The guys at SwitchWatchTV put a fun list together of 15 visual novels worth a look on Switch. It is quite the niche genre, but there are a lot of them, including some excellent ones. Check out the video below, or continue to scroll down to read the list. Enjoy!
Welcome to 15 visual novels worth a look on the Nintendo Switch, if you are into this genre. They are not to everyone’s taste, as it can sometimes be questionable as to how much gameplay is involved. But for us, these are fantastic ways to relax and get into a novel on the Nintendo Switch. We love how these stories are brought to life, and the awesome thing about the Switch is being able to take these with you on the move or just lying in bed enjoying taking part in these adventures and stories. Let’s take a look, shall we?
CLANNAD
CLANNAD is a visual novel that is very intriguing from the start. Ordinary school life you may think cannot be that interesting, but here it turns into a complex tale of characters which are interesting based on the town in which they live. It’s the soundtrack and visuals which really take this one to another level. It also supports a very well written story. You can play the game using the touch screen, which makes it perfect for on the move play. Or shall I say in-bed play? The text can either be in English or in Japanese. Text can be skipped or rewound if required. While the game is expensive, it’s one of the best novels on the Switch, in my opinion.
STEINS;GATE
STEINS;GATE is a fantastic visual novel for those that want something a little more adult. The story sounds a bit out there. A group of tech savvy lab members find a way of changing the past using a modified microwave, but it’s written very well and gets you hooked as soon as you start. Things soon spiral out of control, and you can’t wait to see the story unfold and transpire. What I really like about this is how every choice you make has a consequence, making those decisions mean something. Everything here from the visuals to the music to the animations are on point.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Phoenix Wright is not a true visual novel experience, but it is heavily narrative driven so we have included it here.
This is probably one of the best known series in gaming, and now it has come to the Switch as a trilogy. Plenty of courtroom cases to be involved in, but throw in some great puzzles to make it interesting is what has kept us hooked on this series ever since it came out. We have all double dipped to solve those intriguing mysteries behind each case. It’s as compelling as ever, and if you have never played these before, then treat yourself with this master courtroom drama.
planetarian
If you loved CLANNAD, then planetarian was made by the same studio, Key. On the Switch, this has now been given the HD Remaster treatment. If you love sci-fi and want to experience the tales of Junker and a robot named Yunemi, then this is for you. The soundtrack is immense and the artwork is beautiful. The voicework is in Japanese only with English subtitles.
Va-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
Ever heard of a booze-em-up? Well, here you are a bartender nicknames Valhalla in Glitch City. Of course this place attracts some fascinating people, and as long as you keep them lubricated (Hmmm. That sounds a bit rude, but we’ll keep the drinks coming.), you will engage in some very interesting stuff. There are decisions to be made, but interestingly, it’s through the drinks you prepare for your clientele. Once you get to know them, preparing the right drink is going to be key. This is one of those games that I enjoyed thoroughly, and I think you will too.
YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world.
YU-NO back in the 90s was daring, but now some of the story dialogue comes across as just a little cringe-worthy. And if that’s a problem for you, then this is not going to be to your taste. However, YU-NO had a massive impact on the visual novels of today, and even now still impresses. More often than not, it gets things right, and it’s still a very well written piece. It is complex with multiple routes, so if you have the patience to put the time into this, you will discover a boatload of content.
THE GRISAIA TRILOGY
There is a lot of content here with 3 main titles, 5 after-stories, and 29 short stories. Here the protagonist goes by the name of Yuuji Kazami. He decides to enroll in a school where the only other students are 5 girls. Lucky guy, or so it seems. Well, that’s what you will need to find out in this fascinating story. This can be bought from PlayAsia as a physical.
Al: THE SOMNIUM FILES
This visual novel intrigued from the very beginning. One rainy night, a woman’s body is found in an abandoned theme park. As the detective arrives, he finds that he knows the woman, and at the scene he finds a young girl with an ice pick in her hands. Can it really be as easy as that? Here you need to hone your detective skills in a 30 hour campaign with multiple endings. This is one which I found very enjoyable.
Raging Loop
If you like horrors, then this is for you. It’s physiological, and the scene is set in a secluded village in Japan. Ancient gods are hunting villagers down one-by-one. There is a complex branching story with plenty of characters to meet and there motivations to discover. You die over and over in a Raging Loop, but with each death you will come back discovering more knowledge from the previous life. It’s certainly a very interesting tale and one that’s very compelling.
Worldend Syndrome
This is a romantic horror story where you get to spend your summer days interacting with the locals and investigating some urban legends. While the town looks stunning, there is something lurking in it’s belly, and all is not what it seems which intrigues from the get-go.
Death Mark
In Tokyo, a mysterious birthmark has been seen appearing on certain individuals and it looks grotesque. Anyone who gets the mark will die in horrifying circumstances. As the protagonist, you have been deprived of your memories and arrive at a mansion which is said to protect the bearers of the mark. As you begin, the countdown to your death has already begun. This is tense and keeps the tension up all the way through to the point where you will need a break from it. There is mystery and horror, and the best thing that I can say about this is it kept me glued till the end. A fantastic game.
Eliza
Evelyn abandons her high-powered tech career and has a 3-year absence. After this time, she resurfaces working as a proxy for a virtual counseling app called Eliza. Her job now is to read a script provided by an AI. Finding out what is going on here is certainly something which took my interest instantly. This was made by an indie team, and they have done a great job telling this story in a visual novel format. The art is lovely and all hand painted, which brings the story to life, and the musical score is excellent too. I suggest you give this one a try if you have not done so already.
Root Letter: Last answer
In this game, you get to follow in the footsteps of Aya Fumino, a school pen friend who allegedly was involved in a tragic murder 15 years ago. As adults now, you have to uncover clues in the letters written to each other to track down her childhood friends for questioning. Of course they are not going to want to revisit their past which makes for an interesting tale in uncovering the truth.
Maitetsu:Pure Station
Sotetsu has lost his family in a rail accident and was adopted. He returns to his hometown to try and save it from water pollution as the town is about to accept a proposal for an aerocraft factory to be built. You can buy this from PlayAsia if you want a physical copy.
2064: Read Only Memories INTEGRAL
2064: Read Only Memories INTERGRAL is an intriguing cyberpunk thriller. With the Switch version, there are some exclusive content features. 2064: Read Only Memories INTEGRAL fuses old and new. A classic-style adventure game with lush pixel art and a catchy electronic soundtrack. It explores modern-day issues of individuality, freedom, and identity. Explore a colorful future metropolis, meet fascinating and diverse characters, and get to the bottom of a deadly conspiracy. I love that this is voice acted, and there is even a 55-page digital art book.
What Did You Think?
How did you enjoy this list of visual novels? Does this genre excite you? If so, which of these games sounds the most interesting? Let us know in the comments below!
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