5 Best Visual Novel Video Games of All Time, Ranked

The Visual Novel medium has brought some of the most touching and in-depth storylines in gaming. These are stories that are designed to stay with the player based on the decisions that they make. This genre of games features romance heavily, as it is typically a main selling point for the game. These are games that allow the player to get immense within their characters. So without further ado, here are our picks for the 5 Best Visual Novel Video Games of All Time, Ranked.

5. House of Fata Morgana

House of Fata Morgana is a game with an immense amount of style. This is a game that takes the visual novel medium and applies its own spin to it in a way that feels fantastic to play through. Players begin the game knowing very little of what is going on. As is the case in many of these games, the player character seems to have lost their memory as things progress. Players will learn more and more about their environment and what it means for them as a whole.

Players will play as a spirit, and they must learn the secrets of their surroundings in order to figure out precisely what has happened. This is presented in a way that is very intriguing and engaging for the player. The storytelling in the game is also top-notch and features really strong writing overall. The player character will traverse various different times in the mansion's life in order to unravel the mystery surrounding it. All in all, The House of Fata Morgana is a fantastic game with superb writing that we dare not spoil here. This is truly a visual novel that stands out among the rest.

4. Clannad

Clannad is a famous visual novel based on the beloved anime/manga of the same name. Players will be able to explore the world and discover its many mysteries along the way. This adds plenty of replayability to the game, as there is always more to learn. These elements give the game a bit more longevity than most titles of the same genre. While the author's works prior to Clannad had been primarily targeted at adults, Clannad was created as a more child-friendly alternative.

Players will be able o go through the game and assist various people with life's problems. This gives the game a redemptive feel that really resonates with the person playing the game. In addition, there are six total main characters that players can experience the story of in the game. This lends itself well to multiple run-throughs of the game and helps keep the game fresh. The game also features numerous endings in which the player will have to clear certain conditions in order to unlock. In closing, Clannad is a fantastic visual novel and is simply a joy to experience.

3. Fate/Stay Night

While it may not be the most interactive visual novel experience, Fate/Stay Night is no doubt iconic in its own right. The visual novel, which went on to spawn an anime, as well as various other offshoot titles, is a masterwork of storytelling. Players will spend the majority of their time in the game making decisions. These are presented in a rather simple way and allow the player to pick from them rather quickly. That being said, these decisions are often weighty and have much impact behind them.

There are various endings to the game, which is a state of the visual novel medium. Players who do their due diligence will be rewarded with a True Ending that they can unlock. That being said, players who do make mistakes in their playthrough will be glad to know that the game doesn't punish them for this. In fact, it is here that the player will be given hints about how not to repeat their mistakes in subsequent playthroughs. To close, Fate/Stay Night is a great series that any player of visual novels should definitely enjoy.

2. Higurashi When They Cry

Higurashi When They Cry is a visual novel that would later be turned into an anime called Higurashi. Players will be able to experience all of the thrills and chills of this horror-inspired series for themselves. Players can look forward to many different psychological as well as supernatural elements being at play in this one, which makes for a gripping time. The game has been described as a sound novel, which places more emphasis on the auditory atmosphere of the game rather than the visuals.

This visual novel was so popular that it was ported over to home consoles, where it received professional voice acting, which added a lot to the experience. There are many different story arcs that the game follows that players can participate in. Learning more about the world and its characters never ceases to be interesting. Regardless of how much time you put into the game. This is a game that allows players to go along its dark adventure and learn more about what is going on around them. So if you enjoy visual novels, definitely don't miss out on Higurashi When They Cry.

1. Danganronpa Series

The Danganronpa series is immensely popular among visual novel fans. In fact, it is this game series that sparked a resurgence in the popularity of visual novels when it was released. Players will be able to participate in various different types of storylines throughout the series, which adds to its appeal. Players can choose various paths to go down within the game and learn more about the classmates that they will have to deal with in each respective game.

The games in the series all give the player a surprising amount of choice. This adds to the freedom that you can feel while playing the game. That isn't to say that the games don't have a rather oppressive atmosphere because they most certainly do. So if you enjoy visual novels that are a bit on the darker side, perhaps a little wacky, then this series is fantastic for you. Players can enjoy the shocking twists and turns of the Danganronpa series to their heart's content. It is simply one of the best visual novels to release.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Visual Novel Video Games of All Time, Ranked? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.