I think '999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors' is among the best. It has a great mystery setup where you're trapped with eight other people and have to solve puzzles to escape. The story is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.
Well, 'Digimon World: Next Order' is a great isekai visual novel. You get to be in the Digimon world, which is full of adventure. There are lots of Digimon to interact with and train. Another one is 'Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE'. It combines the modern - day Tokyo setting with an otherworldly element in a really cool way. The characters are stylish and the combat is fun.
One of the well - regarded NTR visual novels could be 'Katawa Shoujo'. It has a deep and engaging story that really draws players in. The characters are well - developed and the art style is appealing. Another great one might be 'Clannad'. It's famous for its emotional storylines that can make players experience a wide range of emotions. There's also 'Fate/stay night' which has complex relationships and a rich world - building that makes it stand out in the visual novel genre.
I'd recommend 'Persona 4 Golden' for beginners. The game has a lot of guidance in terms of story progression and the social link system is easy to get into. It also has a great balance between the RPG elements and the visual novel - style storytelling. Another option could be 'Code:Realize - Guardian of Rebirth'. It has a fairly straightforward plot with a lot of charming interactions between the characters. The steampunk world is also very inviting. 'Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds' is also a nice start as it has a beautiful art style and a story that is easy to get invested in.
'The Killing Joke' is a well - known mystery graphic novel in the Batman series. It delves deep into the Joker's origin and his relationship with Batman. The mystery here is not just about the Joker's past but also about what makes him so unpredictable and dangerous. It's a classic that has influenced many other works in the genre.
'The House in Fata Morgana' is a relatively new visual novel that has been highly praised. It has a dark and immersive story that spans different time periods, and the way it reveals the secrets of the house is truly captivating.
The non - anime visual novel 'Baldur's Gate' has an excellent story. It's set in a rich fantasy world with a deep lore. You create your character and embark on an epic adventure filled with political intrigue, battles against powerful foes, and moral dilemmas. Another one is 'Dragon Age: Origins'. It has a complex story that delves into themes like racism, religion, and power struggles within a fantasy realm. The characters are well - developed and your choices have far - reaching consequences.
Sherlock Holmes stories, like 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', are also top - notch. Holmes' brilliant deductive reasoning makes it exciting. He can piece together small clues that others overlook. The atmosphere in the Baskerville case, with the moors and the legend of the hound, adds to the mystery and horror elements.
One of the best mystery visual novels is 'Danganronpa'. It has a unique and engaging storyline filled with mystery and suspense. The characters are diverse and well - developed, and the plot twists keep players on their toes.
In my opinion, 'Yellowface' by R.F. Kuang is a great 2023 novel. It's a satirical take on the publishing industry and issues like cultural appropriation. It's a page - turner with a fast - paced plot and interesting characters.
Definitely 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'. It's different from the others as it focuses more on Bond's emotions. 'Live and Let Die' is also a top pick. It gives a unique view of the criminal underworld Bond has to deal with. And 'Thunderball' is a must - read for its thrilling story about nuclear threats and underwater adventures.