5 Visual Novels That Let You Choose Your Own Story
Imagine being the protagonist in your favourite books. From being sandwiched in the middle of a love triangle, picking up a cold case, or getting up close and personal with things that go bump in the night — the possibilities are endless.
Visual novels offer an immersive and interactive way to explore these stories, deviating from the conventional “one-way road to the end” approach. Torn between two choices? That is the essence of a visual novel: where readers can choose and plot their own journey!
We’ve put together a list of recommended visual novels based on five popular genres, from an action-packed thriller, a riveting romance to a spine-tingling mystery.
Genre 1: Thriller
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The break-out hit young adult trilogy, The Hunger Games, features a deadly contest with plenty of traps and high stakes that leaves readers glued to the pages, waiting for the next twist. First published in September 2008, the trilogy centres around a teenager, Katniss Everdeen, living in dystopian Panem’s 12th District. Since the failed rebellion against the corrupt Capitol, one boy and one girl from all 12 districts must be sacrificed via an annual lottery to take part in the Hunger Games, a televised battle royale. When Primrose Everdeen gets reaped that year, Katniss decides to volunteer in her place as tribute to take part in the 74th Games. Paired up with Peeta Mellark, a male tribute, they compete against the other contestants, who are just as desperate as them to win.
Get the book here: eBook
Visual Novel — Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
Much like The Hunger Games, Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair has a large cast of characters that you could befriend and form alliances with, and a bloody battle royale to the death. When the ultimate goal is survival, you’ll need to keep your wits and plot strategically.
In Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair, players are transferred from the dark hallways of Hope Peak’s Academy to the remote Jabberwocky Island, where the students have been left to fend for themselves by Usami, a rabbit mascot. Things take a turn for the worse, as the school principal decides to lock down the island and prevent any student from escaping. The only way for them to get out: participate in his ‘Killing Game’, and get away with manslaughter.
Play it here.
Genre 2: Romance
Emma by Jane Austen
First published in 1815, this classic romance novel chronicles the misadventures of a young society woman, Emma Woodhouse. She considers herself an exceptional matchmaker, from her previous success involving her governess and a widower. Emma’s good friend, Mr Knightley, disapproves of her continuous meddling in others’ love lives and when she tries setting up her new friend, Harriet, with somebody suitable, her actions kick off a comedy of errors.
The novel has been adapted into multiple films and shows, including the 2020 Regency period drama, Emma., starring Anya Taylor-Joy, and the modernised 1995 reboot Clueless.
Get the book here: Physical copy, eBook, Audiobook
Visual Novel — Tears of Themis
Tears of Themis may look like a generic dating simulator at first glance, but it certainly isn’t. The protagonist is no damsel in need of rescuing. Much like Emma, she is an ambitious woman with a headstrong personality, setting her apart from your typical protagonist.
Created by Hoyoverse, also known for their breakout hit Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail, Tears of Themis is a futuristic detective romance set in 2030. You step into the shoes of an unnamed female defense lawyer (with a nickname you can customise), working at Themis Legal Office. The mystery unfolds across a few chapters, and in the process, the protagonist gets assistance in the form of handsome love interests.
Play it here.
Genre 3: Mystery
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
While the Orient Express makes its voyage across Europe, an American tycoon is viciously killed and left for dead in his compartment. To make matters worse, a snowdrift has halted the train in its tracks while en route through the Balkans. What should have been a relaxing vacation for world-famous detective Hercule Poirot turns into a tense race against time as he finds himself isolated with twelve potential suspects aboard the train. Poirot will have to solve the mystery fast, before the killer strikes again.
Get the book here: Physical copy, eBook, Audiobook
Visual Novel — 7Days!
Like Murder on the Orient Express, the protagonist in 7Days! races against time, with only, well, seven days to complete her own quest — unravel her past, and come back alive.
Instead of a world-weary detective like Poirot, in 7Days, we have a young girl named Kirell, who wakes up in a room and discovers that all her memories are gone. The God of Death, Charon, informs her of the fact that she has died and gives her seven days to complete a mission so she may return to the world of the living. The road to life is challenging as Kirell encounters people who will either prove helpful, or staunchly prevent her from reaching her goal.
Play it here.
Genre 4: Horror
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Dr John Montague, a researcher hoping to prove the legitimacy of parapsychology, invites a small group of people to stay in Hill House. An old and dilapidated manor, Hill House is infamous for supernatural occurrences. The group that the researcher enlists have to spend three months within its crumbling walls, just as their long-kept secrets and troubled pasts catch up to all of them.
The book has been adapted into a 10-episode Netflix series, bringing the creepy and tense atmosphere onscreen.
Get the book here: Physical copy, eBook
Visual Novel — Scarlet Hollow
Both The Haunting of Hill House and Scarlet Hollow are set in old dilapidated mansions, a remote town, and feature a terrifying supernatural enigma at its centre. The stories even veer into psychological horror territory, with a looming sense of dread that never seems to go away.
Scarlet Hollow is a visual novel developed by indie studio Black Tabby Games, with the first episode released in 2020. As the protagonist, you are tasked to travel back to your sprawling ancestral home, located in the fictional Appalachian town. Tabitha Scarlet, your estranged cousin, wants you there to attend a funeral for a late relative. While spending time with your family and the local mining community, a sinister secret lurks, threatening to put you and an entire town in jeopardy.
One unique thing about Scarlet Hollow is that it is hand-drawn by the award-winning graphic novelist Abby Howard. Within the game, you get to design your protagonist beyond just naming them; you get to select their personality traits. Yes, you can even equip yourself with the ability to “talk to animals” or develop a “keen eye”. These choices will play a huge role in how you strike up partnerships with the townspeople, your shot at falling in love, and subsequent narrative pathways over four chapters.
Play it here.
Genre 5: Classic
Gris Grimly’s Frankenstein by Gris Grimly
The iconic gothic science-fiction novel has received a more animated update and is brought back to life as a graphic novel adaptation. This version of Frankenstein pairs Mary Shelley’s text with Gris Grimly’s vivid illustrations to deliver a unique blend of steampunk and gothic not seen in the original novel. The graphic novel follows the three volumes in the 1818 text, all while treating a new generation of readers to a fresh revision of this enduring classic.
Get the book here: Physical copy, eBook
Visual Novel — Jekyll & Hyde
Similar to Gris Grimly’s Frankenstein, studio MazM’s Jekyll & Hyde has a uniquely dynamic art style. While not a graphic novel, it offers an updated and playable edition of the novella, set in a gloomily immersive 19th century London. Through both the graphic and visual novel, you’ll experience the respective retellings of these famous classics in easily accessible and engaging formats.
It follows the same narrative beats as the 1886 original novella by Robert Louis Stevenson and expands upon its earliest portrayal, by bringing in different perspectives. What’s more, you can channel your inner sleuth: as you solve puzzles and strategically interact with the characters in-universe, you actively shape the threads of the story, right up to its inevitable plot twist.
Play it here.
Whether you are a curious bookworm or an avid gamer, these story-rich visual novels will keep you glued from the beginning to the end.
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