Looking for a story-driven Steam game where your choices matter? Well, we’ve got you covered with this guide about the top 10 best visual novels on the platform. Whether you like playing detective or living out a simple life, this list can help you find the right one for you. Here is a list of all highly-regarded games that are available on Steam.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Everyone’s favorite attorney at law, Phoenix Wright, had to be the first on this list of the best visual novels. As a player, you’ll take on cases to defend innocent people and collect enough evidence to win the game’s notable “Courtroom Battle.”
Since 2001, the Ace Attorney franchise has gained a loyal fanbase and sold over a million copies due to its fun gameplay and quirky characters. By obtaining this trilogy on Steam, you’ll be able to see the journey of Ace Attorney, Justice For All, and Trials and Tribulations.
Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
After the success of Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, Spike Chunsoft took the story in a new direction with Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair. On the surface, the second installment follows the standard storyline of the franchise, where the player must participate in a dangerous murder game controlled by an evil bear named “Monokuma.”
Like the previous storyline, the only way out is to kill someone and get away with it by convincing fellow students in the game’s many class trials. But, what makes the second installment different from its predecessor is the shocking plot twist that changes the flow of the entire franchise and has even developed more in the anime adaptation.
Doki Doki Literature Club!
When looking around Steam’s various collections, you may have noticed the cute girls of Doki Doki Literature Club! However, you shouldn’t be fooled by this adorable artwork, especially when the description states, “This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.”
The story’s beginning presents itself as a simple visual novel, including mini-games to showcase your English skills and conversations to build relationships. Yet, things take a dark turn when the overall tone of Doki Doki Literature Club! changes dramatically.
Without revealing too much, we’ll leave this matter up to your imagination, and you can find out what happens by playing the game on the platform.
AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative
As another Spike Chunsoft exclusive, AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative tells the story of Special Agents Mizuki and Ryuki as they embark on a new investigation. Alongside this team are their AI partners, Aiba and Tama, who seek to help them in the mysterious “Half Body” serial killings.
This particular case first started six years ago when someone discovered half a body with no possible suspect in sight. But, just when you think the case has gone cold, the second half of the body appears in the present day perfectly intact without any signs of decay.