Some well - known long visual novels include 'Umineko When They Cry'. It has a complex and engaging story with multiple arcs that span a large amount of in - game time and text. Another one could be 'Fate/stay night', which has different routes and a substantial amount of content to explore.
I think 'Fate/stay night' is extremely popular. It has a complex and interesting story that involves magic, heroism, and different routes you can take in the story which makes it very replayable.
One of the most popular is 'Steins; Gate'. It's loved for its intelligent plot about time - travel and the consequences that come with it. The characters are very relatable and the story is both thought - provoking and exciting.
One characteristic is the detailed world - building. For example, in 'Muv - Luv Alternative', it creates a complex world full of mecha and different political situations. Another is the deep character development. The characters grow and change throughout the stories. In 'Muv - Luv Extra', the main character starts as an ordinary guy and gradually becomes more involved in the complex events.
One popular one is 'Persona 5 Royal'. It has a great blend of high school life simulation and RPG elements within a visual novel framework. The story is deep and the characters are very well - developed.
Now consider 'Ace Attorney' and 'Clannad'. 'Ace Attorney' is all about solving legal cases. You need to think logically, find contradictions in testimonies, and present evidence. It has a lot of dialogue - heavy scenes. In contrast, 'Clannad' is more about character development through their daily lives and relationships. The gameplay in 'Ace Attorney' is quite different from the more story - driven 'Clannad'.
One of the most popular is 'Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc'. It has a unique and thrilling plot where students are trapped and forced to participate in a deadly game. The characters are diverse and interesting, and the mystery - solving elements are really engaging.
One key feature is the interactive storytelling. In Western visual novels like 'Life Is Strange', you can make decisions that change the course of the story. Another feature is the diverse range of themes. For example, some focus on mystery like 'Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments', while others may be about post - apocalyptic survival.
For me, 'Diabolik Lovers' stands out. The whole concept of vampires with yandere - like possessiveness over the main character creates a very intense and captivating atmosphere. Also, 'Hatoful Boyfriend' is quite interesting. It has such a strange and unexpected setting of dating pigeons, and the yandere - like storylines within it add to its overall quirkiness. Moreover, 'Amnesia: Memories' is interesting as it weaves the yandere - ish characters into a story about memory loss and love, which makes for a complex and engaging plot.
Many yuri visual novels in the list have strong character development. Take 'Kindred Spirits on the Roof' for instance. The two main characters start with their own personalities and issues, and as the story progresses, they grow and change because of their relationship. Also, the settings can vary widely. 'Nurse Love Addiction' has a school - based setting which adds to the slice - of - life feel of the yuri relationships, while 'Symphonic Rain' has a more dreamy and somewhat mysterious setting that enhances the mood of the yuri elements in the story.