Games Like Tales of the Black Forest

A 2D exploration adventure game set in a creepy, mysterious art gallery.

Why similar: Horror 19%, Pixel Graphics 15.8%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, RPG 12.2%, Story Rich 11%

Why You'll Like It: Like the seed game, this title excels at building a surreal, unsettling atmosphere through simple pixel art and environmental storytelling.

A young girl, Viola, is drawn inexorably to a mysterious manor that seems to change behind her back. It is a place of pain, turmoil and death. Plumb its detestable depths and abominable history. Untangle riddles that bar your perilous path. And flee the hellish halls of The Witch’s House.

Why similar: Horror 38%, Pixel Graphics 15.6%, RPG 10.1%, Female Protagonist 7.5%, Story Rich 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is a definitive classic of the RPG Maker horror genre that shares the same focus on atmospheric exploration and sudden, lethal traps.

Witness the tale of a most foolish family. A remake of the classic horror exploration game makes its way to Steam.

Why similar: Horror 26.9%, Pixel Graphics 16%, Anime 12.7%, Female Protagonist 10.2%, Psychological Horror 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features a similar blend of psychological horror and narrative-driven puzzle solving within a confined, eerie setting.

From the creator of Angels of Death: the multi-ending exploration horror game The Forest of Drizzling Rain. Includes Full Ver. (2022), completed nine years after the original release, and Original Ver. (2013), where it all began. Alas, it was the "promised place," where Shiori was never meant to go.

Why similar: RPGMaker 25.4% ★, RPG 18.2%, Horror 16.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, Adventure 7%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly mirrors the Japanese folklore and mystery elements found in the seed game.

This is a tale of revenge — of a demon, a girl, and their companions. After seven years of development, the popular dark suspense adventure "Noel the Mortal Fate" finally arrives as a complete edition with all 13 seasons included, fully upgraded and with no extra charges.

Why similar: RPG 15.6%, Female Protagonist 14.9%, Horror 14.4%, Anime 11.3%, Story Rich 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: It features a strong, anime-inspired narrative and character-driven plot that fans of the seed game will appreciate.

Explore a school plagued by unnatural phenomena in this horror-adventure game revolving around the missing girl Misao. Improving upon 2017's "Definitive Edition" with refreshed graphics and support for HD resolutions, you can now experience the terror in a new form.

Why similar: Horror 17.7%, Female Protagonist 14%, Pixel Graphics 12.9%, RPG 12%, Story Rich 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential Japanese horror RPG Maker game that shares the same focus on a school-based mystery and supernatural threats.

Delve into the enthralling world of Pocket Mirror ~ GoldenerTraum, the acclaimed RPG Maker gothic horror game that'll take you on a moving journey of self-discovery.

Why similar: Horror 27.8%, Pixel Graphics 15.5%, RPG 15.3%, Female Protagonist 13.4%, Anime 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: A beautifully crafted horror adventure that relies on surreal imagery and puzzle-solving to tell its story.

Chloé’s Requiem -encore- is a 2D Adventure Horror game set in Modern Europe. The genius violinist Michél is invited into an old mansion. Inside waits Chloé, who asks him to “Break the curse of the mansion”. What awaits the pair after the mystery is solved…?

Why similar: RPGMaker 49.4% ★, Horror 10.6%, RPG 8.2%, Pixel Graphics 7.8%, Story Rich 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a haunting, music-themed narrative experience that fits well within the RPG Maker horror tradition.

Alicemare is a somehow familiar yet totally unique adventure game infused with subtle hints of horror, created by △○□× (Miwashiba) using the WOLF RPG Editor.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 20.1%, Horror 19.8%, Anime 12.7%, RPG 9.8%, Story Rich 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game is highly similar in its surreal, fairy-tale-inspired horror aesthetic and puzzle-based gameplay.

An accidental fire at a funeral forces the police to re-investigate a closed case of massacre. Lin Lixun participates the re-investigation by chances. As the investigation goes deeper, the past of the victims gradually emerges. However, the case becomes more bewildering.

Why similar: Horror 46.3%, Visual Novel 9.7%, Indie 9.6%, Psychological Horror 8.4%, Puzzle 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A masterful exploration of mystery and psychological horror that shares the same investigative feel as the seed game.

Pixel adventure inspired by classics like Zelda and Silent Hill.

Why similar: Horror 23.2%, Pixel Graphics 19.1%, RPG 12.9%, Story Rich 11%, Anime 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines distinct pixel art with a dark, fairy-tale-inspired horror narrative.

Otome × Death Game × Mild Horror Multiple Endings Puzzle RPG

Why similar: Female Protagonist 25.2%, Pixel Graphics 19%, RPGMaker 15.2% ★, RPG 14.9%, Story Rich 12%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes puzzle-solving and narrative progression in a way that mirrors the seed game's adventure focus.

This is a game in which you traverse the extremely dark world inside a dream.

Why similar: Horror 24.3%, Pixel Graphics 20.7%, Female Protagonist 17.9%, Psychological Horror 12.7%, Indie 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal exploration game that pioneered the atmospheric, dream-like quality found in many modern RPG Maker horror titles.

Cat in the Box is a horror adventure game. Help the poor girl explore the mansion and escape from unknown entities that are pursuing her. Use a variety of tools and your wits to overcome any challenges you face. At times, you'll even have to wake yourself from nightmares to survive.

Why similar: RPGMaker 62.1% ★, Horror 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 6.2%, Adventure 3.7%, Female Protagonist 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: A mystery-focused horror game that utilizes the RPG Maker engine to create a tense, investigative atmosphere.

Explore a strange world full of colorful friends and foes. When the time comes, the path you’ve chosen will determine your fate... and perhaps the fate of others as well.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 20.6%, Story Rich 17.2%, Horror 15.7%, Psychological Horror 14.8%, RPG 14.4%

Why You'll Like It: While more expansive, it shares the deep psychological themes and unique visual style that fans of indie RPG horror enjoy.

A group of friends unknowingly perform an occult ritual that traps them in an otherworldly elementary school. Here, the vengeful spirits of young children threaten their lives and their sanity, and the only hope of survival is to uncover the chilling details behind the murders of those trapped before them...

Why similar: Horror 33.4%, Anime 13.7%, RPG 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 10.1%, Visual Novel 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A staple of Japanese horror gaming that focuses on school-based supernatural mysteries and character survival.

“I’m the Batter. I’ve been entrusted with a sacred mission.” -- One of the most influential RPGs of the last 20 years is finally coming to Steam. Take control of the Batter as he seeks to purify an uncanny and hopeless world haunted by specters, guided by a cryptic, grinning cat called The Judge.

Why similar: RPG 27.8%, Pixel Graphics 22.7%, Story Rich 15%, Psychological Horror 9.4%, Horror 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic surreal RPG that shares the experimental and unsettling nature of the best indie horror games.

HorrorVale: A grand Spooktacular adventure about a girl, her dog, and her long journey to save him in a strange and horrifying Underworld.

Why similar: RPGMaker 51.6% ★, RPG 18.3%, Horror 16.6%, Adventure 7.6%, Indie 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A charming yet spooky RPG Maker adventure that focuses on exploration and character interactions.

Tales Across Time is a story-driven RPG experience from the creator of 8-Bit Adventures: The Forgotten Journey. It uses the classic short-story format to tell the tale of three different characters...

Why similar: RPGMaker 55.3% ★, RPG 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 7.5%, Adventure 6.1%, Female Protagonist 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: An anthology-style RPG Maker game that shares the same indie, story-driven spirit.

OneShot is a surreal top down Puzzle/Adventure game with unique gameplay capabilities. You are to guide a child through a mysterious world on a mission to restore its long-dead sun. The world knows you exist.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 28.3%, Story Rich 23%, RPG 9.5%, Indie 7.8%, Adventure 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A meta-narrative adventure that prioritizes emotional connection and unique puzzle mechanics over traditional combat.

Hoping to hit a big payday and pull herself from a life of poverty, Lisa heads to a town with a rumored demonic artifact. But upon arriving, she quickly realizes she has gotten herself into a dangerous situation.

Why similar: RPG 22.5%, Female Protagonist 17.4%, Pixel Graphics 16.5%, Anime 13.9%, RPGMaker 11.4% ★

Why You'll Like It: This title features an anime-inspired aesthetic and a female protagonist, fitting the core identity of the seed game.

Your class trip to Durhal Cathedral turns into a nightmare when everyone gets trapped inside. A killer demon hides among your classmates—can you uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 19.9%, Anime 15%, Story Rich 14.2%, RPG 12.7%, Psychological Horror 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a concise, anime-styled horror mystery that aligns with the aesthetic of the seed game.

Waking up in the beautiful night, maiden with cat’s ears whose name is Nyarutoru finds her friends nowhere. What are they waiting her ahead?

Why similar: RPGMaker 52.6% ★, Horror 12.6%, RPG 10%, Female Protagonist 7.3%, Anime 6.4%

Delilah is an ordinary school girl who accidentally discovers an old mansion on a rainy night. As her exploration in the mansion continues, she finds many mysterious phenomena that can't be explained. In this mansion covered by ashes, what's the secret hidden deep underground?

Why similar: RPGMaker 46.5% ★, Horror 12.7%, RPG 10.1%, Female Protagonist 7.7%, Anime 7.5%

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 27.4%, Anime 19.4%, Story Rich 17.7%, Psychological Horror 15.9%, RPG 7.9%

3 centuries have passed after sleeping for one night!? On a rainy night filled with thunderstorms, a young chef Raylan encountered a mysterious girl who resembled Sleeping Beauty in a huge tree hole, but everything suddenly went black before he could find out what happened...

Why similar: Visual Novel 36%, Anime 29.8%, Adventure 19.3%, JRPG 10.3%, 2D 4.6%

Fausts Alptraum is an single player, puzzle game created by LabORat Studio, an indie game team from Taiwan. The story based on Goethe's Faust. Players will play as a troubled girl wandering around in a crayon-drawn world. Players will have to find the relevance between dreams and reality by collecting clues.

Why similar: RPGMaker 53.7% ★, Horror 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 4.8%, Female Protagonist 4%, Anime 3.7%

At sunset, darkness swallowed everything. Bonds of Yachiyo is a Japanese horror tale of two best friends getting separated in a strange version of their own world. Escape from evil spirits, explore and solve puzzles as you try to unravel the truth and reunite the two friends!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 30.8%, Horror 27%, RPG 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 9.2%, Anime 7.4%

Guide your adventure with beautiful girls through the mysterious campus. Adventure aside, this game also draws a vivid picture of the darkness filled inside Hakoniwa City. As a human the protagonist can't do much about it, but he has been observing. What will he see?

Why similar: Visual Novel 40.2%, Anime 28.2%, Adventure 18.6%, Indie 13.1%

Welcome to the small, quaint town of Akanemachi. Eerie disturbances have been popping up after a recent earthquake, shaking up the residents' lives. Aya, a perfectly normal woman of the town, takes it upon herself to investigate the mysteries and banish the looming evil.

Why similar: RPG 33.1%, RPGMaker 31.6% ★, Pixel Graphics 21.7%, JRPG 5.1%, Indie 3.5%

In a final struggle for survival, demonkind again invaded the human world. However, the world they return to after years in the darkness isn't the same as it once was...

Why similar: RPGMaker 55.3% ★, RPG 13.1%, Anime 7.1%, Adventure 6.9%, Female Protagonist 6.3%

Paper Lily is an RPG horror game in which you can solve puzzles in different ways. Explore a hidden world, meet strange characters, and guide Lacie as she attempts to find answers about her unusual condition.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 18.7%, Horror 14.1%, RPG 13.2%, Anime 11%, Story Rich 11%

Tide Up is a rather dark and gloomy adventure game. Accompany the girl in a dreamlike world of wonder. Collect the pearls scattered around the world and help the girl escape!

Why similar: RPGMaker 56.2% ★, Horror 10%, Pixel Graphics 8.5%, Female Protagonist 6.3%, Anime 5.8%

Manipulate the main character with power of telepathic, looking for the trace of Araka, an Exorcist imprisoned in the other world.

Why similar: Horror 20%, RPGMaker 16.9% ★, RPG 16%, Female Protagonist 12%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%

And now, for today's story.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 30.8%, Story Rich 18.9%, Adventure 10.2%, Female Protagonist 9.7%, Horror 5.6%

"Please... kill me." "Help me get outta here, and I'll kill you." ~ Angels of Death is a psychological horror-adventure game, consisting of four episodes.

Why similar: Horror 17.5%, Pixel Graphics 14.5%, Female Protagonist 12.8%, RPG 12.1%, Story Rich 9.1%

A string of mysterious wind chimes brought three lovely and uninvited kemonomimi girls to this small convenience store. At such a summer night full of surprises and excitement, what lies ahead on their road of adventure?

Why similar: Visual Novel 41.1%, Anime 28.4%, Adventure 16.1%, Indie 13.7%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Far Away is a visual novel full of dark humor depicting immersive storylines rather than romantic drama. You will play as Krosa, a typical girl who experiences gang conflicts, crimes, conspiracies, and family grudges in the port city of Bedjan.

Why similar: Female Protagonist 24.8%, Visual Novel 19.5%, Story Rich 17.9%, Anime 17%, Adventure 8.5%

Disturbances have returned to Akanemachi. It's now up to Aya and her new ally, Fuu, to quell the evil and bring peace back to Akanemachi for good!

Why similar: RPG 42.5%, Pixel Graphics 24.6%, Anime 19.3%, JRPG 6.9%, Indie 4.9%

Trick or treating in a vampire's house.Trick & Treat is a light-hearted Halloween adventure. It's about exploring and solving puzzles in a spooky atmosphere. There will be some horror elements, romance, many bad ends and a happy ending of true love.

Why similar: RPGMaker 53.2% ★, Horror 12.2%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, RPG 6.4%, Anime 4.7%

Based on the best seller 妄想症Paranoia, the story about Lingluo's college life will bring you to a world unknown. She pursues her music dream without knowing her life is about to be turned upside down. Losing her best friend and her confidence, she plunges into the depth of despair. What will she do?

Why similar: Visual Novel 34.5%, Adventure 16.3%, Indie 15.3%, Anime 14.2%, Female Protagonist 12.3%

He is a bandit who sells lives. She is a mute girl seeking revenge. In a famine-ravaged ancient China, a ruthless trafficker escorts four girls to a demon's feast. But when a deadly secret is revealed, a cold transaction turns into a journey of redemption. A dark visual novel about an unlikely bond.

Why similar: Visual Novel 28.3%, Story Rich 18.9%, RPG 16.6%, Anime 16.2%, Psychological Horror 9.5%

"What is love?" We try to answer that with this game. The game encourages people to have a warm, soft, and understanding heart.

Why similar: Story Rich 29.5%, Visual Novel 27%, RPG 16.4%, Anime 8.2%, Indie 6.6%

Prepare the next monarch by finding her hobbies, training her for battle, and befriending the citizens she'll one day protect. Dive into an all-new parenting-simulator-RPG adventure, where every decision you make will not only affect the future of your daughter but that of an entire empire!

Why similar: Female Protagonist 23.9%, RPG 21.5%, Anime 16.4%, Visual Novel 14.6%, Story Rich 12.2%

Explore the Sanctuary of Darkness, a mysterious dungeon beneath the Kingdom of Haillard. Obtain the soul of the Cursed Saintess waiting in its depths and unravel the truth of this strange world in this sinister turn-based RPG.

Why similar: RPGMaker 58.3% ★, RPG 11.9%, Anime 8.8%, Psychological Horror 5.2%, Female Protagonist 4.2%

Trying to get away from trouble, June moves to a small town... to find even more trouble! A yuri comedy/horror visual novel, featuring a haunted house, fox-girls, and GxG love ❤︎.

Why similar: Horror 27.4%, Visual Novel 19.8%, Female Protagonist 19.2%, Anime 14.2%, Story Rich 8.7%

This is the story of a young girl and her magical adventure.

Why similar: RPG 37.5%, Female Protagonist 19.1%, Adventure 15%, Anime 12.6%, Indie 6.7%

More 16-bit RPG goodness from Warfare Studios with this dark and thrilling adventure. Can you solve the mystery of the Monastery? Brave the unknown terrors inside, find hidden rooms and secret chambers, and unlock the mysterious past before the sun comes up, and you may get out alive!

Why similar: RPGMaker 56.5% ★, RPG 15%, Female Protagonist 8.6%, Horror 5.2%, Story Rich 5.1%

This is a cure Department of small fresh plot to the chamber of Secrets escape game, rich in 18 kinds of endings, a lot of funny content and hidden secrets.

Why similar: RPGMaker 53.9% ★, RPG 13.8%, Female Protagonist 6.7%, Horror 6.7%, Adventure 5.7%

A brand new pixel art restaurant simulator based on the Touhou Project! Play as Mystia, the owner of a small izakaya. Collect ingredients by day, cater to the customers by night, learn recipes from familiar characters, and become the best izakaya owner in all of Gensokyo!

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 30.4%, RPG 22%, Female Protagonist 15.3%, Anime 14.8%, Story Rich 10.4%

The village is in crisis due to attacks from the demi-humans, but the beautiful nun "Hitori" sent by the church hopes to coexist peacefully with them! Despite everyone's opposition, you still decide to accompany Hitori to the depths of the Light's Unreachable Forest to find the demi-humans' lair...

Why similar: RPGMaker 32.6% ★, RPG 17%, Pixel Graphics 16.5%, Visual Novel 13.8%, Adventure 7.3%

Yan, a student of natural history, encounters a cute and mysterious girl with fox ears while conducting routine scientific research at a remote observation cabin. This might be a "blessing" for the intrepid in the golden age of geographical discovery...

Why similar: Visual Novel 40.2%, Anime 37.9%, Indie 9%, Adventure 8.4%, Story Rich 2.9%

A vampire and a girl... who are they? The two of them have a secret and solve a strange case... In a world where paranormal activity takes place, "Player" solves a case in which a non-human becomes a suspect. Such a "detective adventure" is coming to STEAM.

Why similar: RPGMaker 40.5% ★, Horror 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%, Anime 8%, Story Rich 7.9%

An enthralling RPG Maker horror game that explores a dark and twisted rendition of the classic fairy tale, Red Riding Hood.

Why similar: Horror 35.8%, Pixel Graphics 21.7%, Psychological Horror 11.3%, Female Protagonist 10%, Story Rich 7.7%

You play as a new arrival to a foggy and mysterious town. You find yourself waking up in the bodies of the town's inhabitants at pivotal moments of their lives. Make tough choices as you discover the truth about this town called Greyfox.

Why similar: RPG 24.9%, Anime 21.1%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%, Adventure 12.7%, Female Protagonist 11.3%

2000年，山城市新闻频道的电视画面莫名跳出一则旧广告，而广告的代言人是已经去世的特异功能少年——三眼神童。有传闻三眼神童的亡魂劫持了电视信号。 调查局受命展开调查。随着调查的深入，一个藏在黑暗处的犯罪团伙逐渐浮出水面。

Why similar: RPG 29.9%, Visual Novel 17.3%, Story Rich 14.9%, Adventure 11.7%, Puzzle 9.1%

This isn't a horror game. Nothing will jump out at you.

Why similar: RPGMaker 66.3% ★, Horror 6.8%, Adventure 6.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%, Female Protagonist 6.1%

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: Horror 27%, Visual Novel 21.9%, Adventure 16.7%, Anime 12.4%, Story Rich 9.2%

NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD is a “multi-ending ADV” depicting daily life with “OMGkawaiiAngel”, a young girl with a rather extreme need for approval attempting to become the #1 “Internet Angel” (streamer).

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 22.9%, Anime 21.5%, Visual Novel 20.3%, Psychological Horror 19.4%, Story Rich 9.4%

Manage a hotel and hire employees including Death, a dragon, a Spirit Hunter, and a bioroid maid. Build your wealth through various means and refine your strategies based on the predictions of Oracles. All employees can be romanced depending on your choices.

Why similar: Horror 29.6%, RPG 18.9%, Visual Novel 16.2%, Anime 15.2%, Story Rich 13%