5. World End Economica
This is a game that stretches the limits of what justifies being called a game. There aren’t exactly choices. There isn’t really much interaction beyong clicking to advance the story. But World End Economica is a suberb story told in the visual novel medium. Featuring a young man taking on the greed of the world, it’s quite the coming-of-age tale.
Only the first episode of three, World End Economica is also featured in the anime sale. It heavily draws on economics as a theme, particularly the stock market. For this one, emotional depth and major characterization are the keys. If you’re looking for a well-written game and a gateway into the world of visual novels, this might be your choice. With a youthful yet relatable protagonist and superb art and writing, World End Economica is a great blend of romance, economics, and sci-fi.
4. Girlish Grimoire: Littlewitch Romanesque
This was a latecomer in the 2014 year. Only recently greenlit on Steam, it isn’t part of the anime sale. However, as a visual novel its exceptional quality demands that it be placed on this list. It might not be for everyone, but fans of JRPGs need to pay attention to this one.
Set in a fantasy universe, the player takes control of Domino, Archmage and tutor to two young lasses for the studies in magic. Littlewitch Romanesque features heavy gameplay elements, a multitude of branching endings, beautiful art, a fully-realized world, and a heavy emphasis on raising, planning, and management.
It’s definitely not a traditional visual novel. Littlewitch is far from normal. But JRPG gamers and anyone with a knack for games like Pokemon, Sims, and other such games really need to check this one out.
Littlewitch Romanesque is currently available from JASTUSA as an adults-only game; the all-ages version is pending release on Steam now that it has been successfully Greenlit.
3. Planetarian
This game almost made number one. Which is impressive, considering the game debuted in Japan almost a decade ago.. Having finally made it to the west, it’s no wonder the game has been so well-received around the world.
Planetarian is set in the far future. It’s a mix of sci-fi and social commentary. And it will make you cry. It isn’t long. It won’t even take more than a couple hours to read/play it. But when you do the story, pacing, flow, music, and voices (though they remain in Japanese) will touch your heart.
It’s on sale right now as part of Steam’s Anime Sale. For a measley Lincoln, experience one of the best stories of 2014.
2. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc kicked the West in the brain when it was localized. Things couldn’t possibly get any better for the series.
But they did. Danganronpa 2 is the perfect example of how to make a sequel. A sequel that not only lives up to the expectations of excellence set by its predecessor, but also reinvents them. This is a game that took phenomenal characters, great writing, and excellent whodunnit attraction and made it even better.
Danganronpa 2 is set on a mysterious island in the middle of nowhere where once again a class of high school kids is tasked with…having fun? Oh yes. Danganronpa 2 pulls no punches and yanks the rug out from under the player at every opportunity, making this hybrid of gameplay and narration and mystery-solving one of the best games of 2014.
1. Steins;Gate
The king of 2014 is undisputably Steins;Gate. This is a game that has released on almost every major platform since 2009. It’s been adapted into a manga (Japanese comics) and an anime. Taking the medium to a new level, Steins;Gate is the paragon of what visual novels can do.
The player views the real world through the eyes of a self-proclaimed “mad scientist.” Set in the real world 21st century Akihabara (nerd district of Tokyo), Steins;Gate follows the tales of the Future Gadget Lab as they very rapidly get way too deep into a world of unbelievable science, conspiracy, and death. Anime, time travel, and sci-fi fans take note: this is not a game you can afford to go without experiencing.
Steins;Gate is only available from JASTUSA due to licensing restrictions (site in general is 18+, but Steins;Gate is rated ‘M’for Mature).
BONUS: Hatoful Boyfriend
Why is this game on this list? Despite running out of numbers? The answer is quite simple, really: you date pigeons. Not even ironically. 100% seriously. Well, as serious as anything is in Hatoful Boyfriend.
Hatoful Boyfriend is a perfect example of a visual novel taking comedy and perfecting it. Dating sims are questionable enough as it is, but one about pigeons? Maybe the player is a pigeon? No, they’re a human? Dating pigeons? If this sounds hilarious and you haven’t played this game yet, please get it now while it’s on the anime sale.
It’s a traditional visual novel with choices. There are tons of endings. If its emotional depth you seek, look elsewhere. Hatoful Boyfriend is here to make you laugh. And it will. Lest it engulf the world with pudding.
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