Visual novels are the hidden gems of the gaming community. Laxer than a fully interactive title, they often offer gameplay that is easier to relax to while still feeling like a video game. Yet, many people aren't familiar with how visual novels are actually made and will become confused when asked about Ren'Py.

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Ren'Py is an open-source visual novel-making software that is designed to be easy to access and use. Despite the limited coding knowledge needed, this simple program has made some of the best indie visual novels the industry has to offer. From infamous choices like Doki Doki Literature Club to lesser-known choices, there is no end to the choices available from Ren'Py.

10 Doki Doki Literature Club

To anybody who has played their share of visual novels, Doki Doki Literature Club should not be a new name. To many, it's one of the best novels this decade. The lone game from Team Salvato, DDLC has topped the charts of its genre all while remaining a free-to-play visual novel.

Centering around a group of high-school students in a literature club (much like the title implies), the story focuses on the MC who is looking to get close to various members of the club. Starting as a normal, run-off-the-mill visual novel, the player won't suspect when something seems off. With striking visuals and an excellent soundtrack to boot, Doki Doki Literature Club is a good starting point for Ren'Py games.

9 Sepia Tears

Sepia Tears feels and plays like a traditional, early 2000s visual novel. The player will guide Mark, the main character, through his days as he tries to uncover a repressed memory of his. Throughout the story, players will discover more about the mysterious world around them, as they learn about a girl named Myra.

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Granted, Sepia Tears does start off really slowly. However, players that have the resolve to play through will be rewarded with a story riddled with twists. Not only that, but the visual novel also has fairly cute artwork and a decent soundtrack. All available for free on Steam, so there's no reason not to give it a try.

8 Don't Open Your Eyes

Horror has had a spot in the visual novel genre for a long time, with titles like Higurashi and Saya no Uta. However, indie Ren'py visual novels also have their charm, and Don't Open Your Eyes is one of these gems. During the game, the player will play as an insomniac person just trying to fall asleep.

However, the game's usage of simplistic, yet creepy line artwork and clashing colors makes for an anxiety-inducing experience despite the simple premise. The actual meaning of the game is left up for individual interpretation, making for an experience that is ultimately personal and one-of-a-kind.

7 Katawa Shoujo

Katawa Shoujo is perhaps the most famous Ren'Py game to date, considered by many as one of the best. For many, this was their first visual novel in general, not just of Ren'py games. Focused on the story of a young man, the visual novel explores the struggles of five women with disabilities.

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In one word, this visual novel is professional. The artwork is clean, music of top-quality, even having an animated opening. Every part of this game expresses peak effort on the side of the production staff. And this is to a very successful end, as the story draws in audiences with its compelling visuals.

6 Everlasting Summer

Though released in 2013, Everlasting Summer offers a semi-nostalgic feeling while also providing excellent visual content. A visual novel developed by Soviet Games, the story takes place in the Soviet Union during a summer-time pioneer camp. The protagonist, Seymon, has been transported here from the modern world, now looking to figure out why and how he has been transported to the camp.

However, there is a lot more to the story than what might initially be apparent. This is ultimately what makes Everlasting Summer so enjoyable, as players will learn more about the characters and plot as they complete more endings. For those who wish to avoid mature content, there is a completely clean version available both in mobile app stores and on Steam.

5 Analogue: A Hate Story And Hate Plus

Unlike other mentions on this list, Analogue: A Hate Story and its sequel Hate Plus are miracles of the sci-fi genre. Set thousands of years in the future, the story takes place on the Mugunghwa, a spaceship that has suddenly shifted to Joseon Korean culture.

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The story is an interesting blend of old and new in one. Focused on the blending of futuristic and ancient principles, players are sure to find an interesting take on what a visual novel can be. Not only that, but the game features amazing artwork and a great user interface.

4 Long Live The Queen

Frankly, it's hard to call Long Live The Queen a 'true' visual novel. Truly, it feels more like a simulation, in the best of ways. Like the title alludes, the game focuses on a young princess Elodie. With her mother the Queen recently deceased, she is to be coronated in 40 weeks; the job of the player is to ensure that she lives long enough to become the new ruler.

In general, this visual novel is addicting. Unlike other visual novel-style games, Love Live The Queen features a massive amount of endings. Leaving so much content and variation, players will have plenty of time to admire the complex logic and aesthetics of the game.

3 A Year Of Springs

Not every visual novel needs to have a dark atmosphere. At least, this isn't the case in A Year Of Springs. Technically three visual novels in one, each one focuses on a different protagonist and their own internal struggles: a trans woman, an ex-delinquent, and a university student.

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However, despite the struggles that the visual novels confront, players will feel more relaxed than in other similar games. Simply put, A Year Of Springs is adorable: from the artwork to the holiday setting, one can only describe this visual novel as cute.

2 Sound Of Drop - Fall Into Poison

As their name would imply, visual novels use visuals to stimulate the senses. However, some visual novels are more notable for this than others, which is the case with Sound of Drop - fall into poison. Exploring a crimson aquarium, the player will guide the protagonist, Mayumi, to uncover the building's mysteries.

In short, Sound of Drop is a striking member of the psychological horror genre. Its usage of visual cues and sound to stimulate anxiety is far more subtle than other similar novels. And with 30 different endings, the player will be forced to play over and over again.

1 Fatal Twelve

With Sound of Drop, Fatal Twelve is a visual masterpiece of the Sekai Project. The visual novel's premise highlights its excellence. The player is Shishimai Rinka, a high-schooler recently killed in a train explosion who is caught in a battle royale to undo her own death.

The visual novel dwells on the strong themes of ethics, resolve, and regret, the fundamental issue of saving one's life at the expense of others. Visually stunning, Fatal Twelve features one-of-a-kind music and character design. A perfect choice for players looking for a riveting story with dramatic tones.

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