A “novel game'' is one of the game genres, and is mainly text-based. Illustrations and BGM have been added, so even those who are not good at novels can enjoy reading. There are also works where the story changes depending on the choices you make, and the appeal is that you can have an experience unique to games.
Therefore, this time we will introduce recommended works of novel games. We pick up masterpieces regardless of hardware, such as PC or home game console. If you are having trouble finding a game to play, please check it out.
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table of contents
- What is a novel game?
- Recommended ranking of novel games
What is a novel game?
By: amazon.co.jp
Novel games are a genre of games that emphasize story-based content. It is an adventure game that includes character illustrations and background images, as well as background music, sound effects, and audio, and is also called a “visual novel'' or “sound novel.''
The game features a system in which the development and ending of the story change as the player progresses through the story and makes choices that appear at key points. It is gaining popularity as a content that allows you to enjoy the story through text like a novel, but also has an interactive game experience.
Originally originated in Japan, it became established as a major genre in 1992 with the release of “Otoshi Kiriso'' for the Super Famicom. Currently, novel games made overseas are also popular, and many masterpieces have been created.
Recommended ranking of novel games
1st place Fate/stay night REMASTERED
“Fate/stay night'' is a novel game released in 2004 that has been made into numerous anime and movies. This software is a further remastered version of “Fate/stay night (Realta Nua)” with full voice and new episodes added. Full HD has evolved into beautiful graphics.
The story is set in modern-day Fuyuki City, where magicians fight over the Holy Grail. The main character, Shirou Emiya, suddenly becomes involved in the Holy Grail War and ends up fighting alongside heroic spirits called Servants.
The series, which features a deep worldview, well-thought-out scenarios, and charming characters, is still supported by many fans today. The main story, which shows different developments in three routes, is a masterpiece that is said to have a play time of over 60 hours. It is also recommended for those who want to learn more about the world of the popular smartphone app “Fate/Grand Order”.
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2nd place CLANNAD
“CLANNAD” is a romance novel game released in 2004. It has received high acclaim as a touching film depicting the themes of family bonds and encounters with people, and has been adapted into a wide range of media, including animation and manga.
The main character, Tomoya Okazaki, is a high school student who is known as a delinquent. One day, after losing his mother in an accident and leading a cold relationship with his father, he meets a mysterious girl, Nagisa Furukawa, on a slope covered in cherry blossoms. After meeting her, he began to interact with various people. Before long, Tomoya's heart begins to change little by little.
The story has many branches depending on your choices, and you can enjoy the story with multiple heroines. A moving story and a heartwarming story. Recommended for those looking for a novel game that will make you laugh and cry.
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3rd place STEINS;GATE ELITE
This is a fully animated version of the popular novel game “STEINS;GATE''. This is an adventure game that has received high praise for its sci-fi elements and detailed storyline, and the animated footage makes the story even more immersive.
The setting is Akihabara in 2010. Rintaro Okabe, a college student who calls himself a crazy mad scientist, accidentally invents a device that allows him to send e-mails to the past. but. His invention becomes the trigger, and he and his friends become embroiled in a great conspiracy that shakes the world.
The story branches depending on the player's choices and features a multi-ending system that leads to various endings. Famous scenes that were not depicted in the TV anime have also been made into animation based on original scenarios. Recommended for those who like carefully crafted storylines and sci-fi elements.
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4th place 428 In the blocked Shibuya
“428: Blocked Shibuya'' was released as a sound novel game for Wii in 2008. This is a masterpiece title that has been praised for its innovative production that combines live-action footage and sound novels, and its cleverly layered scenario.
Set in Shibuya, players simultaneously progress through the stories of five main characters. It features a “zapping system'' that affects not only the characters themselves but also the development of other characters depending on their choices. As various destinies intertwine, we get closer to the truth of the story.
This work combines a group drama depicted from multiple perspectives with the added fun of solving mysteries, providing an interactive experience that can only be found in a game. If you like novel games, please give it a try.
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5th place Gnosia
“Gnosia” is a new type of adventure game that combines elements of science fiction mystery based on the system of werewolf games. Players become crew members of a spaceship and take on the mission of finding an unknown enemy called “Gnosia” who has sneaked into the ship.
Players will have conversations with other crew members and will be able to spot lies from their words and behavior. The crew wins if they can put all Gnosia to cold sleep within the specified turn. One game takes about 15 minutes, so it's easy to play.
Another point is the magnificent worldview that is told as the story progresses. The mystery elements that reveal the truth, such as why the world loops and who Gnosia is, are also highly praised. Since it is not an interpersonal game, it is also recommended for those who are playing werewolf games for the first time.
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No. 6 Utawarerumono: A Lullaby for the Scattered Ones
“Utawarerumono Lullaby for the Disappearing'' is a simulation RPG set in a Japanese fantasy world. Beautiful animation and profound story development are attractive. It is the first work in the Utawarerumono series trilogy.
The protagonist, who has lost his memory, wakes up wearing a mysterious mask. When a young man named “Hakuoro” was adjusting to village life, a certain incident occurred. Eventually, it develops into a war that shakes the world.
The story progresses through a novel-style adventure part and a turn-based battle simulation part. The sequel, “Utawarerumono: The False Mask,'' and the final volume, “Utawarerumono: The Two White Emperors,'' are also recommended.
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7th place Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity
“Ever 17” is a novel game released in 2002. This is the second installment of the Infinity series, which incorporates so-called loops that repeat the same time over and over again. This is a version with updated graphics and scenario, based on the remake version that added many new elements.
The setting is Lemieux, an underwater theme park. The characters are trapped in a facility due to an accident and attempt to escape in extreme conditions, with the facility collapsing in approximately 170 hours and 17 minutes.
The player chooses one of the two main characters to progress through the story. As you play the game over and over again, the truth is gradually revealed, so much so that spoilers are strictly prohibited. If you like novel games, please give it a try.
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No. 8 Little Busters! Converted Edition
“Little Busters! ' is an adventure game by the popular game brand 'Key', which has created many masterpiece visual novels. This version is an all-ages version of the PC version, and also includes all the elements added in the PSP and Vita versions.
The main character, Riki Naoe, lost his parents at a young age. At the edge of despair, the person who reached out to him was Kyosuke Natsume, a boy who is the leader of the ally of justice “Little Busters.” Time passed and the members went their separate ways and started thinking about finding jobs. The story begins to move again.
In addition to the basic system where you advance the story by making choices, mini-games such as baseball and battle are also included. This is a novel game recommended for those who like youth stories with themes of friendship and growth.
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9th place Ragin Group
“Raijin Group” is a Japanese-style horror suspense novel with the theme of a werewolf game. The setting is “Kyusui'', a village deep in the mountains where the wolf faith is alive and well. The story depicts the escape story of the main character, Yomei Fusaishi, who unfortunately gets caught up in a murder ritual called the “Yomi no Banquet''.
Another point of this work is that it incorporates loop elements. The protagonist can go back in time and start over by “returning by death.” Obtain hints by exchanging death and unlock new options. Let's aim for a different future.
A masterpiece that is available on multiple platforms such as iOS, Android, PlayStation, Switch, and PC. The package version and the DL deluxe version of each model support full voice. It is easy to enjoy repeat play, and is recommended for fans of werewolf games, mystery, and horror works.
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No. 10 ToHeart
“ToHeart'' is a romance adventure game released as PC software in 1997. This work gained popularity due to its wide range of media mix development, including animation and manga. It is known as a masterpiece that has influenced many romance games.
The main character is Hiroyuki Fujita, an ordinary high school student. This is a classic gal game where you can enjoy romance with a variety of unique heroines throughout school life, including childhood friend Akari Kamigishi, classmate Shiho Nagaoka, and the latest household robot Multi.
A full 3D remake version will be released on Switch and Steam in June 2025. Character voices can be switched between the new cast and the original cast, which will please even old fans. Please try playing this classic novel game.
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No. 11 Kamaitachi Night x3
The third and final installment of the “Kamaitachi no Yoru'' series, a monumental sound novel established by Chunsoft. The main stories of “Kamaitachi no Yoru'' and “Kamaitachi no Yoru 2'' are also included, so there is no need to worry even if you are playing the series for the first time.
The story branches out in detail depending on the player's choices. It is characterized by the fact that one choice can greatly change the development and lead to various endings. You will be drawn into the story as it approaches the truth behind a mysterious incident.
Popular mystery writer Takemaru Abiko is involved in the scenario, and you can enjoy it as an authentic mystery work. Recommended for those who want to enjoy mystery solving and dramatic story development.
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No. 12: Night of the Wizard
“The Wizard's Night” by TYPE-MOON. This is a remastered version of the visual novel game released for PC in 2012, and with full HD and full voice, the story is even more immersive.
The setting is Japan in the late 1980s. The main character, Aoko Aozaki, is a high school girl who lives in Misaki Town as a wizard apprentice. One day, Aoko's daily life changes completely when Shizuki Sojuro, a naive country boy, transfers to her school.
The worldview unique to Kinoko Nasu, a game scenario writer who has created numerous masterpieces, and the carefully crafted story development are appealing. Recommended for those who want to enjoy a youth story with a magic theme.
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No. 13 Muv-Luv Muv-Luv Alternative REMASTERED Double Pack
This version is a set that includes the remastered version of the adventure game “Muv-Luv,'' which became a hot topic for its epic sci-fi story, and its sequel, “Muv-Luv Alternative.'' This is a legendary work that has influenced many creators.
The main character, Takeshi Shirogane, is a third-year student at Hiragi Academy attached to Hakuryo University. It's a love game drawn with a slapstick comedy touch, but eventually the worldview changes completely. You will be transported to a parallel world where a battle against extraterrestrial species (BETA) has been going on for decades.
The game's carefully crafted worldview and profound science fiction storyline are appealing. This is a title that some people will choose because of its hard content, but it is recommended for those who like robots and those who are looking for a long novel game.
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14th place Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon-[CERO Z]
![Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon-[CERO Z]](https://blogcdn.allanime.day/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/1763218257_802_30-recommended-novel-game-rankings-Introducing-world-masterpieces-regardless-of.jpg)
The visual novel “Tsukihime” was released as a doujin game in 1999. This work is a remake version in which the scenario was reconstructed by the original author Kinoko Nasu. The character visuals have been renewed, new characters have been added, and the scenario has been significantly powered up.
The main character is Shiki Tono, a young man who, due to an accident, has been able to see the fragile lines of things (lines of death). He was spending a peaceful time in the care of a distant relative, but suddenly he was called back to his parents' house by the news of his father's death. As Shiki continues to live in an unfamiliar mansion, he meets a vampire.
This work includes the Arcueid scenario and Ciel scenario. The stories of the other heroines will be told in the second part, “Tsukihime -The other side of red garden-''. Recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who came into contact with TYPE-MOON's works through the “Fate” series.
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No. 15 Paranoma Site FILE23 Seven Wonders of Honjo
“Paranoma Site FILE 23 Honjo Seven Mysteries” is a completely new horror/mystery adventure game presented by Square Enix. Set in the late Showa period, this is a group drama about nine men and women who have gained the power of a curse.
Shogo Koya, an ordinary office worker, and his friend Yoko Fukunaga visit Kinshibori Park late at night. As Yoko talks about the secret art of resurrection, which allows the dead to be brought back to life by cursing someone to death, strange things begin to happen one after another.
The story of this work is short for a novel game, and can be completed in about 10 hours. The amount of text displayed on one screen has been deliberately reduced to make it easier to read. This is a recommended work that even those who get tired of reading for long periods of time can enjoy.
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16th place Gyakuten Saiban 123 Naruhodo Selection
The “Gyakuten Saiban'' series features courtroom battles in which Ryuichi Naruhodo, a novice lawyer, takes on a trial in order to save a client who was falsely accused of a crime. “Gyakuten Saiban 123 Naruhodo Selection” includes three popular works that are the origin of the series.
In this series, the story progresses by repeating the “detective part'' where you collect evidence of a case, and the “courtroom part'' where you see contradictions in testimonies. The characters are all unique. You can enjoy the unusual trial that only games can offer, such as summoning the spirits of victims and having animals take the witness stand.
It was originally released for the handheld Game Boy Advance, but with the port, the graphics became higher resolution. The UI and operability have also been improved, making it even easier to play. This game software is recommended for those who like mysteries.
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No. 17 Danganronpa Trilogy Pack + Happy Danganronpa S Super High School Level Tropical Dice Camp
The “Danganronpa'' series is a high-speed mystery action series in which the culprit of a murder case is uncovered by refuting contradictions in a class trial. This work is a value pack that includes three numbered titles and a new board game.
This series is characterized by a non-stop class trial. The characters say things based on their own intentions, such as some giving correct testimony, others giving false claims, and others telling lies to incriminate someone. Let's refute it based on evidence.
Another feature of this work is that mini-games of various genres, such as action games and puzzle games, are played during the deduction process. The difficulty of solving the puzzles is not high, so even people who are not good at mystery can enjoy the content.
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No. 18 Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
“Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! ' is an HD remastered version of the popular game 'Doki Doki Literature Club!' which has been downloaded over 10 million times worldwide. It's a love simulation that seems cute at first glance, but as the story progresses, unexpected developments await.
The main character joins the literature club at the invitation of his childhood friend Sayori. We will deepen our interactions with the club members, including Natsuki, Yuri, and Monica, by writing and reading poems. However, the game gradually becomes enveloped in a disturbing atmosphere, and the game takes a shocking turn that makes it hard to believe that it is a love game. Please be careful if you don't have a horror tolerance.
The graphics have evolved with the remaster. In addition to over 100 images, it also has the ability to play music within the game. This game is recommended for those who want to enjoy unexpected developments.
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No. 19 Brother Kiriso
“Otoshi Kiriso” was released for the Super Famicom in 1992. This is a legendary work that pioneered a new genre called “sound novel.” It was released as Chunsoft's first in-house published software, and became a hot topic for its horror taste, which was unusual for home game consoles at the time.
The protagonist and his girlfriend Nami have an accident in the mountains, and while seeking help, they end up in an old Western-style mansion. The production, which combines text, graphics, and sound effects, remains unchanged even today. Additionally, the story branches depending on the choices you make, leading to various endings, and the system is already complete.
A classic and masterpiece title that has influenced many of the current visual novel works. This game is recommended for those who want to experience the history of sound novels and those who like horror works.
No. 20 Town ~Crossroads of Fate~ Special Edition
In 1998, the sound novel game “Machi ~Crossroads of Fate~'' was released for the Sega Saturn. It is characterized by the use of live-action images to express the realistic streets of Shibuya at the time. The story of each of the eight main characters unfolds, and the goal is to lead them all to a happy ending.
The feature of this work is a unique function called “ZAP”. The story can be progressed while freely switching between the main characters, and the game uses a “multi-fragment system'' in which the choices of one main character affect the story of another.
The PSP version of “City ~Crossroads of Destiny~ Special Edition'' adds two treasured scenarios, the Patrick Dundee edition and the Heron Mountain edition, and the volume has been increased from the original version. This game is recommended for those who like mystery works, as it has a strong mystery-solving element that unravels the intricately intertwined stories.
21st place Thirteen Sentinels Defense Zone
“13 Sentinel Defense Zone'' is a dramatic adventure game developed by Vanillaware that was released in 2019. The two works are mainly set in the 1980s and tell the story of 13 boys and girls who board giant robots called Machine Soldiers and protect the world from destruction.
The game consists of 3 parts. In the “Reminiscence Edition,'' where you experience the story, you manipulate keywords that appear in conversations between characters to get closer to the truth. In the “Collapse Edition,'' you can enjoy battles by controlling machine soldiers, and in the “Investigation Edition,'' you can view setting materials along with visuals, so you can deepen your understanding.
This work has won numerous game titles. It has been highly praised for its carefully constructed scenarios and visual presentation. This software is recommended for those who like group dramas and science fiction works.
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No. 22 CROSS†CHANNEL ～For all people～
“CROSS†CHANNEL ~For all people~” is the Switch version of the PC adventure game released by FlyingShine in 2003. The protagonist and his friends, who belong to Gunjo Gakuin's broadcast club, are trapped in a world that repeats a loop due to a mysterious phenomenon. This is a work that carefully depicts complex human relationships and the fluctuating emotions of youth.
The main character of the story, Taichi Kurosu, comes into contact with his friends from the broadcasting club in a quiet academy after a long summer training camp. The story depicts how the separated friends' hearts gradually come together as the director, Misato Miyasumi, assembles a large broadcasting antenna and aims for radio broadcasting.
The Switch version adds a scenario that depicts the world from the perspective of other characters. You can enjoy the story from a more diverse perspective while retaining the charm of the original. Scenarios that make you think deeply about the relationship between self and others are recommended for those who want to read the story carefully.
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No. 23 Policenauts
“Police Notes” is an adventure game created by a team led by Hideo Kojima and released by Konami in 1994. This is a science fiction work set in a 21st century space colony, and is characterized by its cinematic presentation. It was later expanded to multiple platforms including PlayStation and Sega Saturn.
The main character, Jonathan Ingram, is one of the first “Policenauts”, an astronaut and police officer. However, due to an accident, he was left adrift in space for 25 years and developed a phobia of space. While running a detective business on Earth, a certain case comes to mind.
This software uses a game system that moves the cursor to explore locations on the screen. In addition to mystery-solving elements, the game also includes action elements such as bomb disposal and gunfights. This title is recommended for those who like science fiction and hard-boiled works.
No. 24 Higurashi When They Cry
“Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Hou” is a popular suspense adventure game released in 2018. Set in the fictional village of Hinamizawa Village, the story unfolds as it approaches the mysteries of recurring mysterious phenomena and serial murders. In addition to the 19 conventional scenarios, this is a compilation that includes 4 new titles.
The first episode, Onikakushi-hen, begins with the main character, Keiichi Maehara, moving from Tokyo to Hinamizawa village in the countryside. Keiichi gradually begins to notice the disturbing atmosphere in the village and begins to feel uncomfortable with the words and actions of his close friends. A story full of fear and tension unique to Injumura unfolds.
“Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Hou'' also includes a bonus mode, “Quiz Shin Oyashiro Shock''. The total play time is over 100 hours, making it a work that can be enjoyed for a long time. This game software is recommended for those who like solving mysteries and suspense stories.
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No. 25 Coffee Talk
“Coffee Talk” is a conversation-based novel game created by an Indonesian indie game studio. You become a barista at Coffee Talk, a coffee shop open only in the evenings, and entertain customers of various races, including humans, elves, and orcs.
The player's job is of course to make drinks. Create drinks by combining base, main, and sub ingredients and respond to customer orders. Sometimes I'm asked for a specific menu name, and sometimes I'm given a casual order like something sweet. What happens next will change depending on the drink you offer.
Although the world is fantasy-like, some of the troubles they face, from love stories to problems and prejudice between races, are connected to reality. Serve them a cup of coffee and watch what happens. This software is recommended for those who want to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and those who like heartwarming stories.
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No. 26 Urban Legend Demolition Center
“Urban Legend Demolition Center” is a mystery adventure game released in 2025. A story about investigating the truth behind various urban legends that are rumored on the internet. The carefully drawn pixel art is also a feature of this work.
The main character is Azami Fukugita, a new investigator at the Urban Legend Demolition Center. In cooperation with senior researcher Jasmine, we will combine information gathering on SNS and actual field investigation to uncover the mysteries of urban legends. Unravel the truth of the case through multiple-choice questions and analyzing evidence.
The game is a one-episode game with multiple episodes, each dealing with an independent urban legend. There is no penalty for failing to solve a puzzle, so even beginners can play with confidence. This software is recommended for those who like the occult and mysteries.
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27th place VA-11 HALL-A Valhalla
VA-11 HALL-A Valhalla is a cyberpunk bartending adventure game developed by Venezuelan indie developer Sukeban Games. It is compatible with PC, PS4, Switch, etc., and can be played in Japanese.
In the year 207X, Glitch City is ruled by a corrupt government and big corporations. The player takes on the role of Jill, a bartender at a bar called “VA-11 Hall-A,” and makes cocktails according to customer orders. The system is characterized by a system in which customer reactions and stories change depending on the type of drink offered.
The bar is full of unique customers, including androids, hackers, and dogs. Through dialogue with them, bartender Jill also grows. This title is recommended for those who like human dramas or those who want to experience bartending.
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No. 28: Enjoy a family restaurant
“Enjoy Family Restaurant” is a novel game that was released for free on sites such as itch.io in 2022. It was later released as a complete version with additional features on PC and Switch. Developed by the game circle Monthly Wetlands, the story unfolds in the eternal family restaurant, Moon Palace.
The protagonist, who was studying late at night, finds himself wandering into a mysterious family restaurant where there is no concept of time or death. Let's solve the mystery through conversations with customers who happen to be there. Two types of endings are available, and the lo-fi music enhances the fantastic atmosphere.
Although the play time is short at about 2 hours, it is a compact and enjoyable game. The unique chatter that doesn't seem to have any meaning is just like a late-night family restaurant. This is a recommended indie game that you want to play leisurely on a quiet night.
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No. 29 7 Days to End with You
7 Days to End with You is a visual novel developed by Japanese indie developer Lizardry. Released on Steam and smartphones in 2022. With this title, you can have the unique experience of progressing through the story while deciphering a mysterious language yourself.
When the main character, who has lost his memory, wakes up, he finds a red-haired woman there. The protagonist has forgotten words and letters, and has no idea what she wants to say. Let's unravel the story while deciphering the unknown language.
The Switch version is a fully localized updated version that includes a new ending and a gallery mode that is unlocked after clearing the game. This game is recommended for those who want to enjoy language deciphering puzzles and those who like solving mysteries.
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No. 30 Magical Girl Witch Trial
By: manosaba.com
“Magical Girl Witch Trials'' is a full-fledged gothic mystery about girls who are potential witches. The main character, Emma, is trapped in a mysterious prison. A “witch'' sneaks into the group of 13 girls and causes a murder. Let's uncover the culprit through a witch trial.
The game consists of an “ADV” part where the story progresses, and a “witch trial” part that takes place when an incident occurs. In Witch Trials, you can enjoy a mystery battle to identify witches based on evidence and statements.
Although the system is similar to “Danganronpa'', the appeal of this game is that there are no mini-games, so you can concentrate on the mystery. This software is recommended not only for mystery lovers but also for those who want to enjoy stories.
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A comment from a writer
A novel game where you can fully immerse yourself in the story. With attractive characters, beautiful graphics, and immersive BGM and sound effects, even those who are not good at novels can enjoy reading the book. Recently, many interesting games have been released from overseas, so please give them a try.