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Visual Novels are the type of games that people either love, or they can’t stand. They typically have minimal to no gameplay involved, and instead focus on telling a compelling narrative where the decisions you make have long lasting consequences for the story and characters. Next year we have a decent slate of Visual Novels expected to release so here are the very best upcoming Visual Novels of 2023.
#5 Fogel and Porki Evil Arcade
- Developer: Arprix, FreeAnimals_Software, Dnovel
- Publisher: Studio2760
- Release date: Aug 18, 2023
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
Fogel and Porki Evil Arcade is a Visual Novel meets Match Three style game that uses aesthetics from the 1980s retrofuturism movement. The story surrounds a group of teenagers who have to attempt to defeat a demon that fled into the real world from a video game at the local arcade. It certainly seems to be heavily inspired by Stranger Things, from the character designs to the very premise of the game itself, and of course the era that it chose to use as its backdrop. Fogel and Porki Evil Arcade looks to be another solid entry in the Visual Novel genre that plays on genre cliches to create a more tied together experience.
#4 Mask of the Rose
- Release date: June 8, 2023
- Developer: Failbetter Games
- Publisher: Failbetter Games
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
In Fallen London during the 1800s there’s a prolific murderer on the loose causing mass panic in the city which now resides beneath the earth. There’s plenty for you to do in Mask of the Rose, from taking on different jobs to romancing the large cast. However, your main goal will be to assist the spirit of the first murder victim and bring a halt to the murderer before its too late. Mask of the Rose has a good blend of romance and intrigue that places it firmy with other classic detective type stories.
#2 Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly
- Developer: Toge Productions
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
- Publishers: Toge Productions, Chorus Worldwide
- Release date: April 20, 2023
Coffee Talk is one of the most beloved Visual Novels of the last few years. You take on the role of a barista in a world that blends science fiction and the supernatural together. The story unfolds through the interactions you have with your customers and it has some light gameplay mechanics when it comes to crafting the various drinks that people order. Coffee Talk Episode 2 sees the return of much of the original cast alongside plenty of new characters. Listen to people’s troubles, see how the lives of others can intertwine, and relax as Coffee Talk takes you through its heart felt themes.
#1 Tron Identity
- Developer: Mike Bithell
- Publisher: Mike Bithell
- Release date: April 11, 2023
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
Many people were disappointed when Tron Identity was first announced as a visual novel, but I for one was very excited for it. The artstyle is the perfect futuristic aesthetic for a visual novel set in the Tron universe, and I have always wanted a deeper dive into the stories of Tron. In Tron Identity you play as a detective sent into an isolated grid to get to the bottom of mystery wrapping its way around everyone’s lives. There are disc based puzzles and many different branching paths for you to discover. Every decision you make will have impactful changes on the way the story unfolds.
Disclaimer: This article was updated on 11/7/23 as we continue to adjust this list with new entries or remove games due to delays or failure to captivate audiences.
