- #1 AI: The Somnium Files
97% 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 21.3%, Mystery 14.6%, Story Rich 9.9%, Anime 8.7%, Detective 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: Directed by the same creator as Zero Escape, this game features a complex mystery with surreal dream-diving puzzles and branching paths.
- #2 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 36,871 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 22.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Investigate murders, search for clues and talk to your classmates to prepare for trial. There, you'll engage in deadly wordplay, going back and forth with suspects. Dissect their statements and fire their words back at them to expose their lies! There's only one way to survive—pull the trigger.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.9%, Mystery 16.7%, Great Soundtrack 11.3%, Anime 10.6%, Story Rich 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: This iconic death game title forces students to participate in a killing game where they must solve murders through intense class trials.
- #3 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 31,308 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.7 hrsMean: 32.7 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.3%, Mystery 16%, Great Soundtrack 11.8%, Anime 11.4%, Story Rich 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: The sequel expands on the death game formula with improved mechanics and an even more elaborate, mystery-filled island setting.
- #4 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 4,059 reviews2023
Dev: NankidaiPub: 0UP GAMES
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 13.8 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: Multiple Endings 23%, Mystery 22%, Psychological Horror 16.3%, Story Rich 11.8%, Point & Click 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: A gripping death game visual novel where characters must vote on who lives and who dies, perfectly capturing the tension of the Nonary Games.
- #5 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
95% matchVery Positive83% of 22,376 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.2 hrsMean: 30.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death.
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.3%, Mystery 15.8%, Story Rich 11.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%, Detective 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: This entry pushes the series' meta-narrative and psychological themes to their limit within a high-stakes killing game environment.
- #6 AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative
94% matchVery Positive86% of 3,657 reviews2022
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 16.2 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Special Agents Mizuki and Ryuki, along with their AI partners Aiba and Tama, are tasked to solve the bizarre Half Body serial killings in this sequel to the critically acclaimed AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.7%, Mystery 25.8%, Anime 14.3%, Detective 12.5%, Sci-fi 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: A direct sequel that continues the series' unique blend of detective work, sci-fi mystery, and character-driven narrative.
- #7 Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 8,077 reviews2023
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, the classic puzzle-solving mystery adventure directed by Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi, is back! This long-awaited HD remaster features upgraded visuals and sound and new gallery content.
Why similar: Mystery 21.8%, Puzzle 16.2%, Story Rich 13.8%, Visual Novel 13.7%, Detective 10%
Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-adventure game that requires players to manipulate objects and time to solve a murder mystery, sharing the clever puzzle design of Zero Escape.
- #8 BURIED STARS
93% matchVery Positive84% of 2,174 reviews2021
Dev: LINE Games Corporation
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A mystery adventure set at the collapse site of a live survival audition show. Trapped contestants communicate with each other—and the outside world through social media—as they wait for rescue. But as unexpected events unfold, trust begins to crack, and survival becomes far more complicated.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29%, Mystery 22.7%, Choices Matter 18.6%, Story Rich 14.5%, Anime 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: A survival mystery game set within a collapsed building where contestants of a reality show must solve puzzles and manage trust to survive.
- #9 Raging Loop
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 10,075 reviews2017
Dev: KEMCO
Windows
Median: 24.2 hrsMean: 59.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
The feast has begun, can you escape the village alive?
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.5%, Mystery 17.6%, Psychological Horror 13.1%, Story Rich 10.2%, Detective 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror visual novel that uses a time-loop mechanic to uncover the truth behind a series of ritualistic murders.
- #10 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 43,374 reviews2019
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 8.8 hrsMean: 26.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Become Phoenix Wright and experience the thrill of battle as you fight to save your innocent clients in a court of law. Play all 14 episodes, spanning the first three games, in one gorgeous collection.
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.3%, Mystery 16.3%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Story Rich 11.8%, Detective 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for courtroom mystery games, offering satisfying deduction mechanics and a cast of memorable, eccentric characters.
- #11 428: Shibuya Scramble
90% 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 38.6%, Mystery 21.1%, Story Rich 12.3%, Choices Matter 8.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: A unique visual novel that uses a multi-perspective branching narrative to weave together a complex mystery in real-time.
- #12 The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
89% matchVery Positive94% of 9,191 reviews2021
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 11.2 hrsMean: 34.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Immerse yourself in a dramatic yet charming and witty world of evidence-gathering, deduction and courtroom battles with this double-pack of the adventures of rookie lawyer Ryunosuke.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28%, Mystery 18.3%, Anime 10.7%, Story Rich 10.2%, Detective 10%
Why You'll Like It: A refined detective experience that focuses on historical mystery and intricate logic puzzles in a courtroom setting.
- #13 PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
88% 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 28.1%, Mystery 17.4%, Multiple Endings 15.4%, Story Rich 11.4%, Anime 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: A supernatural mystery visual novel that utilizes branching paths and clever narrative tricks to keep players guessing.
- #14 STEINS;GATE
89% 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 25.3%, Time Travel 11.5% ★, Story Rich 11%, Multiple Endings 9.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: A definitive sci-fi visual novel that masterfully handles time-travel paradoxes and character-driven stakes.
- #15 Fatal Twelve
87% matchVery Positive92% of 1,003 reviews2018
Dev: LYCORISPub: Sekai Project
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Shishimai Rinka was a high schooler who ran a small café named Lion House in place of her grandmother. She lived her life much like any other person her age, but one day, she was caught up in an explosion while returning home on the train alongside her friend, Hitsuji Naomi.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.6%, Multiple Endings 15.8%, Mystery 14.4%, Story Rich 12.2%, Anime 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: A death game visual novel where twelve people are forced to compete in a battle royale to determine who will be granted a wish.
- #16 CHAOS;CHILD
86% matchVery Positive93% of 3,899 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 81.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
From the creators of the critically acclaimed STEINS;GATE comes a sensational new visual novel: CHAOS;CHILD. Set in Shibuya in 2015, a group of high school students who survived an earthquake six years ago find themselves at the center of a new series of bizarre murders in the city.
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.8%, Mystery 14.6%, Story Rich 9.1%, Psychological Horror 9.1%, Anime 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A dark, psychological mystery visual novel that explores the aftermath of a series of bizarre murders through a unique perspective system.
- #17 Corpse Party
86% matchVery Positive89% of 1,376 reviews2016
Dev: GrisGrisPub: XSEED Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 17.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
A group of friends unknowingly perform an occult ritual that traps them in an otherworldly elementary school. Here, the vengeful spirits of young children threaten their lives and their sanity, and the only hope of survival is to uncover the chilling details behind the murders of those trapped before them...
Why similar: Visual Novel 20.6%, Psychological Horror 15.2%, Anime 14.3%, Horror 10.3%, Multiple Endings 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic horror visual novel that traps students in a haunted school, forcing them to survive through choices and exploration.
- #18 Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs
85% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 2,708 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.3 hrsMean: 42.9 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Umineko When They Cry is the 2nd series of Sound Novel released by 07th Expansion. The steam version features renewed character sprites which is swappable from the classic art.
Why similar: Visual Novel 25.2%, Mystery 19.7%, Great Soundtrack 19.1%, Story Rich 12%, Psychological Horror 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A legendary mystery visual novel that challenges the player to solve impossible murders through logic and lateral thinking.
- #19 Return to Shironagasu Island
84% matchVery Positive94% of 4,067 reviews2020
Dev: HYOGO ONIMUSHIPub: TABINOMICHI
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 14.1 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A mystery adventure game and visual novel set on solitary Shironagasu Island. Discover its secrets, solve its mysteries, and escape from the ominous island!
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.1%, Mystery 18.9%, Psychological Horror 8.5%, Choices Matter 7.8%, Anime 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: An adventure-mystery game that focuses on investigation and puzzle-solving in a tense, isolated environment.
- #20 The Case of the Golden Idol
82% 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 26%, Puzzle 14.7%, Choices Matter 13.9%, Story Rich 13.7%, Detective 13.2%
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant deduction game that requires players to piece together the truth of gruesome scenes, appealing to the puzzle-solving side of Zero Escape.
- #21 The House in Fata Morgana
83% matchVery Positive95% of 6,235 reviews2016
Dev: NOVECTPub: MangaGamer
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 27.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A gothic suspense tale set in a cursed mansion. "The House in Fata Morgana" is a full-length visual novel spanning nearly a millennium that deals in tragedy, human nature, and insanity.
Why similar: Visual Novel 20%, Mystery 13.5%, Psychological Horror 10.8%, Great Soundtrack 10.2%, Multiple Endings 10%
Why You'll Like It: A gothic mystery visual novel that excels at psychological storytelling and slowly unraveling a complex, multi-layered plot.
- #22 GNOSIA
82% 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 21.7%, Mystery 14.8%, Time Travel 12.4% ★, Psychological Horror 11.6%, Story Rich 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: A social deduction game that uses a time-loop mechanic to force players to identify the 'Gnosia' among them in a space-faring setting.
- #23 Tokyo Dark
84% matchVery Positive84% of 1,341 reviews2017
Dev: CherrymochiPub: Square Enix
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Legend tells of a door deep below Tokyo's sewers. All who enter are lost forever. Detective Ito's partner is missing. Explore Tokyo & uncover the darkness that lays beneath the streets in this Point & Click - meets Visual Novel - narrative adventure that questions the very core of Ito's sanity.
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.2%, Mystery 11.6%, Psychological Horror 9.9%, Anime 9.8%, Choices Matter 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A point-and-click mystery that features a 'S.P.we.N.' system where choices significantly impact the protagonist's sanity and the story's outcome.
- #24 SIGNALIS
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 32,665 reviews2022
Dev: rose-enginePub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A classic survival horror experience set in a dystopian future where humanity has uncovered a dark secret. Unravel a cosmic mystery, escape terrifying creatures, and scavenge an off-world government facility as Elster, a technician Replika searching for her lost dreams.
Why similar: Psychological Horror 28.6%, Mystery 23%, Puzzle 14.9%, Sci-fi 13.6%, Atmospheric 8%
Why You'll Like It: A psychological sci-fi horror game that features complex inventory puzzles and a deeply mysterious, surreal narrative.
- #25 Outer Wilds
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 102,192 reviews2020
Dev: Mobius DigitalPub: Annapurna Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 16.8 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: Mystery 23.9%, Great Soundtrack 18%, Story Rich 15.8%, Puzzle 12.9%, Psychological Horror 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: While not a visual novel, this game captures the essence of a 'knowledge-based' mystery where the player must piece together a cosmic puzzle through exploration.
- #26 Inscryption
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 144,872 reviews2021
Dev: Daniel Mullins GamesPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.2 hrsMean: 16.4 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 38.8%, Puzzle 30.1%, Horror 15.7%, Point & Click 12.5%, Adventure 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: A meta-narrative game that begins as a card game but evolves into an escape-room-style mystery filled with secrets and dark twists.
- #27 STEINS;GATE 0
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 8,091 reviews2018
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 125.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
If you can't save the one you love… How can you save humanity? Sequel to the visual novel cult classic. Experience an alternate worldline of STEINS;GATE.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26%, Story Rich 12.8%, Time Travel 11.4% ★, Great Soundtrack 10.6%, Multiple Endings 9.8%
- #28 CHAOS;HEAD NOAH
78% matchVery Positive88% of 1,810 reviews2022
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 52.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
CHAOS;HEAD NOAH is now available on Steam!
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.7%, Mystery 15.4%, Story Rich 11.1%, Psychological Horror 10.9%, Anime 9%
- #29 Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
79% matchVery Positive82% of 4,789 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Nine participants awaken, trapped in an underground facility. To escape, they must play a game with deadly consequences. Who will live, and who will die? The choice is yours. Let the Decision Game begin…
Why similar: Visual Novel 17.9%, Mystery 12.2%, Psychological Horror 10.3%, Puzzle 10.2%, Choices Matter 9.8%
- #30 The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-
75% matchVery Positive88% of 8,394 reviews2025
Dev: Too Kyo GamesPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 41.4 hrsMean: 64.5 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi join forces for the first time to deliver the ULTIMATE adventure game! 15 students are tasked with defending a school from grotesque monsters for 100 days. Can they make it to the end? And will they survive long enough to uncover the truth?
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.3%, Multiple Endings 20.7%, Psychological Horror 14.4%, Story Rich 13.6%, Anime 11.1%
- #31 No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES
75% matchVery Positive82% of 874 reviews2025
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 12.9 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Iris has been abducted by aliens?! Finding herself on board a mysterious UFO and tasked with completing a bizarre escape game, Iris knows there's one person who she can always count on for help: Kaname Date, Psyncer!
Why similar: Visual Novel 38%, Mystery 20.1%, Anime 15.9%, Sci-fi 10.4%, Detective 9.3%
- #32 Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition
78% matchVery Positive90% of 598 reviews2016
Dev: YetiPub: Sekai Project
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 14.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Rescue squad captain Watase Kasasagi wakes up without his memories in the middle of his most critical mission yet-- a nuclear meltdown at a research facility. In an unfamiliar place and without his years of training, he must rescue the survivors and escape...
Why similar: Visual Novel 31.6%, Multiple Endings 12.5%, Mystery 12.4%, Story Rich 10.3%, Anime 9.4%
- #33 Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls
77% matchVery Positive82% of 7,281 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 16.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Komaru Naegi has been imprisoned inside a mysterious apartment for over a year. Her rescue is derailed when hundreds of Monokumas suddenly attack. She teams up with Toko Fukawa to survive the rampaging Monokumas, escape the crafty Monokuma Kids, and uncover the secrets of the city.
Why similar: Anime 19.2%, Visual Novel 18.6%, Great Soundtrack 14.1%, Story Rich 13.4%, Psychological Horror 8.5%
- #34 The 25th Ward: The Silver Case
77% matchVery Positive92% of 507 reviews2018
Dev: GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.Pub: NIS America, Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 85%
In the bayside area of Kanto, a murder with unknown motivations sets off a series of seemingly random events bringing together peculiar individuals, one of whom is detective Tokio Morishima. When their ambitions begin to collide, a truly shocking pattern emerges…
Why similar: Visual Novel 35.2%, Mystery 18.5%, Great Soundtrack 15.4%, Story Rich 8.8%, Violent 8.4%
- #35 Head AS Code
76% matchVery Positive96% of 72 reviews2021
Dev: Miracle Moon
Windows
The first entry of the Abime Series. Eight captives must cooperate or compete to escape an underground subway under the manipulation of a dangerous psychopath. Can you really trust anyone? What about yourself? And what is the meaning of a good ending? Is reaching one even possible?
Why similar: Visual Novel 18.7%, Mystery 16%, Multiple Endings 14.3%, Choices Matter 11.5%, Story Rich 10.6%
- #36 The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
76% matchVery Positive86% of 1,515 reviews2017
Dev: Yangyang MobilePub: Neon Doctrine
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 90%
When seven people fall prey to a vicious curse, they will discover that horror rests not from the shadows lurking about, but within themselves. To what ends will one go in order to survive?
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.5%, Choices Matter 13.1%, Mystery 9.9%, Multiple Endings 9.1%, Psychological Horror 9%
- #37 Yet Another Killing Game
72% matchVery Positive98% of 229 reviews2025
Dev: Soulseer Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
You wake up in a house, alone with two beautiful girls... But no one is allowed to leave until one of you DIES. Why is this happening? What is the purpose of this “killing game”? But most importantly...WHO SHOULD DIE?!
Why similar: Visual Novel 19.4%, Mystery 15.5%, Multiple Endings 14.2%, Psychological Horror 12.5%, Time Travel 10.9% ★
- #38 STEINS;GATE ELITE
74% matchVery Positive90% of 1,651 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 273.2 hrs≥1hr: 66%
STEINS;GATE ELITE follows a rag-tag band of tech-savvy young students who discover the means of changing the past via e-mail using a modified microwave.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.1%, Time Travel 14.6% ★, Anime 11.9%, Story Rich 9.8%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%
- #39 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive99% of 908 reviews2018
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 39.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 28.4%, Mystery 16.4%, Psychological Horror 12.6%, Anime 10.3%, Story Rich 9.8%
- #40 Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo
72% matchMostly Positive79% of 136 reviews2025
Dev: DankHeartsPub: WhisperGames
Windows
Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo is a multi-ending mystery adventure game. A group of boys and girls who have lost their memories gather in a “Tokyo” that is both familiar and unfamiliar. They must trace their lost memories to escape the bizarre labyrinths. Are they prepared to confront their “true selves”?
Why similar: Visual Novel 20.7%, Multiple Endings 12.6%, Mystery 10.1%, Story Rich 9.7%, Anime 9%
- #41 Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,497 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 17.1 hrsMean: 50.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
This is the 2nd half of the Umineko When They Cry sound novel series, featuring episodes 5 through 8. This steam version features multi-language options, swap-able renewed character sprites, as well as the original BGMs and un-cut content.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26%, Mystery 19.9%, Great Soundtrack 19.8%, Story Rich 12%, Anime 6.1%
- #42 The Silver Case
73% matchVery Positive89% of 1,129 reviews2016
Dev: GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
The Silver Case – the debut title from world-renowned developer SUDA51 has been fully remastered and localized to English for the first time ever!
Why similar: Visual Novel 21.7%, Mystery 17.9%, Story Rich 11.1%, Psychological Horror 10.5%, Puzzle 10.2%
- #43 Zanki Zero: Last Beginning
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 689 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 13.7 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Explore the ruins, dungeons, and islands in this post-apocalyptic world through the POV of eight protagonists as they fight for survival and search for meaning in their never-ending cycles of life and death.
Why similar: Visual Novel 36%, Psychological Horror 20.6%, Anime 19.3%, Story Rich 12.4%, Horror 4.8%
- #44 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,830 reviews2015
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 17.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.4%, Mystery 16.3%, Psychological Horror 13.3%, Anime 9.7%, Story Rich 9.4%
- #45 STEINS;GATE: Linear Bounded Phenogram
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,255 reviews2019
Dev: MAGES. Inc.Pub: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 128.9 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A story for every lab member. Discover a new side of each STEINS;GATE character and get a glimpse of their inner thoughts through 10 new stories.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34.1%, Time Travel 15.5% ★, Story Rich 13.2%, Anime 11.2%, Great Soundtrack 9.4%
- #46 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 703 reviews2019
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.8 hrsMean: 89.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 24.9%, Mystery 17.8%, Psychological Horror 14.6%, Anime 11.5%, Story Rich 11.3%
- #47 Birth ME Code
71% matchVery Positive84% of 100 reviews2020
Dev: Miracle Moon
Windows
The second entry of the Abime Series. Play as the mastermind in a death game where you must find the traitor while concealing your identity. Six hours, one school, six deaths. Nine participants fight for survival: it's kill or be killed, trust or deceive, escape or die.
Why similar: Visual Novel 16.2%, Mystery 14%, Choices Matter 10.3%, Psychological Horror 10.1%, Multiple Endings 9.9%
- #48 SIMULACRA
70% matchVery Positive90% of 4,633 reviews2017
Dev: Kaigan Games OÜ
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 71%
An interactive horror experience of exploring a missing woman’s phone.
Why similar: Visual Novel 16.2%, Multiple Endings 10.9%, Choices Matter 10.6%, Psychological Horror 10.2%, Mystery 9.7%
- #49 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,271 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 21.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.9%, Mystery 16.6%, Great Soundtrack 10.7%, Story Rich 10.5%, Anime 10%
- #50 The Shell Part I: Inferno
67% matchVery Positive91% of 1,368 reviews2023
Dev: Innocent GreyPub: Shiravune
Windows
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 114.3 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Unravel a string of gruesome murders terrorizing Tokyo in this mystery-thriller visual novel. The secrets of a case from six years prior may just be the key to the current unending cycle of tragedy—and the thing that cracks this woeful world’s shell may be one girl’s smile.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.7%, Mystery 15.9%, Choices Matter 12.7%, Psychological Horror 12.1%, Multiple Endings 9.8%
- #51 Urban Myth Dissolution Center
66% matchVery Positive88% of 5,930 reviews2025
Dev: HakababunkoPub: SHUEISHA GAMES
Windows
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Join forces with the psychic Director of the Urban Myth Dissolution Center and solve a variety of cases involving cursed relics, rental properties with shady histories, and dimensional anomalies. Monstrous oddities and otherworldly planes abound in this occult mystery adventure game!
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.1%, Mystery 17.7%, Psychological Horror 15.6%, Story Rich 11.3%, Detective 6.2%
- #52 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,058 reviews2017
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 21.8 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 22.8%, Mystery 14.9%, Psychological Horror 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, Anime 9.7%
- #53 Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
66% matchVery Positive88% of 4,237 reviews2024
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 35.6 hrsMean: 54.6 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.7%, Mystery 17.6%, Detective 11.2%, Story Rich 10.9%, Anime 10.6%
- #54 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 899 reviews2016
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 20.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 26.3%, Mystery 16%, Psychological Horror 12.4%, Great Soundtrack 11.4%, Story Rich 10.5%
- #55 Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
64% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 4,457 reviews2024
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 30.7 hrsMean: 34.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Miles Edgeworth's dramatic turnabouts take center stage! Experience both Ace Attorney Investigations games in one gorgeous collection! Investigate crime scenes and solve tough, intriguing cases through logic and deduction. When Edgeworth's past and present collide, his future begins!
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.5%, Mystery 22.2%, Story Rich 13.6%, Detective 10.7%, Great Soundtrack 9.9%
- #56 The Sekimeiya: Spun Glass
68% matchVery Positive87% of 288 reviews2021
Dev: Trinitite Team
Windows · Mac · Linux
An intricate mystery visual novel. Search text, piece together clues, and jump around the story to unravel the tangled events within the sealed tower.
Why similar: Visual Novel 27.2%, Mystery 22.8%, Story Rich 13.9%, Detective 11.1%, Anime 10.8%
- #57 Anamnesia - part 1: am i my body?
66% matchVery Positive94% of 89 reviews2024
Dev: Simon Herbig
Windows · Mac
Sci-Fi Mystery Visual Novel. Nine people are trapped in an underground research facility, forced to play a game of life and death. Check your log to find the truth that connects those apparent strangers - if you even want to, that is.
Why similar: Visual Novel 32.2%, Mystery 24.8%, Story Rich 15.4%, Anime 11.9%, Sci-fi 10.6%
- #58 Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 795 reviews2020
Dev: 07th ExpansionPub: MangaGamer
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 19.3 hrsMean: 75.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Higurashi When They Cry is a sound novel. The music, backgrounds and characters work together to create a world that is the stage of a novel for the user to read. They laugh and cry and get angry. The user takes the point of view of the protagonist to experience the story.
Why similar: Visual Novel 36.1%, Psychological Horror 21%, Great Soundtrack 11.9%, Story Rich 9.8%, Anime 8.4%
- #59 ABYSS OF THE SACRIFICE
68% matchVery Positive83% of 267 reviews2020
Dev: INTENSEPub: D3PUBLISHER
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Five girls meet in an isolated underground city. As they slay and betray each other, what fate awaits them at the end of their journey? Hope? Or despair? Enjoy an immersive story, fully voiced and boasting multiple endings!
Why similar: Visual Novel 29.1%, Mystery 13.4%, Puzzle 13%, Story Rich 12.8%, Anime 12%
- #60 Lucid9: Inciting Incident
68% matchVery Positive90% of 1,040 reviews2016
Dev: Fallen Snow Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Lucid9 is a visual novel focused on a web of intricate mysteries set in the fictional 2018 metropolis of Isamu. Lucid9: Inciting Incident is the first part of the story, focused on a string of disappearances that occur at a prestigious, uppity boarding academy.
Why similar: Visual Novel 34%, Mystery 18.4%, Anime 12.6%, Story Rich 10.2%, Psychological Horror 6.3%
