Danganronpa series
Danganronpa shares gameplay similarities to Zero Escape and Phoenix Wright, as it combines visual puzzle solving, evidence collecting and a courtroom trial. The games mostly revolve around a bunch of high school students who are forced to take part in a murderous battle royale. In order to escape this nightmare, a student must murder another and then survive a courtroom trial. However, if the player can successfully figure out who murdered the victim, the culprit alone will be executed. Unfortunately, if you guess incorrectly, the culprit will be able to leave the school and everyone else will be executed. To avoid this bloodbath you must gather evidence, collect clues and solve the various mysteries that will lead you to the culprit. The series’ dark humor, colorful cast and addictive gameplay never fails to deliver.
Higurashi When They Cry
Higurashi takes place in the quiet little village of Hinamizawa and protagonist Keiichi Maebara finds that life in the countryside isn’t as idyllic as he had been led to believe. Darkness lurks underneath the village’s seemingly peaceful exterior and its denizens are hiding a dirty secret. The story takes place in 1979 and revolves around a series of deaths and disappearances that are connected to the village. As more and more bizarre events occur, you’ll be left constantly second guessing and wondering who you can really trust. Nothing is as it seems in Higurashi and it constantly defies your expectations at every turn. To say anything more would ruin the experience.
Clannad
Clannad is one of the most popular visual novels ever – spawning an anime, a film, several manga, and even various internet radio shows. If you hate the stereotypes of cheesy rom-coms and high school dramas, then it’s best to avoid Clannad, but if you can get past the numerous clichés that define the game, you’ll be in for a real treat. Clannad really shines thanks to its strong writing and interesting characters, and numerous works have tried to emulate its success for well over a decade. The story revolves around Tomoya Okazaki, a high school senior who doesn't take his studies seriously, is always late for school, and doesn't particularly like his mundane life. However, his attitudes soon change as he learns how to make his own happiness with the help of those around him. Clannad may not have any of the bells and whistles of recent releases, but it does deliver a touching tale that’s well worth investing in.
