Visual novels are a type of game that has been around since the early days of video game consoles. Visual novels are virtual books that usually have differing routes. There are tons of visual novels based around harem anime and others that use puzzles and small RPG battles to help progress the story. Many anime based on visual novels have to harshly cut down on material since these books can take dozens of hours to read through and even have multiple routes. The infamous School Days is actually based off of the worst possible ending of the visual novel, and other infamous shows like Diabolik Lovers deviated heavily from their visual novel roots while only keeping core story elements.

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10 Clannad

Clannad was one of the first visual novels to gain massive popularity when it was released in 2004 in Japan. The anime has long been known in the west, but the visual novel was just released in the year 2015. The character plays as Tomoyo and can choose to get to know five girls.

Depending on your choices, you can get a different ending than the anime.

9 Date a Live: Rio

Date a Live is an interesting show that currently has three seasons. There is a lot going on in the show, but the main premise is that the hero has to date girls known as spirits in order to keep them from blowing up his home town with their powers.

The visual novel has three separate games, each taking place after the anime series.

8 Danganronpa

Danganronpa is another series that jumps back and forth between being an anime and a visual novel. The first game got made into an anime while the more popular second game hasn't. The ending to the Hope's Peak arc is only available in an anime while the spin-off is a shooter.

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The visual novels have a ton of details needed to understand the story, and Danganronpa 2 is considered to be a masterpiece by anime fans.

7 Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate is another popular anime that has several visual novels to it. There is even a newer novel that lets you date all the lovely ladies from the series. The series revolves around the concept and consequences of time travel and is a true ride for fans of sci-fi shows.

The main character Rinatro is charming and an adamant scientist who wishes to learn more about traversing through time.

6 Fate/Stay Night

Fate originally started out as a visual novel for the PC in 2004. Like the anime, it follows Shirou and Saber as they take part in the Holy Grail War. Shirou initially disagrees with Saber, due to his pacifist nature, but after learning of his friend's willingness to kill the two exchange mana.

The game offers three different plot lines for players to indulge in and learn all the different outcomes of the war.

5 Song of Memories

Song of memories surprisingly hasn't gotten an anime yet but is extremely reminiscent of a harem anime. A virus breaks out, forcing you to go into hiding. The only way to fight it is by using the power of music which you get from mysterious digital idols you found in a box.

You must grow close to the girl of your choice and fight through monsters in order to save her from destruction.

4 Shuffle!

Shuffle Asa

Shuffle! is a classic fantasy harem with a sci-fi twist. Many fans found themselves in love with the series but frustrated at the fact that Rin ended up choosing Asa. The game will allow you to choose between all the available girls, and depending on the version you choose, you may have some new choices as well.

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The game plays out much better than the anime and is full of content.

3 Higurashi When They Cry

For anime fans that love anxiety, they can read the visual novel of Higurashi. The Higurashi visual novel is long and broken into several parts. The novel goes into incredible details about even the smallest things and sets you up for the horror moments.

If you want to look deeper into the story of Higurashi, then this is the perfect route to take.

2 Sonicomi

Sonicomi is a visual novel that revolves around you being Super Sonico's personal photographer. The game allows you to get to know the character better and, at many times, is just plain cute. You have to help Sonico get more famous and be good at balancing work.

This game is made to give fans a deeper look into the world of the character and is a fun ride.

1 Mystic Messenger

If you love dating sims, but prefer a group of men, then Mystic Messenger is a fun and innovative choice. Mystic Messenger is a game for smartphones that plays out in real-time. The game gives you several different routes, some of which only unlock after your first playthrough.

The game has a dazzling cast of characters and revolves around a mystery that slowly unravels as you progress through routes.

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