@@KhanMann66 yeah it's such a shame tsukihime remake didn't get release to the west, well seeing how popular fate franchise is, i'm pretty sure they gonna reconsider it
I’m so happy to see Fata Morgana on this list!! It’s one of my favorite stories of all time. The Gothic and historic elements, the stunning art, the haunting, lyrical music, the intrigue, the mystery, the searingly human themes and characters… I’ve cried thanks to this visual novel more times than I can count. The characters don’t even feel fictional; they feel like people in all their tragedies, hopes, and faults. The writing is so immensely personal to each of them, like a brutally honest diary. Everyone’s perspective is delved into in all of their biases, prejudices, feelings, and terrible faults. Though the visual novel is the very definition of slowburn in its setting, plot, and tension, it is more than worth it if you’re willing to pay attention to details and patterns in each story. In the months since I’ve finished it, its affective storytelling is still ever-present in my mind. I can’t give it a more glowing recommendation. As an aspiring writer, I endeavor to exemplify the uniquely empathetic and human narrative present in the story. If any of this sounds even slightly interesting to you, I BEG YOU to give it a try. At this point, I’m desperate for people to recognize its merit and expose themselves to the vulnerable, personal, emotional story at its center.
it's so rare to see a fata morgana fan 🥲, I still have the ost Giselle and Cicio on my spotify and everytime i hear them i feel the same way as I had when I was reading it for the first time.
Addendum: This list was ranked using VNDB's Bayasian Average scoring method. Addendum #2: As of 6/11/23, the list has changed due to VNDB changing their ranking metrics. This list is still a fairly good listing of top visual novels in the medium however.
While I love FSN, I think Hollow Ataraxia might be one of my favorites as a fan of the series. It manages to pull off an interesting story as well as have a fan service aspect that lets you get to know other characters (including those who didn't get a lot of time in the og vn). Highly recommend for anyone who enjoyed FSN.
I actually prefer Hollow Ataraxia to FSN. Sure it has a lot of fan service in there, and sometimes it meanders about due to the nature of its storytelling, but I think it's ultimately the more interesting visual novel experience. Also, it serves as "Medusa route," and she's way more interesting there than in FSN. Not to mention Caren, Bazett, and a certain other protagonist are all excellent characters in their own right.
@@nicholas_bolas2018 There is sadly no official release for HA. If you google "Play Hollow Ataraxia" you should find what you need in order to play it.
While the 07th-mod patch for Umineko is serviceable, I would actually go a step further and instead recommend either the PC patch by The Umineko Project instead, or playing the Switch version with associated translation patch on a hacked or emulated Switch, if that option is available to you. The Umineko Project and Switch versions both add back in things such as proper lip syncing, sprite/background/rain animations, song subtitles, line jumps within the backlog, and several other features that are missing from the base Steam version due to the engine that Mangagamer decided to release the game on.
It's made me so happy to see more and more people checking out The House in Fata Morgana since it's Switch release because when I first read it years ago, I knew it would be something really special for me. And it's only reinstated that personal distinction on subsequent re-reads. I also agree it's one of the easiest to recommend to those outside the anime/VN sphere, female and/or lgbt+ audiences, etc... so long as they are readers in general (aka are willing to invest a bit of time haha) and can handle certain subject matter.
Man idk what it is, I tried repeatedly and just can't get into Fata Morgana. I get like 3 hours in and just doesn't hook me at all. I think it's gonna end up being my VN equivalent of Madmen, where I recognize there's amazing writing in it but it just doesn't do it for me.
Subahibi and Umineko are the best visual novels to me, but Sakura no Uta genuinely touched my heart like not other VN. Maybe because in a twisted and unexpected way, I relate to Naoya, whose view on beauty and talent mirrors my life experiences. It is truly an incomparable experience.
I was confused at first why it's 14 VNs, but then I saw that both parts of Umineko are in the top 15 Also, thanks for the list. I've been having decision paralysis about which VNs to start with, and this seems like a good way to help clear that up.
for now ive read the house in fata morgana (the only visual novel i played ever) and ive loved it so much that now im interested in the genre and searching new games, ty for making this video
Played Muv-Luv about half a year ago and it was genuinely one of the best things I've ever read. I still think about it every so often. I just started Fate a few days ago and it's been pretty good too.
The House in Fata Morgana is life altering, I cannot recommend it enough. I've read through it multiple times and im moved every time! Incredible read!!
Subahibi has to have one of the best(or the best) opening scene to a visual novel. Nothing beats a rooftop, black frilly dress and a smoke. Also my favorite vn e.e
So far I've just read 4 of these: Higurashi, Umineko, Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth, Muv-Luv Alternative. And I thought all of them were great in their own way. Each really drew me into their worlds through their mix of tense stories and character development. I do have a few others in my backlog: Baldr Sky, Clannad, The House in Fata Morgana, and Steins;Gate. My backlog is pretty big right now, so it may be a while before I get to them, but I'm really looking forward to all of them. And I do want to read as man of them as possible, but again my backlog (and VNs I want but haven't purchased yet) means it will take a long time before then, if ever.
As someone who plays both, Do you think I should start With Higurashi or Umineko? as a Mystery genre which do you think succeed more in their goal of keeping suspense?
@@kraney195 If you're planning to read both, you may want to start with Higurashi. They're separate stories, and I wouldn't say Umineko requires Higurashi to make sense, but it can definitely enhance the experience, since there are a few nods back to it. From a mystery standpoint, I think Umineko's the best though. Both are good, but Umineko really leans into that side of things, and I'd say does it really well overall (though there may be parts that you could have issues with).
@@soulscyther666 Oh, they're both high on my lists of VNs to read. I am reading Chaos;Head Noah right now, so I'll obviously want to wait until afterwards for Steins;Gate. Really excited for both though.
Steins;Gate vs. Umineko is where I typically end up with for my top spot, and it's hard to keep it to just the VN comparison since one got probably the greatest anime adaptation a VN ever got and the other... well the less said about it the better. But for Umineko to be in that conversation alone should tell you how much I love it.
@@AngeVNs Is that all in English though, and is all of it even well translated. There are plenty of great VNs out there that either don't have an English translation or do have one but has been advised by Japanese readers as being poor quality.
Aesthetically and storywise the house in fata morgana stands in a tier of its own. Unlike most of the vns on the list this one does not rely on abstract concept or metaphysical stuff to aid in its storytelling.
utawarerumono series is indeed an absolute banger, never really interacted with others about visual novels but binging these type of videos is really fun and makes me kinda want to find some people to talk about these type of games.
The Devil on G-String is also genuinely great although I despise the MC most of the time. I also think people are not giving Chaos;Head enough credit. Yes, the world is less fleshed out than in Steins;Gate, but it does some genuinely creative stuff with it's delusion system and the MC Taku is an absolute character study of hikkikomori and social anxiety. No VN simulates losing your mind better.
@@gilroyscopa The issue with C;H at least for me is that while the first half does a fantastic job of ratcheting up the tension and paranoia surrounding the events taking place. The second half mostly consists of info-dumps, and leads to an ending that felt rushed and tropey at least in my eyes.
@@Lokd0wn Yeah, you're probably right. Still, I like how little you know what is real and what isn't at times, once the obvious delusion-transitions stop.
@@gilroyscopa Oh yeah, if someone wanted to make the arguement that C;H has the best opening chapters of all the Sci;Adv stories I could definitely see where they're coming from. As while to me the likes of S;G and C;C have better story and characters overall. The setup done by C;H is masterfully done, just a shame they could only sort of stick the landing. It should be noted that I haven't read the C;H Noah routes yet. The official translation is apparently pretty bad. And there's still some contention as to whether the CoZ patch translation is all that good. But I am aware of what happens in the Noah routes as a friend who knows Japanese gave me Cliff Notes of them a few years ago. And none of them seemed particularly outstanding, aside from the revelation about one of the characters in a route ending that completely flips some stuff in C;C on it's head.
Great list! I'm reading through Wonderful Everyday right now but I still have many of those you mentioned to catch up to. Some are already installed on my PC. The hardest part now is deciding which to read after.
Fata Morgana is a masterpiece. I’m a big fan of the Danganronpa Trilogy as well, and I’ve watched Steins Gate and SG0. I’ve seen the visual novels Katawa Shoujo and DDLC. I really want to check out Umineko and White album 2.
I just finished getting all the Rance X routes and endings today. Man it's so peak. The Rance series is sooooooooooo long but the payoff in X is so damn worth it. I can't wait for the English release so my fellow Rance fans can experience the culmination of characterization, lore, and worldbuilding they established throughout the whole series.
Man, such a great video. I sometimes browse through vndb but it's hard to set expectations with the ambiguous summaries in there. But here you have made me excited to play every single one of these (save for Higurashi which I already finished and Umineko which I'm about to). Saving this video as a tbr of sorts
Personally saying I recommend Paranormasight The 7 legends of Honjo in this it's a recent game which came out a few months ago and Istg this game is just mind blowing the story, characters, plot twists was just perfect I finished it recently it's a solid 10/10 on story
To anyone who's enjoyed steins gate, I highly recommend the rest of the visual novels in the science adventure series, steins gate takes part in a shared universe of other phenomenal vn's. Chaos Head Noah is its prequel that takes place a year before and is the very first vn in the series, and I personally favour it over steins gate.
@@tallesrodrigues5994 the only timeline that exists currently Is the steins gate world line , every entry takes place on this world line except chaos head since that came out before sg and takes place before it. There isn't quite parallel universes but world layers are a concept from the series
I also prefer Chaos;Head (I played the OG ver) over steins gate As great as steins;gate is it gets pretty predictable in the middle. At least Chaos;Head remain unpredictable 90% through the game and you can actually feel MC Paranoia seeping into your brain The resolution is really weak tho. The initial concept hardcarries it till the end but they thrown it to trash for finale. Honestly I think it'll be much better if Chaos;Head just make the MC insane and let us sit in his brain the whole way. I mean it's a real cool concept, playing as insane person, choose which delusion he's gonna see and watch him either went full insane, get better or in between
Well I have steins;gate and the whole muv-luv collection but haven’t played either yet. I did watch the steins;gate anime though, and it is one of my favorites. I’m not sure how I feel about visual novels yet cause I kinda hate reading. 😂 if I read it’s usually an encyclopedia, anime, or textbook, but if I read anything nonfiction I can take a good fantasy/scifi romance.
To add on MuvLuv Alternative, to quote on one of the reviews in VNDB: MuvLuv Extra introduces you to the characters MuvLuv Unlimited introduces you to the world MuvLuv Alternative ties both together It truly is a grand story that refuses to leave as I finished playing it last January and to this day I keep listening to its damn soundtrack like its some damn good cocaine.
@@kraney195 You may consider it like that. So far the studio that made the core MuvLuv series (MuvLuv and MuvLuv Alternative) has made like three major spinoffs and a lot of minor ones that were based on the MuvLuv Alternative universe. Also for people who just heard about MuvLuv, to not get confused, MuvLuv Extra and Unlimited are not two separate games and are merged together in one game just titled MuvLuv.
So I'm reading Steins Gate and currently at chapter 6, it has been really fun to read and it is definitely huge improvement in both production quality and story compared to Chaos Head. But from what I have read so far it seems overhyped. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love Rintaro (he is very likeable) and the others, so I will see after finishing the whole game.
Just keep on reading. I struggled a bit to continue during the first half. Then it became my most favorite vn and re-read it several times. Also make sure to read all the different routes.. one of them was so freaking shocking to me :)
Steins;gate has absolutely atrocious pacing. the people who manage to stick with it get rewarded with a very exciting second half, that honestly makes it hard to stop reading.
@@AlkonKomm As a science nerd the bad pacing didn't matter to me at all. All that riddling over what's happening was fun to me. Plus: I'd attend Kurisus' lectures every day.
@@MrEDET Hey. So I kept reading and finally finished it 2 days ago. Now I have some free time on my hands, I might as well share my opinion (I have no one else around me who reads/plays visual novels). SPOILERS FOR STEINS; GATE: So, basically I read the first entry in the franchise Chaos; Head like a year ago, it was interesting but I hated the protagonist, though he did redeem himself in the later parts. I have been hearing so much about this and Umineko for so long, so I decided to finally read it despite my upcoming exams (my big mistake). I started and read 5 hours straight on weekends cause Kurisu. But my experience got distorted because I was able to read only like 20 minutes on weekdays. The beginning was pretty great for me, though I had a lot of questions but all of them got answered in the later sections as it was the case with Subahibi. Steins; Gate is a huge improvement from Chaos Head in all aspects like production quality, art, story and characters. I absolutely loved all the characters and their interactions (but I want more Kurisu and Okarin). Okarin is a great protagonist probably my top 3. Kurisu- the best girl, the best assistant. I oved her online toxic personality. Endings: Suzuha Ending - I think this ending is most wasted when it had a great potential. It felt kinda short to me, I was really interested in how Okabe was getting mentally broken and started listening to his intrusive thoughts such as seeing Daru almost get hit by a car. I was hoping they would explore it more, but it got rushed. Faris Ending - I didn't expect much, but I liked Faris in the end. Good route. I loved how everyone is alive, but no one knows Okabe and it was probably the happiest ending. Luka Ending - Wait, did they just sacrifice Mayuri and just kept on going? Mayuri Ending - it was great, but why Kurisu? Kurisu Ending - same with Mayuri Route, but double the pain. True Ending - I was kinda disappointed that Kurisu was not saved, so I got really happy when Okarin was given a chance to save her. Big Mistake, Okabe got traumatized, he didn't deserve it honestly. This is easily the best ending and is among my most satisfying endings because of that final interaction with Kurisu. My complaints are that Okabe can be real dense sometimes, such as talking about Time Travel Machine in Public places (like that time Faris heard). I mean dude learn some self restraint, you hacked into one of the biggest organizations on Earth and you are talking about openly? Also, he allowed anyone to become a lab mem and send messages which was kinda fine, but letting them send D-mails without knowing its contents was stupid imo. Plot twists were not good as in other vns like 999 or When they cry series, they were kinda easy to figure out like Suzuha being Daru's daughter, I mean she went to the same event as Daru saying she will meet her father there and they have similar hair color. Also, I knew Okabe was involved Kurisu's death because she said in the very beginning of the game that Okabe wanted to talk to her in private and then she gets killed mysteriously. Finally, not enough CGs of Okabe, I mean it would have been much more impactful in serious situations if we could see Okabe suffering like we did with that CG of him holding Kurisu's dead body. Well, I think I talked too much, overall it was enjoyable and fun, though not enough Kurisu for me. I will watch anime sometime in the future and see how it holds up (though they rarely do).
Super impressed with the video! It's a fantastic introduction to all of these highly regarded VNs I've known of for so many years, but most of them never read and for some, didn't even have a good grasp of what they were. Makes me want to pick one up again. Also very clean presentation and editing. Subscribed!
awesome video, it was exactly what i was looking for about a year ago when i started looking for vn’s to read. I hope this helps new readers trying to dip their toes. any of these vn’s are amazing entrances into the genre.
Muv-Luv Alternative was the first one for me, and the one that I actually finished the whole way through. The military themed apocalypse setting is the ideal fit for my interests. It's the first, and the perfect one for me, that until today I struggle to find another VN that can match it.
baldr sky was actually the first Visual novel i ever played and Complete it .....still bare special place in my heart ...and ironically the review of that game was first video from you i ever watched ...funny i know
It sadly to see not even a single popular romance long time ago visual novel make it like Dracu-riot , Noble Work from yuzusoft and Hapymaher , Amatsutsumi or Cyanotype Daydream from Laplacian which is very popular but not make it to the list
Awesome video as usual, and fantastic list! I loveee Fata Morgana, the writing is superb, and the music js top-notch. I'm so glad i got the CE for the switch. I have SakuUta as well, it'll just take me double the time to read because my Japanese isnt quite there yet. But I know it'll be worth it, Subahibi waa worth it too. I have yet to start Umineko and Muvluv, but dang, i had no idea i had to read other two games besides the original Muvluv to start Alternative 😅. Great work!
Fate Stay Night was my first "real" VN ever, and Steins;Gate was the second. I've read Muv Luv Alternative too (and yes, I've read Extra + Unlimited before reading it), as well as Umineko. That's it as far as VNs that I finished from the list. I've read a bit of House in Fata Morgana but decided to stop, I might come back to it one day, but not soon. Overall this list is clearly based on the VNDB rankings, but you're doing a great job at describing each entry. You must be very well-read in VNs!
Muv luv was #1 for the longest time on vndb, unfortunately it isn't nearly as popular as steins gate. Steins gate has a really good anime to help it, wish we had the same for muv luv lol
If I have to describe the feeling of reading The House in Fata Morgana it's this --- your heart being pulled right out of your chest, smacked & repeatedly trampled on the floor into many pieces, and then placed into a grinder 'til you reach the most happiest chapter that rewards you for going through all that pain and suffering. In all that, I applaud this VN for its rich, beautiful art, music and storytelling. Hell, even when I thought I've had the mystery all figured out, it slaps my face with an unexpected reveal on various levels. Hence, this has become one of my favorites. As for Sakura no Uta, it's too bad that there's no English patch for it. I'm still in the middle of reading Subahibi, and despite its disturbing situations, the VN does leave a lasting impression in my head (currently just finished the most vile of scenes that involved Zakuro and damn, that was rough). Lastly, I have to mention Higanbana no Saku Yoru ni. This is one title that's also good with its storytelling aspect, but how I wish it would get the same treatment as Higurashi when it comes to being given the option of changing its art style.
The only criticism I had was only at near the end where our protag is treated like a Mary sue Christ figure and just constantly preaches while everybody just bow down to him out of character, it's like naruto's talk no jutsu his opponents away. Im also not a big fan of it's spiritual and supernatural aspect of it, something which also got more prominent at the end, that's maybe why I prefer it's more grounded prequel Requiem.... So do you have any recommendations similar to that? Best I could find is Aiyoku no Eustia
@@kraney195Well the entire point of that last part was that no one actually wanted to do what they were doing they just thought they had to and were being stubborn. Plus it wasn't real anyway
Awesome list and nice detail to each title. By the Utawarerunomo has also a very good RPG on steam, Mobius, that makes use of some of important characters in an earlier era. Also for Muv-Luv I recommend seeing at least Total Eclipse, since it managed to actually rival(but not win) Alternative for the best in the series.. Personally my TOP would be 1. Muv-luv series(there is a lot of quality on the rest too making it a huge stash of quality VNs) 2. Utawarerumono series + Mobius 3. Baldr Sky 4. Steins Gate series and 5. Sunrider series (has its negatives too but the good heavily outweigh the bad)
As someone who watched the anime years before playing, strong yes. I am continuously impressed by the pacing and how well-written it is. It can be frustrating at times, but you have to understand who the characters are and all of the flaws that they have. All of the build up makes it more cathartic when things start developing.
Make sure to do the side routes in closing chapter before doing the main route on it, even if you don't like the character. It shows sides of other characters that you don't see in the main route and really fleshes them out
As far as I understand, the While Album 2 anime only covered the opening chapter part of the story, which is merely 10-15% of it lol. The other 85% is closing chapter and none of that was animated at all.
I took a break from the beginning of episode 7 of umineko. Idk if I should listen to someone read it or just start playing it again. Really good story for sure. I have no idea where to begin to slove the mystery.
well Grisaia and Akatsuki no Goei trilogies should definitely be up there but people in vnsb really hated how slow it was I loved it though it was hilarious through and through and got serious when it needed to(both trilogies)
i think its time for a top 20 list off vndb. and pls specify its based off visual novels meta critic or my anime list because some ppl think its a personal opinion
Any chance are you willing to make a video about harem visual novels like clannad, little busters and The fruit of grisia? Im looking for other romance, harem series and didnt see a video on your channel.
Although I think the the Steins Gate anime is a lot better than the VN, Something I don't see people mention is how beautiful the Steins Gate VN art is. I've never seen such a beautiful and interesting way of drawing VN art anywhere else. Also RYUKISHI IS THE GOAT! UMINEKO BEATS EVERYTHING ELSE ON THIS LIST! Also also I really gotta play wonderful everyday and Fata Morgana at some point. Also also also you really got me interested in Muv-Luv Alternative. Definitely on my plan to read list now. Good video.
Hopefully the English community can play Sakura no uta some day as the Spanish community made it, it really is a new experience and a visual novel on its own league in every single technical aspects.
If you think game preservation is already bad enough, look how many of the best and most influential visual novels are either completely unavailable or only in Japan, it's really depressing... There isn't a single fate visual novel available easily on steam...
I grew up with anime as the first form of media I loved. Viewing such series as the OG Dragon Ball and Pokémon at the young age of 5-years old. Around 10 years later, I viewed what I still regard as my favorite piece of fiction ever. That being HxH the 2011 version. Not long after I got into the Fate series but the HxH anime is what largely solidified my taste in media. Compelling me to shift perspective and get into the Manga format of my favorite series (since the HxH manga is still ongoing). The reservations I had towards comics had all but dissipated as it is now my main preference for consuming narratives. That experience back in 2016 was incredibly influential and now I've even picked up the habit of reading novels based on what I know I like. Visual Novels, however, are still quite the daunting hurdle for me to get over. These recommendations and my recent discovery of your channel, however, should prove favorable in incentivising an earnest attempt in my playing through these stories. I'm incredibly happy to have found your channel and hope to find more about your interests by staying a subscriber and seeing what you read next. Btw, probably a farfetched question, but have you viewed or played through any queer stories you'd recommend? Not to identity dump, but I'm a gay dude who has an innate desire to view quality queer stories. It's difficult enough with anime/ manga (not so much with movies or novels) so I was just wondering if you had any experience with VN's that fit that category. Thanks for the awesome content ✌🏾
Thanks~! I haven't read too many of those types of VNs before. But I will direct you over to itch(.)io for that genre. LGBTQ+ works are popular over there from my limited knowledge!
Believe it or not somehow the only thing I've heard about Steins;Gate is that it's the only game Joseph Anderson has dropped and refuses to ever pick back up.
I’m currently on Tsukihime because I wanted to start playing Melty blood with context and I laughed the moment I was 1/4th realizing it is about to release an official English game on switch and stuff 😂
