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.
"A dense cyberpunk visual novel told with real narrative care. Choices matter, routes interlock and the cast grows on readers fast. Not for everyone, but riveting for genre lovers."
"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 My Merry May variation exploring other routes with the same delicacy. The mood stays gentle, the tone warm and certain endings tug at the heart. Complementary to the first."
"A tender, nostalgic summer chronicle carried by delicate writing. The characters take their time and the air hums with naps and cicada song. A visual novel best savored slowly."
