Companies are recognizingthe power of the visual novel. Fans of the genre know that visual novels contain some of the strongest storytelling in video games. Visual novels have become more than the dating sims they have always been known for. Many add in unique mechanics, intense twists, and even side-splitting humor.
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This decade produced some ofthe most defining gamesever created and that includes visual novels. Gamers who have never tried playing a visual novel before are sure to find something they will enjoy if they take a look at the genre’s best titles.
Updated on May 26th, 2022 by Geoffrey Martin:Visual novel games are pretty unique experiences, often eschewing traditional gameplay systems in favor of just telling a story. While some visual novels are just that; stories in virtual form, the best ones know how to marry a strong narrative with fun, if simple gameplay. Connecting the dots between well-written characters, a progressing story arc, and enjoyable gameplay is likely a hard thing to manage for many visual novel developers. Fortunately, there are plenty that continue to release that offer fans lots to sink their teeth into.
12Arcadia Fallen
Aradia Fallen, from top-tier indie developer Galdra Studios, is a near-perfect visual novel game, one that blends high fantasy, alchemy, and a fictitious political story about power and regulations.Arcadia Fallentasks the player character to create a budding alchemist from a simple, yet intuitive character creator, something many visual novels don’t take advantage of.
The player’s alchemist, after an unfortunate turn of events, ends up attached to a spirit, however, this spirit ends up being a kind-hearted friend. The story here is somewhat by the books whereby the alchemist must team up with a quirky cast of characters to save the world from an impending evil plot involving demons from another dimension. However, it’s the game’s purposeful sense of style that keeps it entirely engaging. From witty and well-written dialogue to gameplay that sucks players into the alchemical and magical world, there’s truly a lot to love aboutArcadia Fallen.
11The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
The Letteris a great example of terrifying horror mixing in nicelywith the traditional visual novel style and framework.The Letteris all about a group of friends and acquaintances who happen to be wrapped up in an ancient curse surrounding a creepy mansion. Fans ofThe RingorThe Grudgewill likely really enjoyThe Lettersince it capitalizes on what made those films and properties so darn spooky from both the English and Japanese versions, respectively.
The Letteris all about character interactions and relationships, with each character arc being influenced by previous actions and choices by the player. The horror here in this game equally comes from intrapersonal conflict, complexities of the mind, and, of course, the supernatural specters that haunt the mansion.The Letterreally hones in on dialogue and choice and ends up making gameplay a bit barren, however, for those who love horror and visual novels thenThe Letteris still a must-play game.
10Lovers Of Aether
Many popular gameshave fantastic spin-offsbut how many fighting games have put all of their characters in a romantic visual novel?Rivals of Aetheris an indie platforming fighting game that received critical acclaim upon release. So whenLovers of Aetherwas announced, fans assumed it was just an April Fool’s Day Joke. Until they saw the game was actually available for purchase.
Hi-Rez has joked aboutmaking aSmitedating simbut to see a real fighting game developer take on the challenge is a true joy. It’s not only a solid dating sim, it’s also a shining beacon to the future of games creating visual novel crossovers.
9Pizzaro Project Deep Dish
Pizzaro Project Deep Dishshows the intense hilarity that can ensue when indie developers take on a visual novel. Players see the story of Anne Chovy, a woman living in the Cal Zone, as she dates a poverty-stricken clown. Yes, that’s the real story of the game.
Project Deep Dishdelivers a hilarious satire of visual novels, an unpredictable story, and even aGuy Fieri reference. When so many games in the genre take on serious topics, it’s incredibly refreshing to have a game that sparks so much joy.
8Long Live The Queen
Each action a person takes can have significant ramifications in the story of their life. Long Live The Queen is the ultimate example of this. Players take on the challenge of getting a 14-year-old heir to the throne to her coronation day without seeing her die.
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The game has multiple endings and players are forced to experiment to take on each problem they face. Those who play this game will die, a lot, but will find a strong story hidden in this challenging title.
7Katawa Shoujo
It may be strange to say an eroge, a game with erotic themes, defined a century of visual novels. Nevertheless, this game directly got many gamers into the genre.Katawa Shojotranslates toDisabled Girlsand has players controlling a character that recently was admitted to a school for disabled students.
During the game, players meet Emi, Hanako, Lilly, Rin, and Shizune, and they have the potential to get to know and romance them. Each character has a unique disability from blindness to being an amputee. There have been complaints that it is “inspiration porn” and fetishizes disabled characters. Others say it shows that disabled people can be romanced and loved like anyone else, which is an empowering message. Whether people love it or hate it, there is no denyingKatawa Shoujo’simpact.
6The House of Fata Morgana!
The House of Fata Morganagained so much popularity it kept getting ports so it could be played on new consoles through 2020, eight years after its initial release. Players must discover who the main character is as they have amnesia.
Lead by a maid in a decrepit mansion, players will explore four separate events spread out through history. As one reviewer put it, “This game destroyed my soul.” Be ready for a deep story when picking up this game.
5Summer Pockets
When Jun Maeda designedSummer Pocketshe felt the game needed to make players cry. He succeeded.Summer Pocketswas produced by Key, the studio behind famous visual novels likeClannad, and this game maintains the same quality.
Following Hairi Takahara as he navigates the recent death of his grandmother by moving to a remote island, his journey is emotionally powerful. The art of the game is gorgeous and no matter what girl players pursue they will find an engaging story.
4Doki Doki Literature Club
Hi, Monika here! Welcome to this visual novel ranking list! It’s always been a dream of mine to meet so many people. Now that you know my game is so excellent, you’ll want to play it for me right? Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll become quite close…
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Sorry, it seems we lost control of the keyboard for a minute there.Doki Doki Literature Clubblew up the internet creating more buzz than most visual novels have managed to create in years.Spoilers:this game is not the cute dating sim it appears to be. For those that haven’t played this game, it is best to beprepared for a twist.
3Steins;Gate 0
Steins;Gatewas one of thebest visual novels of the previous decade, so it makes sense that its sequel holds a similar position.
Steins;Gate 0has fantastic visuals and a stunning soundtrack. When a gameinspires an anime to exist, it’s a serious testament to the quality of the story. Playing the first game is recommended, asSteins;Gate 0is not a standalone story.
