The Best Visual-novel Games

Update : looK INside added at rank #26.
1

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy (2024)

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85
Review score
Logo of Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy Screenshot of Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy Screenshot of Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy Screenshot of Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy

Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows j

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.


  • visual-novel
  • anime
  • compilation
  • crime
  • orchestral
  • detective
  • narrative
  • text
  • drama
  • mystery
  • adventure
  • sprite
  • puzzle
  • pixel
  • investigation

2

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! (2021)

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91
Review score
Logo of Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! Screenshot of Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! Screenshot of Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! Screenshot of Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!

Xbox One Mac OS PC Windows

Experience the twisted world of high school romance and poetry in Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! Romance your way through the Literature Club and unravel the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface. With upgraded visuals, hours of new content, and a phenomenal soundtrack, can you achieve the perfect ending? But beware, this psychological horror game is not for the faint of heart.

Buy

What we like:
  • Well-written characters
  • Compelling story
  • Great soundtrack
  • Emotional impact
  • Memorable experience
What could be improved:
  • Has dark themes
  • Limited replayability
  • Not for children

  • visual-novel
  • dating-sim
  • horror
  • psychological
  • romance

3

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo (2023)

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84
Review score
Logo of PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo Screenshot of PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo Screenshot of PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo Screenshot of PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo

PC Windows Nintendo Switch IOS iPhone

Dive into the dark secrets of Tokyo's Sumida Ward in 'Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo'. This horror-adventure visual novel game will have you solving urban legends, exploring multiple story paths, and experiencing a brilliantly translated script. Can you solve the mysteries and bring someone back from the dead? It's a must-play for fans of the supernatural and the occult.

Buy

What we like:
  • Intriguing and immersive story
  • Dynamic character designs
  • Unique gameplay mechanics
  • Brilliantly translated script
  • Dark humor sprinkled throughout
What could be improved:
  • Can be a bit scary
  • Story is shorter than expected
  • Requires a lot of reading outside of dialogue

  • visual-novel
  • horror
  • mystery
  • supernatural
  • narrative

4

OPUS: Echo of Starsong (2021)

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92
Review score
Logo of OPUS: Echo of Starsong Screenshot of OPUS: Echo of Starsong Screenshot of OPUS: Echo of Starsong Screenshot of OPUS: Echo of Starsong

PC Windows Mac OS IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch

Take a thrilling journey through the Thousand Peaks galaxy in OPUS: Echo of Starsong. You'll embark on a narrative-driven adventure, solve engaging puzzles, and form deep connections with well-developed characters. Manage your ship's resources, face unpredictable events, and immerse yourself in the game's emotionally gripping story. Experience a heart-wrenching tale beautifully crafted with stunning visuals and magnificent music.


What we like:
  • Immersive and detailed world-building
  • Richly developed characters
  • Engaging puzzles and exploration mechanics
  • Beautiful art style and music
  • Unpredictable gameplay due to random events
What could be improved:
  • First few chapters can feel stiff
  • Resource management can be frustrating
  • Random elements require high player involvement
  • Generic anime character designs

  • visual-novel
  • exploration
  • emotional
  • interactive
  • fiction
  • anime
  • pirates
  • narrative
  • soundtrack
  • sci-fi
  • japanese
  • story
  • adventure
  • puzzle
  • 2.5d

5

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly (2023)

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81
Review score
Logo of Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Screenshot of Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Screenshot of Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Screenshot of Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly

Xbox Series X/s PC Windows Playstation 4 Xbox One Playstation 5 Xbox Series X Mac OS Nintendo Switch

Step into the shoes of a barista in Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly. Brew warm drinks, serve quirky fantasy characters, and explore their stories in a chill coffee shop ambiance. Create latte-art masterpieces, influence hearts, and immerse yourself in the alternate present-day Seattle. A must-play for those seeking a warm, relaxing gaming experience with thoughtful conversations and lo-fi beats.


What we like:
  • Engaging story
  • Relaxing gameplay
  • Beautiful pixel art
  • Excellent character development
  • Soothing soundtrack
What could be improved:
  • Repetitive dialogue
  • Tedious skip function

  • visual-novel
  • relaxing
  • narrative
  • pixel
  • fantasy
  • lgbtq
  • fiction
  • vampire
  • interactive
  • simulation
  • story
  • emotional
  • choices
  • alternate
  • drama

6

Gnosia (2019)

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93
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Playstation 4 vita PC Windows

In the gripping game GNOSIA, you're aboard a drifting spaceship, facing a lethal threat. Engage in discussions with unique characters, use information to vote out suspects, and uncover mysteries to survive. Experience a rich, complex story with well-designed characters and an addictive gameplay loop. Can you outwit the enemy and make it to the end?


What we like:
  • Fun and addictive gameplay
  • Rich and engaging storyline
  • Unique and well-designed characters
  • Distinct character personalities and stats
  • Clever and humorous writing
What could be improved:
  • Limited replayability
  • Understanding the discussion system can be challenging initially

  • visual-novel
  • deduction
  • social
  • sci-fi
  • rpg
  • psychological
  • narrative
  • lgbtq

7

Overboard! (2021)

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89
Review score
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IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch Android PC Windows Mac OS

Overboard! is an exciting mystery game where you play as Veronica Villensey, a 1930s femme fatale who throws her husband overboard on a boat eight hours away from New York. You must help her get away with her crime by getting her off the boat scot-free when it docks. With visuals and music that evoke the 1930s, and the ability to direct your own story with multiple endings, this game is sure to keep you entertained.


What we like:
  • Open world visual novel gameplay
  • Multiple endings
  • Replayable
  • Short playthroughs
  • Fun 1930s visuals & music
What could be improved:
  • Short playthrough times may be a con for some players

  • visual-novel
  • crime
  • mystery
  • choices
  • detective
  • narrative
  • fiction
  • comedy
  • novel
  • interactive
  • adventure
  • conversation
  • sailing
  • cover
  • puzzle

8

Arcadia Fallen (2021)

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89
Review score
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Linux Mac OS Xbox Series X Xbox One PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Enter a world filled with magic and alchemy in Arcadia Fallen, a visual novel game that puts you in control of an alchemist shop assistant. The engaging storyline is full of quests and mystical encounters, with a cast of likable and well-developed characters who will keep you hooked. The gameplay is simple yet entertaining, with alchemy puzzles and combat mechanics that keep you engaged. With charming hand-drawn visuals and catchy soundtrack, Arcadia Fallen is a unique and immersive experience that you won't want to miss.


What we like:
  • Engaging storyline with well-developed characters
  • Simple but entertaining gameplay mechanics
  • Charming hand-drawn visuals with a catchy soundtrack
  • Replayability value due to branching narrative
  • Wonderful underlying messages that convey societal relevance
What could be improved:
  • Gameplay mechanics may be too simple for some
  • The pacing of the story is rushed
  • The writing is basic
  • The visuals are outdated
  • Heavy narrative-based game may not appeal to all players

  • visual-novel
  • romance
  • otome
  • choices
  • dating-sim
  • immersive
  • comic
  • character
  • fantasy
  • story
  • lgbtq
  • anime
  • customization
  • demons
  • text

9

A YEAR OF SPRINGS (2021)

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92
Review score
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Android Playstation 5 Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Linux Mac OS PC Windows

Experience the stories of Haru, Erika, and Manami, a trio of friends navigating their feelings of love, connection, and just wanting to belong.


  • visual-novel
  • romance
  • multiple-endings
  • choices
  • lgbtq
  • relaxing
  • cute
  • emotional
  • fiction

10

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles (2021)

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85
Review score
Logo of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Screenshot of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Screenshot of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Screenshot of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

Nintendo 3DS Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch PC Windows

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a prequel to the popular Ace Attorney series that takes players through case after case packed with wonderful characters, stories and clever brain teasers. Engage in multi-pronged conversations with numerous different characters and explore lavishly detailed environments for clues. Solve puzzles as you take on the role of a lawyer trying to prove your client's innocence in court.


What we like:
  • Richly detailed art direction
  • Period-accurate references
  • Entertaining writing
  • Clever animations and character designs
  • Multiple witnesses take the stand simultaneously
  • Extra content such as DLC costumes and developer commentary
What could be improved:
  • Clues can be hard to connect during trials

  • visual-novel
  • crime
  • detective
  • drama
  • historical
  • mystery
  • narrative
  • adventure
  • western
  • crossover

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