Interactive storytelling, meaningful choices and endearing characters: the visual novel puts the story front and centre. RomWize re-ranks the best games in the genre by its re-evaluated scores, each with its current score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"Tokimeki Memorial 2 is Konami's much-anticipated sequel to the foundational dating simulator. Improved graphics, new heroines and enriched social simulation system. Same depth of gameplay and emotional narrative as its predecessor. A must for bishoujo simulation genre fans in Japan on PS1."
"Imabikisou Kaimei-hen on Wii, Japanese horror game investigating a mysterious place. Disturbing sound novel typical of the Japanese genre, fascinating for Asian horror fans."
"A bold pivot to visual novel and tactics, dark and grown-up. The mature writing and weighty choices draw you in, but long stretches and limited replay value cool the enthusiasm."
"A sentimental visual novel with modern romantic dilemmas. Sincere writing, touching routes and a hushed atmosphere. A moving read for a quiet evening."
"A HAL Laboratory sci-fi visual novel on Famicom. Adult manga atmosphere, stunning visuals for the console, developed narration. Entirely in Japanese. A technical and artistic pinnacle."
"Eve Burst Error, one of the most respected visual novels of the era on Saturn. The dual-protagonist investigation scenario is gripping and well-constructed. A genre benchmark, unfortunately very rare in the West."
"Utawarerumono Mask of Deception, tactical RPG with a high-quality visual novel. The original game's Japanese fantasy universe revisited with superior production. Excellent for genre fans."
"Utawarerumono Mask of Truth, the conclusion of the Mask duology. Delivers on all its narrative promises with an epic finale. Essential if you've played Mask of Deception."
"A visual novel about doujin circles, full of humor and warmth for otaku culture. Lots of routes, lovable characters and genuinely cosy writing. A great quiet evening read."
"A tender summer visual novel with a pastel palette and a simple plot. The routes are gentle, the memories sunlit and the writing measured. A refreshing interlude."
