAL LIFE if they make the wrong decision in the game itself.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 18.3%, Visual Novel 17.9%, Horror 13.5%, Anime 12.7%, Mystery 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the consequences of choices in a horror-themed visual novel, mirroring the dark tone of the seed game.
- #8 Suhoshin
92% matchVery Positive91% of 166 reviews2022
Dev: No More 500
Windows
Suhoshin is a 2D Visual Novel set in the medieval Joseon period of Korea. While investigating a series of mysterious murders, you will have to make choices that will lead you down different paths toward different endings.
Why similar: Visual Novel 12.5%, Interactive Fiction 11.2%, Investigation 10%, Thriller 9.6%, Text-Based 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: A mystery-focused visual novel that emphasizes investigation and character-driven drama in a beautifully realized setting.
- #9 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
91% 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 23.5%, Detective 19.4%, Anime 17.7%, Mystery 14.3%, Psychological Horror 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: This iconic title shares the death-game premise and visual novel investigation style, focusing on uncovering the truth behind a series of bizarre murders.
- #10 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 3,866 reviews2023
Dev: NankidaiPub: 0UP GAMES
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority- is a multi-ending horror adventure game. Sara Chidouin returns home from school late one night to discover that something's gone terribly wrong. When she comes to, she finds herself, her friend Joe, and 9 other people trapped in a mysterious place.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 27%, Psychological 25.5%, Mystery 14.2%, Psychological Horror 14.1%, Anime 13.3%
Why You'll Like It: A gripping visual novel centered on a deadly social experiment where every choice significantly impacts the survival of the cast.
- #11 My Head On Your Body
90% matchMostly Positive74% of 50 reviews2024
Dev: Creepy Pop
Windows · Mac · Linux
You've moved to a new house where the previous owner was murdered. They never found his head. But, it has found you.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 14.2%, Psychological 13.8%, Visual Novel 12.4%, Text-Based 12.1%, Drama 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: This experimental horror visual novel captures the same bizarre and unsettling tone found in the seed game.
- #12 Backspace Backspace Backspace
89% matchVery Positive97% of 60 reviews2024
Dev: Blue Tango Street
Windows · Mac
In an AI-powered age where original authors have become largely redundant, play as a dejected writer on the brink of losing their creative drive forever.
Why similar: Psychological 15.9%, Visual Novel 15%, Text-Based 14.9%, Interactive Fiction 14.7%, Horror 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror experience that leans heavily into the surreal and disturbing nature of its narrative.
- #13 Fateweaver: The Alchemist's Quandary
89% matchVery Positive98% of 99 reviews2023
Dev: Randumb Studios
Windows
You are The Fateweaver; an ancient beast of legendary status. It is your job to determine which way Fate will unravel as you dig deep into the psyche of those who beckon. Decide whether to help those who beg for your mercy, or invoke the wrath of the Gods upon those you deem unworthy of existence...
Why similar: Investigation 19%, Visual Novel 13.6%, Interactive Fiction 12.2%, Detective 11.2%, Horror 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: It features a strong emphasis on multiple endings and choices that directly influence the horror-filled outcome of the story.
- #14 Five Stages of Pink
88% matchVery Positive98% of 93 reviews2022
Dev: Kaffein
Windows · Mac · Linux
Horror mystery about a boy who desperately wants a Normal life in the most abnormal city in the world. Help Timor understand his cruel life in this supernatural city while trying to survive one more day. In a universe where Sleep is an illness. This is a visual novel with point and click features.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 19.6%, Visual Novel 15.3%, Horror 11.2%, Anime 9.4%, Mystery 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: An interactive fiction title that explores dark, psychological themes through a compelling and story-rich visual novel format.
- #15 7 Days
86% matchVery Positive100% of 80 reviews2025
Dev: Daver The DavePub: IC Industries
Windows
Step into a world where dreams and reality mix. You find yourself in a dream-like world, and explore a different traumatic experience each day. Your choice determines if the boy accepts these moments and moves on, or stays in the past.
Why similar: Hand-drawn 25.4%, Psychological 23.1%, Emotional 19.9%, Psychological Horror 15.5%, Puzzle 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: This title shares the core theme of a time-limited life-or-death struggle where player choices dictate the final outcome.
- #16 GNOSIA
86% 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: Visual Novel 21.3%, Psychological 20.5%, Anime 14.7%, Psychological Horror 12.9%, Detective 12.9%
Why You'll Like It: This title combines social deduction and mystery within a time-loop structure, forcing players to investigate and survive in a hostile environment.
- #17 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
87% 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 44.4%, Anime 21.5%, Mystery 14.5%, Thriller 7.3%, Adventure 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game utilizes a complex branching narrative and time-pressure mechanics to explore a high-stakes disaster scenario.
- #18 Higurashi When They Cry Hou+
85% matchVery Positive88% of 163 reviews2023
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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: Psychological 27.9%, Visual Novel 27.4%, Anime 18.8%, Adventure 9.5%, Horror 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A quintessential psychological horror visual novel that masterfully builds dread through mystery and recurring, tragic events.
- #19 Midnight Witch
84% matchVery Positive93% of 345 reviews2023
Dev: Crimson Moon Studio
Windows
Your average student life quickly descents into horror as a mysterious witch takes over the college... Can you save the girl you love? Or even make it out alive?
Why similar: Dating Sim 17.9%, Visual Novel 14.2%, Interactive Fiction 13.9%, Anime 10.2%, Psychological Horror 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: This title combines dating-sim elements with psychological horror to create an unsettling and unique narrative experience.
- #20 Mandemon
84% matchVery Positive87% of 368 reviews2023
Dev: 致意
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 15.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Decaying Japanese school buildings, a series of bizarre incidents, eerie Mandemon legends. Lies and truths intertwine, love and hate entwined in the mist. What should one do? Whom should one believe? Welcome to this cruel world filled with deception and harm —
Why similar: JRPG 15.7%, Visual Novel 13%, Drama 12.8%, Psychological 9.7%, Emotional 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: This title provides a solid mystery and drama-focused visual novel experience that complements the investigative themes of the seed game.
- #21 The Test: Secrets of the Soul
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,554 reviews2023
Dev: Randumb Studios
Windows
You will answer a series of questions that will reveal things from deep within. Some will be uncomfortable, but with great knowledge comes great sacrifice. Can you make it all the way through The Test, and are you SURE you want the answers you seek? For it is time to unlock "Secrets of the Soul..."
Why similar: Investigation 15.1%, Psychological 13.9%, Visual Novel 12.5%, Interactive Fiction 11.8%, Detective 9%
Why You'll Like It: A simulation-heavy visual novel that forces players to confront their own choices through a series of psychological tests.
- #22 Extra Case: My Girlfriend's Secrets
82% matchVery Positive86% of 173 reviews2022
Dev: Sounding Stone / 老奉毊
Windows
Your girlfriend seems to be hiding something. Will you respect her privacy or pry into her secrets? Don't worry, though. This is a horror dating sim with a time loop, so you can try again...and again...and again...
Why similar: Dating Sim 18.3%, Visual Novel 11.8%, Interactive Fiction 11.6%, Psychological Horror 8.9%, Mystery 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A mystery-driven visual novel that focuses on uncovering hidden truths through investigation and dialogue choices.
- #23 The House in Fata Morgana
82% 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 28.3%, Psychological Horror 17.1%, Horror 16.7%, Mystery 15.8%, Anime 15.6%
Why You'll Like It: This masterpiece of psychological storytelling offers a deeply emotional and dark narrative that resonates with fans of intense visual novels.
- #24 Seven Mysteries: The Last Page
83% matchMostly Positive74% of 62 reviews2018
Dev: Sang Hendrix
Windows
A story-driven psychological horror RPG about a group of friends who unintentionally become bound together after encountering 7 curses from a school.
Why similar: Visual Novel 15.7%, Psychological Horror 15%, Horror 13.8%, Anime 13.4%, Drama 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a classic mystery-horror experience with multiple endings and a focus on investigative gameplay.
- #25 Sunlight Scream
81% matchVery Positive84% of 81 reviews2023
Dev: Faithy Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
The hero moves to a new city. However, along with him comes a masked killer who begins to kill his friends one by one... Make decisions to build your adventure. Can you stop him before it's too late?
Why similar: Dating Sim 18.6%, Visual Novel 16.5%, Detective 14.1%, Anime 11.7%, Psychological Horror 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a detective-focused narrative with a dark, anime-inspired aesthetic that mirrors the investigative feel of the seed game.
- #26 Siren's Call: Escape Velocity
79% matchVery Positive98% of 133 reviews2025
Dev: ThePenSword
Windows
The definitive edition of the fan-favorite visual novel is here! A surreal, coming-of-age tale set in early 2010s Central Florida, Siren's Call is the small town you swore you'd always leave. Something inside you knows this is your last chance. Will you reach escape velocity?
Why similar: Psychological 16.5%, Interactive Fiction 14.6%, Visual Novel 13.3%, Drama 10.4%, Emotional 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: This game delivers a surreal and emotional horror experience that focuses on the psychological state of its characters.
- #27 Countdown
80% matchVery Positive83% of 63 reviews2024
Dev: duskstudio
Windows
Countdown is a short visual novel that tells the story of an ordinary individual's journey through their thoughts and emotions as their life approaches its end. The plot includes critiques and discussions of social issues such as life, family, the workplace, and the healthcare system.
Why similar: Dating Sim 30.6%, Visual Novel 23.7%, Drama 20.2%, Emotional 14.8%, Text-Based 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: This visual novel centers on a time-sensitive narrative filled with drama and dark humor, echoing the urgency of the seed game.
- #28 The NOexistenceN of you AND me
76% 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 21.6%, Interactive Fiction 17.5%, Psychological 14.5%, Psychological Horror 13%, Dating Sim 11.9%
- #29 Threads of Karma
79% matchMixed54% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: 萝卜不长毛线公司Pub: Hawthorn Games
Windows
Lin Yue'an embarks on a journey home, but unsettling events soon disrupt her ordinary life. Strange dreams, lost memories, and eerie occurrences lead her to uncover hidden truths. Can she trace everything back to its true origin and escape the net of fate that has already been woven around her?
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 16.3%, Horror 11.9%, Supernatural 11.6%, Mystery 10.9%, Visual Novel 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: A mystery-horror title that emphasizes atmospheric storytelling and puzzle-solving to uncover supernatural secrets.
- #30 The Chrono Jotter
78% matchVery Positive94% of 2,205 reviews2021
Dev: Orca LayoutPub: 2P Games
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Rewind time to save your girlfriend in a twisted high school death game. A gripping yuri visual novel: Investigate brutal murders, unravel psychological horrors, and fight for a forbidden love that defies death itself.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 13.6%, Visual Novel 12.4%, Drama 10.6%, Detective 10.1%, Thriller 9.8%
- #31 7Days Origins
78% matchVery Positive86% of 342 reviews2021
Dev: Buff Studio
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 61%
7Days Origins is a single-player story game where the storyline changes based on the player's choices. For 7 days, you will meet various characters in the world of the dead. You may become allies and embark on adventures together or become enemies and fight.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 16.9%, Psychological 16%, Visual Novel 13.2%, Hand-drawn 10.6%, Horror 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A story-rich horror visual novel that utilizes point-and-click mechanics to drive its choice-heavy narrative.
- #32 久美子之死：昭和少女血色告白
75% matchVery Positive96% of 112 reviews2026
Dev: LingVision Games
Windows
1988年，日本泡沫经济破灭前夕，化身被冤枉成嫌犯的刑警，侦查青梅奇怪自杀案，牵连出持续20年的连环杀人案秘密，穿梭烟酒与霓虹的昭和街头，在人心与生死的抉择中，搜查蛛丝马迹，找出血案真相。
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 14.4%, JRPG 12%, Visual Novel 11.3%, Text-Based 9.7%, Detective 8.4%
- #33 Gore Screaming Show
77% matchVery Positive88% of 145 reviews2022
Dev: Black CycPub: JAST
Windows
A deeply unsettling visual novel following a boy who returns to his hometown expecting to find peace; however, it isn't long before his hopes are dashed by the monster known as Gore Screaming Show.
Why similar: Dating Sim 11.7%, Text-Based 11.3%, Visual Novel 11.2%, Drama 10.3%, Thriller 10.3%
- #34 Graces: Posthumous Wish
75% matchVery Positive97% of 172 reviews2024
Dev: TomoToro
Windows
Aki is haunted by a curse. In search of salvation, she travels into the memories of a dead classmate, where she must witness three eerie mystical stories and figure out how to break the shackles of misfortune.
Why similar: Visual Novel 14%, Text-Based 10.9%, Hand-drawn 10.9%, Psychological 10.5%, Drama 8.9%
- #35 咒影 Curse of the Shadow
73% matchVery Positive92% of 186 reviews2026
Dev: 小青蛙妙妙制作组
Windows
"Curse of the Shadow" is a BL-themed horror visual novel. Cursed by a "ghost", protagonist Xu finds eerie dark shadows in every photo he takes.Once escaping reality, he’s forced by fate to face fears again.To uncover the curse’s truth, he and two friends embark on a terrifying, unknown journey.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 14.6%, Investigation 14.1%, Visual Novel 11.9%, Psychological 10.4%, Horror 9.1%
- #36 Seven Days
76% matchVery Positive98% of 191 reviews2019
Dev: LIFE0Pub: Fruitbat Factory
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 162.0 hrs≥1hr: 94%
A couple of days before the summer holiday starts... Kanzaki Shuuichi receives a "cursed Blu-ray disc" from one of his friends and is possessed by a female ghost which, when exorcised, leaves behind the physical form of the female specter.
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.1%, Anime 16.6%, Psychological Horror 13.6%, Mystery 12.5%, Horror 12%
- #37 7 days with Death
77% matchVery Positive92% of 65 reviews2017
Dev: Narrator
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
On Christmas Eve, a strange girl breaks into your home claiming to be the bringer of death.；This unbelievable prophesy is then followed by many strange omens...he must make a choice...
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.4%, Dating Sim 26.7%, Anime 24.1%, Adventure 13.7%
- #38 クラブ・スーサイド
74% matchVery Positive97% of 161 reviews2023
Dev: MORPATHPub: Celtia
Windows · Mac
私は、自殺を考えている。クラブ・スーサイドへようこそ。自殺を考える少年達に寄り添う、奇妙な一週間。命を思考するノベルアドベンチャー。
Why similar: Visual Novel 40.6%, Anime 21.6%, Psychological Horror 20.7%, Adventure 17.1%
- #39 Yet Another Killing Game
71% matchVery Positive98% of 220 reviews2025
Dev: Soulseer Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
You wake up in a house, alone with two beautiful girls... But no one is allowed to leave until one of you DIES. Why is this happening? What is the purpose of this “killing game”? But most importantly...WHO SHOULD DIE?!
Why similar: Investigation 15.4%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Thriller 12.7%, Text-Based 12.1%, Hand-drawn 11.1%
- #40 Departed Away
72% matchVery Positive90% of 546 reviews2024
Dev: Alperen Torun
Windows
Discover 'Departed Away,' a captivating visual novel where friendship intertwines with mystery. Uncover secrets, engage in verbal duels, and make choices that shape your story. Delve into emotional depth and intricate connections in this unique story.
Why similar: Dating Sim 21%, Interactive Fiction 15.8%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Investigation 13.9%, Psychological 13%
- #41 Bad Faith
73% matchVery Positive92% of 63 reviews2022
Dev: Mado
Windows · Mac · Linux
Sanctuaries. Secrets. Serious consequences. A solo-developed psychological horror/drama visual novel.
Why similar: Psychological 15.5%, Visual Novel 13.3%, Horror 10.1%, Anime 9.8%, Thriller 9.7%
- #42 KAKUSANKIBOU / 扩散希望
74% matchVery Positive83% of 160 reviews2018
Dev: あみそ組Pub: Pujia8 Studio
Windows
Basically the story goes as visual novel form. Sometimes, the system switches into dot part, and you can control the character to continue the story.
Why similar: Anime 15.5%, Psychological 14.6%, Visual Novel 14.4%, Horror 13%, Psychological Horror 10.7%
- #43 Fearbonding
70% matchVery Positive97% of 135 reviews2025
Dev: Night Asobu
Windows · Mac · Linux
Fearbonding is a Yandere x Demon BL Horror Visual Novel. Play as Hinata, a demon, and try to tame the deranged Kosuke. Will you get to satisfy your hunger for fear through your new hunting dog or will you be the one to get devoured?
Why similar: Visual Novel 16.2%, Dating Sim 14%, Psychological Horror 12.8%, Interactive Fiction 12.4%, Horror 11.6%
- #44 Matsuro Palette
71% matchVery Positive99% of 319 reviews2020
Dev: SleepingMuseumPub: KEMCO
Windows
Survive seven days with a cursed painting. Rely on notes from past victims and manage to successfully paint her portrait. But be careful not to upset her, or you'll quickly find yourself dead! An assortment of terminal tableaus awaits you. Will you be the one to finally finish her?
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 17.2%, Drama 14%, Visual Novel 13.4%, Emotional 11.7%, Horror 11.7%
- #45 Kanna Maze
70% matchVery Positive89% of 375 reviews2024
Dev: 致意
Windows · Mac · Linux
In an isolated lab beneath the earth, a childhood friend is resurrected. Amidst sealed walls, a spree of killings unfolds. In a godless abyss, parallel worlds entwine like a maze. Where does one find the path to the sole universe of bliss?
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 20.1%, Visual Novel 14.7%, Drama 12.4%, Detective 8.7%, Psychological Horror 8.4%
- #46 Ghost in the pool
73% matchMostly Positive78% of 352 reviews2021
Dev: CASCHA GAMES
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 69%
A bizarre campus legend, take you into the traditional Japanese black-and-white comic horror story. Witness the familiar scenes and contemplate the terrifying moments.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 17.6%, Visual Novel 13.1%, Text-Based 13%, Hand-drawn 11.2%, Drama 9.5%
- #47 The Final Prize is Soup
70% matchVery Positive94% of 62 reviews2024
Dev: 4nokiPub: Quill Yuri
Windows · Linux
You who are unqualified to drink Meng Po's soup, you have been chosen for the game of life. A horror yuri visual novel following a series of death games in the afterlife.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 20.6%, Visual Novel 15.2%, Psychological 12.7%, Crime 10.9%, Anime 10.4%
- #48 Bloody Painter Dating Sim
69% matchVery Positive90% of 1,598 reviews2024
Dev: DeluCat Productions
Windows
You have unfortunately been captured by a serial killer, and you must increase your chances of survival within seven days. Your choices will determine how he treats you and the outcome of your relationship. What will your final relationship with him be...?
Why similar: Dating Sim 39.8%, Visual Novel 20.2%, Interactive Fiction 19.6%, Horror 13.7%, Anime 6.7%
- #49 INFINITY DEADLINE
68% matchVery Positive96% of 55 reviews2026
Dev: YvelRevo
Windows
Play as 25yo writer Jian Xun in a 5-min deadline loop. Your script is alive! In this thriller puzzle, use "keyframe sorting" to piece stories. Fight AI, break the 4th wall & escape the nightmare!
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 22.3%, JRPG 21%, Visual Novel 14.9%, Psychological Horror 11.6%, Hand-drawn 10.9%
- #50 The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
71% matchVery Positive86% of 1,500 reviews2017
Dev: Yangyang MobilePub: Neon Doctrine
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 90%
When seven people fall prey to a vicious curse, they will discover that horror rests not from the shadows lurking about, but within themselves. To what ends will one go in order to survive?
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.8%, Horror 21.7%, Interactive Fiction 11%, Psychological Horror 9.6%, Anime 9.6%
- #51 Folie Fatale
67% matchVery Positive86% of 2,482 reviews2024
Dev: Kanmidoko (神海処)Pub: 346lab Localization
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
All capture targets are mentally "Jirai"(landmine)!? Meet these eccentric boys, reveal the truth beneath in this Psycho-love-horror VN!
Why similar: Dating Sim 21.9%, Visual Novel 18.7%, Thriller 14.5%, Psychological Horror 13.4%, Anime 10.3%
- #52 Everyday Devil
66% matchVery Positive97% of 181 reviews2026
Dev: alleesaur
Windows
A short, linear story game of a random demon guy's life.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 24.8%, Text-Based 16.3%, Visual Novel 16.1%, Psychological 13.8%, Psychological Horror 12.8%
- #53 Ordinary Day
68% matchVery Positive89% of 82 reviews2023
Dev: Late Night Studios
Windows · Linux
In this not so ordinary psychological horror your soul is bound from birth to fufil a singular purpose. Suffering a loss that has kicked in motion the bindings of your destiny, enter Ordinary Day.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 19.5%, Horror 11.1%, Hand-drawn 10.8%, Psychological Horror 10%, Thriller 9.9%
- #54 Hazy Mind
67% matchVery Positive86% of 318 reviews2024
Dev: betetiro
Windows · Mac · Linux
You can't remember anything, and all you can see is HER. Delve into your story and uncover the truth behind what happened to you and your parents.
Why similar: Psychological 23.5%, Visual Novel 21.4%, Psychological Horror 16.7%, Anime 11.9%, Horror 10.4%
- #55 SHINRAI - Broken Beyond Despair
69% matchVery Positive91% of 128 reviews2016
Dev: Gosatsu Visual Novels
Windows · Mac · Linux
A secluded mountain resort, 10 friends, 1 murderer. Investigate, interrogate and present evidence as you solve various mysteries throughout the night. Will you be able to reach the truth and uncover the culprit’s identity? Or will your deductions lead you to blame someone completely innocent...?
Why similar: Investigation 19.2%, Interactive Fiction 15.8%, Visual Novel 13.4%, Detective 11.5%, Mystery 8.2%
- #56 this morning I decided to die
67% matchMostly Positive78% of 169 reviews2023
Dev: ctcPub: Nikita Kryukov
Windows · Mac · Linux
Follow a girl through the last day of her life.
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.1%, Psychological Horror 23.1%, Anime 22.9%, Drama 18.9%
- #57 Train of Afterlife
72% matchMixed51% of 183 reviews2015
Dev: Zeiva Inc
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Train of Afterlife is a mystery, psychological, horror Visual Novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.1%, Anime 17.4%, Psychological 14.4%, Adventure 11.4%, Mystery 8.1%
- #58 12 Hours to Die
69% matchMostly Positive73% of 226 reviews2020
Dev: Wesley ReitsmaPub: Westeford
Windows · Mac · Linux
A mystery visual novel about six students forced to play a 12-hour long killing game.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.2%, Detective 18.6%, Emotional 13.2%, Mystery 12.8%, Puzzle 11.6%
- #59 Saihate Station
62% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 8,177 reviews2025
Dev: びぶ/viv
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 69%
An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men.
Why similar: Visual Novel 21.3%, Psychological Horror 17.2%, JRPG 16.5%, Hand-drawn 12.9%, Horror 12.9%
- #60 Japan Stigmatized Property -日本事故物件監視協会-
65% matchMostly Positive73% of 343 reviews2025
Dev: 日本事故物件監視協会
Windows · Mac
Can you endure until morning Monitor Japan's stigmatized properties and report any paranormal activity If you miss a report or make repeated mistakes——
Why similar: Investigation 27.7%, Psychological 19.6%, Psychological Horror 15.3%, Supernatural 14.9%, Thriller 14%
