- #1 Until Then
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 17,259 reviews2024
Dev: Polychroma GamesPub: Maximum Entertainment
Windows · Linux
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 76%
A fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction, upending Mark's life. People disappear and memories prove unreliable. Uncover a hidden truth with Mark and his friends in this narrative adventure and race to unravel the mystery before it's too late.
Why similar: Emotional 21.2%, Visual Novel 19.5%, Interactive Fiction 18.4%, Psychological 18.4%, Story Rich 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A visual novel that masterfully balances emotional weight with a story-rich narrative and a distinct visual presentation.
- #2 If Found...
97% matchVery Positive90% of 2,313 reviews2020
Dev: DREAMFEELPub: Annapurna Interactive
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
If Found... is a game about going home, coming out and erasing everything.
Why similar: Visual Novel 31%, Interactive Fiction 23.8%, Emotional 18.5%, Story Rich 11.3%, Casual 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: This game shares a deeply emotional, hand-drawn aesthetic and focuses on personal identity and memory in a way that mirrors the intimacy of the seed game.
- #3 Beacon Pines
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 4,357 reviews2022
Dev: Hiding SpotPub: Fellow Traveller
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Beacon Pines is a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. Sneak out late, make new friends, uncover hidden truths, and collect words that will change the course of fate!
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.2%, Emotional 21.9%, Interactive Fiction 21.7%, Hand-drawn 12.7%, Story Rich 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: A story-rich, colorful adventure that uses a unique book-based mechanic to explore emotional and mysterious themes.
- #4 Florence
95% matchVery Positive93% of 16,079 reviews2020
Dev: MountainsPub: Annapurna Interactive
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Florence Yeoh feels a little... stuck. Her life is an endless routine of work, sleep, and spending too much time on social media. Then one day, she meets a cello player named Krish who changes everything about how she sees the world and herself.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 29%, Visual Novel 21.7%, Story Rich 15.2%, Emotional 11.4%, Casual 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A short, interactive graphic novel experience that uses simple mechanics to convey a powerful and relatable emotional arc.
- #5 Goodbye Volcano High
94% matchVery Positive89% of 1,827 reviews2023
Dev: KO_OP
Windows
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Goodbye Volcano High is a cinematic narrative adventure about love, change, and the end of the world. Guide Fang through their final year of high school as they try to make things right before time is up.
Why similar: Comic Book 18.5%, Interactive Fiction 15%, Hand-drawn 13.5%, Visual Novel 13.1%, Emotional 12.3%
Why You'll Like It: A cinematic visual novel that focuses on the emotional complexities of youth and change with a strong, artistic visual identity.
- #6 Night in the Woods
94% matchVery Positive95% of 19,992 reviews2017
Dev: Infinite FallPub: Finji
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
NIGHT IN THE WOODS is an adventure game focused on exploration, story, and character, featuring dozens of characters to meet and lots to do across a lush, vibrant world.
Why similar: Dialogue Heavy 38.2%, Hand-drawn 20.3%, Visual Novel 17.9%, Story Rich 12.1%, Stylized 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: Featuring a distinct hand-drawn art style, this game excels at exploring complex, heavy themes through the lens of character-driven storytelling.
- #7 Before Your Eyes
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 23,035 reviews2021
Dev: GoodbyeWorld GamesPub: Skybound Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Embark on an emotional first-person narrative adventure where you control the story—and affect its outcomes—with your real-life blinks. With this innovative technique you will fully immerse yourself in a world of memories, both joyous and heartbreaking, as your whole life flashes before your eyes.
Why similar: Emotional 33.7%, Interactive Fiction 18.5%, Psychological 15.7%, Story Rich 12.5%, Hand-drawn 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: This narrative experience uses unique interactive mechanics to explore themes of life, loss, and memory with profound emotional impact.
- #8 End of Lines
91% matchVery Positive93% of 70 reviews2023
Dev: Nova-box
Windows · Mac · Linux
Travel across landscapes devastated by a catastrophic climate meltdown, following a small family in search of somewhere habitable. With limited supplies and facing potential death at every turn, your choices will decide their fate. Will they manage to settle down?
Why similar: Comic Book 19%, Visual Novel 15.9%, Hand-drawn 15.9%, Psychological 14.2%, Interactive Fiction 12.2%
Why You'll Like It: A hand-drawn, choice-heavy narrative that deals with difficult themes and the emotional consequences of the player's decisions.
- #9 We should talk.
92% matchMixed57% of 166 reviews2020
Dev: Insatiable CyclePub: Whitethorn Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 46%
It's not what you say, it's how you say it. We should talk is a short-form narrative game that will make you think carefully about the words you choose. Can your relationship survive the night?
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 22.6%, Text-Based 22.2%, Visual Novel 18.9%, Emotional 18.7%, Story Rich 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the weight of dialogue and choices, mirroring the importance of communication found in the seed game.
- #10 Still Heroes
90% matchVery Positive90% of 108 reviews2022
Dev: exaheva
Windows · Mac · Linux
A digital comic about the story of Emeline. She tries to live her dream of being a superheroine after her friends decided to change their career paths. A gentle and moving story, drawn by hand.
Why similar: Comic Book 23.6%, Psychological 14.1%, Interactive Fiction 13.3%, Visual Novel 12.4%, Hand-drawn 12.2%
Why You'll Like It: A visual novel that utilizes a comic-book aesthetic to tell a grounded, character-focused story.
- #11 Depression Quest
89% matchMixed61% of 3,934 reviews2014
Dev: The Quinnspiracy
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 77.9 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Depression Quest is an interactive fiction game where you play as someone living with depression. You are given a series of everyday life events and have to attempt to manage your illness, relationships, job, and possible treatment.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 36.5%, Psychological 16.4%, Visual Novel 12.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12.6%, Text-Based 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A foundational interactive fiction game that uses its medium to raise awareness about mental health and personal struggle.
- #12 Fragments of Him
89% matchVery Positive84% of 147 reviews2016
Dev: Sassybot
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
An emotional and immersive game about a man named Will and the people close to him. Experience his life through a story about love, memories and hope.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 30.5%, Visual Novel 27%, Emotional 21.6%, Story Rich 12.3%, Casual 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: A deeply moving, interactive narrative that focuses on the impact of loss and the importance of human connection.
- #13 Coffee Talk
86% matchVery Positive95% of 12,375 reviews2020
Dev: Toge Productions
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Coffee Talk is a coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator about listening to fantasy-inspired modern peoples’ problems, and helping them by serving up a warm drink or two.
Why similar: Dialogue Heavy 32.7%, Interactive Fiction 17.9%, Visual Novel 17.4%, Emotional 13.7%, Story Rich 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A cozy, dialogue-heavy experience that provides a safe space for characters to discuss their emotional struggles and personal lives.
- #14 A Lozenge
88% matchVery Positive98% of 51 reviews2020
Dev: Party for Introverts
Windows · Mac
“A Lozenge” is a short interactive story about a mother-daughter road trip and motion sickness, dedicated to children of divorce.
Why similar: Emotional 19.2%, Interactive Fiction 16.9%, Psychological 15.2%, Visual Novel 13.9%, Text-Based 12.9%
Why You'll Like It: A short, emotional visual novel that focuses on atmospheric storytelling and personal reflection.
- #15 We. The Refugees: Ticket to Europe
86% matchVery Positive88% of 142 reviews2023
Dev: Act Zero
Windows
‘We. The Refugees: Ticket to Europe’ is a socially engaged, text-based RPG about a journalist looking for his big break by uncovering the plights of refugees travelling from Africa to Europe. It is a story inspired by true events.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 20.4%, Text-Based 18.8%, Emotional 17.3%, Hand-drawn 13.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A text-heavy, interactive fiction game that tackles serious social issues with deep empathy and narrative complexity.
- #16 Long Gone Days
85% matchVery Positive88% of 555 reviews2023
Dev: This I DreamtPub: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A modern-day JRPG that imagines a world of war. Overcome language barriers, forge unlikely friendships, and find hope amidst conflict.
Why similar: Emotional 35.6%, Visual Novel 26.9%, Story Rich 19.1%, Choices Matter 7.1%, Pixel Graphics 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: This story-rich RPG focuses on the psychological toll of conflict and the importance of character-driven dialogue.
- #17 Always Sometimes Monsters
87% matchMostly Positive75% of 2,447 reviews2014
Dev: Vagabond Dog
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Set out on a cross-country journey to win back the love of your life and endure the hardship of making story-defining choices that affect your life and the lives of those around you.
Why similar: Story Rich 43.4%, Pixel Graphics 16.9%, Choices Matter 11.9%, Visual Novel 9.9%, Casual 9%
Why You'll Like It: An indie title that prioritizes player choices and emotional realism, often dealing with the messy, difficult parts of life.
- #18 Spiritfarer®: Farewell Edition
84% matchVery Positive95% of 52,489 reviews2020
Dev: Thunder Lotus
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 15.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Spiritfarer® is a cozy management game about dying. As ferrymaster to the deceased, build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and release them into the afterlife. The Spiritfarer Farewell Edition includes the heartwarming base game and three major content updates.
Why similar: Emotional 48%, Hand-drawn 31.3%, Story Rich 19.7%, Indie 0.9%
Why You'll Like It: While a management game, its hand-drawn art and focus on processing grief make it a strong thematic match for emotional storytelling.
- #19 Unpacking
83% matchVery Positive93% of 40,039 reviews2021
Dev: Witch BeamPub: Balor Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.
Why similar: Story Rich 35%, Pixel Graphics 20.9%, Casual 17.3%, Colorful 16.7%, Singleplayer 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game uses environmental storytelling to convey a life-long emotional journey without a single line of spoken dialogue.
- #20 2064: Read Only Memories
84% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,670 reviews2015
Dev: MidBoss, LLC.Pub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
2064: Read Only Memories is a cyberpunk point-and-click adventure set in Neo-San Francisco. Team up with Turing, the world's first sapient machine, to unravel a conspiracy that threatens to shake an entire society
Why similar: Dialogue Heavy 24.1%, Comic Book 19.5%, Interactive Fiction 16.7%, Visual Novel 13.1%, Emotional 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: A dialogue-heavy visual novel that balances its sci-fi setting with deep, character-driven emotional beats.
- #21 The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature
82% matchVery Positive83% of 354 reviews2019
Dev: La Belle GamesPub: ARTE France
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 59%
Experience the Myth of Frankenstein through the innocent eyes of his creature. Make decisions and change people's view that you will meet on your way. Now, the myth is in your hands, so how are you going to end it?
Why similar: Text-Based 17.6%, Interactive Fiction 16.5%, Hand-drawn 14.8%, Visual Novel 12%, Emotional 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: A beautiful, text-based adventure that uses an artistic style to explore themes of existence and emotional growth.
- #22 7Days Origins
82% matchVery Positive85% of 350 reviews2021
Dev: Buff Studio
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 60%
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: Comic Book 22%, Psychological 18.7%, Interactive Fiction 15.6%, Visual Novel 12.7%, Hand-drawn 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: A story-rich visual novel that uses choices-matter mechanics to drive its intense, character-focused narrative.
- #23 When The Night Comes
81% matchVery Positive93% of 329 reviews2021
Dev: Lunaris Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
When The Night Comes is a queer, narrative-driven, supernatural visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 41.8%, Interactive Fiction 36.3%, Story Rich 13.9%, Choices Matter 5%, Casual 1.9%
Why You'll Like It: A visual novel that blends romance and supernatural elements with a strong focus on emotional character development.
- #24 Social Moth
81% matchVery Positive98% of 133 reviews2022
Dev: Social Moth Dev TeamPub: Tiny Fury Games
Windows
Social Moth is a charmingly beautiful narrative platformer where you play as Aletris, a socially anxious moth trying to find their place in a daunting world. Navigate conversations, solve creative puzzles, and enjoy satisfying platforming as you help Aletris contend with their social anxiety!
Why similar: Emotional 32.6%, Dialogue Heavy 26.5%, Hand-drawn 16.8%, Colorful 7.2%, Story Rich 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A dialogue-heavy game that explores the emotional nuances of social anxiety and personal connection.
- #25 Kind Words (lo fi chill beats to write to)
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 8,991 reviews2019
Dev: Popcannibal
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 77%
A game about writing nice letters to real people. Write and receive encouraging letters in a cozy room. Trade stickers and listen to chill music. We're all in this together. Sometimes all you need are a few kind words.
Why similar: Emotional 42.4%, Psychological 37.3%, Colorful 9.3%, Casual 5.5%, Stylized 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the power of words and empathy, creating a supportive environment similar to the hopeful tone of the seed game.
- #26 Will Die Alone
80% matchMostly Positive76% of 67 reviews2022
Dev: Arianna Ravioli
Windows · Mac
Some memories aren't meant to stay. We are our memories and our experiences. What happens if you delete some of them? If you change your past and, thus, your future?
Why similar: Text-Based 25.5%, Interactive Fiction 19.5%, Visual Novel 18.6%, Choose Your Own Adventure 10.7%, Hand-drawn 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A text-based visual novel that focuses on the weight of isolation and the impact of player choices on the narrative outcome.
- #27 Stiff Neck
76% matchVery Positive83% of 993 reviews2026
Dev: 伤官制作组 Team UranianPub: Tailtone Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 77%
A story about the self—and about others. A toy factory, several cursed dolls, and a horror novel… This quiet seaside town throws Noele's love life into chaos and dredges up the old wounds she has tried for years to forget.
Why similar: Psychological 17.7%, Interactive Fiction 16.3%, Text-Based 15.3%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Emotional 12.2%
- #28 Signs of the Sojourner
79% matchVery Positive87% of 255 reviews2020
Dev: Echodog Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 68%
In this narrative card game about relationships and communication, navigate conversations in a colorful world reminiscent of our own. Learn and grow through the cards you choose to play. Who will you become? What will you leave behind?
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 23%, Visual Novel 17.6%, Text-Based 16.8%, Dialogue Heavy 15.1%, Choose Your Own Adventure 9%
Why You'll Like It: A dialogue-focused game where the mechanics of conversation mirror the emotional difficulty of connecting with others.
- #29 Graveyard Girls
77% matchVery Positive98% of 164 reviews2022
Dev: Delphinium Interactive
Windows
Graveyard Girls is a halloween-themed yuri visual novel about complicated grief and overcoming hardships. Collect Elle’s “scribbles” to learn about her struggles, befriend a mysterious girl, and have a conversation about death.
Why similar: Psychological 19.2%, Interactive Fiction 18.1%, Emotional 16.2%, Visual Novel 15.4%, Text-Based 12.8%
- #30 Echoes+
78% matchVery Positive92% of 857 reviews2015
Dev: Binary Zoo
Windows · Mac
Median: 24 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Echoes+ is an intense retro action space shooter that will test your reaction and concentration levels to the max!
Why similar: Singleplayer 53.5%, Indie 46.5%
Why You'll Like It: An interactive fiction game that uses a simple, effective visual style to tell a poignant and emotional story.
- #31 Guilt Free
78% matchVery Positive85% of 295 reviews2020
Dev: Lateral Games
Windows · Mac
Guilt Free is a visual novel crossed with a point and click made to offer perspective on mental health and eating disorders. Navigate a couple's rocky relationship and encounter "flaws" or "quirks" that may actually be symptomatic behaviors.
Why similar: Dialogue Heavy 19.2%, Interactive Fiction 16.3%, Text-Based 14.9%, Visual Novel 13.4%, Emotional 13.3%
- #32 I Write Games Not Tragedies
75% matchVery Positive100% of 53 reviews2025
Dev: Studio WifePub: Yotsuba Interactive
Windows
An emo-inspired narrative rhythm game exploring growing pains, addiction, romance and music. Scream with Ash as he makes the transition from baby bat to elder emo, guide him through his crash outs and help him navigate his (teenage) dirtbag life through music.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 24.8%, Visual Novel 20.2%, Hand-drawn 20.2%, Emotional 16%, Story Rich 8.3%
- #33 Blake: The Visual Novel
77% matchVery Positive90% of 63 reviews2021
Dev: Ori MeesPub: LegendOri Productions
Windows · Mac
Graphic Novel meets Visual Novel in this story-rich, choice-driven thriller. Experience Blake’s journey as he encounters a clandestine nemesis, sparking a series of events that force him to choose between losing his sanity or rising to the challenge. Make the right decisions and save New Stone.
Why similar: Comic Book 23.7%, Interactive Fiction 16.4%, Visual Novel 12.8%, Dialogue Heavy 12%, Psychological 9.4%
- #34 YOUR HOUSE
75% matchVery Positive85% of 71 reviews2025
Dev: PATRONES & ESCONDITES
Windows · Mac
A narrative puzzle-thriller that blurs the lines between games and books, reality and fiction, puzzles and storytelling.
Why similar: Comic Book 23.2%, Hand-drawn 16%, Interactive Fiction 15.9%, Text-Based 14.6%, Visual Novel 12%
- #35 Alex's Hope & Alex's Solitude
76% matchVery Positive91% of 67 reviews2024
Dev: Violet Horizons Productions
Windows · Mac · Linux
A boy regains his hope and a girl finds herself in solitude. A kinetic novel that will take you through their darkest days and immerse you in their deepest emotions.
Why similar: Psychological 23.4%, Hand-drawn 17.8%, Emotional 17.5%, Visual Novel 17.4%, Text-Based 9.2%
- #36 Snowfall's Mystery
73% matchVery Positive85% of 117 reviews2025
Dev: Sempiternal Rain
Windows
A psychological interactive novel about a floppy disk with a mysterious program. Help Elliot cope with his mental issues and uncover the secret of the floppy disk.
Why similar: Psychological 23.7%, Text-Based 18.3%, Interactive Fiction 16.8%, Visual Novel 13.5%, Emotional 11.4%
- #37 Bad Faith
74% matchVery Positive92% of 64 reviews2022
Dev: Mado
Windows · Mac · Linux
Sanctuaries. Secrets. Serious consequences. A solo-developed psychological horror/drama visual novel.
Why similar: Psychological 27%, Visual Novel 19.2%, Emotional 18.7%, Text-Based 13.5%, Hand-drawn 9%
- #38 To Make a Game
74% matchVery Positive91% of 78 reviews2022
Dev: TheBluePenguin
Windows · Linux
A short meta story about the struggles of procrastination, and never finishing the things you start. Help motivate me, and give me the confidence I need to finish something.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.9%, Psychological 19.1%, Emotional 18.4%, Choose Your Own Adventure 13%, Text-Based 11%
- #39 i love me, i love me not
73% matchVery Positive95% of 84 reviews2022
Dev: MALGOW
Windows · Mac
a hand-drawn mental-health-focused game!
Why similar: Emotional 37.5%, Dialogue Heavy 19.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 15.6%, Colorful 8.3%, Casual 6.7%
- #40 欢迎加入奇趣社
72% matchVery Positive80% of 150 reviews2023
Dev: Dream CrackerPub: 2P Games
Windows
Tired of a suffocating college routine? Yearning for something more? Join the Qiqu Club! We promise unforgettable experiences beyond your wildest dreams. But beware, our club is extremely exclusive. Only those daring enough to seek adventure will be admitted...
Why similar: Comic Book 19%, Psychological 15.1%, Interactive Fiction 13.7%, Emotional 13.3%, Visual Novel 12.2%
- #41 Echoes
73% matchMostly Positive80% of 84 reviews2021
Dev: Baba Nura
Windows
Fears are not always just rustles in the dark. And death is not always a bad ending.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 26.4%, Visual Novel 20.5%, Hand-drawn 16.5%, Text-Based 16%, Emotional 10.1%
- #42 non-binary
71% matchVery Positive94% of 298 reviews2022
Dev: owof games
Windows · Mac · Linux
"non-binary" is a video game that mixes text choices and bullet hell to tell the story of two non-binary people's journey of self-discovery. Make your choices. Dodge words. Go through things that hurt without breaking down. If you can.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 28.5%, Visual Novel 23.2%, Emotional 22.8%, Text-Based 16.3%, Story Rich 8.1%
- #43 Man I Just Wanna Go Home
69% matchVery Positive95% of 724 reviews2024
Dev: JZPS Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 1.3 hrs≥1hr: 40%
Man I Just Wanna Go Home is an "MSPaint-noir" visual novel with 13 endings, a unique visual style and a killer 80s inspired soundtrack. The story revolves around a delivery person stranded in an unfamiliar part of the city under the devastating rain. All he wants is to get home. Help him!
Why similar: Comic Book 30.7%, Interactive Fiction 22.7%, Visual Novel 17.6%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11%, Story Rich 6.2%
- #44 Pink Noise
68% matchVery Positive86% of 124 reviews2026
Dev: Somber GamesPub: Caspianborn Publishing
Windows
Pink Noise is a nonlinear visual novel in the psychological horror genre, immersing you in the retro atmosphere of the '90s. It tells the tale of a group of teenagers who unknowingly set off a chain of terrifying events. What secrets lie within the mysterious VHS tape they should’ve never played?
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 28.5%, Visual Novel 25.1%, Hand-drawn 21.5%, Story Rich 11.9%, Colorful 6.9%
- #45 Return to Ash
68% matchVery Positive99% of 134 reviews2025
Dev: Serenity Forge
Windows · Mac · Linux
“The hospital was empty. Quiet, and brighter than usual... like waking up on a snow day. But I didn't feel cold. I didn't feel much of anything.”
Why similar: Visual Novel 25%, Emotional 22.9%, Hand-drawn 18.8%, Psychological 16.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 7.5%
- #46 We Know the Devil
71% matchVery Positive94% of 1,165 reviews2016
Dev: Pillow Fight
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 55%
WE KNOW THE DEVIL is a visual novel about teens reluctantly fighting the devil at summer camp. Follow meangirl Neptune, tomboy Jupiter, and shy shy Venus as they get to know each other--but one always gets left out.
Why similar: Visual Novel 71.8%, Story Rich 12.2%, Casual 7.7%, Choices Matter 4.8%, Indie 2%
- #47 Tails Noir Preludes
70% matchVery Positive92% of 306 reviews2023
Dev: EggnutPub: Raw Fury
Windows
Tails Noir Preludes is a post-noir narrative adventure with branching choices. It is an intertwined series of vignettes about change, circumstance, and consequence. Guide four characters through formative moments in their lives in a dystopian Vancouver inhabited by anthropomorphic animals.
Why similar: Dialogue Heavy 25.1%, Visual Novel 22.2%, Interactive Fiction 19.3%, Emotional 17.3%, Story Rich 7.4%
- #48 Mothmen 1966
70% matchVery Positive91% of 320 reviews2022
Dev: LCB Game StudioPub: Chorus Worldwide Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Mothmen 1966 is a 'Pixel Pulp' - a visual novel fusing exceptional writing and stunning illustration, inspired by mid-20th century pulp fiction and 80s home computer graphics - set amongst the strange occurrences of the Leonid meteor shower of 1966.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 26.3%, Dialogue Heavy 20.5%, Visual Novel 19.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 12.8%, Story Rich 9.6%
- #49 School Years
71% matchVery Positive82% of 1,498 reviews2019
Dev: YEARSPub: 摸鱼游戏
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%
A visual novel adapted from a real story.To tell the most authentic Chinese story in the most simple words
Why similar: Visual Novel 40.1%, Interactive Fiction 30.4%, Story Rich 19.4%, Casual 4.9%, Singleplayer 2.7%
- #50 Sweet Home
65% matchVery Positive95% of 9,416 reviews2025
Dev: 开心茶房Pub: Tailtone Games
Windows
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Sweet Home is a visual novel set in a Chinese high school. Parted friendships, ambiguous romances, tangled relationships, and flawed families... Are these just the pangs of adolescence—or something heavier? Step into the shoes of Zhao Ying, shape her choices, and uncover every possible path.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 37.6%, Visual Novel 32.2%, Emotional 26.8%, Casual 1.9%, Singleplayer 1.2%
- #51 Schrödinger's Call
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 886 reviews2026
Dev: Acrobatic ChirimenjakoPub: SHUEISHA GAMES
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 78%
When the world is coming to an end, who would you want to speak to one last time? Schrödinger’s Call is a visual novel that lets you experience the pain and salvation of human connection, as if you were turning the pages of a picture book.
Why similar: Text-Based 20.7%, Psychological 20.2%, Emotional 19.2%, Visual Novel 16.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 9.8%
- #52 BEAST CRIMES
72% matchMixed64% of 64 reviews2022
Dev: LINK
Windows
Crimes across the times. Are you able to solve them all?
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 35.6%, Visual Novel 28.4%, Choose Your Own Adventure 17.6%, Story Rich 11.5%, Choices Matter 4.4%
- #53 Fishbowl
66% matchVery Positive96% of 154 reviews2026
Dev: imissmyfriends.studio
Windows · Mac
Fishbowl is a slow and tender narrative game about dreams, grief, and hope. Rediscover your memories and find your way into the present in this intimate experience where slice-of-life meets surreal.
Why similar: Psychological 19.3%, Emotional 18.4%, Interactive Fiction 17.7%, Visual Novel 14.3%, Dialogue Heavy 13.1%
- #54 Mediterranea Inferno
69% matchVery Positive83% of 547 reviews2023
Dev: EyeguysPub: Santa Ragione
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Explore the inner demons of three childhood friends on a summer retreat. Unearth secrets, fears and obsessions as you help them reconnect and rediscover themselves. A mature and treacherous visual novel from the creator of Milky Way Prince – The Vampire Star.
Why similar: Comic Book 33.6%, Visual Novel 18.4%, Hand-drawn 12.8%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11%, Psychological 7.8%
- #55 Cut to the Core
69% matchVery Positive93% of 171 reviews2022
Dev: Plasma PressPub: AAD Productions
Windows · Mac · Linux
How much of someone can you cut away before there's nothing left? Find out in this chilling kinetic visual novel - IF YOU DARE!
Why similar: Comic Book 26.2%, Interactive Fiction 16.4%, Hand-drawn 15.4%, Visual Novel 15%, Dialogue Heavy 9.9%
- #56 MINE MEMORY
67% matchVery Positive96% of 55 reviews2024
Dev: VAINSANE
Windows · Mac · Linux
Uncover the skeletons in Hana's closet in "MINE MEMORY," a gripping psychological visual novel. Dive into Hana's memories, shape her destiny, and confront haunting choices with deep consequences.
Why similar: Psychological 38.5%, Interactive Fiction 18.8%, Hand-drawn 13.1%, Choose Your Own Adventure 10.2%, Story Rich 7.1%
- #57 Growing Up
68% matchVery Positive88% of 3,644 reviews2021
Dev: Vile Monarch
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 91%
This is the story of your life. Experience the entire journey from toddler to adulthood. Go to schools, learn new things, meet new friends, and have wild adventures! Every choice you make will influence your future career, and decide who your romantic partner will be. Who will you become?
Why similar: Emotional 27.1%, Visual Novel 18.7%, Hand-drawn 18.6%, Story Rich 12.4%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.7%
- #58 No Longer Home
70% matchMixed62% of 437 reviews2021
Dev: Humble GrovePub: Fellow Traveller
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 52%
No Longer Home is a game about letting go of the life you've built due to circumstances beyond your control. Immerse yourself in the lives of Bo and Ao and learn about their dreams, frustrations and fears. Welcome the magic of the everyday and somewhat extraordinary.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 27.2%, Emotional 22.4%, Visual Novel 16.7%, Dialogue Heavy 14.8%, Story Rich 10.1%
- #59 Six Legends
66% matchVery Positive100% of 98 reviews2025
Dev: Vincent Paquin
Windows
The epic and emotional journey of six dragons growing up in a broken civilization, each with their own unique perspectives on life. Mixing Visual Novel, Point-And-Click, Rhythm, Cooking, Fighting and more, Six Legends is a unique experience about life and friends.
Why similar: Interactive Fiction 24.9%, Visual Novel 18.4%, Dialogue Heavy 16.4%, Hand-drawn 10.9%, Story Rich 9.4%
