Summary
There are plenty of games that have stunning stories but lackluster gameplay. Withvisual novels, you don’t have to worry about that as much, as the narrative is the main point. Plus, you’ll find all sorts of settings and stories in this format, so it’s not confined to one predictable thing.
Whether you’re in the mood for pure romance, murder mystery,action adventure, a combination of the three, or even something else entirely, chances are you can find a visual novel that fits. Indie visual novels in particular can be hidden gems, presenting you with masterful storytelling from one person or a group of people who want to share their creativity.
Platforms
Microsoft Windows, macOS
Find Love or Die Trying is pretty much the perfect summary for this game. It combinesdating sim elementswith thehigh stakes of battle royalesto create the plot: a dating show where the consequence of leaving single isdeath. There are six lovely ladies for you to try romancing, and eight different endings to aim for.
All the girls are distinct from each other, and the writing manages to be funny while keeping the tenseness of the possibility of death. You can also pick your gender, including a non-binary option, and that’s always a cool plus.
PS Vita, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS
VA11 Hall-A is a prime example of unconventional storytelling methods in games paying off. It boasts a fantastic story that meshes with the gameplay seamlessly. As a bartender at Glitch City’s Valhalla, you prepare drinks for customers while listening to their stories. The story branches into different routes, but not through dialogue options.
Rather, it all depends on the drinks you choose to serve to your patrons. Every character is uniquely interesting and has their own story to tell, if you’re willing to listen (and give them drinks they like). Liquor can loosen lips, after all.
PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS
It’s amazing how a single cup of coffee could potentially change a person’s life. Similar to VA11-Hall-A, Coffee Talk is a game that focuses on its characters and story by having you serve them drinks, except the drinks are non-alcoholic and you’re a barista. The setting is also less cyberpunk, with the game taking place in Seattle… if Seattle had fantasy creatures in it.
What coffee you present to different customers will determine how the story branches out, but Coffee Talk isone of those cozy, low-pressure games, so you can take all the time you need and do things the way you want to.
PS Vita, PS4, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Hatoful Boyfriend has been around for over a decade at this point, so you’ve probably at least heard of it if you’re into visual novels. You come in as a student at a reputable academy. The catch? The academy is forbirds, and you’re the only human there. They do have human avatars when you meet them, but for the most part, you’ll be seeing real-life birds as the game’s sprites.
Hatoful Boyfriend’s humor is one of its main selling points, so it’s perfect if you want something a little wackier. But don’t let your guard down; your choices can lead you into some surprisingly dark circumstances.
Speaking of dark circumstances, The Sekimeiya: Spun Glass throws you into one from the get-go. You find yourself confined in a tower with seven other people. There are 12 hours until your release, but you’ll experience an unimaginable set of twists and turns during that time.
You have to unravel the secrets behind your entrapment, as well as the identities of the people trapped alongside you. Put your sleuthing skills to the test, and pay close attention to what everyone has to say to figure out whom you can truly trust. You get a notebook and keyword search mechanic to help you keep track of things too, truly immersing you in the mystery of it all.
Microsoft Windows
Sometimes, you get to play games that you can easily tell the developers have put their heart and soul into. The Warmth Between Us is one of those games. It’s a beautifully sentimental Taiwanese visual novel that tells a story about the bonds that tie people together. There’s no concrete name for these bonds, as they transcend the typical platonic and romantic associations that people are used to.
For a relatively short experience, this game is not only likely to get you tearing upwith its writingand illustrations, but also make you think about the connections in your own life. It’s one of those games that will probably stick with you for years to come.
July 12, 2025
PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS
Death Becomes You starts with a bang. You’re a student at a university for magic students, and your best friend ends up murdered. What’s worse, you’re the prime suspect for her death. To get to the bottom of Lyra’s murder and clear your own name, you must investigate the four students who were at or near the scene of the crime.
But things aren’t as clear-cut as they would seem. As you dig deeper into these students' lives, they’ll prove to be more intricate than you thought. The same can be said of Lyra, making the mystery gripping from beginning to end. There are multiple bad endings in this game, so make your choices carefully, or you’ll end up running into them.
