I don’t know that it really qualifies as a VN (because there’s some RTS - and I guess Adventure - aspects to it), but 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Zero Escape trilogy:

• 999
• VLR
• ZTD

Infinity series:

• Never7 is very slow and more romance than sci-fi
• Ever 17 is better than Never7 but the pacing is still quite slow
• Remember 11 is the best of the infinity series, it is more sci-fi mystery horror

If you haven’t played the non-mainline Ace Attorney games they’re well worth a look. Ace attorney investigations 1&2, The Great Ace Attorney 1&2)

I also enjoyed the Steins;Gate series, but I like the goofy sci-fi stuff they do.

To anyone who isn’t interested in Japanese-style visual novels, I’d recommend Scarlet Hollow. It’s an “immersive horror-mystery” illustrated by Abby Howard (of The Last Halloween fame). It’s an episodic title (the first episode is free on Steam) and it is not finished yet.

Steins; Gate 1 and 0 Daganronpa series Clannad Ace Attorney Great Ace Attorney

I’m two chapters in to House in Fata Morgana and that has been great so far. Rather dark and moody (to say the least) but a really good read so far.

Ghost Trick Ghost Trick Ghost Trick

technically a puzzle game at the same time but that’s an ace attorney pic so you’re probably cool with it

VA-11 Hall-A! One of my favourite VN if my instance url didn’t give it away. It’s not too long, listen to the start telling you to get cozy and then mix drinks and change lives.

Removed by mod

danganronpa, ddlc :)

Taimanin Asagi

If you’re okay with a very long linear story with no gameplay: Higurashi (I recommend using the 07th mod that adds voice acting and animated sprites)

STEINS;GATE and Higurashi are both great. It really depends on the genre you want though.

https://vndb.org/v is a good resource

Pyre is a visual novel mixed with NBA Jam.

It was made be the same 7 core people who made Hades 😉

Va-11 Hall-A