Visual Novel
Ongoing coverage on Visual Novel.
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inKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories Review - Minimum wage, maximum heart
inKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories is a charming debut from Nagai Industries that offers a heartwarming take on retail simulation. Players manage a convenience store in the early 90s, interacting with customers and discovering the deeper meaning behind their daily routines. The game blends satisfying simulation mechanics with visual novel-style storytelling, creating a cozy and engaging experience.
Mada Koubou BL 'Love Love Sexy Salaryman' Announced With English Language Support
Visual novel brand Mada Koubou has announced its new BL game, Love Love Sexy Salaryman, set for a May 2026 release on PC with English language support. The game, created by Togo Mito, focuses on a single couple and will feature animated H-scenes. It is described as a more lighthearted entry point for casual players.
Purple Software Visual Novel 'NICE TO MEET YOU, AGAIN' Coming to Steam in May
Sekai Project announced that the visual novel NICE TO MEET YOU, AGAIN, also known as Nandome ka no Hajimemashite, will be released on PC via Steam on May 21, 2026. The game features character designs by COQ and is written by Sakaki Kasa, with full Japanese voice acting for all characters except the silent protagonist.
Yuri Visual Novel 'Our Home, My Keeper' Releases on April 30
Studio Élan announced that their visual novel, Our Home, My Keeper, will be released on PC via Steam on April 30, 2026. The game, a collaboration with writer ebi-hime, follows a writer named Paige Crowley who moves to the countryside to overcome writer's block and encounters a brownie named Faye who guards her new home. The kinetic novel promises a 4-8 hour yuri romance story with elements of mystery and intrigue.
Solve a murder mystery by flying people around on your giant crane in the Disco Elysium and Chinese folktale inspired The Crane Rider's Tale
The Crane Rider's Tale, a new mystery game inspired by Disco Elysium and Chinese folktales, is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. Players take on the role of Mourn-No-More, who uses his giant crane to transport townsfolk and uncover a murderer. The game features dice rolling and skill checks similar to Disco Elysium, with multiple endings and a narrative exploring the creator's complex feelings towards Chinese culture.
BL Visual Novel ‘INIMIGO: The Warrior Saint Versus the God of Discord’ Gets Demo on Itchio
YN Creative has released a demo for their medieval visual novel, INIMIGO: The Warrior Saint Versus the God of Discord, available for PC and Android devices. The demo, playable in English and Brazilian Portuguese, covers the prologue and first two chapters, offering one to two hours of gameplay and introducing the conflict between the daemon Erester and the warrior saint Gael.
Romance Visual Novel 'Algorithm Prescription' Gets Free Steam Demo Ahead of Full Release
Shochiku has released a free demo for their upcoming romance visual novel, Algorithm Prescription, on PC via Steam. The demo offers a standalone scenario from a different perspective than the main game, highlighting Cocoro's interactions and relationships. The full game features branching narratives, multiple endings, and themes of obsession and confinement within an AI-managed city.
The 11 most exciting new video game releases for May 2026
May 2026 is set to be a significant month for new video game releases, featuring titles across various platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Highlights include new entries in established franchises like Forza Horizon and R-Type, alongside new adventures in the Batman and James Bond universes. The month also promises unique experiences from indie developers and established studios, covering genres from racing and shooters to narrative-driven adventures and RPGs.
Review – Death Match Love Comedy! (PS5)
Death Match Love Comedy! is a visual novel developed by KEMCO and published by PQube, featuring a bizarre plot about a protagonist cursed to die if a girl confesses to him. While the game offers a quirky and entertaining storyline with endearing characters and a well-done English translation, its low-budget presentation and lack of deep gameplay may not appeal to all players. The game is available on PlayStation 5 and PC.
Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter Episode One Review - A Great Murderous Start!
Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter Episode One offers a compelling start to its episodic killing game, featuring a memorable cast and a strong mystery narrative with an 80s aesthetic. Developed by Mango Factory, the game blends Danganronpa-style gameplay with new mechanics like card duels for trials, though these can feel clunky. Despite some underdeveloped systems, the intriguing worldbuilding and character interactions make it a promising indie title.
A Japanese visual novel where you're a pet hamster doted on by three sisters is back on Steam
The visual novel Sweet Hamster Days, where players control a pet hamster doted on by three sisters, is set for a Q3 release on Steam, Epic Games Store, and DLsite. This marks the game's second announcement after being previously pulled from Steam due to 'various circumstances'. The game's Steam page indicates frequent nudity and sexual content.
Visual Novel 'Schrödinger’s Call' Surpasses 100,000 Wishlists Ahead of May 28 Release
The visual novel Schrödinger's Call has surpassed 100,000 wishlists ahead of its May 28, 2026 release. Developed by Acrobatic Chirimenjako and published by Shueisha Games, the game will be available on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. The story follows Mary, an amnesiac guided by a cat named Hamlet, who listens to the voices of those trapped between life and death.
SHEROK's Case: Choice-Driven Mystery Visual Novel Hits Steam Monday | HappyGamer
The psychological mystery visual novel SHEROK's Case ;Recollection is set to release on Steam on April 28th. Developed by gamitiveofmiya, the game promises a unique choice system where player decisions actively shape the narrative's truth rather than just leading to different endings. This approach aims to offer significant replayability and a truly interactive investigation experience.
Kamikaze Lassplanes, a unique blend of Visual Novel and Shoot 'em up, flies onto PlayStation 5 today!
Kamikaze Lassplanes, a visual novel and shoot 'em up hybrid developed by Inky Dreams and published by Crunching Koalas, has launched on PlayStation 5. The game features branching story decisions and arcade shoot-'em-up gameplay, and is also available on PC and Nintendo Switch with launch discounts.
Murder Mystery Visual Novel Traps Players in Deadly School Game
The first episode of the murder mystery visual novel Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter has been released on PC via Steam by developer riv otter. Players are trapped in a deadly school game where they must solve murders to survive, with the game featuring an episodic structure and a community-driven approach through a Discord server.
Titanium Court mashes together genres and cultural references to tell a strange, funny tale
Titanium Court is a unique roguelite that blends match-three mechanics with tower defense and adventure game elements. Developed by AP Thomson and published by Fellow Traveller, the game features smart, funny writing and unexpected narrative turns. It recently won the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the Independent Games Festival Awards and is available on PC and Mac, with a demo also available.
Until Then Launches Today on Xbox Series X|S
Maximum Entertainment and Polychroma Games announced that the cinematic visual novel Until Then is now available on Xbox Series X|S. Previously released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, the game features a narrative-rich world, striking pixel-art, and an emotional storyline. An Afterimages DLC is planned for release later this year.
Episode One of Murder-Mystery ADV Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter Releases On PC Today
Episode One of the murder-mystery ADV card battler Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter, developed by Mango Factory and published by Akupara Games, is now available on PC platforms including Steam, GOG, and Epic. The game challenges players to survive a deadly trial with sixteen other students, utilizing deckbuilding and detective skills in a narrative inspired by classic Japanese mystery-adventure games and '80s anime.
Kumitantei Episode 1 Review – A Strong Danganronpa-Style Murder Mystery
Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter Episode 1 is a murder mystery visual novel that heavily draws inspiration from the Danganronpa series. Players take on the role of the Absolute Barista, trapped in a killing game with other "Absolutes" and forced to participate in deadly trials. Despite some minor frustrations and a lack of clear tutorials, the game offers an engaging story, likeable characters, and intriguing mysteries for future episodes.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Adds Free Story Mode, Price Drops to $19.99 on PS5, PS4
SNK is adding a free visual novel-style story mode, "Wolves' Destiny," to Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves on April 24th, featuring Wolfgang Krauser and Kain R. Heinlein. The game's price will also be reduced to $19.99, with a Legends Edition available for $49.99. The update includes UI improvements, a new train station stage with Ring Outs, and a new outfit for Kain.
