One great one is 'The Letter'. It has an engaging mystery story with multiple endings. The characters are well - developed and the atmosphere is really spooky.
You can try websites like itch.io. There are many indie developers who share their free mystery visual novels on this platform. It has a wide range of games with different styles and themes.
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.
Some mystery visual novels that are worth checking out are 'Clannad' (while it has other elements too, it has a mystery - filled storyline regarding the girl's past), 'Higurashi no Naku Koro ni' which is filled with mystery and horror elements. In this game, strange things keep happening in a small village and you need to figure out the truth behind all these events.
The 'Zero Escape' series is also well - known in the mystery visual novel genre. These games combine mystery, puzzles, and science - fiction elements. For example, in '999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors', players must solve puzzles to escape rooms while also trying to understand the overall mystery of the situation they're in. It has a complex storyline that keeps players on their toes.
One great horror mystery visual novel is 'Danganronpa'. It has a unique setting where students are trapped and forced to participate in a deadly game. The mystery unfolds as you try to figure out who the killers are among them. Another is 'Zero Escape: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors'. It offers a complex and mind - bending mystery with elements of horror. 'Corpse Party' is also a well - known one. It's set in a haunted school and has some truly terrifying moments and a deep mystery to solve.
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.
Atmosphere is also important. A great mystery visual novel such as 'Corpse Party' creates a really spooky and tense atmosphere that enhances the mystery. The setting, music, and art style all work together to make you feel like you're really in the middle of a mystery, making you eager to find out what's going on.
To the Moon' is another great free visual novel. It has a heart - warming story about two old men traveling through memories to fulfill a wish. The art style is charming and the music sets the mood perfectly for the emotional journey.