The fantasy genre has been long known for its habit of creating imaginative worlds. From classic hits like the Legend of Zelda franchise to massive online RPGs like World of Warcraft, fantasy became the pinnacle of invention. That said, no game type has been more accessible and unique than the classic visual novel.
Including well-known works like Fate/Stay Night, the Visual Novel Database records a wide variety of top-rated novels. Although the best series ultimately comes down to personal preference, ratings often give a good estimate. And no site does visual novel ratings better than VNDB, providing visual novel lovers with popularity, rating, and other statistics for everybody's favorite games.
10 Witch On The Holy Night
In the realm of anime and visual novels, Type-Moon has made something of a reputation. At least as far as fantasy concerns itself, with popular classics like Tsukihime and the Fate series. However, few are familiar with one of their best, fantasy visual novels, Witch on the Holy Night.
Contrary to others in the ever-expanding Nasuverse, Witch on the Holy Night will be a little bit different. Though the visuals don't stray too far from the standard Type-Moon novel, it does offer a setting and plot that shakes things up. Following the story of Aoko Aozaki, players will be taken aback by the many twists found in the story's magi-inhabited mansion.
9 Love Me, Seriously!!
One of the best features of a visual novel is its ability to portray incredibly unique worlds. In Love Me, Seriously!!, players take a view into the mysterious world of Kawakami City. Built on a population of people with a strong samurai heritage, the game makes for a mystifying world that blends feudal fantasy with modernity.
That said, the novel does seem more like a romantic comedy at times. At least, more than the traditional, fantasy adventure. Nonetheless, for readers that want an interesting postmodern-esque take on a long-standing genre, nothing makes for more fun than Love Me, Seriously!!.
8 9 -nine- Series
There are plenty of visual novel series that have gained widespread overseas popularity. The biggest contenders being the notorious Fate series and Key novels, many fans fail to notice hidden gems like the 9 -nine- series.
A series of four novels (and a complete edition with additional after stories,) each 9 -nine- visual novel focuses especially on the story of one character. This of course leads to characters that developed more completely, as players learn more about the mysterious town of Shiromitsugawa. For players who prefer an urban fantasy mystery, 9 -nine- makes for a good starting point.
7 Ace Attorney
Many will give recommenders a strange look after this recommendation. Technically, Capcom's Ace Attorney series comprises both visual novel mechanics and fantasy elements. After all, it's hard to say that courtroom drama with real-time spirit mediums isn't a part of the fantasy genre.
That said, the fantasy elements of Ace Attorney really pick up with the third entry in the series. The series has something for all fantasy lovers from dramatic, spiritual backgrounds to hysterical, quirky characters. The long-time series is heavily recommended to players looking for a change-up from the traditional fantasy novel.
6 Fate/Stay Night
Very few anime series have the reputation that comes with the Fate series. With a complex world of mages and heroes, Fate/Stay Night started a franchise that bringing in an incredible amount of revenue. Focused on the adventures of Shirou Emiya, readers will be taken through the morality play that is the Holy Grail War.
Fate/Stay Night is a perfect novel for people that love to read and theorize, as the franchise expands to a huge amount of light novels, games, and anime series. Though seemingly riddled with clichés, Fate/Stay Night makes for a story that builds with each end completed. In the end, players that want a series-long experience will love the Fate series.
5 Full Metal Daemon: Muramasa
Mecha is among the most common tropes to find their way into fantasy visual novels. The clashing of supernatural powers and robotic mayhem creates a unique atmosphere commonly seen in anime . In the visual novel world, Full Metal Daemon: Muramasa rises to the top of these games.
Focused on the story of Minato Kageaki, the world of Muramasa explores the chaotic lives of the pilots of the Tsurugi. Mechas enriched by souls, Full Metal Daemon brings a more fantasy element to a genre dominated by sci-fi tropes. In the end, the novel offers a much darker atmosphere than other fantasy novels of its type.
4 Baldr Sky
Many wouldn't consider Baldr Sky to be a true visual novel, much like Ace Attorney. Nonetheless, behind the RPG-like setup and gameplay, there is a novel that rises to the top of the fantasy genre. A series of novels, the games tell a riveting story about high-tech innovation and mecha-like combat.
By the end of the novels, players will find themselves more engrossed in the games as they learn more about their protagonist, Kou Kadokura. A cyber officer, Kou looks to uncover a tragedy of the past; a perfect blend of interactive gameplay and high story investment.
3 Utawarerumono
There are a lot of clichés in the world of fantasy: worlds ruled by tyrants, long-living races of people, the list doesn't end. However, clichés may not be bad all in themselves; the Utawarerumono series certainly proves that clichés can be used uniquely and interestingly.
An amnesiac protagonist, a village of mysterious people, a greedy tyrant. Combining all of these common clichés, Utawarerumono manages to make a complex world. Throughout the series, Hakuowlo and his friends will captivate audiences with adventure and heavy world-building.
2 Umineko: When They Cry
Viewers often view fantasy novels as the traditional magic adventure with spells and magicians. However, fantasy visual novels often provide the best of the mystery and suspense genres, including Higurashi and Umineko: When They Cry. After visiting a mysterious island in the latter, readers will soon find that the family reunion of the protagonist Battler is more than it appears.
This novel makes for one of the best thrillers in the visual novel medium, with dark undertones and endless mystery. Because of its differences from other entries, Umineko makes for a perfect breath of fresh air for all kinds of players.
1 Muv-Luv Alternative
For most fans, it's hard to consider any visual novel a masterpiece. Almost every novel has at least one outstanding flaw, from minimalistic artwork to bland music choices. In the end, Muv Luv Alternative isn't like that and VNDB seems to agree; it has the highest rating of all fantasy novels for a reason.
Sequel to the first game in the series, Muv Luv, the novel enhances all of its prequel's flaws. The story focuses on the journey of Shirogane Takeru, as he finds himself transported to an alternative reality in the past. As players play through the events of the game, they will become mesmerized by the striking visuals of high-tech warfare.