Visual novels, old and new
Reading lists, history and guides for people who love visual novels, especially the retro and gothic kind. We make them too: Midnight Guest is coming soon for iPhone and iPad, and we always say so when we mention it.
Reading listThe 10 best retro visual novels you can play in EnglishSeven classics from 1988 to 2004 and three new games that keep the old look, all with official English versions.
HistoryA short history of visual novelsFrom The Portopia Serial Murder Case to Steam and the iPhone: how a Japanese computer genre found the world.
Style guideThe PC-98 look: why old visual novels still feel so warmWhat the PC-98 was, how dithering works, and which new games still use the style.
Reading listThe 8 best gothic visual novelsMansions, cursed families and villages that will not let you leave, with content notes and platforms.
Buying guideThe best visual novels for iPhone and iPad in 2026Ten games checked against the US App Store, with prices, age ratings and what actually needs a subscription.