Visual Novel
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Yes, the Palworld dating sim is actually real
Pocketpair has officially announced that the Palworld Dating Sim, titled Palworld: More Than Just Pals, is in active development, confirming it is not an April Fools' joke. The game will feature conversations with Pals and characters from the original Palworld, alongside a time loop narrative with elements of murder and mystique, drawing comparisons to Doki Doki Literature Club.
Review: Fishbowl Covers COVID Isolation, Grief, and Growing Up
Fishbowl is a visual novel that explores themes of COVID-19 isolation, grief, and growing up through the choices of its protagonist, Alo. Players guide Alo through daily life, virtual interactions, and personal challenges as she navigates a new city, a demanding job, and the loss of her grandmother. The game, available on PlayStation 5 and PC, uses interactive minigames and choices to influence Alo's mental state and shape her path forward.
Fantasy Visual Novel 'Lilac' Launches on Steam; Two Versions Featuring a Male or Female Main Cast
The fantasy visual novel Lilac has been released on PC via Steam by publisher Bushiroad and developer Frontwing. The game is available in two versions, "Lilac -side Witch-" and "Lilac -side Wizard-", each featuring a different main cast and minor story variations, with both versions costing $24.99 individually or $49.98 as a bundle.
Farming Camp unveils emotional story trailer
SOEDESCO and Innerfire Studios have released a new story trailer for Farming Camp, a cozy coming-of-age farm management simulation game. The trailer offers a glimpse into the journey of Alessandra as she navigates farming, friendship, and self-discovery at Evertree Farming Camp. The game will be available on Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S.
Visual Novel 'Onii-chan Continue!' Confirms Western Release on Denpasoft; The Title Gives You an Idea of
Sekai Project has confirmed that the romance visual novel Onii-chan Continue! -Secret Love With Yuri-, developed by Panmimi Soft, will receive an English release in 2026 via Denpasoft. Previously announced for PC, the game features original character designs by Pan and a scenario by Nisshi, with music by IOSYS. The story follows Shirayuki Hayato as he navigates a complicated relationship with his younger sister Yuri and her friend Ruru.
Review: Otome Daoshi Leans Into Anime and Manga Aesthetics
Otome Daoshi: Fighting for Love is a visual novel from Otomate, Idea Factory, and Aksys Games that blends traditional otome gameplay with martial arts themes inspired by anime and manga. While the game features attractive character designs and backgrounds, its narrative and character development feel rushed compared to other titles in the genre, and it lacks some quality-of-life features common in similar releases. The game is available on Nintendo Switch.
Muv-Luv Unlimited: The Day After standalone versions for Switch launch April 16
The standalone versions of Muv-Luv Unlimited: The Day After's four episodes will launch for Nintendo Switch on April 16 via the Nintendo eShop, developer aNCHOR announced. Each episode will be sold separately or as a bundle. The game is also available for PC, and the Switch version was previously only included in the Muv-Luv 20th Odyssey Box.
Review: Vampire Therapist (Nintendo Switch)
Vampire Therapist, a visual novel about vampires in therapy, has been released on Nintendo Switch after its initial PC launch. While featuring decent voice acting and graphics, the Switch port suffers from significant technical issues, including incompatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2 and gameplay-halting bugs that make it virtually unplayable. The reviewer hopes for patches to address these problems.
Tribe Nine Web Story Chapter 1 "Occupational Hazards," Released in English With 28 Episodes
Aksys Games and Neo Nine Tribe have released Chapter 1 of the Tribe Nine web story, "Occupational Hazards," in English, featuring 28 episodes. Chapter 0 is also available in English, while Chapters 2 and 3 are currently only in Japanese. The Tribe Nine game, which shut down in August 2025, was a free-to-play title set in Neo Tokyo where teens battled in deadly games.
Aether & Iron Review - Stratosphere Boulevard
Aether & Iron is a decopunk tactical RPG visual novel set in an alternate 1930s New York where anti-gravity technology has taken civilization into the sky. The game features a strong narrative with a compelling lead character, a unique setting, and engaging turn-based car combat, though some mechanics could benefit from more polish and variety. Despite minor technical issues in the review build, the game's infectious affection for its genre and influences makes for a memorable experience.
Magical Girl Witch Trials Global Release Announced With English, French, Spanish, and Korean Language Support
Acacia, Re;AER, and Circle Line Games have announced a global release for their visual novel Magical Girl Witch Trials, featuring support for English, French, Spanish, and Korean languages. The game, which has already sold over 500,000 units in Japan on PC since July 2025, will also be released on Nintendo Switch. Further details regarding a specific release date have not yet been provided.
Just Deserts Arrives On Console With Romance, Routine And An Alien Threat
Just Deserts, a game blending visual novel storytelling, dating sim elements, and light strategy with an alien invasion theme, has been released on consoles including Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Vifth Floor and published by Ratalaika Games, the title focuses on time management, relationship building, and turn-based combat.
Sci-fi romance visual novel collection My Merry May with be announced for Switch
MAGES. has announced My Merry May with be, a remastered version of the science-fiction romance visual novel, for the Nintendo Switch. Further details regarding the game's release are expected soon.
Checkpoint's Queer Game of the Month: March 2026 — In Their Shoes
In Their Shoes, a visual novel developed by We Are Muesli, is praised as Checkpoint's Queer Game of the Month for March 2026. The game features seven distinct characters in Milan, exploring diverse LGBTQ+ experiences with slice-of-life vignettes. Its art style, narrative depth, and engaging mechanics like dialogue choices and 'Thought Tokens' make it a highly recommended, albeit short, experience available on PC and mobile.
Visual Novel COCORO Announced by Frontwing and Good Smile Company for PC Release in 2026
Frontwing and Good Smile Company have announced their new visual novel, COCORO, scheduled for a 2026 release on PC. The game features writing by Konno Asta, character designs by Akio Watanabe, and full voice acting by Hina Youmiya. COCORO will launch with support for English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.
Good Smile Company and Frontwing announce visual novel COCORO for PC
Publisher Good Smile Company and developer Frontwing have announced COCORO, a new visual novel game set to release on PC. Further details regarding the game's content and release date are expected soon.
Hotel Management Romance Visual Novel 'Yog-Sothoth’s Yard' Launches on Switch July 23
The hotel management romance visual novel Yog-Sothoth's Yard is launching on Nintendo Switch on July 23, following its PC release in October 2023. Developed by Shochiku and Bone Nail, the game challenges players to inherit a debt-ridden villa and transform it into a hotel while navigating supernatural events and recruiting unique staff. Player choices influence relationships and lead to one of 23 different endings.
Yog-Sothoth’s Yard on the way to Nintendo Switch
Shochiku and Bone Nail announced that Yog-Sothoth's Yard will be released on Nintendo Switch on July 23, 2026. The game involves managing a hotel, hiring a diverse staff, and features romance visual novel elements.
Psychological Romantic Horror Bishoujo 'ERROR:Ai.lien' About an Obsessive AI Girlfriend Gets New Trailer
Indie developer Gamincat has released a new trailer for ERROR:Ai.lien, a psychological romantic horror visual novel set to launch on PC via Steam in 2026. The game explores a player's relationship with an obsessive AI girlfriend named Airi, blending visual novel storytelling with light adventure gameplay and stealth elements. The title features fully voiced Japanese dialogue and a soundtrack that shifts between calm and unsettling themes.
Key Visual Novel 'anemoi' Physical Release Expanded to Two Discs Ahead of April Launch
VisualArts announced that the Key-developed visual novel anemoi will launch on April 24, 2026, in Japan as a two-disc physical release due to an increase in project size. Players will require 18GB of storage space for installation, and a download card will be included. An English version for PC via Steam was previously announced.