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.
Top Visual Novels
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visual Novels are interactive story games, usually accompanied by anime-inspired visuals. Fans of this increasingly popular medium know that there are amazing stories embedded in these games. Steam has a varied library of visual novels in 2020 that fans of all genres can enjoy.
Due to the overwhelming number of visual novels on Steam, it is difficult for fans to know where to start. To get readers started, here are the top visual novels on Steam. These rankings are based on the quality of the story, characters, and visual/audio presentation.
Updated November 9th, 2022 by Russ Boswell: Steam features a wide array of visual novels that cover quite a few genres. There should be something for everyone when it comes to the best visual novels on Steam, and there are likely quite a few independent and lesser-known projects that many players don't know about. Although many visual novels appeal to those seeking romantic storylines, there are still quite a few titles out there that offer completely different and unique experiences. Some of the best visual novels subvert the genre and give players access to unique premises that will keep them on the edge of their seats. To better showcase the best visual novels on Steam, the following list has been updated.
Not all Visual Novels have a heavy focus on romance or relationships. Those looking for something that's a bit more rooted in mystery and excitement should check out Bad End Theater. This colorful, video game-esque visual novel that has players making decisions in order to protect (or hinder) a cast of characters. The choices made can affect the story of each individual involved and players will have to go through multiple storylines to see the fate of each cast member present.
Those looking for something a bit different should be sure to check out Aokana - Four Rhythms Across The Blue. This visual novel is one of the best-rated on the Steam platform and although it does feature some romance elements, its main focus is on an interesting new futuristic sport. Characters in the world of Aokana wear special Anti-Graviton shoes and battle against one another to be the best at a game called Flying Circus.
Perhaps the most surreal, strange, and endearing visual novel on this list, Hatoful Boyfriend is a cult classic that spread like wildfire across the VN genre. Those that haven't had a chance to place this insanely odd adventure should definitely put it at the top of their list. With situations that are rather comical and an array of downright emotional scenes, Hatoful Boyfriend sees players romancing a "flock" of potential suitors.
A fascinating mix of sim and visual novel, VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action places players in the shoes of a bartender whose drinks have the power to change the course of destiny (in the sense that they impact the story's progression). Opting against a linear progression, VA-11 Hall-A brings a revolving door of intriguing personalities to the player's bar stool, sparking conversations that can leave long-lasting impressions.
Visual novels live and die by their stories, and while VA-11 Hall-A's narrative threads are not as gripping as some of the genre's absolutely best offerings, they are complemented by delightful gameplay elements that most of the game's contemporaries simply do not offer.
As far as visual novels go, none have been as deceptively mundane and serene as Doki Doki Literature Club! The freeware title developed by Team Salvato was released back in 2017 and quickly gained popularity when word of its duplicitous narrative spread.
Psychedelica of the Ashen Hawk is an Otome visual novel that is a sequel to Psychedelica of the Black Butterfly. Otome (maiden games) are aimed at a female audience and allow the player to romance the male cast. The story follows Jed, a young woman who is raised as a man because of her red-colored eyes. Red eyes in the world of Psychedelica of the Ashen Hawk are a sign of a witch that brings misfortune. Follow her through her journey to hide her identity and survive the old Salem reminiscent town where she lives. 2ff7e9595c
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