AerielJanuary brought a variety of new visual novels to the table. Listed in no particular order, these are some of the visual novels that came out last month.
My Nemesis and Hero
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android (itch.io)(Steam)
Price: US $4.99
My Nemesis and Hero is a BL romance about Kai, who comes to realize that his childhood friends might be crushing on him. The game offers two handsome love interests: Percy and Gavin. There are three endings total, including one polyamorous ending.
This is a safe-for-work slice-of-life game where you can enjoy a wholesome story without the drama. My Nemesis and Hero looks very polished with vibrant, cheerful artwork. It’s the perfect game to put you in that feel-good mood.
There is also a demo for the game on itch.io.
The Forest Deep
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (itch.io)
Price: Free
The Forest Deep is a psychological horror visual novel. The story follows Rune, a young mage desperate for answers revolving around their brother’s disappearance. They traverse through the mysterious forest in search of their brother. Those who enter the forest seem to never return.
This story has a very intriguing premise, so if you are interested in horror or mystery visual novels, this may be right up your alley.
Assassin at Crimson Keep
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (itch.io)(Steam)
Price: US $4.99
Assassin at Crimson Keep is a dark fantasy visual novel about a failed assassination attempt and the events that follow. Your small choices have a big impact on how the story ends. Will you follow the path of good or the path of evil?
This game is packed with six different endings, and its run-time is about fifteen to thirty minutes per session. It features entirely hand-drawn artwork, which gives this title a unique charm.
Fruit Salad Theory
Platforms: Windows (itch.io)(Steam)
Price: US $5.99
Nobility and staff gather for the night of the big ball, but with vastly different minds coming together, the happenings at such an event could shift the sociopolitical balance of the nation.
This game is fully voice acted and includes multiple endings. With an enticing premise and an interesting cast of characters, this visual novel looks like it will satisfy those who crave sociopolitical intrigue.
Arcadia Fallen (Switch Release)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Nintendo Switch (itch.io)(Steam)(eShop)
Price: $24.99 USD
Arcadia Fallen is an LGBTQ+-friendly visual novel where you play as an alchemist. Caught in the middle of a war between humanity and magic, you join forces with a cast of heroes and try to save the world.
If you’re looking for a visual novel with full character customization, then this is it. In Arcadia Fallen, you can choose your character’s looks, voice, pronoun, and name. This game also features optional romantic or platonic routes as well as alchemy puzzles!
VN Game Den has previously reviewed Arcadia Fallen which you can find here.
Kansei: The Second Turn HD (Console Release)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch (PSN)(eShop)(Xbox)
Price: $7.99 USD (Switch)
Kansei is a murder mystery visual novel and sequel to Jisei. A teenager is gifted with the ability to relive the death of corpses he touches. When the owner of a large corporation mysteriously dies, the protagonist is faced with another murder mystery.
The original version of this game was originally released on PC in 2018, but this remake is currently exclusive to consoles. If you are keen to play stories that fuse supernatural elements with crime, then Kansei is a good choice for you!
CORPSE FACTORY
Platforms: Windows (Steam)
Price:
From the developers who brought you the Learn Japanese to Survive! games, River Crow Studios has just released CORPSE FACTORY. This psychological thriller tells a story revolving around Corpse Girl’s website, which allows users to request the death of someone they know.
This story is reminiscent of the dark supernatural events in Hell Girl or Death Note. What’s intriguing about CORPSE FACTORY is that the victims receive of a photo of their own corpse prior to being killed.
A demo for this game is available on Steam, and VN Game Den has done a review of the demo as well which can be found here.
Anna Mirabella
