Dating sims and visual novels were, in the past, often overlooked video game genres. That isn't the case as much nowadays with their growing popularity in the West. Whether it's to live vicariously through the characters on your screen, or the desire to enjoy a good story, dating sims and visual novels provide hours of entertainment.
They can be the usual slice of the life story of romance or less serious and more humorous like Dream Daddy and Monster Prom. A ton of great visual novels released in 2020 with many coming to several different platforms like PC, Mobile, and even the Nintendo Switch.
Updated on January 10th, 2021 by Jessica Thomas: It's no secret that a huge amount of games got released in 2020. Among these games were tons of visual novels, many of which were actually otome game ported over from Japan and some much-needed ports of older titles. Indie developers also flourished by introducing all-new series and quite a few follow-ups to some previously released series. Whether players were looking for love or an adventure laced with danger, visual novels offered an innovative way to play out intricate stories. The games below caught many fans off guard with their release but are all solid games that give gamers hours of entertainment.
10 Future Girls
From the same studio behind Negligee, a new adult visual novel was l released on August 14, called Future Girls. In Future Girls, you play as a recently graduated university student. Suddenly, a strange wormhole opens up, bringing with it two girls who claim to be from a future where a calamity kept you from a relationship with them.
Future Girls has setup a typical visual novel with a slight sci-fi twist. Whether you end up with either of the girls from the future or take a different route is entirely up to you.
9 Love Spell: Written In The Stars
In Love Spell: Written in The Stars you play as the MC with a past full of unlucky events and bad decisions. One day she saves an old woman who turns out to be a witch, who gives her a magical spellbook that will make whoever's name written inside, fall in love with her until the next full moon.
However, the MC makes bad decisions with the spellbook, leading to some unexpected situations. There are 4 different routes to choose from and the game has multiple endings and more. The game was officially released on July 24.
8 Crimson Spires
Six months ago an event known at the "Contingency" sees the residents of Bataille Missouri cut from the rest of the world. Trapped within their town and threatened by the presence of large machinal gun towers and strange creatures Sheriff Erika Wright is the only one who can protect the town and uncover the strange and dangerous mystery of the towers.
You can pick between 4 partners who give a unique perspective to the story and romance for the Sheriff. Crimson Spires was released on October 27 on Steam.
7 Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp
Monster Prom by the developer Beautiful Glitch had a sequel released titled Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp was released on October 23, just in time for Halloween. The only multiplayer dating sim, Monster Camp takes several familiar monstrous faces and it's off the wall humor to a new setting; summer camp.
Try to woo the hearts of Monster Prom veterans like Damien and Calculester, rejoice at playing routes focused on Joy, Aaravi, and Dahila, or give your best shot to get the attention of the new character Milo, who slays in social media and in general since they're a Reaper.
6 Our Life: Beginnings & Always
Our Life: Beginnings & Always is an interesting visual novel that's broken up into 4 different periods of life: childhood, adolescents, teen-aged, and adulthood. You choose all the details about your character and also make the choices for Cove Holden, the main love interest.
His personality, looks, and interests will be shaped by the different experiences you have with him. You can also set the pace and tone of the relationship and whether you remain friends or become something more in adulthood is entirely up to you. A free demo is available now for those who are unsure of the game. The game officially released on November 16.
5 Collar X Malice: Unlimted
Collar X Malice: Unlimted is an updated version of Collar X Malice for the Playstation Vita. The game was released on August 13 and was published by Asky games. The story follows along with the events of X-day and follows a female protagnist as she tries to help unravel the mystery around a dangerous organization that has placed a deadly collar around her neck.
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The game introduces tons of new content, including a new route, interludes, and even new events. The game expands the lore of the original story while adding in even more swoon-worthy romantic opportunities. The relationship candidates in the game all have a dark edge to them, perfect for fans of thrillers.
4 Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York
Vampire: The Masquerade- Coteries of New York finally made its way onto home consoles throughout the early months of 2020. The game goes away from the typical romance bound visual novel genre to introduce players into a dark and gritty world involving the complicated world of vampires. The player is tasked with hiding their supernatural ability while thriving as a creature of the night.
The game focuses on branching story routes driven by the player's choices. Players can choose from three different clans, branch off onto side-quests, and even participate in combat.
3 Piofiore: Fated Memories
Piofiore: Fated Memories is another Nintendo Switch title that allows players to enjoy a romantic adventure in a unique setting. The player is placed in Italy in the middle of a feud between rivaling mafia families. The player must deal with stepping into the dark world of the warring families while trying to find love.
The game received wide praise for its enticing soundtrack and was released on October 8. The game has several branching routes, each that let the player explore a different side of the turf war.
2 Softly With Teeth
Softly With Teeth is a fantasy visual novel with an urban setting. You take control of Diana a makeup guru who planned on having an amazing time at a Halloween party, but a series of unfortunate events turned her Halloween into an actual nightmare. The choices Diana makes don't just affect her, but they also affect the cast of vampires, who are also her love interests.
There are 4 main routes with two bonus routes, so far. Originally showcased at PAX West 2019, the game officially launched on November 16 and previously had a paid demo avalible.
1 Best Friend Forever
Whether or not it's actually true, people think dog owners are naturally more approachable and nurturing, which some people look for in romantic partners. Best Friend Forever takes that concept and has made it into an adorable dating sim/dog care sim, though not at the same time.
It starts off with you adopting your very own fur-ever friend in Rainbow Bay to train, play with, and grow a deep life-lasting bond. While you bond with your dog, you can also meet and date other human singles in Rainbow Bay. It was released on August 27 and is receiving regular updates.