'Danganronpa' is also a great pick. It's a mystery - focused visual novel where you have to solve murders in a school setting filled with unique and often eccentric characters. The gameplay combines elements of exploration, deduction, and courtroom battles which makes it really engaging.
'To the Moon' is an excellent non - anime visual novel. It has a very heartwarming story about two old men traveling through memories to fulfill a dying wish. The art style is simple yet charming, and the music is extremely moving, which greatly enhances the overall emotional experience.
A good option is 'Seduce Me the Otome'. It has a fun and romantic story with appealing characters in an anime - like art style. 'SoulSet' is another free to play anime visual novel that focuses on a unique world - building and has a diverse cast of characters. 'Cinders' is also worth checking out. It's a re - imagining of the Cinderella story in the form of an anime visual novel, with different choices leading to various endings.
The art style is also important. It should be appealing and distinct from anime. It can be more realistic or have a unique cartoonish style that gives the visual novel its own identity. And of course, the option to make choices that lead to different endings gives the player a sense of control and replayability.
I would recommend 'Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc'. It's not anime - style in the sense of being a traditional anime adaptation but has a distinct visual novel feel. It has a mystery - filled plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out the culprit in a series of murders. 'To the Moon' is also a wonderful non - anime visual novel. It tells a heartwarming and deeply emotional story about love and memory. The art style is simple yet effective in conveying the story's poignancy.
There's 'The Royal Trap'. It's set in a fictional kingdom and involves a lot of political intrigue and romance. The art style is appealing and the story is quite immersive. Also, 'Sundered: Echos of the Past' is a great free visual novel. It has a post - apocalyptic setting and follows the journey of a young survivor. The plot twists and character development are really well - done in this one.
One popular non - anime gay visual novel is 'Coming Out On Top'. It has an engaging story and well - developed characters. The gameplay involves making choices that affect the outcome of the story.
One popular non - anime visual novel is 'The Witcher' series. It offers a rich story with complex characters and moral choices. Another is 'Life Is Strange', which is known for its engaging plot about a girl with time - reversing powers. 'Gone Home' is also great. It focuses on exploring a family mystery through the environment and objects in a house.
One good free visual novel is 'Doki Doki Literature Club'. It has an interesting storyline with multiple endings. However, it does have some disturbing themes later on, so be cautious. Another great option is 'Katawa Shoujo'. It focuses on the lives of disabled students and their relationships, with beautiful art and engaging plots.
GOG.com is also worth considering. It has a selection of visual novels that are DRM - free. This means you can download and play them without any digital rights management restrictions. Additionally, some visual novel developers have their own official websites where they sell or even give away their visual novels for free. You can find these by searching for the names of well - known visual novel developers online.
For beginners, 'Katawa Shoujo' is a good start. It has an accessible story and it's a great introduction to the world of visual novels. It focuses on the relationships between characters in a school setting.