- #1 428: Shibuya Scramble
97% matchVery Positive95% of 3,747 reviews2018
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 12.1 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 13.3%, Choices Matter 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive experience for fans of WILL, featuring a complex system of manipulating multiple character timelines to prevent disaster.
- #2 The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood
96% matchVery Positive93% of 5,966 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 21.6%, Choices Matter 18%, Visual Novel 17.3%, Story Rich 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 9%
Why You'll Like It: This game centers on the power to shape destiny through narrative choices and a unique card-based divination system.
- #3 Letters - a written adventure
96% matchVery Positive91% of 288 reviews2022
Dev: 5am Games GmbH
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Letters is a fun word puzzle game about friendship, growing up and finding your place in life. Follow Sarah, a shy girl from Switzerland, by moving through her pen pal letters and chat messages. Use the power of words to solve riddles, interact with her friends and decide who she will grow up to be.
Why similar: Word Game 34.3%, Choices Matter 17.4%, Female Protagonist 16.3%, Story Rich 10.2%, Puzzle 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: Like WILL, this game uses text manipulation and word-based puzzles to influence the protagonist's life and emotional journey.
- #4 PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 6,838 reviews2023
Dev: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 8.7 hrsMean: 10.2 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 21.7%, Mystery 18%, Anime 16.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 13.4%, Story Rich 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: It features a gripping supernatural mystery where players must navigate branching paths and manipulate fate to uncover the truth.
- #5 Lost Words: Beyond the Page
94% matchVery Positive95% of 827 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 27.5%, Emotional 16.3%, Choices Matter 10.6%, Female Protagonist 10.5%, Visual Novel 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional narrative puzzle game where you interact with words on a page to shape the world and the story.
- #6 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
94% matchVery Positive93% of 7,129 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 21.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Kidnapped and taken to an unfamiliar location, nine people find themselves forced to participate in a diabolical Nonary Game by an enigmatic mastermind called Zero. Why were they there? Why were they chosen to put their lives on the line? And more importantly, who can be trusted?
Why similar: Visual Novel 17.7%, Mystery 15.3%, Choices Matter 14.6%, Story Rich 12.1%, Puzzle 11.7%
Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes puzzle-adventure series that masterfully weaves complex narrative branches with life-or-death consequences.
- #7 STEINS;GATE
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 25,836 reviews2016
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 66.9 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, STEINS;GATE was awarded Famitsu magazine's coveted annual Game of Excellence award and was voted one of the most emotionally charged “tear-inducing games” ever made, in a Famitsu poll. It is a gripping and moving Visual Novel, which has already spawned manga and anime adaptations.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.4%, Great Soundtrack 17.7%, Anime 14.4%, Story Rich 13.7%, Sci-fi 12.5%
Why You'll Like It: A classic visual novel that explores the heavy emotional and causal consequences of altering timelines and changing fate.
- #8 AI: The Somnium Files
92% matchVery Positive92% of 9,207 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 15.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Play as detective Kaname Date on the case of an elusive serial killer in this thrilling, sci-fi murder mystery.
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.2%, Mystery 17.7%, Anime 14.5%, Story Rich 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant detective mystery that uses puzzle-solving within dreamscapes to alter the course of the investigation.
- #9 Unheard - Voices of Crime
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 33,170 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 31.2%, Puzzle 24.6%, RPG 16.8%, Story Rich 16.5%, Indie 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: A unique audio-based puzzle game where you piece together events from the past to solve complex mysteries.
- #10 A Perfect Day
91% matchVery Positive85% of 1,812 reviews2022
Dev: Perfect Day Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 26.2%, Choices Matter 20.9%, Story Rich 13.8%, Puzzle 13.7%, Exploration 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: A nostalgic and atmospheric game that uses a time-loop mechanic to explore the complexities of childhood and destiny.
- #11 Word Game
89% matchVery Positive94% of 6,324 reviews2022
Dev: Team9
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 6.9 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 23.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 22.6%, Puzzle 13.2%, Exploration 12.3%, Story Rich 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist puzzle game where the environment is built entirely out of text, requiring you to interact with words to progress.
- #12 Eliza
90% matchVery Positive91% of 1,738 reviews2019
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Eliza is a visual novel about an AI counseling program, the people who develop it, and the people who use it. Follow Evelyn Ishino-Aubrey as she reconnects with people from her past, gets to know the people of Seattle who use Eliza for counseling, and decides the course of her future.
Why similar: Emotional 27.4%, Female Protagonist 21.5%, Visual Novel 19%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Story Rich 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A thought-provoking visual novel that explores the intersection of technology, psychology, and human connection.
- #13 OneShot
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 62,700 reviews2016
Dev: Future Cat LLCPub: KOMODO
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 27.5 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 26.5%, Story Rich 17.4%, Choices Matter 15.2%, Puzzle 11%, Exploration 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: A meta-narrative puzzle game that breaks the fourth wall and emphasizes the emotional connection between the player and the world.
- #14 Across the Grooves
89% matchVery Positive93% of 132 reviews2020
Dev: Nova-box
Windows · Mac · Linux
Your choices affect the destiny of Alice, drastically changing her reality and allowing her to explore alternative destinies by modifying her past. Travel across European cities, meet colourful characters and solve the mystery.
Why similar: Great Soundtrack 19.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 16.3%, Choices Matter 14.5%, Female Protagonist 12.9%, Visual Novel 12.8%
Why You'll Like It: A narrative adventure where small choices and actions ripple out to drastically change the protagonist's future.
- #15 Citizen Sleeper
87% matchVery Positive93% of 10,020 reviews2022
Dev: Jump Over The AgePub: Fellow Traveller
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 25.9%, Story Rich 22.1%, RPG 20.3%, Exploration 16.8%, Adventure 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A narrative-driven RPG that focuses on the emotional weight of choices and survival in a sprawling urban environment.
- #16 GNOSIA
85% matchVery Positive94% of 4,865 reviews2022
Dev: Petit DepottoPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
The Gnosia lie. Pretending to be human, they’ll get in close, trick and deceive, and then eliminate one victim at a time...
Why similar: Visual Novel 20.1%, Mystery 18.4%, Sci-fi 16.2%, Anime 15.7%, Story Rich 14.2%
Why You'll Like It: A social deduction game with a strong narrative loop that requires you to manipulate information to change the outcome of the story.
- #17 1bitHeart
86% matchVery Positive91% of 906 reviews2017
Dev: △○□× (Miwashiba)Pub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 3.9 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 16.6%, Visual Novel 13.2%, Word Game 12.8%, Anime 12.6%, Mystery 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: An indie adventure game that focuses on building relationships and solving mysteries in a stylized, narrative-heavy world.
- #18 Bai Qu: Hundreds of Melodies
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 702 reviews2017
Dev: Magenta Factory
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A melody of life and death surrounding a sickly girl and her friends.
Why similar: Female Protagonist 17.1%, Emotional 16.7%, Visual Novel 16.4%, Choices Matter 16.4%, Anime 12%
Why You'll Like It: An emotional and character-focused visual novel that captures the intimate storytelling style found in WILL.
- #19 Otaku's Adventure
84% matchVery Positive95% of 8,937 reviews2019
Dev: Spacelight Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 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 20.9%, Anime 14.2%, RPG 12.9%, Choices Matter 11.2%, Story Rich 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: A quirky, multi-path adventure game that rewards experimentation with a wide variety of humorous and unexpected endings.
- #20 Coffee Talk
83% matchVery Positive95% of 12,298 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: Emotional 22.5%, Visual Novel 22.1%, Choices Matter 17.7%, Story Rich 14.9%, Anime 12.2%
Why You'll Like It: It captures the intimate, character-driven urban atmosphere of WILL by focusing on the lives and problems of the people you serve.
- #21 Cyber Manhunt
81% matchVery Positive93% of 15,480 reviews2021
Dev: Aluba Van+
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 11.5 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: Mystery 23%, Puzzle 22.4%, RPG 21.2%, Word Game 12.7%, Story Rich 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A simulation puzzle game that tasks you with investigating targets through digital footprints and social engineering.
- #22 Moonless Moon
81% matchVery Positive92% of 306 reviews2024
Dev: Kazuhide OkaPub: KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO
Windows · Mac
When night falls, she wanders into another world... Moonless Moon is a text-based adventure game following a girl as she travels through a variety of different worlds.
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 20.3%, Visual Novel 15.5%, Emotional 15%, Story Rich 10.7%, Female Protagonist 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A text-heavy adventure that emphasizes choice and narrative branching in a mysterious, atmospheric setting.
- #23 Epiphany City
82% matchVery Positive90% of 284 reviews2022
Dev: Cameron LadjevardiPub: Big Shield Games
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 22.4%, Female Protagonist 16.7%, Story Rich 12.6%, Puzzle 11.9%, Visual Novel 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-adventure game where you manipulate the world using word-based powers to help characters overcome their struggles.
- #24 An Octave Higher
84% matchVery Positive82% of 298 reviews2015
Dev: KidalangPub: PLAYISM
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Fall into the magically complicated world of Overture as the three main characters embark on an adventure that will shake their lives and the world around them. Will they fan the flames of the growing revolution, or will they be the key to extinguishing it?
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.3%, Anime 15.7%, Female Protagonist 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 10.9%, Story Rich 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: A story-rich visual novel that explores social class and magic in a world where your perspective shapes the narrative.
- #25 Neo Cab
82% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,815 reviews2019
Dev: Chance AgencyPub: Fellow Traveller
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 7.3 hrs≥1hr: 66%
A visual novel about emotional survival in an automated world. Play as Lina, the last human cab driver. It’s your first night driving the lonely streets of Los Ojos, and your best friend has just disappeared. Stay on the road. Stay on the search. Stay human.
Why similar: Emotional 22.3%, Choices Matter 20.9%, Visual Novel 20.5%, Story Rich 14.6%, Sci-fi 14.5%
Why You'll Like It: An emotional narrative game set in a near-future city where your conversations and choices define your survival and relationships.
- #26 The Case of the Golden Idol
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,351 reviews2022
Dev: Color Gray GamesPub: Playstack
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.0 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 17.3%, Puzzle 16.3%, Story Rich 15.3%, Exploration 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant deduction puzzle game that tasks you with reconstructing events from static scenes to uncover a dark conspiracy.
- #27 Return of the Obra Dinn
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 33,856 reviews2018
Dev: Lucas PopePub: 3909
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.
Why similar: Mystery 33.7%, Great Soundtrack 19.9%, Puzzle 18.6%, Story Rich 16.7%, Indie 4.5%
Why You'll Like It: A masterful puzzle game where you use a magical device to witness the final moments of characters to solve a mystery.
- #28 OPUS: Echo of Starsong - Full Bloom Edition
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 9,275 reviews2021
Dev: SIGONO INC.
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.9 hrsMean: 13.1 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 21.4%, Visual Novel 15.8%, Female Protagonist 14.3%, Anime 11.4%, Story Rich 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional narrative adventure that features a strong focus on character growth and the impact of past events.
- #29 寄居隅怪奇事件簿 Hermitage Strange Case Files
80% matchVery Positive81% of 1,995 reviews2018
Dev: Arrowiz
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 8.4 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 44.7%, Mystery 30.5%, Anime 13.2%, Indie 11.7%
Why You'll Like It: A Lovecraftian mystery visual novel that requires careful investigation and logical deduction to survive.
- #30 Far Away
77% matchVery Positive95% of 8,120 reviews2021
Dev: Gratesca
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 27.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 13.5%, Choices Matter 11.9%, Visual Novel 10.9%, Female Protagonist 10.5%
- #31 文字遊戯(日本語版)
76% matchVery Positive91% of 70 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 27.4%, Puzzle 14.6%, Exploration 13.8%, Story Rich 13%, RPG 13%
- #32 RGB GlitchGazer
74% matchVery Positive98% of 94 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 14.2%, Emotional 14%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.4%, Visual Novel 10.9%, 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: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 95%
an Visual Novel & Puzzle Game
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.6%, Adventure 23.5%, Anime 22.3%, Puzzle 10.2%, Casual 4.9%
- #34 OPUS: The Day We Found Earth
77% matchVery Positive87% of 1,683 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 13.2%, Visual Novel 12.7%, Female Protagonist 12%, Story Rich 10.3%, Puzzle 9.3%
- #35 Word Game: Episode 0
73% 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 27.5%, Puzzle 15.6%, RPG 13.8%, Exploration 12.7%, Story Rich 12.6%
- #36 文字遊戯 第零章(日本語版)
74% matchVery Positive97% of 78 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 25.7%, Story Rich 16.2%, Puzzle 15.7%, RPG 14.7%, Exploration 10.3%
- #37 Gaokao.Love.100Days
75% matchVery Positive90% of 8,203 reviews2015
Dev: 高考恋爱委员会Pub: NVLMaker
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 35.9 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 21.8%, Casual 6.4%, Indie 5.1%, Adventure 4.7%
- #38 OneShot: World Machine Edition
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 5,109 reviews2024
Dev: Future Cat LLCPub: KOMODO
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 17.3%, Puzzle 14.3%, Story Rich 13.6%, Great Soundtrack 13%, Exploration 10.3%
- #39 前程似锦 Excellent Expectations
75% matchVery Positive86% of 972 reviews2017
Dev: 内购人生PABL
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Excellent Expectations is a puzzle adventure game , you would use search engines to discover a story from a stranger's phone .
Why similar: Word Game 48.1%, Indie 18.1%, Puzzle 16.7%, Story Rich 13.4%, Singleplayer 3.7%
- #40 Spiritual Bond ～Breaking the curse, Intertwining fates～
70% matchVery Positive85% of 137 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 15.2%, Anime 13.6%, Choose Your Own Adventure 11.3%, Puzzle 10.1%
- #41 OPUS: Rocket of Whispers
73% matchVery Positive92% of 1,673 reviews2018
Dev: SIGONO INC.
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 5.8 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 18.1%, Female Protagonist 12.5%, Visual Novel 12.2%, Story Rich 9.8%, Anime 8.1%
- #42 六阶谜题 six-step mystery
72% matchVery Positive87% of 658 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 20.4%, Visual Novel 19.5%, Mystery 16.9%, Story Rich 14.9%, Casual 14.5%
- #43 Ghostwriter Workshop
68% matchVery Positive95% of 128 reviews2025
Dev: 秘密結社マテンロウ計画Pub: Waku Waku Games
Windows
Become a ghostwriter and write on the behalf of others--everything from love letters to apologies! There's just one catch in this crazy adventure game: the most important words in your writings are decided by roulette.
Why similar: Word Game 55.4%, Choose Your Own Adventure 21.2%, Adventure 8.9%, 2D 4.7%, Story Rich 3.9%
- #44 Soulslayer～灭魂·误佳期～
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 713 reviews2017
Dev: 开水工作室Pub: NVLMaker
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%
An exciting adventure in a story of ancient Chinese setting.Visual Novel with multiple endings to explore.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.9%, Female Protagonist 23.7%, Adventure 17.5%, Indie 12.1%, Casual 11.7%
- #45 A Light in the Dark
71% matchVery Positive93% of 1,725 reviews2018
Dev: CreSpiritPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 8.1 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 31.3%, Great Soundtrack 18%, Anime 15.7%, Story Rich 10%, Indie 8.9%
- #46 七人杀阵 - Seven Sacrifices
73% matchMostly Positive80% of 1,074 reviews2018
Dev: 章鱼罐头制作组
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 22.4%, Adventure 16.8%, Casual 13.7%, Indie 12.2%
- #47 泡沫冬景
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 4,492 reviews2020
Dev: KorakuPub: Nekoneko Soft
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 40.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 27.1%, Visual Novel 25.9%, Casual 16.9%, Indie 16%, Anime 14.1%
- #48 Harmony: The Fall of Reverie
71% matchMostly Positive73% of 274 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 17.1%, Choices Matter 14.8%, Female Protagonist 14.2%, Visual Novel 13.8%
- #49 Uberich: Advent Sinners
67% matchVery Positive84% of 306 reviews2025
Dev: NBDR GamesPub: XD
Windows
The world and reality of Joe collapse as a sequence of paranormal events starts in September. A mysterious girl with physical powers named Chava wants him dead, as he can be a core key for her cult to dominate the reality between worlds.
Why similar: Word Game 18.5%, Lore-Rich 10.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 8.6%, Mystery 8.1%, Visual Novel 7.9%
- #50 Ten Trials of Babel: The Doppelganger Maze
68% matchVery Positive93% of 4,366 reviews2022
Dev: 红渊Pub: NVLMaker
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Otome × Death Game × Mild Horror Multiple Endings Puzzle RPG
Why similar: Female Protagonist 22.9%, Choose Your Own Adventure 18.9%, Story Rich 11.1%, Mystery 10.4%, Choices Matter 10.1%
- #51 小白兔电商~Bunny e-Shop
68% matchVery Positive94% of 10,240 reviews2021
Dev: 落叶岛项目组Pub: NVLMaker
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 42.1 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 24.9%, Anime 19.4%, Story Rich 17%, RPG 13.8%, Adventure 6.5%
- #52 はじめるセカイの理想論 -goodbye world index
67% matchVery Positive89% of 90 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 39.1%, RPG 16%, Visual Novel 14.5%, Emotional 13.5%, Anime 10.2%
- #53 Noel the Mortal Fate Complete Edition
69% matchVery Positive87% of 3,327 reviews2018
Dev: KANAWOPub: Vaka Game Magazine
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 15.1 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 14.8%, Anime 12.5%, Great Soundtrack 12.1%, RPG 10.9%, Visual Novel 10.9%
- #54 The Scroll Of Taiwu
69% matchMostly Positive70% of 62,298 reviews2018
Dev: ConchShip Games
Windows
Median: 13.2 hrsMean: 56.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
"The Scroll of Taiwu" is an indie game themed around Chinese mythology and wuxia. Players assume the role of the mysterious "heir of the Taiwu clan" in an alternate ancient China, working through generations of heirs to defeat a powerful hereditary enemy and shape the fate of the human world.
Why similar: RPG 51.5%, Adventure 12.1%, Indie 9.7%, Anime 8.1%, Casual 7.9%
- #55 √Letter - Root Letter -
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 578 reviews2017
Dev: DRAGAMI GAMES, LTD.
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 11.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
When a letter is delivered 15 years late - you discover an old pen-friend was involved in a murder, before she disappeared. Travelling to her hometown, you must investigate the murder, using her past letters as clues to uncover the disturbing truth.
Why similar: Choose Your Own Adventure 21.1%, Mystery 19.2%, Visual Novel 18.9%, Anime 15.9%, Sci-fi 10.5%
- #56 旧手表 - Old Watch
69% matchVery Positive85% of 676 reviews2017
Dev: 灰烬天国
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 90%
This is an Visual Novel game. It's a story about time leap.
Why similar: Visual Novel 43.9%, Casual 28.3%, Indie 27.8%
- #57 VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 38,192 reviews2016
Dev: Sukeban GamesPub: Ysbryd Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 31.1 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 18.6%, Female Protagonist 17.8%, Choices Matter 15.7%, Story Rich 13.2%, Anime 11.5%
- #58 子夜之章:历史的终局～MidNights of Desperado～
66% matchVery Positive98% of 305 reviews2021
Dev: 银阼Pub: NPC Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 74%
The protagonist of this lonely life is you. You leave your hometown and come to a strange world. The world is prosperous and cold, strange but real. You may like it or wish you could tear it to pieces. The good news is, you have the choice!
Why similar: Lore-Rich 22.6%, Choices Matter 15.9%, Female Protagonist 14.2%, Sci-fi 11.8%, Story Rich 11.8%
- #59 Lucy -The Eternity She Wished For-
67% matchVery Positive95% of 8,195 reviews2016
Dev: Modern Visual Arts Laboratory
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 37.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
If there was a robot that could laugh, cry and smile. ...Does it have a soul?
Why similar: Visual Novel 33.7%, Anime 22.3%, Story Rich 13.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.1%, Choose Your Own Adventure 7.7%
