🍙 A curated list of my favorite visual novels for Android
A curated list of my favorite visual novels for Android. This is not an official Awesome list, but just a list of my favorites.
A visual novel, often abbreviated as VN, is a form of digital semi-interactive fiction. Visual novels are often associated with and used in the medium of video games, but are not always labeled as such themselves. They combine a textual narrative with static or animated illustrations and a varying degree of interactivity.
I'm sure you're aware of the global events that have been unfolding since 2020, which have affected everyone, including myself. It all started with endless doomscrolling through depressing news, developing various neuroses and uncontrolled aggression, eventually leading to a severe panic disorder. I underwent treatment at a clinic for some time, took potent drugs, and attended consultations for my mental health. Despite trying various medications, relaxation techniques, and contemporary methods from specialized literature, nothing helped me as much as visual novels did. Yes, I'm serious.
VNs offer a truly unique experience where you can deeply connect with your character even more than in virtual reality. This is a highly personal and indescribable experience that is challenging to put into words. It's important to note that I don't view visual novels as dating sims or anything alike. Rather, I consider them a distinct art form that effectively promotes mental health and encourages innovative thinking. Moreover, top visual novel titles can make an equally strong impression as the best movies, TV series, or books. As you know, the problem of poor content is growing every year, but visual novels offer a refreshing addition to the world of entertainment.
The items in the list are arranged based on the impact they had on me, from the strongest to the weakest. Please note that this selection only features visual novels that I've completed at least one ending for. It's normal if your opinions differ from mine. As I am still a beginner in this field, the list may be relatively short, but it can still take at least six months to read all of the picks presented here.
15+
In-house
17+
KiriKiri
12+
Unity
15+
VNDS
15+
RealLive
18+
Ren'Py
17+
NScripter
17+
NScripter
16+
Unity
18+
KiriKiri
16+
Ren'Py
18+
Ren'Py
18+
KiriKiri
This is a list of visual novels that I plan to read or am currently reading. Many of them have yet to be checked by me.
12+
RealLive
18+
Ren'Py
16+
Ren'Py
How do you choose the next visual novel that you will read?
I use several methods:
Why are only visual novels for Android listed here?
I strongly believe that a visual novel cannot be considered awesome if it cannot be run on Android. In this day and age, Android is the most popular operating system. Older VNs should be able to run successfully using emulators, and new ones should be developed with Android support right from the start. Visual novel developers who artificially limit the range of supported platforms show a lack of respect towards their readers. Personally, I'm not comfortable reading VNs while sitting at the computer after a long day of work.
Why is my favorite visual novel not on this list yet?
I only read visual novels that can be played on Android. Additionally, I prefer to read works in my native language, Russian. I have also come across titles that I cannot recommend for various reasons, and therefore, have not included them in my list.
Thank you for your interest in contributing! If you have any suggestions for the visual novels that I should read next, please feel free to submit a pull request with edits to the Next in Line section. Please keep in mind that I only read visual novels on Android and prefer those that are translated into Russian.
Use this ChatGPT query to shorten descriptions of visual novels:
Please summarize and rephrase this visual novel description into a short, concise sentence that does not include the words "visual novel" or the game's title. The summary should be one sentence, 35 words or less, and 175 characters or less. You may exclude names and named entities if desired.
[Original vndb.org description]