- #1 428: Shibuya Scramble
97% matchVery Positive95% of 3,991 reviews2018
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
A kidnapping on the streets of Shibuya brings together a hot-blooded detective, hard-hitting journalist, former gang leader, the head researcher of a big pharma manufacturer and a part-timer stuck in cat costume for a series of events each more unexpected and outrageous than the last.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.8%, Mystery 22.7%, Story Rich 13.8%, Great Soundtrack 13.5%, Choices Matter 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive branching narrative game where your choices for one character trigger a butterfly effect that alters the fates of everyone else in the city.
- #2 The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood
96% matchVery Positive93% of 6,412 reviews2023
Dev: DeconstructeamPub: Devolver Digital
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Immerse yourself in an enchanting narrative experience as Fortuna, a fortune-teller Witch condemned to exile on her asteroid home. Craft your own Tarot deck, regain your freedom, and shape the fate of the cosmic Witch society.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 22.1%, Choices Matter 17.7%, Visual Novel 17.1%, Story Rich 11.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: You play as a witch who manipulates fate and the future through a unique card-crafting system that directly impacts the game's narrative outcomes.
- #3 OneShot
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 65,379 reviews2016
Dev: Future Cat LLCPub: KOMODO
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 28.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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: Great Soundtrack 27.3%, Story Rich 17%, Choices Matter 14.6%, Puzzle 11%, Exploration 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: This meta-narrative experience breaks the fourth wall and places you in the role of a god guiding a protagonist through a fragile world.
- #4 The Case of the Golden Idol
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 11,013 reviews2022
Dev: Color Gray GamesPub: Playstack
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.9 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A new kind of detective game that allows you to think and investigate freely. Discover clues surrounding 12 strange and gruesome deaths and build your own theory. Pick your suspect, deduce the motive, unmask the awful truth.
Why similar: Mystery 27.9%, Choices Matter 17%, Puzzle 16.5%, Story Rich 15.4%, Exploration 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: Like the puzzle-solving nature of WILL, this game requires you to piece together text and clues to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious deaths.
- #5 VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 38,763 reviews2016
Dev: Sukeban GamesPub: Ysbryd Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 31.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a booze em' up about waifus, technology, and post-dystopia life.
Why similar: Visual Novel 18.8%, Female Protagonist 18%, Choices Matter 15.3%, Story Rich 13.2%, Anime 11.6%
Why You'll Like It: You influence the lives of your patrons by choosing which drinks to serve, mirroring the way small changes in WILL lead to vastly different character trajectories.
- #6 Lost Words: Beyond the Page
94% matchVery Positive95% of 838 reviews2021
Dev: Sketchbook DevelopmentsPub: Sketchbook Games
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 79%
A short, fully voiced, story-first adventure across two worlds. Rearrange words into platforms in Izzy’s diary, then wield word magic to shape your path in the fantasy she writes. Gentle puzzles, watercolour wonder, and a bittersweet story of family, loss, and healing.
Why similar: Word Game 27.2%, Emotional 16.4%, Female Protagonist 10.7%, Choices Matter 10.5%, Visual Novel 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game integrates word-based mechanics directly into its platforming and narrative, making the written word a literal tool for progression.
- #7 Unheard - Voices of Crime
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 34,052 reviews2019
Dev: NEXT Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
What if you could hear every word spoken at the scene of a crime? “Acoustic Detectives” wanted for testing our new device! Return aurally to crime scenes and use the voices you hear to identify potential suspects and solve the mysteries. What is it that’s connecting these seemingly unrelated cases?
Why similar: Mystery 25.3%, Puzzle 17%, Story Rich 16.8%, RPG 15%, Exploration 11.7%
Why You'll Like It: An auditory puzzle game where you must piece together fragmented conversations to solve crimes, similar to the deduction required in WILL.
- #8 OPUS: The Day We Found Earth
93% matchVery Positive87% of 1,734 reviews2016
Dev: SIGONO INC.
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Dive into the boundless galaxy and embark on an emotional adventure! Help little robot Emeth to fulfill a century-old promise by finding Earth in order to save Mankind—so step into the spaceship, operate a deep space telescope, and find out what’s out there in the unknown.
Why similar: Emotional 13.1%, Visual Novel 12.7%, Female Protagonist 12.2%, Story Rich 10.3%, Puzzle 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: An emotional, story-rich adventure that captures the same sense of melancholy and wonder found in the character arcs of WILL.
- #9 Coffee Talk
91% matchVery Positive95% of 12,615 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: Visual Novel 22.5%, Emotional 22.3%, Choices Matter 17.4%, Story Rich 15%, Anime 12.2%
Why You'll Like It: A cozy, emotional visual novel where you listen to the problems of various characters and influence their futures through the beverages you prepare.
- #10 STEINS;GATE
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 27,155 reviews2016
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 67.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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: Visual Novel 22.4%, Great Soundtrack 18.4%, Anime 14.4%, Story Rich 13.6%, Sci-fi 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: A masterpiece of time-travel storytelling that explores the heavy burden of changing the past to save those you love.
- #11 A Perfect Day
90% matchVery Positive85% of 1,834 reviews2022
Dev: Perfect Day Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Revisit and repeat the final moments of China's turn of the century in this narrative puzzle adventure. Play a 6th-grade student and greet classmates, explore secrets, play mini-4WD, or just wander around town. Make your choices to create a perfect day for everyone!
Why similar: Emotional 26.1%, Choices Matter 20.5%, Story Rich 13.9%, Puzzle 13.9%, Exploration 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: A time-loop game that allows you to explore various branching paths and outcomes during a single day in the life of a young boy.
- #12 Word Game
89% matchVery Positive93% of 6,449 reviews2022
Dev: Team9
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Word game is literally a game of words. Player controls "I" to find clues between lines, delete words to change the meaning of sentences, or shift words to rewrite facts. “I” must be wise and brave enough complete the mission of words. May the best "I” win!
Why similar: Word Game 22.7%, Choose Your Own Adventure 22.4%, Puzzle 13.4%, Exploration 12.1%, Story Rich 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist puzzle game where the environment is made entirely of text, requiring you to interact with words to solve logic puzzles.
- #13 AI: The Somnium Files
89% matchVery Positive91% of 9,439 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 15.2 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 19.2%, Mystery 17.5%, Anime 14.4%, Story Rich 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: A detective mystery that features branching paths and surreal puzzle segments where you dive into the minds of suspects to change their reality.
- #14 Citizen Sleeper
87% matchVery Positive92% of 10,638 reviews2022
Dev: Jump Over The AgePub: Fellow Traveller
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Roleplaying in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Live the life of an escaped worker, washed-up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society. Inspired by the flexibility and freedom of TTRPGs, explore the station, choose your friends, escape your past and change your future.
Why similar: Sci-fi 25.1%, Story Rich 22.1%, RPG 21.4%, Exploration 16.5%, Adventure 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional, branching narrative game that focuses on survival and the impact of your choices on a community of outcasts.
- #15 Papers, Please
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 80,633 reviews2013
Dev: Lucas PopePub: 3909
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 22.9%, Puzzle 17.3%, Story Rich 17%, Indie 16.4%, Choices Matter 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: You are placed in a position of power where your daily decisions directly impact the lives and survival of the people passing through your checkpoint.
- #16 GNOSIA
86% matchVery Positive94% of 5,158 reviews2022
Dev: Petit DepottoPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 20.2%, Mystery 18.1%, Sci-fi 16%, Anime 15.9%, Story Rich 14.2%
Why You'll Like It: A social deduction game that uses a time-loop mechanic to force you to uncover the truth through repeated, branching interactions.
- #17 Bai Qu: Hundreds of Melodies
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 702 reviews2017
Dev: Magenta Factory
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A melody of life and death surrounding a sickly girl and her friends.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 17.1%, Emotional 16.6%, Visual Novel 16.5%, Choices Matter 16.1%, Anime 12.2%
Why You'll Like It: An emotional visual novel that focuses on character-driven storytelling and the development of personal relationships.
- #18 Otaku's Adventure
85% matchVery Positive95% of 9,110 reviews2019
Dev: Spacelight Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 12.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
"Otaku's Adventure" is a different kind of AVG.The story tells of an Otaku who has been single for many years and thirst for love. While he inadvertently embarks on a fantastic journey, he eventually wins girls' love. The game combines storytelling with alternative TAKAGISM, and mini-games.
Why similar: Visual Novel 21.2%, Anime 14.5%, RPG 13.6%, Story Rich 11%, Choices Matter 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: A humorous visual novel that features multiple branching paths and absurd endings based on your choices.
- #19 Inscryption
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 148,820 reviews2021
Dev: Daniel Mullins GamesPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.1 hrsMean: 16.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards...
Why similar: Story Rich 47.9%, Puzzle 37.3%, 2D 8%, Adventure 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, meta-narrative game that uses card-based puzzles to tell a story that constantly subverts the player's expectations.
- #20 Gaokao.Love.100Days
84% matchVery Positive90% of 8,262 reviews2015
Dev: 高考恋爱委员会Pub: NVLMaker
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 36.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Getting a girl-friend before National College Entrance Exam, I know it's crazy, but from today, we will face everything together.
Why similar: Visual Novel 61.9%, Anime 21.9%, Casual 6.3%, Indie 5%, Adventure 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: A life-simulation visual novel where you must manage your time and choices to determine your future and relationships.
- #21 A Light in the Dark
84% matchVery Positive93% of 1,737 reviews2018
Dev: CreSpiritPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
──We cannot choose in this unfair world.The rich boy stuck in his never changing daily life...The fierce girl struggling for survival...Two people in totally opposite positions in life.In the face of confusion and the choices before them, what will they find...?
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.2%, Great Soundtrack 18.7%, Anime 15.7%, Story Rich 10%, Indie 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, emotional visual novel that forces the player to make difficult choices to survive a kidnapping scenario.
- #22 Return of the Obra Dinn
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 35,293 reviews2018
Dev: Lucas PopePub: 3909
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.
Why similar: Mystery 33.2%, Great Soundtrack 20.7%, Puzzle 18.7%, Story Rich 16.5%, Indie 4.3%
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant deduction game where you must determine the fate of every crew member on a ship using a magical device that shows their final moments.
- #23 1bitHeart
83% matchVery Positive91% of 926 reviews2017
Dev: △○□× (Miwashiba)Pub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Welcome to 1bitHeart―the latest title from Alicemare and LiEat developer △○□× (Miwashiba). In this unique and endearing adventure game, take on the role of Nanashi, a lonely, agoraphobic boy, as you solve a slew of mysteries around town while also making friends.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 17.3%, Visual Novel 13.2%, Anime 12.6%, Word Game 12.5%, Mystery 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: A mystery-adventure game that focuses on building relationships and solving problems through dialogue and investigation.
- #24 Outer Wilds
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 108,541 reviews2020
Dev: Mobius DigitalPub: Annapurna Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 16.9 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 23.5%, Mystery 18.2%, Exploration 15.1%, Story Rich 12.8%, Puzzle 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: While a different genre, it shares the core theme of using knowledge and understanding of causality to navigate and change a looping fate.
- #25 Epiphany City
81% matchVery Positive90% of 290 reviews2022
Dev: Cameron Ladjevardi
Windows · Mac
Use magical picture frames to manipulate the world around you in mind-bending ways. Turn paintings to life, change time, & re-imagine objects to suit your needs. Follow Lily, a girl who's lost all hope, as she steals powers from the strongest superhero, leaving it up to her to save the world.
Why similar: Emotional 22.1%, Female Protagonist 16.8%, Story Rich 12.5%, Puzzle 12%, Visual Novel 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-adventure game with a female protagonist that uses unique mechanics to manipulate the world around her.
- #26 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 4,472 reviews2023
Dev: NankidaiPub: 0UP GAMES
Windows
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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: Choose Your Own Adventure 24.4%, Female Protagonist 21%, Mystery 18.7%, Anime 12.6%, Story Rich 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A tense death game featuring complex branching narratives and difficult moral choices that determine who survives.
- #27 Doki Doki Literature Club!
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 228,468 reviews2017
Dev: Team Salvato
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 38.4 hrs≥1hr: 74%
The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.8%, Anime 26.2%, Great Soundtrack 21.8%, Story Rich 13.3%, Singleplayer 2.6%
Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror visual novel that uses meta-narrative elements to manipulate the player's perception of the story.
- #28 Far Away
78% matchVery Positive95% of 8,200 reviews2021
Dev: Gratesca
Windows
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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: Word Game 27.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 13.6%, Choices Matter 11.7%, Visual Novel 11.1%, Female Protagonist 10.6%
- #29 文字遊戯(日本語版)
77% matchVery Positive91% of 75 reviews2025
Dev: Team9Pub: Flyhigh Works
Windows · Mac
Word game is literally a game of words. Player controls "I" to find clues between lines, delete words to change the meaning of sentences, or shift words to rewrite facts. “I” must be wise and brave enough complete the mission of words. May the best "I” win!
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 20%, Visual Novel 16.4%, Mystery 14.6%, RPG 11.5%, Exploration 10.3%
- #30 An Octave Higher
81% matchVery Positive82% of 300 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 28.2%, Anime 15.6%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.3%, Story Rich 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: A story-rich visual novel set in a world where magic is a commodity, focusing on the social and personal consequences of your actions.
- #31 はじめるセカイの理想論 -goodbye world index
76% matchVery Positive90% of 96 reviews2025
Dev: WhirlpoolPub: TamaMako gaming
Windows
美少女游戏社团漩涡社（Whirlpool）带来的最新视觉小说。身处空想理论打造的创想世界中，与邂逅的女生们共度末日前的生活吧！
Why similar: Word Game 38.2%, RPG 16.9%, Visual Novel 14.5%, Emotional 13.4%, Anime 10.2%
- #32 RGB GlitchGazer
74% matchVery Positive96% of 97 reviews2026
Dev: 群星闪耀时Pub: 群星闪耀时
Windows
A mad and romantic ADV. Unravel a strange world of science and philosophy with a mecha girl, zombie girl, or beastfolk. Some paths may disturb you... or thrill you.
Why similar: Word Game 14.1%, Emotional 14%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.5%, Visual Novel 11%, Mystery 10.4%
- #33 神明的一天世界(God's One Day World)
78% matchVery Positive85% of 728 reviews2016
Dev: 灰烬天国
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 95%
an Visual Novel & Puzzle Game
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.4%, Adventure 23.9%, Anime 22.3%, Puzzle 10.3%, Casual 4.8%
- #34 文字遊戯 第零章(日本語版)
75% matchVery Positive97% of 79 reviews2023
Dev: Team9Pub: Flyhigh Works
Windows · Mac
Word game is literally a game of words. Player controls "I" to find clues between lines, delete words to change the meaning of sentences, or shift words to rewrite facts. “I” must be wise and brave enough complete the mission of words. May the best "I” win!
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 25.4%, Story Rich 16.1%, Puzzle 15.7%, RPG 15.6%, Exploration 10.1%
- #35 Word Game: Episode 0
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 4,566 reviews2021
Dev: Team9
Windows · Mac
Median: 36 minMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 20%
Word game is literally a game of words. Player controls "I" to find clues between lines, delete words to change the meaning of sentences, or shift words to rewrite facts. “I” must be wise and brave enough complete the mission of words. May the best "I” win!
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 27.2%, Puzzle 15.6%, RPG 14.6%, Story Rich 12.6%, Exploration 12.5%
- #36 Save My Scrap
71% matchVery Positive100% of 58 reviews2026
Dev: Unio AnouPub: AMATA Games
Windows
"They mean everything to me. Please, make them whole again." An interactive visual novel puzzle game. By fixing the broken android, you may uncover the truth about your client's past.
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 15.3%, Visual Novel 13.7%, Puzzle 11.1%, Emotional 9.8%, Adventure 8.9%
- #37 寄居隅怪奇事件簿 Hermitage Strange Case Files
76% matchVery Positive80% of 2,009 reviews2018
Dev: Arrowiz
Windows
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
都市的夜晚并不安宁。浮华背后，暗潮在阴影中涌动。旧书店『Hermitage』的店主不幸被卷入了种种神秘事件。越是接近答案，他见到的真相却愈发诡异。疑云之下，一切都指向了“那些”超越常理的——危机渐渐逼近，在谣言与谎言间劈开道路，追寻自己的“结局”吧！
Why similar: Visual Novel 44.9%, Mystery 30.2%, Anime 13.3%, Indie 11.5%
- #38 Spiritual Bond ～Breaking the curse, Intertwining fates～
71% matchVery Positive86% of 154 reviews2026
Dev: MONRAPub: LoveStoryProject
Windows
“Person of Serendipity… please help us——” A text-based adventure puzzle game set in ancient villages, where shrine maidens and the Kami guide you to forge unbreakable bonds. Every choice reshapes destiny—you will lead them, but to where?
Why similar: Visual Novel 15.4%, Mystery 14.9%, Anime 13.7%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.2%, Puzzle 10.2%
- #39 OPUS: Echo of Starsong - Full Bloom Edition
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 9,481 reviews2021
Dev: SIGONO INC.
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.9 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Echo of Starsong is a visual novel style adventure game. Eda, a girl who can hear mysterious sound waves known as starsong, crosses paths with a young man in search of their source. Together, they venture out to the heart of space to unravel an ancient myth.
Why similar: Emotional 21.3%, Visual Novel 15.9%, Female Protagonist 14.5%, Anime 11.5%, Story Rich 10.3%
- #40 Cyber Manhunt
72% matchVery Positive92% of 15,723 reviews2021
Dev: Aluba Van+Pub: 摸鱼游戏
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 11.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Cyber Manhunt is a story-oriented puzzle game focusing on big data, hacking, citizen privacy, and social workers. It focuses on social issues such as cyber violence and privacy breaches.
Why similar: RPG 22.5%, Mystery 22.4%, Puzzle 22.2%, Word Game 12.6%, Story Rich 8.3%
- #41 OPUS: Rocket of Whispers
74% matchVery Positive92% of 1,717 reviews2018
Dev: SIGONO INC.
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Rocket of Whispers is an award-winning post-apocalyptic adventure that follows two survivors on a journey to launch a space burial for the lost souls of their desolate world. Help them search the snowy wasteland for supplies and the courage to say goodbye.
Why similar: Emotional 17.9%, Female Protagonist 12.5%, Visual Novel 12.2%, Story Rich 9.8%, Anime 8.1%
- #42 泡沫冬景
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 4,522 reviews2020
Dev: KorakuPub: Nekoneko Soft
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 39.7 hrs≥1hr: 85%
It is the year 1988. Japan is in the midst of the bubble economy. New buildings are sprouting up everywhere, and the people are ecstatic. This is a story of people who live for one year... in such a little corner of the city.
Why similar: Adventure 27.5%, Visual Novel 26.1%, Casual 16.7%, Indie 15.6%, Anime 14%
- #43 六阶谜题 six-step mystery
73% matchVery Positive87% of 661 reviews2020
Dev: 章鱼罐头制作组
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 14.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
失意青年刘在机缘巧合下得到了一份离奇的工作，在命运齿轮的推动下，结识了几名性格各异的少女。忽然有一天祸从天降，他卷入了一起绑架案，并被迫参与一场事关生死的游戏。在求生的同时，他不得不重新审视过去生活寻求蛛丝马迹，那看似平静的生活实则早已暗流涌动……
Why similar: Adventure 20.9%, Visual Novel 19.5%, Mystery 16.7%, Story Rich 14.9%, Casual 14.3%
- #44 OneShot: World Machine Edition
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 5,811 reviews2024
Dev: Future Cat LLCPub: KOMODO
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A completely self-contained portable version of one of the highest user-rated games. Built on an entirely new engine with new UI, support for Steam Deck, & more. Features world-bending puzzles, intriguing denizens, surreal environments, and a captivating story about the truth of the game's reality.
Why similar: Choices Matter 16.7%, Great Soundtrack 14.8%, Puzzle 14.1%, Story Rich 13.7%, Exploration 9.8%
- #45 七人杀阵 - Seven Sacrifices
73% matchVery Positive80% of 1,077 reviews2018
Dev: 章鱼罐头制作组
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Seven girls came to a mountain villa on the outskirts to attend a party. Suddenly they were struck by a storm. They were trapped and lost contact with the outside world.Everyone was caught unawares by the accident, but the conspiracy has just begun.
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.2%, Mystery 22.2%, Adventure 17.3%, Casual 13.6%, Indie 12.1%
- #46 Ten Trials of Babel: The Doppelganger Maze
70% matchVery Positive93% of 4,422 reviews2022
Dev: 红渊Pub: NVLMaker
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Otome × Death Game × Mild Horror Multiple Endings Puzzle RPG
Why similar: Female Protagonist 23%, Choose Your Own Adventure 18.8%, Story Rich 11.1%, RPG 10.3%, Mystery 10.2%
- #47 The Immortal Is Watching
67% matchVery Positive96% of 71 reviews2026
Dev: 【方式】
Windows
Players will take on the role of a little flower fairy and tap on wish plaques to send blessings. Each character’s story will unfold differently based on your choices. Once all wishes have been fulfilled, she will also experience different endings depending on your decisions.
Why similar: Word Game 43%, RPG 20.9%, Female Protagonist 19.6%, Anime 8.3%, 2D 4.8%
- #48 Wienne
71% matchVery Positive88% of 66 reviews2020
Dev: Creeepling
Windows
Wienne is unique - you can change the flow of the story at any moment in time. Repeatedly. In this short story and lore-driven RPG you will have to save Wienne and Zack from a nearly inevitable demise. Can you find the path?
Why similar: RPG 47.3%, Indie 16.1%, Female Protagonist 9.9%, Lore-Rich 9.7%, Choices Matter 8.5%
- #49 WitchSpring3 Re:Fine - The Story of Eirudy -
68% matchVery Positive93% of 1,292 reviews2021
Dev: KIWIWALKS
Windows
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 28.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Choose fate. Choose story. The fate of the witches is in your hands.
Why similar: Emotional 32%, RPG 26%, Female Protagonist 24.6%, Casual 7.5%, Anime 5.5%
- #50 Our End of the World
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 4,856 reviews2017
Dev: 橘子班Pub: NVLMaker
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 17.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Filled with puzzles, the story between she and me at the end of the world. English Subtitle Released on 2018/11/22!
Why similar: Word Game 43.6%, Visual Novel 24.4%, Anime 15.3%, Puzzle 8.3%, Adventure 5.2%
- #51 Harmony: The Fall of Reverie
69% matchMostly Positive73% of 296 reviews2023
Dev: DON'T NOD
Windows
The fate of humanity is at stake. Use your gift of clairvoyance to see into the future and stop an apocalypse that threatens the balance between your world and the deities'.
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 18.9%, Emotional 17%, Choices Matter 14.5%, Female Protagonist 14.4%, Visual Novel 13.9%
- #52 小白兔电商~Bunny e-Shop
67% matchVery Positive94% of 10,244 reviews2021
Dev: 落叶岛项目组Pub: NVLMaker
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 41.8 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Experience a hilarious and adorable e-commerce game in a magical world where humans and monsters are at war. Help a humble rabbit fairy expand her online store selling homegrown carrots. Uncover hidden secrets while growing the business and becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.7%, Anime 19.3%, Story Rich 16.9%, RPG 14.7%, Adventure 6.6%
- #53 Wander Stars
66% matchVery Positive92% of 171 reviews2025
Dev: Paper Castle GamesPub: Fellow Traveller
Windows
Unleash custom attacks by combining words in this Super! Anime! Turn-Based! RPG! Collect all 200 words, earn Pep Ups from honorable victories and become a Kiai master. Befriend your rivals, uncover dark mysteries, and seek out the pieces of the Wanderstar map in a wild race across the universe.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 20.2%, Anime 19%, Story Rich 17.2%, Visual Novel 15.6%, RPG 15.5%
- #54 ヘブンバーンズレッド
70% matchMixed60% of 6,144 reviews2022
Dev: WRIGHT FLYER STUDIOS
Windows
Median: 9.6 hrsMean: 168.1 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Key 麻枝 准が描く、最後の希望を託された少女たちの物語『ヘブンバーンズレッド （ヘブバン）』 フィールドを駆け回り、かけがえのない日常を体験しながら、命を賭した戦いに挑むドラマチックRPG！
Why similar: Emotional 14.1%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.2%, Visual Novel 10.2%, Female Protagonist 9.8%, Choices Matter 9%
- #55 Noel the Mortal Fate Complete Edition
69% matchVery Positive87% of 3,437 reviews2018
Dev: KANAWOPub: Vaka Game Magazine
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 14.8 hrs≥1hr: 73%
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: Female Protagonist 14.7%, Great Soundtrack 12.4%, Anime 12.2%, RPG 11.7%, Visual Novel 11%
- #56 百禾梦境漫游 Wandering Dreams of Yuri
66% matchVery Positive91% of 74 reviews2025
Dev: 琉璃花糖制作组Pub: u-secret studio
Windows
She becomes Alice of the fairy tale world and joins forces with the mysterious Zixuan to explore the twisted world of fantasy: name-grabbing factions, invisible witches ...... In their light-hearted adventures, they gradually uncover the truth and endeavour to return to reality.
Why similar: Word Game 30.7%, Emotional 13.2%, Visual Novel 10.9%, Mystery 9.7%, RPG 9.3%
- #57 Short Stories Collection of Class Tangerine
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 979 reviews2017
Dev: 橘子班Pub: NVLMaker
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Short Stories Collection of Class Tangerine is a collection of five Visual Novels by indie-game team "Class Tangerine".
Why similar: Visual Novel 37.9%, Adventure 20.6%, Casual 15.8%, Indie 14.4%, Anime 11.3%
- #58 Murders on the Yangtze River
64% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 21,291 reviews2024
Dev: OMEGAMES STUDIO
Windows · Mac
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 14.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
"Murders on Yangtze River" is an Ace Attorney-like detective game that takes you on a journey through early 20th century China as you solve a series of intriguing cases. Use your logical reasoning and deduction skills to uncover clues, interrogate suspects, and solve the mysteries.
Why similar: Puzzle 16.9%, Mystery 16.7%, Lore-Rich 15.4%, Story Rich 15.4%, Exploration 10.4%
- #59 Adabana Odd Tales
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,092 reviews2020
Dev: Liar-softPub: ANIPLEX.EXE
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 49.8 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 23.7%, Great Soundtrack 21.5%, Story Rich 17.7%, Adventure 17.1%, Casual 11.5%
