A bunch of my friends into Japanese visual novels asked me repeatedly over the months about my IF recommendations. I should actually compile them instead of being lazy as usual...
1. 9:05 by Adam Cadre (2000) Average member rating: (542 ratings)
Kastel says:
This is a great, short introduction to the uniqueness of text adventure games and what one can do with a world that's all text. It's also very funny.
2. With Those We Love Alive by Porpentine and Brenda Neotenomie (2014) Average member rating: (107 ratings)
Kastel says:
People who love BlackCyc, queer political erotica, and eroguro titles in general will like Porpentine's works the most. This is her best title. If you like this game, you should buy Eczema Angel Orifice and go through the games there.
3. Toby's Nose by Chandler Groover (2015) Average member rating: (118 ratings)
Kastel says:
Mystery and adventure visual novel fans (Ace Attorney, Danganronpa) would find this interesting since you play as a dog who can only sniff around in one room. However, the second you sniff, the world opens up in a very interesting way.
4. Citizen Makane by The Reverend (2023) Average member rating: (8 ratings)
Kastel says:
A deckbuilder eroge about the history of a misogynistic line of parody games and wondering about its historical value. That should be enough commentary to know if you'll jive with it.
5. SPY INTRIGUE by furkle (2015) Average member rating: (39 ratings)
Kastel says:
A high concept game where you must find ways to die in order to read the most tantalizing backstory.
6. Counterfeit Monkey by Emily Short (2012) Average member rating: (249 ratings)
Kastel says:
Another high concept game that plays with how we experience words.
7. Spider and Web by Andrew Plotkin (1998) Average member rating: (314 ratings)
Kastel says:
Its strange setting and forced exploration are abrasive enough to make most visual novel fans interested in its well-crafted puzzles.
8. Take by Katherine Morayati (as Amelia Pinnolla) (2016) Average member rating: (34 ratings)
Kastel says:
Unique high concept game that plays with the different meaning of "take".
9. Repeat the Ending by Drew Cook (2023) Average member rating: (27 ratings)
Kastel says:
A personal history of text adventure games and the interactive fiction community told through a scholarly edition of a "fake" game. Pretty ambitious stuff. There's a story mode too, but I would also recommend reading through the hints.
10. Endless, Nameless by Adam Cadre (2012) Average member rating: (55 ratings)
Kastel says:
Another take on the interactive fiction community, this time more diegetic. It's a proper text adventure game that uses hints in the most interesting way.
A "walking sim" that explores different versions of a city being ruined by an authoritarian president. Reminds me a lot of Fuyukuane Tom's more political stuff.
14. Trinity by Brian Moriarty (1986) Average member rating: (103 ratings)
Kastel says:
A puzzle game exploring the different nuclear test sites that paint a tapestry of the impeding nuclear apocalypse.
15. Will Not Let Me Go by Stephen Granade (2017) Average member rating: (64 ratings)
Kastel says:
For people who want emotional stories.
16. Bee by Emily Short (2012) Average member rating: (88 ratings)
Kastel says:
Introspective slice-of-life game about being homeschooled. Kinda has vibes.
17. Amnesia by Thomas M. Disch and Kevin Bentley (1986) Average member rating: (12 ratings)
Kastel says:
Rather difficult old text adventure game to get into that is clearly unfinished. However, it has a lot of interesting Philip K. Dick-isms that may interest people.
18. Photopia by Adam Cadre (1998) Average member rating: (563 ratings)
Kastel says:
English-language Maeda Jun game.
19. Bogeyman by Elizabeth Smyth (2018) Average member rating: (82 ratings)
Kastel says:
A pretty effective horror title about abusive relationships.
20. Anchorhead by Michael Gentry (1998) Average member rating: (399 ratings)
