This article showcases the best visual novels and adventure games available on the Nintendo Switch in 2024. The author, clearly a fan of the genre, provides a diverse selection spanning various styles and regions, highlighting both pure visual novels and adventure games with visual novel elements. No particular order is followed, reflecting the author's personal preference and highlighting a broad range of titles.
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99) + Famicom Detective Club: The Two-Case Collection
The 2024 release of Emio – The Smiling Man is lauded as a fantastic addition to the Famicom Detective Club series. The author praises its lavish production and shockingly good ending, justifying its mature rating. The author recommends playing the original Famicom Detective Club: The Two-Case Collection first for context, acknowledging the older game design for those who appreciate classic adventure gameplay. A demo for Emio is readily available.
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action ($14.99)
A repeated recommendation from the author's previous "best of" lists, VA-11 Hall-A is highlighted for its compelling story, memorable characters, music, and aesthetic. Its portability on the Switch is praised, and the author urges everyone to play it regardless of their preference for point-and-click adventures.
The House in Fata Morgana: Dreams of the Revenants Edition ($39.99)
Considered a storytelling masterpiece, The House in Fata Morgana is presented as the definitive edition, incorporating the original game and additional content. The author emphasizes its lasting impact and incredible music, recommending it to those seeking a memorable gothic horror experience.
Coffee Talk Episode 1+2 ($12.99 + $14.99)
While sold separately, the author groups Coffee Talk Episodes 1 and 2 due to the availability of a North American bundle. Although not reaching the same heights as VA-11 Hall-A, the author appreciates the relaxing experience, great story, and pixel art style, recommending it to fans of coffee shops and engaging narratives.
Type-Moon's Visual Novels: Tsukihime, Fate/stay night, and Mahoyo (Variable)
This entry combines three significant Type-Moon visual novels: Tsukihime, Fate/stay night Remastered, and Mahoyo. The author suggests Fate/stay night as an excellent starting point for visual novel newcomers, but highly recommends the Tsukihime remake. Mahoyo is suggested as a follow-up.
PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo ($19.99)
PARANORMASIGHT is praised for its unexpected quality, captivating narrative, engaging characters, and art style. The author highlights its unique mechanics and recommends it as an outstanding mystery adventure game.
Gnosia ($24.99)
Described as a hybrid of adventure and visual novel elements, Gnosia challenges players to identify imposters. The author highlights its engaging gameplay loop and rewarding experience, noting personal appreciation reflected by multiple platform purchases.
Steins;Gate Series (Variable)
The Steins;Gate series, particularly Steins;Gate Elite, is recommended as an excellent introduction to the genre for anime fans. The author acknowledges the inclusion of multiple games within the entry but justifies it within the context of the list.
AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES and nirvanA Initiative (Variable)
These two games are highlighted as exceptional adventure games with compelling stories, music, and characters. The author considers them high-quality titles worth the full price.
NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD ($19.99)
This adventure game is recommended for its unpredictable shifts in tone and multiple endings. The author emphasizes the unique experience and memorable aspects of the game.
Ace Attorney Series (Variable)
The complete Ace Attorney series' availability on Switch is celebrated. The author suggests The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles as an ideal entry point for newcomers.
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark, NG, and Death Mark II (Variable)
The Spirit Hunter trilogy's complete availability on Switch is noted, emphasizing its unique art style and blend of horror and visual novel elements. The author acknowledges the series' graphic content.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim ($59.99)
Concluding the list, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is presented as a standout sci-fi masterpiece, despite not being a pure adventure game. The author highlights its real-time strategy elements and overall excellence.
The article concludes by emphasizing that the list is not limited to a top 10 and encourages reader suggestions. A future list focusing on otome games is also teased.
