Popular visual novels. Visual novels. School days HQ
Against the backdrop of the development of the interactive cinema genre, with the presence of such things as Life is Strange, The Walking Dead and other quality examples, the visual novel genre has somehow faded and diminished.
But, nevertheless, this does not mean that he disappeared completely. The portal site presents to your attention the TOP 10 visual novels that are worth paying attention to in 2017.
10.
The earth is no longer suitable for life. Earth is no longer trusted as a home, and the colonization of new planets now falls to the crew of the ship Everett, consisting of the brightest and best from Earth.
Quantum Suicide is such Danganronpa . There is a ship. There is a player. There are a bunch of characters stuck on this ship with the player and the opportunity to communicate, build relationships, think through plans, and... die.
Of course, there is also a mastermind. Everything is in place. And even a little character customization is also present. How long you can survive on the ship is your only concern.
9.
It just so happens that all the wildest dreams and goals require money. And the protagonist of World End Economica found himself in a similar situation.
What made this visual novel famous were its authors, including Isuna Hasekura, author of the beloved manga Spice and Wolf.
There are, of course, similarities in these two works - World End Economica is a rethinking of “Spice and Wolf” in the modern, capitalist world. This is what makes the novella unique and worth reading.
8.
Although Va-11 Hall tries very hard to position itself as a “bartender simulator”, it still has much more of a visual novel. And mixing a variety of cocktails is more of a way to get to know the characters and their taste preferences better than a separate, well-developed layer of gameplay.
This game flaunts a special aesthetic that simultaneously incorporates , anime and retrowave. A cozy picture made in the style of pixel art hides many stories about the visitors of your bar and their past.
It is worth saying that getting to know them and communicating with them is really interesting - as well as mixing a variety of cocktails for them. Va-11 Hall is a pretty good field for experiments and a good way to relax.
7.
In the near future, Anonymous;Code shows us, a second layer of reality awaits us - just like in The Matrix, it will be layered on top of the real world .
The simulation of the real world with the people living there became the main theme of Anonymous;Code, a new work from the authors of the legendary Steins;Gate.
This visual novel features colorful characters, among whom anyone can find their “favorite” and get to know them better. While it may be similar to The Matrix, the visual novel doesn't try to rest on its laurels and comes up with its own intriguing plot.
6.
Another wild fantasy about the future - with the only difference that in this case we are dealing with the human psyche.
In PSYCHO-PASS: Mandatory Happiness, a continuation of the atmospheric anime series, players will deal with a strange and slightly paranoid future world in which every person has a chip embedded with their psychic characteristics.
To overcome the dominance of maniacs and crime, the government thus monitors the mental state of people, “cutting off” those who show any instability. The main characters will again have to understand the secrets of this world and what a “psycho-passport” is.
5.
Hatoful Boyfriend appeared - and thundered with a flurry of funny let's plays, in which gamers really did not understand what was going on around them, and why they had to flirt in this dating simulator with... pigeons.
But yes, it is the pigeons in this game that are a replacement for the usual set of male characters. Hatoful Boyfriend, like some other projects, took a swipe at the entire dating simulator industry in its own way, and did it in such a memorable way that it naturally took off in the visual novel market.
It’s worth at least playing this strange life simulator, in which only pigeons study, and you are the only person among them and making fun of the vast array of stereotypes surrounding the visual novel genre. Maybe you will see... The bird of your dreams.
4. Amnesia: Memories
No, no, wait, no need to remember Amnesia: The Dark Descent. The visual novel Amnesia: Memories is in no way related to this universe, despite the similar name.
This is an otome novel, and from the genre it follows that you will be a beautiful heroine, choosing from a bunch of male characters your one and only. But despite the stereotypes about "harem men", Amnesia: Memories differs significantly from them, since in the novel the main role is played by psychology rather than anything else.
According to the plot, the main character loses her memory of her name, hobbies, tastes, lifestyle, family and everything else. And it is her decisions and actions that will be the very lever that will return her memories.
3.
Yes, yes, another short story with cute Japanese schoolgirls. But Tokyo School Life got third place in this TOP for a reason - believe me, there is a reason for it.
This is the story of an ordinary Japanese schoolboy who moves to a new place and meets a trio of girls who will meet him here and there.
Tokyo School Life is distinguished by elaborate 3D animation of the heroines, which is why the sprites in this game are not soulless images, but living 3D models.
The picture here is nice to look at; in addition, the plot is equipped not only with the usual , but also with kind, heartfelt humor that will brighten up any cold evening.
2. Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator
"Dream Daddy" was just as loud and funny as Hatoful Boyfriend - partly because of the banter built into the game's premise, partly because of its unusual concept.
You are a dad who comes to a quiet town for the Best Dads competition, and you are ready to prove that you are the Best Dad. Among the contestants there are enough contenders for victory, and in order to beat them all, you will have to recognize your opponents by sight.
Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator is worth attention because of its unusual pictures, drawing style and a well-absurd plot, which has enough memorable moments.
1.
And there was no need to even doubt the gold medalist of this TOP. The Danganronpa franchise is a crazy fantasy about a murder school, filled with unique, well-developed characters, and a seemingly ordinary plush toy running the show as the headmaster.
It sounds like nonsense - but, believe me, it plays very cheerfully and excitingly, given the presence of truly unique, inimitable characters.
In the new part of Danganronpa V3 Killing Harmony, the madness seems to be gaining momentum and reaching a climactic ceiling with the revelation of the secret of all previous parts at once.
Video: Danganronpa V3 Killing Harmony trailer
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No matter what you like more: anime romance or bloody thrillers, there is a visual novel for you.
Visual novels are full of cliches, but the scope of the genre is not limited to hot romance or the everyday life of Japanese students. Over the past few years, more and more truly talented Developers have begun to create experimental games that resemble short novels and clever reimaginings of typical anime tropes - and that's when it all started. Now visual novels are super cool.
However, choosing where to start can be difficult. For those who have been on the fence up to this point and now want to understand what's what, we've put together a list of the best visual novels on PC, from the traditional Japanese games that started the genre to ambitious and unique experiments with the format.
There is no doubt that this is a complete list, and each visual novel deserves your attention. We wholeheartedly recommend taking a stroll through itch.io in search of hidden indie gems under the “visual novel” hash tag. But if you want to get started, this list contains the best options.
Clannad
Developer:Key
release date: November 23, 2015
In the West, Clannad was released only a couple of years ago, but during this time it managed to become one of the most popular visual novels ever released. There is anime, cinema, manga, even audio drama. The novel tells the story of Tomoya Okazaki, a “delinquent” (this is a quote, not my words) who is trying to cope with an existential crisis. He meets Nagiza Furukawa, another "delinquent" with whom he has much in common, and they begin working together to restart the school's drama club, inviting students to join along the way.
Clannad is the game for you if you like visual novel stereotypes. It was released back in 2004, and therefore shows the first shoots of the genre, even if it may seem familiar to someone in this regard. What really stands out about visual novels is the quality of writing, interesting characters, and a point of view that can't help but draw you in. Even without the minutiae of modern games, Clannad pulls this off admirably.
This is the story of a young man who learns to create his own happiness. Tomoya's story can be seen as analogous to depression without falling into the broad traps of sexy girls, but with a search for something that is marked with a tragic mark. It might sound cliché, but it's not because the idea is unoriginal: it's just that people have been copying Clannad for the last ten years.
The Nonary Games/Zero Time Dilemma (the Zero Escape series)
Developer: Spike Chunsoft
release date: March 24, 2017
If you like to get your hands dirty with puzzles, the Zero Escape series may be the best choice for you. There are three games in the series: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors; Virtue's Last Reward; and Zero Time Dilemma. The first two were only brought to PC in 2017 (with redesigned visuals and new voice acting) in a package called "The Nonary Games". Zero Time Dilemma was released as a standalone game.
In each game, nine people find themselves locked in a location by a mysterious man named Zero. Each of them has a wristwatch with some number on the screen, and each is given the opportunity to escape after solving puzzles on 9 doors. It all becomes like Saw when people start dying in very gruesome ways, such as from standing in an acid shower or from having a bomb implanted in their stomach.
However, you don’t just read all the time. The point-and-click parts force you to solve puzzles to get through each door. Some of them become more difficult as you continue: for example, you will have to decipher an unknown language created from symbols. They never seem easy to complete, and it's rare that something as easy as, say, the Tower of Hanoi can be completed in an unlimited amount of time.
Zero Escape is dark, but the story is terribly exciting and well told. The choices you make are reflected in the different endings, and the puzzles fit together as well as any other visual set. The way you as the player (versus you as the character) know something the characters don't is played out with dark irony when considering different timelines and endings.
Ladykiller in a Bind
Developer: Love Conquers All Games
release date: October 10, 2016
The full title of Ladykiller in a Bind is: “My Twin Brother Made Me Swap Clothes with Him and Now I Have to Deal with a Geeky Stalker and a Hot Dominatrix Who Want to Bind Me Up!!” But try not to think about it. As what could be called a visual novel in the classic style, Ladykiller in a Bind is all about the social manipulation of a group of horny teenagers. The setting is what rich kids call a school trip and the rest of us call it a once-in-a-lifetime thing on a cruise. You are The Beast, a lesbian who is not shy about flirting or luring you into your bedroom. For mysterious reasons, her twin brother, a manipulative jerk, has forced her to pretend to be him on a cruise, and she really wants to "party" while maintaining her appearance so as not to arouse suspicion.
Social manipulation is the main essence of the game. You need to choose the right words and phrases in the middle of conversations to continue to maintain the illusion that you are your twin brother while trying to connect with every woman on the cruise. This mixture of social manipulation and acting as a jerk (the character herself is very overacting) is executed simply superbly, and if you're lucky, it will lead to more than a few hot scenes with other students.+
There is no doubt that Ladykiller in a Bind is a game for adults. While the sex scenes can be turned off and the nudity hidden, you get to know the characters much more intimately than you would in any well-written sex scene—though there's none of the calf tenderness you'd find at an auntie's in the library.
Steins;Gate
Developer: 5pb.
release date: September 8, 2016
Steins;Gate is a time travel story that explores the intricate relationship between cause and effect. Rintar Okabe, a mad scientist who plays the role of the protagonist, has created a time machine in which messages can be sent back in time. Using it, he and others begin to work to improve the future by influencing actions in the past.
Unexpected, branching lines are a must-have for the genre - Zero Escape does a great job of showing how this can be used to great effect - but Steins;Gate takes the theme of time travel in a completely wild way. Cause and effect become convoluted, with future actions affecting the past and placing characters in completely unpredictable circumstances. All major events can change even depending on whether you pick up the phone.
However, the storyline is never that confusing, and that's very cool. Steins;Gate gives meaning to every ending - even the ones where you royally screw up. Therefore, you can see characters from different points of view - from best to worst. After that, they seem so complete that you understand: otherwise it would not have been possible to achieve this.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Developer: Spike Chunsoft
release date: February 18, 2016
Danganronpa may be responsible for visual novels becoming more popular outside of Japan. At least partially. Like Zero Escape, it combines visual novel and puzzle elements, and follows a group of students who discover that Japan's most prestigious private school is, in fact, a bloody arena.
To survive, the student must kill another and go through a trial staged by their peers. When other students start killing each other, it's your job as protagonist Matoko Naegi to collect evidence, interrogate suspects, present the case, and find the culprits.
Court hearings are not just a series of dialogues, but real monologues. Armed with truth bullets, each representing a piece of evidence found, you can defend or challenge other students' claims. For example, if you found a murder weapon, you can argue with someone who says it wasn't there by clicking on the text as it appears on the screen. You need to be attentive to illogicalities in testimony, and have a good understanding of what evidence proves you are right.
Both the writing and character designs are very funny in contrast to the moody atmosphere of the game about students who kill each other out of hopelessness, while the mysterious and antagonistic Monobead provokes them into more and more cruelty. The characters are surprisingly absurd, but given such a dark setting, it is obvious that they are wonderfully written.
Simulacra
Developer: Kaigan Games
release date: October 26, 2017
The visual novel genre isn't as limited as it might seem, and Simulacra is one of the best proofs that it doesn't have to conform to the expected style. The game is described as a "found phone" game, a genre that has recently gained popularity with games like Bury Me, My Love and A Normal Lost Phone.
You find a mobile phone on your doorstep. Very soon you realize that it belonged to a woman named Anna, and she has disappeared. A short video taken shortly before her disappearance tells you that evil is coming, and the interruptions and static in the video leave you perplexed. Every video and every image has one. From the interface to the video selfies, the attention to detail is amazing.
After some time, you are already writing to her friends, studying accounts on social networks, even talking to people she flirted with through the dating app. This is terribly frustrating. Simulacra will endlessly push you into the abyss of voyeurism, making you wonder how deep you can go so that maybe - just maybe! - save her life.
The story only lasts a few hours and there are multiple endings that vary depending on the successful completion of your goals. You can pretend to be Anna, ask her friends questions, trying to imitate her character, or be an honest, open voice and look for her. Turn off the lights and phone and immerse yourself in the voyeuristic work of a rookie detective for one night, because the atmosphere is definitely worth it.
Long Live The Queen
Developer: Hanako Games
release date: November 8, 2013
While this spot may have been taken by a couple of other games from Hanako, Long Live The Queen remains their most successful title in every sense of the word so far. You are given the right to control the princess, who will soon be crowned and become queen. Oh yes, she is still just a baby.
It sounds very nice, but the throne is also needed by other people who are ready to do anything to win it - including killing a 14-year-old girl. Her coronation is only 40 weeks away, and it's your job to spend day after day with her to make sure she survives.
As part of the game, you will have to learn with her and control aspects of her life, turning the princess into a queen, giving her the skills to rule with splendor and courage. Like Crusader Kings 2 or Dwarf Fortress, Love Live the Queen is a great game for creating jokes as you control something that will definitely lead to a scary but funny ending.
It is not necessary to survive these 40 weeks - it is enough to fill the lack of subtext with your own imagination. There is also depth here. Life or death isn't as simple as rolling a die, and as the weeks go by there are different stats to keep track of.
VA-11 Hall-A
Developer: Sukeban Games
release date: June 21, 2016
Told from the point of view of a bartender in a utopian future, VA-11 Hall-A gives you a unique perspective on life from which you see people at their best, their worst, their highs and their lows.
VA-11 Hall-A has a well-written world (and was later explored well in 2064: Read Only Memories, a phenomenal point-and-click game from a different developer, but in the same world), but its main point is in the stories from various buyers. In Glitch City, corporations and White Knights enforce the law through nano-machines and brutality, and constant surveillance shows that the mythical independence of the virtual future has long been a thing of the past.
Of course, as a bartender, you hear people talking when they are not being watched. Rumors, personal stories, fears and dreams of every person. Where Simulacra is voyeuristic, VA-11 Hall-A makes you feel privileged as these people reveal themselves to you over a cocktail you made from cyberpunk alcohol.
Because of this somewhat dispassionate approach to storytelling, VA-11 Hall-A is not a single story, but a series of vignettes into the lives of its eerie inhabitants. However, this trip is not permanent, as each visit can always be marred by the possibility that they will never return.
The Yawhg
Developer: Damian Sommer, Emily Carroll
release date: May 30, 2013
Sometimes half a genre fits the genre and the other half doesn't. The Yawhg is one of those. This is a choose-your-path game for a group of up to 4 local players, each playing as a character living in a town that will be destroyed by Yawhg in 6 weeks.
The townspeople and your characters don't know Yawhg is coming, but you, the player, do. Will you live day after day as if nothing had happened? Or will you start telling everyone about it, appealing to people, fulfilling the prophet’s share? Each decision can lead to dramatically different consequences.
The Yawhg bypasses the usual rules of the visual novel, but still has a bit of heartfelt storytelling in it - which is why it's here. You're given scenes that feel more like improvisation than paragraphs of text, and it's all supported by great art and an incredible soundtrack.
This makes The Yawhg unique, as other games let you play as a character you've already created. You can create your own here. In total, there are 50 endings, and none of them can be called "correct". They vary depending on the choices you or your friends make. The situations created by the game are interesting, unexpected, and leave just enough freedom of action to add your own perspective on things. The Yawhg is a prime example of how a visual novel can create something completely wild, and perhaps the perfect representation of a tabletop RPG.
Playing as the talented lawyer Phoenix Wright, we will need to participate in five trials. Each of them is divided into two parts - the search for evidence and the trial itself. We must communicate with witnesses, collect evidence and prepare for trial. At the meeting itself, we need to choose the right answer options, and think about what we are saying and what inconsistencies we are pointing out, because it is quite easy to fail the defense.
The trial itself is a real show that will make you laugh more than once, and Wright’s exclamation “Objection!” has long become a meme. The trial is fascinating to watch because it is like a good detective story.
The remaster of the game was just released this week, so it makes sense to start with this novel.
Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni/When the Cicadas Cry
The events of the game take place in the 80s. Our hero Keichi Maebara moves to the small Japanese village of Hinamizawa to live with his parents. He enters a local school and, like in a classic anime harem, makes himself a lot of cute girlfriends. However, this is only true at first glance. The village and its inhabitants hide something dark within themselves. So, soon the friends will try to kill Keiti both secretly and openly.
The game consists of eight chapters. Each chapter begins from the very beginning, restarting the events of the previous one. So, everyone who died before will be alive. In the initial chapters we will only get hints about what is happening in this village, and by the end we will get all the answers. The story always begins as a sweet everyday life and ends as a psychological thriller with mysteries and mysticism.
This novella is more designed for reading, so it has one ending.
Saya no Uta/ Song of Sai
After an accident in which Fuminori's parents died, his life changes. He receives a severe head injury, which causes him to see his surroundings differently. It seems to him that the whole world consists of scraps or a pile of rotten meat, and people look like disgusting monsters. Fuminori, thanks to the fact that he is studying to be a doctor, understood what was happening. In order not to end up in a mental hospital, he hides his illness from people, which is difficult, because the brain distorts even sound, smell and taste. He remains locked in this disgusting world.
However, a sweet girl Sae appears in his life - she is the only one he does not see as a pile of guts. He undertakes to help her in the search for her father, and Sae, in turn, tries to ease the guy’s suffering. A romance begins between them.
This story is perfect for introducing visual novels. It doesn't take long to complete and is unlike anything else. It mixed everything from Lovecraftian motifs to thriller, really good drama and psychological horror.
The novel has three endings and they are all canonical. You are given the opportunity to choose which one will be the most logical outcome for you. However, they are all tragic and will definitely not make you smile, and will drive you into melancholy. The creator of the game, Gen Urobuchi, fell into depression after finishing the game.
Policenauts
Do you think Hideo Kojima can only make mystical action films? No, the master also produced two cool visual novels, one of which was Policenauts. The game skillfully balances on the brink of a quest, but still, it is more considered a sci-fi anime novel.
The game takes place in an alternate year 2013. A large-scale colony, Beyond Coast, has been built in Earth's orbit. To protect it, a special squad of “Policenauts” was created, of which our main character John Ingram is a member. While testing a new model of a space suit, a breakdown occurs and the hero is thrown into outer space. The life support system plunges the hero into cryogenic sleep for a quarter of a century.
After awakening, John finds himself in a world that has changed a lot: his squad was disbanded, the colony turned into a metropolis, his friends grew old, and his wife, after his disappearance, got married. Ingram returns to Los Angeles and opens his own detective agency. One day his ex-wife comes to him and asks him to find her missing husband. John agrees, and this case brings him back to Beyond Coast, and also brings him together with his old partner.
Despite its age, the game looks very stylish graphically, and maestro Kojima, as always, paid attention to details, twists and well-written characters.
Clannad
Our main character, Tomoya Okozaki, hates his life and everything around him. The situation is aggravated by the fact that his mother died long ago, and his father is an alcoholic. Tomoya lives a meaningless life without thinking about his future. Everything changes after he meets a girl named Nagisa. She dreams of opening a handicrafts club at school, and our hero agrees to help her. Soon he meets other students at the school, and life becomes brighter.
This novella is in the nagikie genre, which translates from Japanese as “to cry.” Yes, from the outside the game looks like a snotty romance, but you shouldn’t be biased. Everything you see in the game is completely justified, mostly due to the living characters and everyone's personal drama. An anime was made based on the novel, where the main character chooses Nagisa, but in the novel you can choose any girl, and that is why it will take you about a hundred hours to complete the entire passage with all the endings.
Kikokugai - The Cyber Slayer
An excellent novella from the already mentioned Gen Urobuchi, which mixes cyberpunk and Eastern philosophy. In this world, martial arts adherents followed two paths: some developed the body, and others developed the spirit. With the advent of new technologies, the first began to replace their limbs with cyber prostheses. Thus, they cut off their Qi energy, from which strength is drawn. Such people are called gynoids. Our hero Kong Taolo is one of those who sticks to tradition and does not use technology. This led to him learning the thunder technique and is capable of killing anyone with one blow. Thus he became the most powerful of the triads.
However, his best friend betrays him, sets up an assassination attempt on him, and his sister is killed. Although it’s hard to call it death: her brain is destroyed, her soul is torn into several parts, and the fragments are implanted into sex robots. Kong survives and sets out to find out the reason for the betrayal. He is also going to get his sister back. One surgeon creates a gynoid for him, into which all the fragments of his sister’s soul can be placed.
VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
And again, it’s cyberpunk, with all its authentic charms. In the story, we take on the role of barmaid Jill, who works in an unremarkable bar. Interesting personalities often come here to have a drink. All gameplay consists of mixing drinks for visitors; we chat with clients and sometimes give advice. Depending on what you have prepared for them, the further dialogue will develop.
In the game, we need to experiment to observe the reactions of visitors and different situations. For the right drinks we get money, which we will then spend. The most remarkable thing about the game is that it is a selective cocktail of Easter eggs to cyberpunk icons. So you will find references to Blade Runner, Deus Ex, Crisis, the anime Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Bubblegum, and Cowboy Bebop in the game.
Swan Song
This is a very depressing novel that realistically shows the dark side of human nature. It tells the story of a group of people who survived an earthquake in the cold winter. The novel shows the edge of how, during the apocalypse, civilization goes into a mode of madness and lawlessness. People are placed in a hopeless situation and all their attempts to maintain the usual order of things end in collapse, violence and madness.
The game has a lot of violent scenes and stays true to the realistic concept.
Steins; Gate/ Gate of Shatain
We're all talking about horror and thrillers... Let's change the record. A young student, Okabe Rintaro, creates a time machine. The funny thing is that the guy is such a genius that he created it using a microwave and a mobile phone. Although, it's not exactly a time machine. Okabe can transmit mobile messages in different eras through a microwave.
We will end up in different timelines depending on the messages. Each of the possible lines leads to the most unusual, both comedic and serious situations on the verge of a thriller. There are seven endings in total.
Kara no Shoujo/Shell Girl
It's 1956. There is a serial killer of girls at work in Japan. Detective Tokisaki Reiji is asked to investigate the case. Reiji notes that he saw a similar handwriting of the killer in a similar case six years ago. While investigating, he meets a girl, Kuchiki Touko, who asks him to help her “find her true self.” The further the investigation goes, the closer the connection with Toko's past becomes.
The novella is very similar to Western thrillers, so it is easy to understand and is one of the best novellas to get acquainted with. It also has detective elements, such as searching for clues, examining corpses, and comparing facts. This is a very interesting detective story on the verge of horror, which can hold suspense. It has several endings, but each of them can leave many questions. To be honest, it’s difficult to reach the canonical ending without a guide. For example, you can hook up with girls [yes, there's a dating sim element] and learn more about the overall plot, but you'll likely end up with a bad ending. However, unraveling the entire huge plot of this story never ceases to be interesting time after time.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
If you love the work of Agatha Christie, you will definitely like this novella. In the story, the creature Monokuma, who looks like a teddy bear, holds fifteen students captive within the walls of Hope's Peak Academy. All of them are students of this academy, the best and most talented teenagers in the country or children of its elite.
The only way to get out is to secretly kill another student. After the body is discovered, all the hostages gather in the common room and try to figure out who the killer is. The exposed criminal will be killed by Monokuma, and if he can remain undetected, he will gain freedom. We take control of Makoto Naegi and try to win this game.
Danganronpa is a pure paranoia simulator where your ally can stick a knife in your back. The game is captivating with its high-quality suspense, as well as analytical dialogues and the way everyone figures out the culprit. At times, the novella can ease the tension with calm dialogue so you can take a break from it.
"Endless summer"
And finally, let’s mention the domestic project. “Endless Summer” talks about a certain Semyon, a loser from the point of view of society. He was kicked out of the university, he doesn’t take care of himself, gets by on small jobs, and doesn’t see much point in developing. One day he is invited to a alumni meeting. He boards a bus that will take him to the meeting place and falls asleep on it. The hero wakes up in a completely different sunny world.
It turns out that the bus brought him to the gates of the Sovenok pioneer camp, and Semyon himself realizes that he looks 17 years old. This is how his life begins in the camp, where he becomes close to its inhabitants, especially the girls. He will spend only seven days in the camp. In essence, this is an ordinary dating simulator, but the game has a mystical plot, as well as a whole ton of references to Soviet culture. Over time, the game will make you think more about what kind of camp this is, and how everything in it is connected to the life of the hero.
These were the best visual novels worth checking out. In order not to repeat myself every time, almost every novel has an amazing soundtrack that you will want to listen to to top it off. And most importantly, they are all translated.
Hi all! Below I have collected the best visual novels, I haven’t tried them all, so if you have suggestions for a great novel, write in the comments the game and your opinion why it is good.
Muv-Luv
release date: 2006
Genre: Visual novel
A Japanese visual novel with an eroge twist, in which the player follows a predetermined plot, interacting with the main characters of the story and other characters. It is on the interaction of the player with the characters and the plot, presented in the form of mostly static pictures and text at the bottom of the screen, that the entire gameplay is built. All that depends on the player is making various decisions that affect the development of the plot, and choosing answer options in dialogues. As a result, there are several options for plot development and ending.
The game is divided into two story arcs, which are different phases in one overall story, with the second arc only available after completing the first. The project was warmly received by the fan community and even received two add-ons, several manga series and an anime adaptation.
Saya no Uta
release date: 2010
Genre: Visual novel
Japanese visual novel with elements of horror, mystery and hentai. The gameplay in the game is typical for the genre - we mainly see pictures with text, influencing the plot only through the choice of answers in dialogues, etc. The main emphasis here is on revealing a story with multiple endings. Some of the features of this project include the presence of computer graphics elements in scenes, as well as the ability to enable options for blurring and darkening shocking images before starting the game.
In general, the project may appeal not only to fans of the genre, but also to anime fans, as well as fans of mystical stories. The plot here is well twisted, and during the course of the game, attentive gamers will be able to come across references to the work of the American writer Howard Lovecraft.
CLANNAD 1 and 2
release date: first - 2004, second - 2015.
Genre: Visual Novel,
A romantic visual novel with moderately interactive gameplay typical of the genre. The main emphasis here is on a fascinating story that gradually unfolds before the player’s eyes. The game's branching scenario allows you to play through it multiple times, achieving different endings, both “good” and “bad.”
The variability of the passage is achieved by making certain decisions by the player, where he must choose a certain answer in the dialogue, action or even train of thought of his character. The game has the ability to save at any time (which allows you to select the best choices through trial and error), and also has a “fast forward” mode for text already encountered in previous playthroughs.
Binetsu Kyoushi Chieri/Amorous Professor Cherry
release date: 2004
Genre: Visual novel, eroge
A visual novel from Japanese developers with hentai elements about school experiences and a high school student’s love for his school teacher. What adds drama to the overall picture is that in addition to the main storyline related to the teacher, there are several more, with two other girls (classmates of the main character). How this love quadrangle unravels is entirely up to the player!
Traditionally for the genre, the gameplay boils down mainly to viewing pictures, reading text and making decisions that in one way or another affect the plot, which in turn is beyond praise here. The advantages of the game also include beautiful pictures made in anime style, pleasant visualization and an atmospheric soundtrack.
School Days
release date: 2005
Genre: Visual novel, eroge
An erotic visual novel from a Japanese developer with thriller elements, telling the story of how several girls fell in love with a simple guy named Makoto Ito. As in other games of this genre, interactivity here is kept to a minimum - the player can change the course of the plot only in the so-called “choice places”, where he will need to choose one of the character’s answer options, any of his actions, etc.
The project is distinguished by an innovative approach to presenting the plot, which here is not static pictures with text, but full-fledged animated scenes. At the choice points, the game is paused, and time to make a decision is limited. The game has many endings, and in especially bad endings, one of the characters always dies (sometimes in a very cruel way). Good endings depict the successful development of certain situations.
Tears to Tiara
release date: 2005
Genre: Visual novel, eroge, RPG
A series of tactical role-playing games with a mixture of genres such as eroge and visual novel. The game has a fascinating plot, presented in the form of 2D videos in a typical visual novel design. In turn, combat scenes take place in real time, where the player and the enemy (under AI control) control characters of various classes: warriors, magicians, archers, etc.
Such a variety of gameplay elements had a positive effect on the game, since it was able to interest both fans of tactics and RPGs, and fans of leisurely visual novels. In general, the project received rave reviews from players and critics, and therefore quite quickly acquired all sorts of accompanying “staff,” including a series of figures, manga, and even the release of an anime adaptation.
Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru
release date: 2005
Genre: Visual novel, eroge
A Japanese romantic visual novel with elements of eroge, in which a girl-like protagonist finds himself studying at an all-girls academy. The gameplay is based on reading the text that appears on the screen along with pictures reflecting the story, as well as the element of choosing answers in dialogues or character actions, which directly affects the further development of the plot. Traditionally for the genre, this game has several endings.
In addition to the classic presentation of the plot for a visual novel, the game is conventionally divided into series (like in an anime series). Moreover, at the end of one episode, the player will be able to see a summary of the next one. In addition, ten additional episodes were released for the game, as well as one special episode.
Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica
release date: 2006
Genre: Visual novel
A visual novel in which the plot centers on magical spirits born from the music performed by people and a musician who has entered into a contract with a pretty spirit girl. The fact is that some of these spirits can live in human society, and only special musicians can support their existence, one of whom is described in the game.
The gameplay here is no different from other representatives of the genre, so get ready for the fact that the plot will be presented in the form of pictures with text, and we will be able to influence it through choices in key places. The game has several endings, and a manga and anime adaptation were released for fans of the project.
Sono Hanabira ni Kuchizuke wo
release date: 2006
Genre: Visual novel, eroge, yuri
A series of Japanese visual novels on the theme of yuri (love relationships between female representatives) with elements of hentai. Each of the games in the series is a complete story with its own characters and ending. The gameplay is traditional for the visual novel genre, i.e. The player's influence here is minimal, and the main emphasis is on the twists and turns of the plot.
Currently, the series includes 20(!) Games, as well as a short anime based on the third part. The project will be of interest, first of all, to fans of visual novels, anime fans, as well as those who love cute romantic stories with a little touch of erotica.
Koihime Musou
release date: 2007
Genre: Visual novel, eroge
A Japanese visual novel for adults with elements of parody, adventure and fantasy, based on the classic Chinese Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The gameplay here follows a storyline with a number of planned scenario branches, the occurrence of which depends on the decisions made by the player. A big emphasis in the game is placed on the attractiveness of the female characters and their relationships with each other, as well as with the rest of the story characters.
The game was incredibly popular among fans of the genre and received two re-releases with new characters and story arcs. In addition, based on this project, a manga was released, and a little later an anime series that lasted for three whole seasons.
Little Busters!
release date: 2007
Genre: Visual novel, eroge
A non-linear visual novel about high school student Riki Naoe, who is part of a tight-knit group called Little Busters. One day, a few more girls join the group, and now the friends can start playing baseball! The player’s task here is to establish a relationship with one of six heroines, while the game (uncharacteristically for the genre) includes battles, baseball training, and even improving the characteristics of the characters in the form of mini-games.
Initially, the project was released under an “E” rating (designed for an audience of any age), but later a version of the game was released for adults with erotic scenes and a large number of girls available for relationships (there were nine of them). In addition, the extended version expanded the main storyline and new mini-games.
Yosuga no Sora
release date: 2008
Genre: Visual novel
An anime-style visual novel in which twins Haruka and Sora are forced to move into their deceased grandfather's house as a result of the death of their parents. Now two souls, with the help of neighbors and friends, are trying to find their own way in the world.
The gameplay here is no different from most games of this genre. The main emphasis is on the plot, and the player's influence on the gameplay is limited to “flipping through” dialog boxes and periodically selecting response options or character actions. Traditionally, the game has many different endings that can be obtained by choosing certain options for the development of events. A manga and anime series based on the plot of the game were released.
Ookami Kakushi
release date: 2009
Genre: Visual novel, RPG
A fun visual novel game in which a fifteen-year-old boy who moves to a small mountain town is warned to stay off the old streets after sunset. Very soon the young man will learn about the ancient rituals that once took place here.
As for the gameplay, it is not particularly different from other representatives of the genre. The main task of the player is to read the dialogues that appear on top of the pictures reflecting the essence of what is happening, and periodically select answer options, the actions of the hero, etc. Traditionally, we are faced with several options for the development of the plot and many endings. Overall, this is an interesting project for anyone who likes mystical stories, anime and visual novels.
STEINS;GATE
release date: 2009
Genre
A bright representative of the visual novel genre, which is a direct continuation of the game CHAOS;HEAD and tells a fascinating story about time travel. Most of the gameplay is reduced to reading the text that appears on the screen, which represents the thoughts of the main character or dialogues between characters. At key moments, the player is given a choice that influences the further development of the storyline.
An interesting feature of the game is the presence of a special “telephone trigger”. When a player receives a challenge, he can either answer it or ignore it. In this case, received text messages will be displayed in a special way, and will affect the available response options for text messages.
Mashiroiro Symphony
release date: 2009
Genre: Visual novel, eroge
A Japanese visual novel in which the plot focuses on the protagonist's romantic relationship with one of the four heroines. The gameplay here is very typical for the genre - the player takes minimal participation in the game, choosing from time to time certain actions or response options that affect the plot. The rest of the time we watch changing anime pictures and corresponding text, which reveal all the twists and turns of the plot.
There are four storylines in total, and to see them completely you need to replay the game several times, making different decisions that move the plot in a different direction. The project contains scenes of erotic content, which are revealed in the process of developing a relationship with one of the girls available in the plot of the game.
Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate
release date: 2010
Genre: Visual novel, eroge
A Japanese visual novel game with elements of comedy, romance and drama, which tells the story of a student at Takafuji Private Academy named Yuki Ojima. He is a member of a useless, in the opinion of most students, sweets study club, which one of the candidates for the post of student council president is threatening to disband. The hero has no choice but to become a candidate himself and try to prevent the dissolution of the club.
The game is built according to traditional patterns for the genre - the player watches changing pictures with text, reads it, delves into the plot and from time to time makes important decisions for the further development of the plot. An exciting and funny story, as well as many endings guarantee the replayability of the project.
Grisaia no Kajitsu
release date: 2011
Genre: Visual novel, eroge
A Japanese eroge game in the visual novel genre, in the plot of which a young man from a dysfunctional family ends up in a private school, where his classmates are five sociopathic girls with whom he will have to establish relationships (and perhaps find the love of his life).
The main part of the gameplay consists of dialogues between characters, presented in the form of static pictures with text. Depending on the player's actions, the plot will develop in one of predetermined directions (there are five in total), which in turn will lead to one of several endings. However, some player actions may end the game prematurely (however, such moments can be replayed).
Katawa Shoujo
release date: 2012
Genre: Visual novel, eroge, anime
A visual novel in the dating sim subgenre, in which the main character must build relationships with five girls who have various physical or psychological injuries. Despite all the “romanticism” of the project, it contains rather depressive scenes, as well as scenes of an erotic nature.
The gameplay here is based on the player’s choice of certain options for the development of events that advance him along one of the plot branches. Moreover, each of the subplots has several ending options, when the main character resolves his contradictions with one of the girls (depending on whose story arc the player followed), breaks up with her, or simply moves away from her. Some decisions of the player can lead to the death of the main character.
Endless summer
release date: 2013
Genre: Visual novel, eroge,
A visual novel with eroge elements from domestic developers, telling the story of a lonely young man Semyon, who somehow miraculously finds himself in the role of a seventeen-year-old teenager in the Owl pioneer camp. In seven intense days, the main character must understand whether what happened was a chance for a new life or an endless nightmare.
The gameplay here is typical for visual novels: the player reads text over static pictures, directing the plot in the right direction by choosing answer options in the dialogues. The game has an option that allows you to “rewind” already studied plot points, which allows you to quickly reach one of 13 possible endings during repeated playthroughs.
If My Heart Had Wings
release date: 2013
Genre: Visual novel, eroge
A high-quality Japanese visual novel with a simple but interesting plot that revolves around glider flights. The gameplay is no different from other representatives of the genre - the player watches changing pictures with text (sometimes there are even animated inserts) and periodically selects answer options in the dialogue. The plot has several global branches and a few more smaller ones, the occurrence of which directly depends on the player’s choice.
A good project for fans of the genre with traditionally high replayability (due to the presence of multiple endings). Nice graphics, high-quality voice acting and an atmospheric soundtrack, which is not a shame to purchase separately from the game.
Sakura game series
release date: 2014-2016
Genre: Visual novel
A series of visual novels from true masters of their craft at Winged Cloud, featuring charmingly unrelated plots, memorable characters and atmospheric music. The gameplay of all games is extremely simple and is intended more for relaxation. The player only needs to read the text and at certain game moments select answer options in dialogues, etc.
Multiple endings, delightful erotic scenes and enormous replayability of each part make this series one of the benchmark representatives of the genre. A must read for all fans of visual novels! Also, the project will certainly appeal to fans of romantic stories and anime.
NEKOPARA
release date: 2014
Genre: Visual novel, eroge
A series of excellent visual novels with eroge elements, telling about a world where people live side by side with neko (cat girls who are practically no different from people, with the exception of some visual details and cat-like habits).
As in other visual novels, the gameplay here consists of reading text and moving from one part of the text displayed along with pictures to another. All this is accompanied by atmospheric background music. There are no plot branches in the game, so the player cannot influence the development of the story. The characters are fully voiced and animated. In general, this project should be perceived more like an interactive cartoon with minimal (a kind of “meditative”) gameplay.
Amnesia: Memories
release date Date: 2015
Genre: Visual novel, anime
A magnificent adventure visual novel in which the player will need to return the lost memories of a nameless girl and help her return to her home world. The game has an original plot presentation: instead of the usual building of relationships, we are faced with the choice of one of several parallel worlds. In this case, the heroine will initially be placed in a situation where the player can only vaguely guess about her early choices. Each returned memory can literally turn the whole story inside out and makes you doubt your own choices.
Otherwise, the game is a traditional visual novel with appropriate gameplay. Among the advantages of the game, it is worth noting an excellent plot, nice animation, many good and neutral endings, an even greater number of bad endings (mainly with the death of the main character at the end) and the presence of mini-games that add variety to the gameplay.
fault – milestone two side: above
release date Date: 2015
Genre: Visual novel
An excellent continuation of another good visual novel, fault milestone one (or rather, the first half of the second part of the game). Moreover, if the first part was not bad graphically, then with regard to the second the developers literally outdid themselves. The game contains animation and various effects that make the picture very lively and voluminous. Of course, the gameplay here is traditionally kept to a minimum for the genre: the player’s participation here is literally reduced to “clicking” windows with dialogues. All. No choices that affect the plot, etc. Just a magical story, which for some unknown reason is called a game.
A heartfelt and touching project that can pull in the player like a good movie. Fans of kinetic novels, anime and fascinating stories are strictly welcome, everyone else is welcome.
Blood Code
release date Date: 2015
Genre: Visual novel, anime, simulation
A fascinating visual novel about an ordinary girl and her romantic relationships with princes and kings. The characters here can be passionate, gentle, attentive, unfriendly, etc. The variety of situations will delight fans of the genre.
In general, this is a traditional “dating simulator” subgenre for visual novels with all the ensuing gameplay features. We choose the character we will pursue and establish a relationship with him, while simultaneously planning the day and organizing the study/work/leisure time of our main character. Most of the time comes down to reading dialogues, but often we will have to choose different actions of the heroine and answer options, which will directly affect the plot of the game.
Danganronpa 1 and 2
release date: 2016
Genre: Visual novel, adventure
Two parts of excellent detective visual novels, in which the atmosphere of constant tension and despair is skillfully combined with humorous inserts and puns. The gameplay is divided into research (taking place mainly in text form with the ability to choose answer options or the hero’s actions) and mini-games that don’t let you get bored during the passage. Ultimately, the player will have to solve the main mystery and figure out who is behind the events unfolding in each part. Of course, there are several endings in both games and they depend on the choices made by the player during the passage.
Excellent stories, nice art and good musical accompaniment - what else does a fan of this genre need? Fans of detective stories and investigations should also not pass by.
Lucy – The Eternity She Wished For
release date: 2016
Genre: Visual novel, anime
A visual novel that tells the story of the near future, where androids have become quite commonplace, but the robot that the main character of the story found is different from the rest... Traditionally for the genre, this game places a lot of emphasis on the plot. Our character is constantly faced with choices and moral dilemmas, which we can directly influence, pushing him to one decision or another (and, accordingly, to a certain plot branch).
A very touching story that may well make the player cry after the final credits. It is clear that the developers have worked hard on the plot, which is beyond praise here. It is highly recommended to anyone who is at all interested in the topic of relationships between people and robots.
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
release date: 2016
Genre: Visual novel, anime,
An original visual novel in which we will play as a bartender, Jill, serving a seedy Bar somewhere in the back streets of a futuristic metropolis. Our main function is to serve drinks to visitors, while at the same time communicating with them and learning their secrets, changing their mood, etc. At the same time, there is no traditional choice of answers in dialogues. We can influence the characters only through created cocktails from certain ingredients. Serving the right drinks will allow the conversation to continue or even help change the visitor's mood.
The game contains money that we can earn at the bar (satisfied visitors often leave tips) and spend on paying bills, decorating the house or things we like. Otherwise, the game is a classic representative of the genre, where the player spends most of the time reading fascinating dialogues.
ACE Academy
release date: 2016
Genre: Visual novel, anime
A kind and positive visual novel with a voluminous and rather branched plot, which tells the story of an academy that teaches how to control mechs. It is clear that the developers did not hesitate to experiment with various mechanics that are not typical for visual novels. So, for example, at the beginning of the game we can choose one of three key features for our hero, which will “suggest” suitable options for retaliation in dialogues.
The advantages of the game also include high-quality voice acting and good graphics. Otherwise, the game is a bright representative of the genre, so get ready for an abundance of textual information through which the plot is presented here.
Angels with Scaly Wings
release date: 2017
Genre: Visual novel, dragons
A unique dating simulator, presented in the form of a visual novel, in which our hero, being a representative of humanity, must interact with dragons entering our world, unravel a conspiracy against fantasy creatures and possibly find his love. The game has an addictive plot and surprisingly lively characters that you can empathize with. Multiple endings, the appearance of which directly depends on the choices the player must make at various key points in the narrative.
The gameplay here comes down to reading the text through which the plot is presented and viewing the corresponding art. From time to time we can make choices (actions, answer options, etc.) that “send” the story in one direction or another. Overall, nothing new has been added to the genre, but fans of similar games will certainly be delighted.
Nightshade
release date: 2017
Genre: Visual novel
A fascinating story, presented in the form of a visual novel, telling the story of a shinobi girl who, along with her friends, went on her first mission and, naturally, something went wrong. Now the heroine has to figure out who is the enemy and who is the friend, and what is going on. And of course, find your love! The game has five storylines with different endings. Of course, the development of history directly depends on the decisions we make at key moments in the narrative.
Otherwise, the gameplay does not have any special bells and whistles and is quite traditional for the genre. We read text inserts, look at excellent art and periodically make choices that affect the further plot, which is very, very good here.
Dal Segno
release date: 2017
Genre: Visual novel
The spiritual successor to the Da Capo series, made in the visual novel genre. The game takes place on an island that is practically heaven on earth. The main character only recently got here, but quickly met five different girls, one of whom, by the will of the player, he will remain with in the end.
The plot of the game is fascinating, however, there are not enough stars in the sky. A classic story in which the hero needs to find the love of his life. The gameplay is the same as most games of this genre - we read text inserts against the background of static (sometimes animated) pictures and make decisions that affect the further development of events. There are several endings, which is not surprising. A great option for fans of romantic visual stories.
Lingering Fragrance
Release date: 2018
Genre: Visual novel
A short erotic visual novel in anime style, telling three different stories (two of which are unlocked after completing the first). The game takes place in a school, and its main characters are high school students who, due to active study, begin to lose their memory. And in order not to completely forget each other, schoolchildren begin to create warm memories for themselves.
The gameplay here is no different from other similar games - we, in the role of one of three heroes, talk with various characters against the background of drawn static pictures and gradually move through the plot, choosing the appropriate answer options, which in a certain way influence the further development of events. The game has a nice visual component, an interesting plot and good background music.
Crystalline
Release date: 2018
Genre: Visual novel
An episodic visual novel in which we, as a simple guy, accidentally find ourselves in a fantasy world where magic and all sorts of fantastic creatures are commonplace. Now players, represented by the main character, will have to understand all the intricacies of the local plot, find their place in the new world and meet their love.
The game has classic visual novel gameplay, where the player must read a wide variety of dialogues, make choices at certain moments and follow the consequences of this choice. Among the advantages, we can note the pleasant voice acting of the characters, the presence of animation (characters move against the backdrop of static backdrop pictures), detailed backgrounds, a fascinating plot and good humor.
ISLAND
Release date: 2018
Genre: Visual novel
A complex visual novel with a branching plot, in which the story revolves around a young man named Santsenkai Setsuna, who ends up on an island and completely loses his memory. With the island's three major families at odds and the island itself in decline, it's up to a newcomer to change the fate of the island and its inhabitants.
Most of the gameplay here is spent reading dialogue, which reveals the story. The text in the game is accompanied by pictures depicting the character with whom the main character is talking and the background of the location where he is located. At certain moments, the player has to choose an answer in the dialogue or an action that the main character must take, which will directly affect the developing plot. There are three main storylines here, and some of the player’s actions can end the game prematurely, which is tantamount to losing.
In this section, we have collected the best visual novels with varying degrees of interactivity on PC and other platforms. The selection includes not only anime novels, which fans of the genre have long been accustomed to, but also projects that are strikingly different from everything we have seen before.
2. The Walking Dead
The genre of this game, like the previous one, can be debated, but The Walking Dead has everything that a good visual novel should have - a tense and intriguing plot, high-quality art, the consequences of decisions made. The first episode of The Walking Dead Telltale Games released a year before the release of The Wolf Among Us, the game received many accolades and awards.
Playing as Lee, we will find out how the zombie apocalypse began and get closer to understanding what really happened. Lee will meet other survivors, such as Clementine, a little girl who will change his worldview. Yes, you have to kill here, but you don’t feel any joy from it.
“When Cicadas Cry” is a story filled with mysticism and a growing sense of hopelessness. Keiichi is an ordinary guy who moved to the quiet village of Hinamizawa. But, as they say, in the still waters... It seems that life goes on as usual, but it turns out that strange murders are taking place in the village.
And what a surprise the player will be when he discovers that each chapter begins the same way, and the characters who seem to have died are somehow alive again. And everything repeats all over again. With some differences, of course. The first half of the chapters only slowly leads to a solution, and only the second begins to provide at least some intelligible answers.
4. Doki Doki Literature Club!
At first it seems that we are looking at a completely classic visual novel, telling about all sorts of school and outside school affairs, introducing us to several interesting characters and forcing us to rush between friendly and romantic feelings. But behind this bright and harmless picture hides something more and much more serious.
After the hero accepts his friend's offer to join a literary club, the protagonist's life will change. The first half is well characterized by the phrase “nothing foreshadowed trouble,” but the second half can make you feel depressed and give you a nervous tic.
Considering that download Doki Doki Literature Club! can be free, it’s definitely worth getting acquainted with this work - this short story perfectly combines the “serious” for sophisticated connoisseurs of the genre and the “frivolous” for those who are not yet in the subject.
5. Clannad
At first glance, Clannad is an ordinary soap opera based on the anime series of the same name, full of the suffering of unfortunate schoolchildren. However, this visual novel still touches the soul with its cozy atmosphere of everyday life, filled with different experiences, joys and sorrows.
The main character, a teenager named Tomoya, constantly suffers due to the death of his mother and his father's alcoholism; he hates his life and does not believe that he has a future. But his joyless everyday life is transformed after meeting Nagisa, a girl with oddities who wants to open a drama club at school.
6. Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate tells the story of Okabe Rintaro, a young but undoubtedly talented scientist who accidentally invents a time machine. Moreover, it consists of things that almost everyone has - a microwave and a telephone (just don’t try to repeat this at home).
The inventor himself does not travel in time; his consciousness is capable of traveling. The action takes place in different times, and the messages left can change the entire course of the game, because we know that jokes are bad over time.
7. VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
8. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Danganronpa is almost pure paranoia. The Japanese are very fond of making schoolchildren kill each other, and in this visual novel this passion is revealed in a new way - in the end we get something like a cross between Kinji Fukasaku's Battle Royale and Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians.
This time, a bear-like creature named Monokuma locked the students within the school walls and began to dictate its terms. One of the prisoners must kill the other, so that no one sees anything. After the others discover the body, a joint investigation will begin. Everything depends on its outcome: if the criminal is exposed, Monokuma himself will deal with him, but if the investigation reaches a dead end, the killer will go free.
9. Simulacra
Simulacra is a game that stands out from the general list of visual novels. The developers have chosen an interesting setting – a smartphone that you find by chance. It seems that it’s not good to rummage through someone else’s phone, but there is no way out. In addition, soon, thanks to one of the video files, it turns out that the girl who owns it needs help.
By studying galleries of photos and videos, saved memes, call logs, contact lists, chats, restoring deleted and damaged files, you will gradually get closer to the solution. To make it more believable, all cutscenes were filmed with real actors.
10. Everlasting Summer
“Endless Summer” is a domestically produced visual novel. Naturally, unlike other games on our list, it was released in Russian earlier than in English. This is the story of a young freelancer Semyon, who, having gone to a reunion, falls asleep and suddenly finds himself at the gates of the pioneer camp "Owl", and discovers that it is the 80s again, and he is 17 years old.
In addition to the fact that Semyon needs to figure out what happened to him (what if this is a chance to start a new, different life?), he can build a relationship with one of the girls in the camp. The character and history of each of them is well developed, all that remains is to choose whose sympathy you will try to win. The ending of the game depends on this (some heroines even have more than one). In addition, in the Owl camp you can meet Shurik from the comedies Gaidai and Elektronika.