Collection of visual novels and a few other similar games I've played, with paragraph-long reviews. In order of rating out of 10. It is all my personal opinion, however the art, length, choices, etc is objectively reviewed and does contribute to the rating even if I don't mention it in the review. Consistently updated!
Playtime: 12+ hrs worth, I'd say | Rating: 10/10
I have so much to say about this game. I love it, and it is definitely something I'd pay for if it wasn't free. When I first started playing, I was kind of wary and thought about uninstalling it just because the way that Lucette was acting and her attitude disgusted me. Though that's the point. She develops ALOT throughout each route and becomes a better, more tolerable person. All of the routes are great and all of the boys are very likeable, and the story is very in-depth and well developed. The characters are all unique and fun to interact with even if they are evil. This is a game necessary for any otome/romance buff to play.
Playtime: 15m | Rating: 8/10
I really like this game and the concept. It is definitely a dark game, but it also has a good message underneath all of the worrisome comments both the player and doctor make. I like the doctor character, he is cold, calculated, and sadistically sympathetic. There are 4 endings, and it is pretty easy to get all of them I think. However, that doesn't mean that this game is 'easy'. It most definitely isnt easy on the psyche. Anyway, I like the game alot.
Playtime: 1hr-2hrs for getting every ending | Rating: 8/10
I played the game to get every ending, and my favorites were definitely Adrien's romance end and Chester's good end. The Adrien route just felt kind of melancholy to me for some reason, and I also really liked his character. Chester is also very cute and I like how Ellis interacts with him. All of the characters I feel are realistic and definitely are the main reason the game is worth playing. I also like the art alot and the secondary characters.
Playtime: 20m | Rating: 4/10
I think the whole idea is very original when it comes to otome/visual novels, with it being based on Frankenstein and being able to actually create your own boyfriend. However, I have to say I don't really like the characters (specifically Dr. Frank..). I also found the gameplay itself too confusing (when going on the scavenger hunt) and had to watch a couple walkthroughs. Maybe that is my own problem, though. I also can't say the art was my favorite, but that's my own taste as well.
Playtime: 20m | Rating: 7/10
This is in alpha, not even demo, so it's expected and understood that there are some glitches in the game and some chopiness. I do anticipate the completed version because I like the concept. I like the interactions with the 3 different characters at the bar and how you can create your own things to say out of set words/combos in order to mold your experience. I would play this if I were you, and I wouldn't let the fact its in alpha scare you away! It's visually appealing and the soundtrack is nice.
Playtime: ~30m per episode | Rating: 10/10
I love this novel so much! Literally everything about it is perfect. The characters, storyline(s), art and soundtrack are so original and put together well. It is still a WIP but it always leaves you on the edge of your seat for the next chapter release/update. It seems to update on a roughly monthly basis.
Playtime: I took me 3hrs... but, it depends. Alot. | Rating: 10/10
Truly the WORST dating sim I've ever played. There is no save function. There is only one correct choice for every set of choices, and if you pick the wrong one; game over. There are also ALOT of choices, so... there's that. The "True Ending" or finale or whatever you want to call it is a bad end. There is no good end. But, all of the characters are... cute, awesome, and would beat you up without warning. Except Mochi, but he still could if he wanted to. This game is worth the excrutiating 3 hours of trying to get to the ending... but if there wasn't a skip function, that number would be much higher.
Playtime: ~1hr per route | Rating: 9/10
I really like this game! Seraphinite always has great stories when it comes to their vns, that are consistent and well-crafted for the universe. Amesbury's route is my personal favorite, with his alter-ego and personality, but all of the routes are very different and offer whole new situations and decisions. A lot of work was definitely put into this game and it pays off. There is something new with every ending, decision, and action, and that is definitely something I appreciate. Definitely play this game if you are okay with/enjoy historical settings!
Playtime: 10m per character | Rating: 8/10
I think this game is beautiful. It is simple and light, while also dark and layered. Of course, the layers Im talking about are up to you to decipher and fill in gaps with. You can pick between playing as the woman or the man, and in either case you will get to assign the names of both characters. The dialogue is sparse, but the entire time you are being shown thoughts from the chosen character. By playing both, you get the most out of the story. You see how hopeless and hopeful they both get during the apocalypse, in a car ride to nowhere in particular. It is a meaningful premise, in a way. Not very long, but it doesn't need to be.
Playtime: 5-10m per ending | Rating: 7/10
I enjoyed Liar Liar 2 more so than I did Liar Liar, if I'm being honest. I like the characters in this one more, specifically Tohru and Akira, whose endings definitely prove they are worthy of being called yanderes. Tanaka's comeback is expected but not unwelcome, and he has a good presence to him in the sequel. You don't get to play as Yukari the whole time, since the decision making switches between her and Tanaka. However, it actually adds alot to the game. Worth a play, and is very short.
Playtime: 10-15m | Rating: 6/10
While I prefer the sequel, it is necessary to play Liar Liar if you want to enjoy Liar Liar 2 and the Liar Liar 2 revamped demo, for backstory if nothing else. The art is cute and the game definitely took off, which an abundance of gaming channels and commentary channels playing the game on YouTube. It is a novelty, I think, and is almost a requirement for users who frequent Itch io to play. The premise is original, or was at the time, and I don't have a reason not to play it, I just don't personally find myself enthralled by this vn.
Playtime: <20m | Rating: 6/10
I feel more-or-less indifferent about this game. I like the characters, but I feel like something is missing. It may just be that I cannot personally relate and do not find anything explicitly striking, but I don't feel like I would play it again. At the same time, I don't regret or dismiss playing it at all. I guess it depends if you are able to sit through two people squabbling in DnD character voices while being the one to hold them together. If you can do that, then you'll like the game. I would play it again just for the characters alone, though.
Playtime: 5-10m | Rating: 7/10
Not much to say, but I love this! So simple and chill, the graphics are cute. Wish there were more activities to prolong it!
Playtime: <15m | Rating: 7/10
A simple play-in-browser game that allows you to just get your mind off things and have a faux conversation with a faux friend... I only say faux because, obviously, they aren't real. Can get kind of deep, but still chill nonetheless. Enjoyable and quick play!
Playtime: 20-30m? | Rating: 6.75/10
Unlike most visual novels where there are few options, I was satisfied and entertained by this one. I love the art and the contrasting color palettes as Jamie enters and exits the portal. The group chat characters are funny and relatable, and the characters in the other world are the perfect balance of oblivious and aware. There are certain things they clearly dont understand, and others that make sense for them to get. I like Jamie's gender-neutral character design and their character was pretty realistic for being an apathetic young adult/teenager. Short and sweet game.
Playtime: Varies person-to-person | Rating: 6/10
Great! Original, funny, nicely organized, all-in-all worth the quick play. Better as an app. This description is outdated and will be updated
Playtime: <15m per route | Rating: 6/10
All of the characters are cool and adorable, but I wish they had more activities or dialogue (Like the Vinegar and Baezal routes). Nami did a great job with everything, which is usual for them! I have to say that I could judge this harsher, but I think there is something special about this tiny game that makes it worth playing.
Playtime: 10m | Rating: 5/10
I downloaded this off of steam, unknowing of the fact that it was offered on itch.io. It's super cute and has a solid aesthetic. The setting is nice, and I love the story line. It's a bit plain for my taste, but that's my personal opinion! Worth the download.
Playtime: ~5m | Rating: 4/10
This is a fast, unique experience. Takes about 5 minutes, and has a good idea behind it. However, the text is hard to read and too... smooshed? Impact font really wasn't that awesome of a choice. It kind of takes away from the calm atmosphere. The game is just text-based and in-browser, but still good for filling empty time nonetheless. Good story, and might be awesome as a full-fledged visual novel w/ graphics and different endings and whatnot.
Playtime: 3m | Rating: 3/10
This is a cute game, but I was expecting a little more than just fruitless questions. However, I can't really blame Snackpai as it is a free game. The art is nice, the idea is good, and its all-in-all fine for a couple minutes of mindless enjoyment.
Playtime: Estimated 10m | Rating: 2/10
Kind of sucks. Nice art though. I don't recommend it unless you like not having options. And being yelled at.
Playtime: <10m | Rating: 1.5/10
I dont have much to say about this one... the layout is good enough, but I dont especially enjoy the storyline or dialogue, and the icons for the contacts are unnaturally square. But, it's.. fine, I guess?
Playtime: I have no clue | Rating: -50/10
I had no idea what was going on. I dont know if it was because of that or the fact that I tried to play this later at night, but I got kind of scared. I rarely get scared. I may just be an idiot. Anyway, I dont reccomend this game. I probably shouldn't even put it in this collection, but it's for educational and organizational purposes. At least, that's what I tell myself.