Visual Novel
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K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut Review – Welcome to the industry
K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut is a management simulator and visual novel hybrid where players manage an up-and-coming K-pop idol group's debut. The game features a linear story with choices that affect outcomes, replayability through achievements and character stories, and minigames. While it offers a glimpse into the industry, it does not heavily criticize it and relies on RNG for unlocking content and manager progression.
The Doll Shop, a hand-drawn visual novel horror game with a touch of romance, will release in October 2026
The hand-drawn visual novel horror game with romance elements, The Doll Shop, is set to release in October 2026. Developed by French comic artists Atelier Sentô, the game features a unique, colorful art style inspired by rural Japan and focuses on emotional storytelling rather than jump scares.
Suzerain gets The Neutral Lens and Socialist Republic of Galmland DLC on Nintendo Switch
Torpor Games has announced two new DLCs for Suzerain on Nintendo Switch: Suzerain Stories: The Neutral Lens, releasing in 2026, and Suzerain: Socialist Republic of Galmland, with a release date yet to be announced. The Neutral Lens puts players in the role of a TV host influencing public perception, while Socialist Republic of Galmland challenges players to lead a nation born from revolution.
The Crimson Maid Review | TheXboxHub
The Crimson Maid is a gothic romance visual novel that blends narrative storytelling with light puzzle-solving. Players step into the role of Marius, a priest-in-training investigating a murder and supernatural elements within his estranged family estate. While the game features impressive visuals and a fitting soundtrack, its slow pacing and occasional static character models may not appeal to all players.
Love, Lies And Murder Await In The Crimson Maid On Xbox, PC And PlayStation
The Crimson Maid, a narrative adventure game blending visual novel storytelling with first-person exploration, has launched on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Developed by GrimTalin and Darkania Works and published by Wales Interactive, the game invites players to an elegant country estate to unravel a mystery involving romance, murder, and family secrets.
Fantasy curse-casting adventure TRUE LOVE’S CURSE out now on Steam!
The fantasy visual novel TRUE LOVE’S CURSE, developed by npckc, has been released on Steam, Google Play, and itch.io. The game features a story about a witch who sells curse charms and includes a launch discount on Steam. It is also part of an LGBTQ+ showcase featuring games by nonbinary developers.
This week in PC games: vert-ramping trains, a retold murder mystery, and Cthulhu’s new gig as an AI Director
This week's PC game releases include the sci-fi action-roguelike Ascend to Zero, the crime scene investigation sim Forensics: Crime Scene Detective, and the Survivorslike Soulforge Lost Path. Other notable titles are the AI society puzzle game D-Topia, the VN remake The Incident at Galley House, and the cooking horror game Happy's Humble Burger Cult. The week also sees the launch of Moss: The Forgotten Relic, a flat-screen version of the VR games Moss and Moss: Book II, and the early access release of the survival game Frozen Ship.
The Fissure Review | TheXboxHub
The Fissure is a horror visual novel from SMV Games and Eastasiasoft that offers a dreamlike experience with branching choices and multiple endings. While praised for its effective tension and occasional memorable scenes, the game suffers from an unstructured narrative, repetitive elements, and an overly loud, discordant soundtrack that detracts from the horror.
What we've been playing - "I can't sit and do nothing other than melt into my sofa"
Several individuals share their recent gaming experiences and inspirations. Kelsey is inspired by Hollow Knight: Silksong for embroidery projects, Bertie is impressed by the deliberate time management system in The Blood of Dawnwalker on PC, Marie is enjoying the romance and life simulation aspects of Moonlight Peaks on Nintendo Switch, and Matt highlights the clever fourth-wall-breaking in Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo.
Review: Schrödinger’s Call (Nintendo Switch)
Schrödinger’s Call is a narrative-driven visual novel for the Nintendo Switch that blends point-and-click and choose-your-own-adventure elements. Players guide Mary, an amnesiac who acts as a confidant for spirits between life and death, helping them find peace. The game is praised for its emotional writing, atmospheric graphics, and focus on empathy, despite its slow pace.
The World Well: Blood of Caro Reveals August 18 Release Date at Bilibili World 2026
Beep Japan, Inc., 2P Games, and Pulling Lemon Studio announced that the dark fantasy visual novel The World Well: Blood of Caro will launch on Steam on August 18, 2026. A free demo is currently available on Steam, allowing players to experience the beginning of the story set in a world ruled by vampires.
Utopia: Birth of the Heroes Enters Steam Early Access on July 27, Inviting Players to Experience the Entire First Half of the Game
Mana Core Game Studios announced that its arcane fantasy visual novel, Utopia: Birth of the Heroes, will launch on Steam Early Access on July 27. The Early Access build will include Chapters 0 through 17, representing the first half of the game and offering 8-10 hours of narrative-driven gameplay. The developers are using Early Access to gather player feedback for refining the game before its full release.
The Fissure Wants You To Question Everything You Remember
The narrative adventure game The Fissure is now available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Developed by SMV Games and published by Eastasiasoft, the game challenges players to unravel mysteries and family secrets in a village that feels unsettlingly familiar, with player decisions impacting the story and leading to multiple endings.
New anime based on beloved game Witch on the Holy Night gets new trailer and release date, and it's one of my most…
A new trailer has been released for the anime film adaptation of the visual novel Witch on the Holy Night, announcing its Japanese premiere date of November 20. The film, which features the original voice cast, is rumored to later stream on Crunchyroll. The story follows the convergence of a young sorceress, a witch, and an ordinary man in the late 1980s.
School Days Remastered Reveals English Voice Cast at Anime Expo 2026
At Anime Expo 2026, Overflow and JAST revealed the English voice cast for School Days Remastered, including P.M. Seymour as Makoto Itou, Brittany Lauda as Sekai Saionji, and Katelyn Barr as Kotonoha Katsura. This marks the first time the visual novel will feature an English dub. The game updates the original 2005 title with improved presentation for modern PCs ahead of its launch.
10 gorgeous indies to check out in July 2026
This article highlights ten indie games scheduled for release in July 2026 across PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. The featured titles span various genres including literary experiences, supernatural life-sims, time-bending roguelikes, puzzle adventures, 3D platformers, rhythm visual novels, sci-fi deckbuilders, action RPGs, and cozy plant shop simulations.
This week in PC games: Stardew Valley plus vampires, a lavish gamebook RPG, and Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, finally
This week's PC game releases include the remake Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced, the gamebook RPG Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle, and various indie titles like Cosmodrill and Mothkeep. News includes potential job cuts at Microsoft and studio closures, while previews of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced and interviews are also mentioned.
Danganronpa 2×2 Delayed to Early 2027, Slayhem Mode Details Revealed
Danganronpa 2×2 has been delayed to early 2027, moving from its original 2026 release window. The game will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Switch 2. Developer Gemdrops and publisher Spike Chunsoft also detailed the new 'Slayhem Mode,' an alternate story with significant changes to plot and characters, offering 20% more content than the 'Original Mode' which features updated visuals of Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair.
Danganronpa 2x2 remaster will include a 'slayhem' alternate story mode with '20% more content' and a 3D world map, but it's been delayed to 2027
Spike Chunsoft has announced that the Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair remaster, titled Danganronpa 2x2, has been delayed to early 2027. The remaster will feature new character portraits, a 3D world map with fast travel, and an alternate storyline called 'slayhem' mode, which offers approximately 20% more content than the original game.
From Otome to Puzzle Games and RPGs, Aksys Games Announces an Exciting New Lineup at Anime Expo 2026
Aksys Games revealed its upcoming lineup at Anime Expo 2026, featuring new titles across various genres for the Nintendo Switch. Announced games include the RPG 'Another Eden Begins', shoot 'em up 'BOUNTY SISTERS', visual novel collection 'Cthulhu Mythos Adventures', otome titles 'Illusion of Itehari -trail-' and 'Olympia Soirée -Catharsis-', puzzle adventure 'UNDERGROUNDED', otome 'OVER REQUIEMZ', and the simulation bundle 'Tristia: Chronicles'.