Visual Novels are a genre of video games that originated in Japan and featured static images and text to narrate a story. Players make choices throughout the game that affect the outcome of the story. Many Visual Novels strongly emphasize character development, romantic relationships, and branching storylines. A significant number of Visual Novels have been adapted into anime, which is a testament to their popularity and storytelling ability.
Some well-known examples of Visual Novels adapted into anime include Clannad, Steins; Gate, and Fate/Stay Night. The genre's popularity has led to a steady increase in the number of Visual Novel adaptations into anime, with new titles being produced yearly. That said, not all great visual novels have animes. Here’s a list.
8 Famicom Detective Club™: The Girl Who Stands Behind
Famicom Detective Club™: The Girl Who Stands Behind is a mystery game set in a high school environment, where the player takes on the role of an up-and-coming detective. The game tasks the player with finding the culprit responsible for the death of a student named Yoko, who was investigating a ghost story that was spreading fear among the students.
The game features updated graphics, music, and sound effects, but players can choose the original 8-bit soundtrack for a classic gaming experience. This game is part of the Famicom Detective Club series and is a piece of Nintendo history, localized with English text and modernized for the Nintendo Switch.
7 Sunrider 4: The Captain's Return
Sunrider 4: The Captain's Return is the latest installment in the popular space adventure series. This turn-based tactical RPG offers players a challenging new experience with over 40 battles, customizable mechs, and a cast of both old and new characters. Captain Kayto Shields, who has returned from exile, must reclaim his name and lead the Sunrider crew against the forces of the Crimson Fleet and an ancient evil threatening to rule the galaxy.
Players will have the chance to chat with the beautiful members of their team, earn their loyalty, and unlock new abilities. With extensive difficulty options and partial Japanese voicing, Sunrider 4 is the perfect game for players of all skill levels who love thrilling space adventures.
6 Coffee Talk
Coffee Talk is a unique gaming experience that brings together elements of fantasy and reality. Players will be transported to an alternative Seattle, where they will encounter a diverse cast of characters, including elves, orcs, mermaids, and humans, all facing relatable problems.
The game's objective is to listen to these characters and help them by serving them warm drinks made from the ingredients in stock. The game is designed with immersive 90's anime-inspired pixel art visuals and a relaxing color palette, accompanied by jazzy and lo-fi music to create a soothing atmosphere.
5 Atri: My Dear Moments
ATRI My Dear Moments is a visual novel game that follows the story of Ikaruga Natsuki and a mysterious robot girl named Atri. Natsuki, a disillusioned 17-year-old, returns to his hometown after a tough life in the city and discovers it partially underwater. With the help of Catherine, they set sail to find a rumored treasure in Natsuki's grandmother's sunken lab, only to find Atri, a robot girl who looks and acts like a human, lying asleep in a coffin.
Grateful for being rescued, Atri declares to be Natsuki's leg and helps him on his journey. Atri, eager to learn and fulfill her former master's last order, becomes Natsuki's companion as they navigate the ocean and uncover the secrets of their past.
4 LoveChoice
LoveChoice is a visual novel game that allows players to make choices and shape their own love story. The game features multiple romanceable characters, each with their own unique personalities, backgrounds, and storylines. Players can interact with the characters through dialogue options and make decisions that determine the outcome of the story.
The game is set in a contemporary world filled with drama, humor, and romantic moments. With its captivating storyline and diverse cast of characters, LoveChoice offers players the opportunity to experience a variety of different love stories and find their own happily ever after.
3 Milk Outside A Bag Of Milk Outside A Bag Of Milk
Milk Outside A Bag Of Milk Outside A Bag Of Milk is a visual novel game that explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the meaning of life. The game features a surreal, dreamlike world that players navigate as they make choices that affect the outcome of the story.
The game has been praised for its unique and imaginative storytelling and ability to evoke emotions and challenge players' perspectives. With its thought-provoking narrative and visually stunning artwork, Milk Outside A Bag Of Milk Outside A Bag Of Milk is a must-play for fans of visual novels and anyone who loves a good story.
2 OPUS: Echo Of Starsong - Full Bloom Edition
OPUS: Echo of Starsong - Full Bloom Edition is a visual novel-style adventure game that transports players to the heart of space. The protagonist, Eda, is a girl with the unique ability to hear mysterious sound waves known as "Starsongs" and navigate their spaceship towards the asteroids they come from. Meanwhile, Jun, a young man exiled from his people, is on a mission to claim the star songs and redeem himself.
As they embark on their intergalactic journey, they encounter a range of characters, from star song brokers to asteroid enforcement officers. The game features a rich narrative with light puzzles and resource management, set in the chaotic Thousand Peaks territory. With all-new voice acting, the Full Bloom Edition is the definitive edition of Echo of Starsong, offering an accessible and immersive experience that transcends time through love.
1 Twice Reborn: A Vampire Visual Novel
Twice Reborn is a thrilling vampire visual novel game where players guide Mark Delaware through a dangerous world of hidden vampiric communities. Mark, a former teaching assistant, must navigate his newfound role as the Enforcer: a feared arbiter who keeps the vampiric houses in check. With over 95,000 words and 20+ possible endings, players can build a reputation, form alliances, and control Mark's bloodlust.
With a fully voiced cast of 30+ characters, players will be fully immersed in the drama and optional romance. As they progress, they will also have the opportunity to adopt an apprentice and unlock art through a CG gallery. This exciting game will be released for Windows and Mac.