AerielThere are so many visual novels coming out this year, many of which are going to be released on Steam. I’ve handpicked a handful that I’m really excited about because each one of them has something unique to offer.
The Dreamwalkers
Platforms: Windows, Mac (Steam)
Tentative Release Date: September 2022
The Dreamwalkers is a 2D Visual Novel/Point-and-Click Adventure Game in which you can project yourself into the world of Dreams.
Nightbloomer Studio
The Dreamwalkers is a visual novel that stands out with a deeply compelling story, mesmerizing artwork, and surreal concepts. The story is told from the perspective of Morgan, a male student residing in Paris.
The feature I’m most excited for is the point-and-click dream exploration, where players can interact with the environment of dreams and nightmares. This game has a lot of potential, and the suspense of the trailer was enough to reel me in.
Higurashi When They Cry Hou – Rei
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (Steam) (MangaGamer)
Tentative Release Date: June 2nd, 2022
The tragedy of Hinamizawa is over. Those held captive within its grip are free from the fate that bound them to June 1983. Yet the tale of Hinamizawa is not truly complete. There are many worlds not yet explored. Three such worlds await in here, but are you prepared to reveal what was left in obscurity?
MangaGamer
Higurashi When They Cry Hou – Rei is receiving an official English release this June, and if you’re a fan of the series, then you should be on the lookout for it!
This edition will feature three stories that are tied to the original Higurashi series, which has a very dark and twisted plot. I’m usually very sensitive when it comes to that kind of story, but for Higurashi I make an exception because the story is so compelling.
Witchy Life Story
Platforms: Windows (Steam)
Tentative Release Date: 2022
You have two weeks to save the harvest festival! Tend your garden and collect plants for spells and rituals to help the villagers of Flora. After all, if magic isn’t for solving everyday problems, what’s the point of a village witch anyway? A cozy story filled with chaos, friendship, and romance!
Sundew Studios
Players have the opportunity to play as a witch in Witchy Life Story, a gardening visual novel where you grow plants to use for potions. One great thing about this game is how you can customize the appearance of your witch.
Another great feature is that not only does it have crafting gameplay, but it also features three love interests that you can choose as your date to the harvest festival. This is one of my most anticipated games this year because of how cozy it looks!
Mask of the Rose
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Tentative Release Date: October/November 2022
A marvellous romance with a hint of murder. Lose your heart to a stolen city in this game of amorous intrigue! Seek love, for yourself or your friends. Help a murdered man find justice. And watch out for the bats.
Failbetter Games
Mask of the Rose is a dark fantasy/alternate history visual novel that takes place in Fallen London, a version of London that’s eternally cloaked in darkness and under control of strange beings known as Masters.
Aside from an undoubtedly compelling plot, this game offers a lot of gameplay mechanics as players are able to work various jobs, collect resources, and even pursue platonic or romantic relationships. This murder mystery meets dating sim is the most intriguing game I’ve come across this year.
Your Story
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (Steam) (itch.io)
Tentative Release Date: 2022
Lia has no friends and can’t find her place in this world. She’s a lost soul longing for guidance. Will her story become Your Story?
GameLoad
Your Story is a unique high fantasy visual novel that allows players to embark on various paths of gameplay, each path differing greatly from the others. The fate of the main character rests entirely upon the decisions of the player.
The artwork for this game is superb and looks like it belongs on the front cover of a novel. The ominous ending of the video trailer left me with the impression that there’s something sinister at play within the plot, and I’m intrigued.
Anna Mirabella
