Companies are recognizing the 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.
This decade produced some of the most defining games ever 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.
12 Arcadia 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 Fallen tasks 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 in order 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 about Arcadia Fallen.
11 The Letter - Horror Visual Novel
The Letter is a great example of terrifying horror mixing in nicely with the traditional visual novel style and framework. The Letter is all about a group of friends and acquaintances who happen to be wrapped up in an ancient curse surrounding a creepy mansion. Fans of The Ring or The Grudge will likely really enjoy The Letter since it capitalizes on what made those films and properties so darn spooky from both the English and Japanese versions, respectively.
The Letter is 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 Letter really hones in on dialogue and choice and ends up making gameplay a bit barren, however, for those who love horror and visual novels then The Letter is still a must-play game.
10 Lovers Of Aether
Many popular games have fantastic spin-offs but how many fighting games have put all of their characters in a romantic visual novel? Rivals of Aether is an indie platforming fighting game that received critical acclaim upon release. So when Lovers of Aether was 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 about making a Smite dating sim but 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.
9 Pizzaro Project Deep Dish
Pizzaro Project Deep Dish shows 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 Dish delivers a hilarious satire of visual novels, an unpredictable story, and even a Guy 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.
8 Long 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.
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.
7 Katawa 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 Shojo translates to Disabled Girls and 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 denying Katawa Shoujo's impact.
6 The House of Fata Morgana!
The House of Fata Morgana gained 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.
5 Summer Pockets
When Jun Maeda designed Summer Pockets he felt the game needed to make players cry. He succeeded. Summer Pockets was produced by Key, the studio behind famous visual novels like Clannad, 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.
4 Doki 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...
Sorry, it seems we lost control of the keyboard for a minute there. Doki Doki Literature Club blew 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 be prepared for a twist.
3 Steins;Gate 0
Steins;Gate was one of the best visual novels of the previous decade, so it makes sense that its sequel holds a similar position.
Steins;Gate 0 has fantastic visuals and a stunning soundtrack. When a game inspires an anime to exist, it's a serious testament to the quality of the story. Playing the first game is recommended, as Steins;Gate 0 is not a standalone story.
2 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
The Danganropa games have inspired spin-offs, manga, anime, and even full-on novels. Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony features sixteen high school students forced into a game where they must kill each other. The catch: they only win if they are not voted the culprit in a trial the next day. If the students refuse to kill, all of the students will be killed in two days.
Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony won plenty of awards and they were all well deserved. The game has dark moments but is worth every second of gameplay for the story it tells.
1 If Found...
When a visual novel gets a nod from The Game Awards, it's hard to deny it made a splash when it's being compared with AAA games. Kasio is a transgender woman navigating her return to her small Irish hometown and digging through memories as a black hole threatens to swallow up the world. Things get intense in this visual novel.
If Found... has a distinct art style and a powerful emotional core while overflowing with Irish charm. Annapurna and Dreamfeel should be proud of getting it out there. It's one of the best mobile games of 2020 and is a visual novel every fan of the genre should play.