Visual Novel
Ongoing coverage on Visual Novel.
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Demo Now Available for the Nintendo Switch Version of MAMIYA - A Shared Illusion of the World’s End
A free demo for the Nintendo Switch version of the dark mystery visual novel MAMIYA - A Shared Illusion of the World's End is now available on the Nintendo eShop. The demo allows players to experience the entirety of Chapter 1 and features full Japanese voice acting. A 10% pre-order discount is also available until June 24, 2026.
Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker Launches June 9
Gentle Troll announced that the visual novel Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker will be released on June 9 for PC, Mac, Steam, and Nintendo Switch. Set 36 years before the original game, players manage the Drowsy Dragon tavern, serving magical drinks and undertaking quests based on rumors. The game features a new cast, refined systems, and multiple endings, with a first playthrough estimated at over 10 hours.
Cosy D&D inspired visual novel Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker launches on June 9th!
Gentle Troll Entertainment announced that their Dungeons & Dragons-inspired visual novel, Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker, will launch on June 9th for PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch. This standalone title is set 36 years before the original Tavern Talk and features a new cast of characters, magical drink mixing, and rumor-based quest creation.
Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker gets Nintendo Switch release date, new trailer
Gentle Troll has announced that Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker, a follow-up to their D&D-inspired visual novel Tavern Talk, will be released on Nintendo Switch on June 9, 2026. The sequel features a new story set before the original game, where players manage a tavern, mix magical drinks, and create quests for patrons, leading to three different endings.
PS5, PS4 Reboot of Beloved PSP, PS3 Sci-Fi Game Gets Release Date
The reboot of the acclaimed visual novel Steins;Gate, titled Steins;Gate Re:Boot, will launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC on August 20, 2026, followed by PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on October 29, 2026. This updated version features newly recorded Japanese voice acting, a remade soundtrack, revamped graphics with significantly more artwork, and dynamic character expressions.
Steins;Gate Re:Boot Is Coming West Later This Year
Spike Chunsoft has announced that Steins;Gate Re:Boot will be released in Europe and North America on October 29th. This remake of the acclaimed visual novel features redrawn graphics, newly recorded voices and music by composer Tsuyoshi Abo, and new narrative content including an additional ending scenario. The game will be available on Nintendo Switch in Standard and Steelbook Editions.
Coffee Talk Tokyo Review: Romanticism In The Connections We Honour
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly is a romantic game that focuses on the connections forged between diverse characters over handcrafted drinks, rather than romance itself. The game is praised for its beautiful art, comforting music, and rewarding drink-making mechanics, offering a sense of escapism and highlighting human connection in a busy modern world. It is available on Steam and features significant replayability.
A visual novel and puzzle game where you repair a broken android
AMATA Games has acquired the publishing rights for the popular Japanese visual novel and puzzle game 'Fix My Junk,' which will be released as an upgraded version titled 'Save My Scrap' in 2026 for Steam and consoles. The definitive edition features new dialogue, endings, a gallery mode, controller support, and multilingual options, building upon the original's decadent pixel art and heart-wrenching story.
Schrodinger’s Call Review – Emotional Storytelling Meets Stunning Presentation
Schrodinger's Call is a visual novel featuring a striking storybook art style and a melancholic premise set in the final moments before the world's end. Players guide Mary, the last Confidant, in helping characters resolve their final regrets through dialogue and piecing together information. Despite some repetitive elements and minor narrative quibbles, the game's emotional impact, beautiful visuals, and exceptional soundtrack make it a memorable experience.
Steins;Gate Re:Boot Pre-Orders Open Ahead of October 29 Launch
Spike Chunsoft has opened pre-orders for Steins;Gate Re:Boot, launching October 29, 2026, for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. This remake features redrawn visuals, newly recorded Japanese voice lines, a remade soundtrack, and updated narrative content including a new worldline and ending. The game utilizes the E-mote animation tool for enhanced character expressions.
STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT launches in the west on August 20 for Xbox Series and PC, October 29 for PS5, Switch 2, PS4, and Switch
The visual novel STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT will launch in the West on August 20 for Xbox Series and PC. It will later release on October 29 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
Steins;Gate Reboot confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch in the west, new details and trailer
Steins;Gate Reboot has been confirmed for a western release on Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 on October 29, 2026. Spike Chunsoft is handling the release and will offer standard and Steelbook Editions with new artwork and bonuses. The game features refined scenarios, newly recorded Japanese voice acting, a remade soundtrack, revamped graphics, and dynamic character expressions using the E-mote animation tool.
STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT gets western release dates
Spike Chunsoft has announced western release dates for STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT, a reboot of the original visual novel. The game will launch on August 20th for PC via Steam and Xbox Series X|S, with Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 versions arriving on October 29th. This reboot features updated visuals, a refined UI, and an expanded story with new scenarios.
Schrödinger’s Call Review
Schrödinger’s Call is a visual novel where players embody Mary, the last confidant, who listens to the regrets of spirits. The game features abstract artwork, a sweeping soundtrack, and gameplay similar to Danganronpa or Ace Attorney, focusing on connecting narrative dots and using empathy to help callers. Despite some confusing dialogue options, the game is praised for its storytelling and multimedia integration, making it a definitive visual novel experience.
Steam Store Page for Kamiya Detective Agency is Now Open!
Sakura ARC has announced that the Steam store page for their upcoming mystery visual novel, 'Kamiya Detective Agency: High School Girl Vanished in The Summer,' is now live. The game, set in Fukuoka, is scheduled for a 2026 release and utilizes AI technology in its development and multilingual support. The developer highlights the game's photorealistic style, combining real-world photography with AI image generation.
Russian censors target yuri VN titles on Steam
Russian censors have targeted yuri visual novel titles developed by ebi-hime, leading to their removal from the Russian version of Steam. Games like 'Her Love, Like Poison,' 'The Demon Queen’s Dire Dilemma,' and 'Rituals in the Dark' were deemed in violation of Russian distribution laws by Roskomnadzor. This action highlights Steam's policy of placing the onus on developers to comply with foreign censorship regulations, which can be a burden for indie creators.
Brew Drinks for yōkai and Human Customers in Coffee Talk Tokyo, Out Now
Coffee Talk Tokyo, the third installment in the narrative-driven visual novel series, is now available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox Series. Developed by Chorus Worldwide Games and Toge Productions, the game shifts the setting to modern Tokyo, where players serve drinks to both human and yōkai customers while exploring themes of love, identity, and loss. The new entry features expanded latte art, a revamped social media system called Tomodachill 2.0, and 11 new characters.
Release Date Confirmed for "ULTRA0," an Accessible Novel × Shooting Game
The visual novel and shooter hybrid game ULTRA0 will be released on June 2, 2026, for PC. The game features accessible controls, alternating between "Shooting" segments with simple mechanics and "Visual Novel" segments that advance the narrative. Players will experience the story through changing protagonists across chapters, with a 10% launch discount available.
Round Up: 12 Switch 1 & 2* Games We Played At BitSummit 2026 - Here's What We Thought
BitSummit 2026 showcased a variety of upcoming indie games, many of which are confirmed or aiming for release on Nintendo Switch consoles. Titles like Penguin Colony, Pro Jank Footy, and Vikings on Trampolines were among the highlights, offering diverse gameplay experiences from cosmic horror to chaotic party brawlers.
Review: Crimson Waves on the Emerald Sea: Amaranthine Moon
Crimson Waves on the Emerald Sea: Amaranthine Moon is an otome visual novel that builds upon its predecessor with a richer story and expanded themes of identity. The game features engaging storylines, well-developed characters, and a compelling murder mystery intertwined with romance. While the character portraits are excellent, the event CGs suffer from an inconsistent art style that detracts from the overall immersion.
