PPG Game Of The Year 2024 - 43 - The Best Visual Novel / Dating Sim / Text Adventure
This collection of games, primarily focused on reading, have one thing in common - they often want to evoke a particular feeling or vibe, whether that be love, hope, lust, depression, longing, thoughtfulness and much more. Each fill their own specific niche, and it’s often a better idea to play them when you are searching to feel that particular emotion.
Departed Away
Choice Based Branching
Smaller scope VN with a unique art style. "Uncover secrets, engage in verbal duels, and make choices that shape your story".
Isle of Maligree
Branching Deadly Mystery
A mystery game with the cool twist premise of people going missing, and then being forgotten by all who knew them. Branching options lead to a ton of different endings.
Still Joking
Choice Based Story
A narrative experience set in a mirrored version of our reality. A hefty package with a ton of micro choices to make as you go, with a good 12-15 hour playtime per playthrough.
Echoes
Eldrich Detective VN
Detective VN with a distinct black and white art style. The more you dig into the mysteries here, the more eldrich horrors you awaken.
Seraphim Slum
Psychological Horror VN
Some singular artwork lead an intriguing story that is "an eerie liminal game that explores just how far an angel can fall." LGBTQ twist on classic religious stories.
Hookah Haze
Tobacco and Sorrow
VN with some bartending style mechanics. Feels like VA-11 Hall-A. Not necessarily the most deep story, but still an emotional experience.
Moonless Moon
Short And Thoughtful
Short and sweet VN about a young girl who travels between worlds that has a "complete the story yourself" style of choice based gameplay.
Love, Ghostie
Wholesome Ghost Matchmaker
Play matchmaker in the ghostly cozy adventure all about helping people find love. Wholesome, cute and endearing.
My Lovely Empress
Empire Management
While story is mostly focused within the visual novel segments, a good deal of the game is focusing on balancing resources and managing an eastern inspired empire.
Backwater Eulogy
Short Kinetic Midwest Story
A short story about grief and Midwestern America. Just a single sitting story with a few different pieces of (gorgeous) pixel artwork and a focused story to tell.
Everlasting Flowers - Where there is a will, there is a way
Kinetic Slice of Life VN
Playing this is like watching a slice of life anime in still frame. A touching story, includes VA, fantastic artwork and well written.
Pro Philosopher 2
Debate Dead Philosophers Bro
Have philosophical arguments with all the greats from history. Call out NONSENSE when you see it!
Interstate 35
Thought Provoking Near Apoc Fiction
The thing no one tells you about the end of the world is that there is a stretch of time between the beginning of the end and the end of the end. A very moving story with excellent writing.
And The Best Visual Novel / Text Adventure / Dating Sim Of 2024 Is…
Sucker for Love: Date to Die For
Ace Lead Horror Themed
A really cool exploration of the positives of asexuality, casting it as a superpower allowing your character to navigate situations no other person is able. A great mixture of sexiness, horror and humor. 90s Anime aesthetics meets multiple endings based on player choice. One for those in love with busty goat women.