Visual Novels - interactive stories with anime-style art. Solve mysteries and find out what really happened!

Somewhere between adventure games and interactive fiction, visual novels invite player's participation in telling a story - the experience is similar to reading a book or manga, with the player experiencing the protagonist's world first-hand.
While some visual novels feature multiple storylines and many endings, others focus on a single story. Many visual novels are centered around romantic themes, but we mostly feature mystery and adventure games here.

supernatural mystery visual novel: Jisei

Jisei, a Supernatural Mystery Visual Novel
A new mystery series by sakevisual!
A nameless teenager with an extraordinary ability - he can relive the death of any corpse he touches - gets accused of murder. The victim, a woman he never met, died in a strange way and things are obviously not what they seem. Determined to solve the mystery and prove his innocence, he must identify the true killer before it's too late. Who was that mysterious woman and why did she have to die?
Interrogate the witnesses, hunt for clues and clear your name.
Sceenshots, Video, Demo

$15

  • Demo: 44 / 49 MB
  • Downloadable
  • Single player
  • Developer: sakevisual

visual novel: Imaginary Realm 2

Imaginary Realm 2
Orem, the Prince of Demons, got himself and his friends in trouble. Now they are all obliged to obey Rosey, a human restaurant owner - they spend their days working in her restaurant, cooking, and serving customers. However, Prince Yumbrad has a cunning plan how to escape from Rosey's restaurant: all they have to do is win a fabulous costume competition. Help the demons escape by choosing the right outfit and see how judges react to various fashions.
Also playable online.
Sceenshots, Download

Free

  • Full game: 8 MB
  • Downloadable + online version
  • Single player
  • Developer: Zeiva Inc

visual novel: Imaginary Realm 1

Imaginary Realm 1
Dornick managed to send Orem, the Prince of Demons, to the Human World on a mission to earn some money - in order to help rebuild their castle. Once there, Orem gets recruited by a mysterious girl named Rosey - a restaurant owner who employs him as a cook in her kitchen! Help the Prince of Demons please the customers. Be careful though, selecting the meals influences the ending (there are many)!
Also playable online.
Sceenshots, Download

Free

  • Full game: 3 MB
  • Downloadable + online version
  • Single player
  • Developer: Zeiva Inc

mystery visual novel: The Stolen Diamond Ring

The Stolen Diamond Ring, a Mystery Visual Novel
Katharine is invited to her friend Mia Allard's engagement party, but something unexpected happens. Is it possible that one of Mia's closest friends stole the hostess' pink, diamond, engagement ring? Mia refuses to believe it, but the police have their doubts and so does Katharine. Explore the family mansion, talk to everyone involved in the incident and try to uncover the mystery! The game presents the character relations in a diagram chart that is supported by automatic notes to help you follow what's going on while you explore the Allard's mansion, talk to the party attendees and even visit the police station!
Sceenshots, Download Demo

$6

  • Demo: 17 MB
  • Downloadable
  • Single player
  • Developer: Nekomura Games

The games listed below are available for Nintendo DS (a handheld game console).
The links lead to an external site (amazon.com or play-asia.com).

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Language: English/Japanese (selectable)
The first game from an excellent series. Investigate cases, solve mysteries and win dramatic court battles.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All
Language: English/Japanese (selectable)
The second game in the series introduces new characters and some new features. Get the witnesses to talk and prove your client's innocence!

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations
Language: English/Japanese (selectable)
In the third game, you get to play as two lawyers, meet a mysterious new prosecutor and finally learn the whole story as secrets from the past unravel.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
This courtroom adventure from the creators of Phoenix Wright features Apollo Justice as the new protagonist.