Visual Novels (VN) offer a new means of entertainment for anime fans. After all, this time around, players have the leisure of reading compelling narratives with captivating background art. And with VNs covering various genres, it's no surprise that VN has strong offerings within the realm of science fiction.
In terms of "the best" in VNs, viewers can always trust the Visual Novel Database (VNDB). And they don't fail to deliver when it comes to fan ratings for the best sci-fi visual novels around. Fans looking for new sci-fi experiences might appreciate VNDB offerings in this category.
10 Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward
Players who want a sci-fi visual novel to play on their psychological cues, then Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward would fit nicely with their preference. In this title, protagonist Sigma finds himself abducted and stuck in an elevator with a stranger named Phi. As they would soon find out, Sigma and Phi are just two of nine strangers abducted to play "Nonary Game: Ambidex Edition" - and their own standalone story happens right after 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors.
What makes VLR so interesting is its unique take on the Prisoner's Dilemma. As players make through the game's story, they encounter simple puzzles and minigames that force them to either "ally" or "betray" their assigned partner. Players now have to choose whether to work slowly to ensure everyone gets out together, or race to the exit first.
9 Chaos;Child
Shikura Chiyomaru's acclaimed Science Adventure series begins with Chaos;Head and its direct sequel, Chaos;Child. In this VN, Takuru Miyashiro researches a mysterious string of murders in Shibuya before realizing that these killings mark the return of the same circumstances six years back. More than that, some people with the power to manifest their delusions have started to awaken in the area.
Fans of murder mystery would appreciate the rather realistic approach of Chaos;Child towards its mysterious circumstances. Despite its rather slow uptake, Chaos;Child develops into a suspenseful and gripping narrative - where the main crux of the narrative involves choosing which delusions to experience to advance the story.
8 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors
Despite its 2010 release, 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors marks a unique and compelling take to the VN. Essentially, a mysterious entity called Zero abducts nine persons into a ship and forces them to partake in the Nonary Game. In it, players partake in various minigames that determine their survival in the sinking ship.
For an old game, having six total endings - a lot of which involving the deaths of the participants - is a mystery to unravel. Moreover, the game takes a unique approach to the VN's tendency to have multiple timelines, wherein the game somehow weaves everything together for a satisfying yet equally shocking ending.
7 Love Me, Seriously!!
Love Me, Seriously!! has quite a simple premise. In Kawakami City, people are famous for their strong love for their samurai heritage - boasting a strong fighting spirit amongst everyone. Yamato, the protagonist, is in a friend of four boys and three girls, which isn't unusual considering his age. However, things change when they introduce two new girls to their club.
Despite the typical "choose your waifu" premise, Love Me, Seriously!! fulfills its straightforward friendship story. Unlike other sci-fi stories with intense narratives, Love Me, Seriously!! takes sci-fi and amps the humor level up to 11. Anyone who wants to have a good time will appreciate this game.
6 Ever17: Out Of Infinity
Ever17 takes place in LeMU, an underwater theme park known for its marine wildlife and motif. Unfortunately, an accident causes flooding inside LeMU, leaving survivors with only 119 hours to find a means to escape. The story focuses on seven survivors who need to find their way back to the surface. However, questions start to arise when they start to realize that they may be there for a purpose.
Aside from its remarkable premise, Ever17 provides just enough mysteries for players to stay stuck with its ever-evolving narrative. It doesn't help that the pieces of information the story provides readers just proves just how much of a monumental eff-up the possible circumstances that brought LeMU to its current situation could be. And regardless of the player's choices, the shocking twist near the end makes Ever17 a story to remember.
5 Full Metal Daemon: Muramasa
It's mecha sci-fi in Full Metal Daemon: Muramasa. Set in the 20th Century, an alternate Japan finds itself under the leadership of the Rokuhara Shogunate alongside the Tsurugi, its robotic mobile suits. The protagonist, a policeman named Kageaki Minato, arrives in Kamakura, Japan, to solve various Tsurugi-involved mysteries. However, Minato, who himself rides the blood red Muramasa, is actually in search for Silver Star, the most powerful Tsurugi rider.
As expected with a story of its premise, Muramasa is a much darker and heavier take on the sci-fi genre. Stories weaved in its narrative can shatter worldviews, talk of depressing times, or simply share the horrors of a new look into wartorn Japan. Muramasa succeeds in pulling off a compelling narrative with its story.
4 Baldr Sky Dive 2 "Recordare"
At its core, Baldr Sky Dive 2 starts when Kadokura Kou awakens in the middle of the battlefield without his memories. When his companion Rain urges him to fight first, he soon realizes that he's playing a game in VR. Moreover, an event called the Gray Christmas ruined his rather peaceful life at school. The more Kou and Rain investigated the ordeal, the more they realize the mess they have gotten themselves into.
Players who want a more interactive take on the mecha sci-fi experience will love Baldr Sky Dive 2 "Recordare." Containing both its first and second entries, this sci-fi story is a complete tale that players will savor from start to finish. Aside from its deep worldbuilding, the game features a built-in mecha battle system where players get to customize their own mecha and take them into fights to progress the story.
3 Utawarerumono: Mask Of Truth
Mask Of Truth happens directly after the events of Mask Of Deception. This time around, Haku and his friends need to leave the capital of Yamato after uncovering a dark conspiracy within the empire. Sadly, their rural life in the nation of Ennakamuy becomes disturbed by the same past they have been trying to escape from.
Despite its nature as a sequel, Mask Of Truth has enough intrigue and dialogue going on to explain its premise as a whole. Moreover, its satisfying conclusion makes its rather long exposition worth the while. Moreover, fans of strategy RPGs will appreciate the tactical flair of the game throughout its gameplay.
2 Steins;Gate
Being the second VN in the Science Adventure series, Steins;Gate is in itself a murder mystery story. When Okabe Rintarou gets into an argument with researcher Makise Kurisu in a conference, he stumbles upon her dead body soon later. However, things get wacky when Okabe not only sees Makise alive the next day, but his experiments lead to a cellphone that can text messages back in time.
Whereas Chaos;Child relies on delusions to navigate its complex narrative, Steins;Gate operates with time travel itself. Okabe's experiments with his new cellphone will change his and his friends' lives forever, and he has to face all the consequences of toying with time itself.
1 Muv-Luv Alternative
A sequel to the hit sci-fi comedy Muv-Luv, Muv-Luv Alternative continues the events of the Unlimited arc. This time around, Shirogane Takeru once again finds his world torn apart not just by the women he's been with, but the dangers and trials they bring with them. Determined to save his friends, Takeru is determined to overcome all challenges - be it katana-touting women, mecha, and even aliens.
Despite the wild premise of Muv-Luv Alternative, it takes a genre such as sci-fi and manages to create a healthy balance of seriousness and hilariousness for its readers. As a result, Muv-Luv Alternative easily boasts a story with enough gripping and memorable moments to stay in the hearts of readers.