As strange as it might sound, I always considered that the video games world needs more content for the over 18 audience. And I’m not talking about titles where violence and buckets of blood matter more than anything, you know? The industry simply has close to nothing on offer when it comes to visual novels, at least for the Western market and that’s a sad thing.

However, instead of debating the obvious (at least in theory games are generally made for a younger audience and therefore such games are not suitable) I will go on and praise a few of the true masterpieces in the visual novel genre (which you might call dating sims or whatever – it’s still the same “get the girls” concept). Just a few words of advice: even though completely “clean”, the following Top Five Visual Novels Ever feature is definitely NSFW. Also, this article is intended to be read by those in the senior year here at the Unigamesity, which means that younger gamers should bookmark this page and check back when they are 18.

Now, let’s find out which are the best five Visual Novel games adult gamers must play!

5. May Club

Although not highly valued by fans of the genre, May Club is one of the most challenging visual novels I have ever played, but I will never complain I had to play it over and over again to… ahem…”unlock” each girl (and there are 10!). As in most of the games in this genre, the sexual aspect is taken to the next level and linearity is clearly present from start to finish, but May Club manages to find a loophole: you only have one action per day and depending on the moment you choose (morning, mid-day or evening) different or no events to unlock. And this is the exact same thing that makes May Club such a challenge. But with incredibly beautiful girls, a pretty straightforward story writing and some decent animations, May Club deserves its place in the top five.

4. The Maid’s Story

Let’s face it – playing a computer game which challenges you with the “incredible” task of training a perfect maid doesn’t sound like a fun way to spend your time, right? Well, let me tell you a few things about The Maid’s Story to make you reconsider: the “training” is done by you, exactly as you want it and you can choose one of three beautiful girls to train. There’s also a bit of management involved and time planning, which makes the game more challenging and there’s a LOT of hot content. Not to mention that it addresses one of the most common fantasies: hot maids getting their freak on while wearing those specific outfits. A jewel!

3. Three Sisters’ Story

This game was one of the first visual novel titles I have ever played and I doubt I will ever forget it. Even though I probably played it like ten years ago, I still remember the strong impact Three Sister’s Story had, mainly because of its incredibly well written story. Honestly, this game is all about dramatic, emotional story mixed with the perfect amount of humor (like the fight with another person over peeping rights) and less about hot scenes (even though there’s a lot of them, too). Also, Three Sisters’ Story is a game which, unlike other similar titles, offers you control over several “side-quests” even though the main story remains linear. But you will barely feel that, thanks to some almost flawless writing and a truly emotional storyline. If this game ever gets turned into a movie (not directed by Uwe Boll, of course), it will surely become a mega hit!

2. True Love

This game is a true classic and the its concept now stands behind tons of other games, from the free to play Ganguro Girls to lots of browser-based series. It is basically the game that took the whole visual novel concept to an entire new level, combining it with time management and RPG elements. The game can be considered non-linear as you can achieve your quest (that of finding true love) in many different ways and the amount of beauties around you is overwhelming. Add to that some really complex characters, a very “real” game world that simply swallows you in and about 10 endings, and you’ll have a fair share of reasons to consider True Love one of the best games of this type ever made.

1. Nocturnal Illusion

Probably the people who played the games are talking about will consider True Love or Three Sisters’ Story better candidates for the “best visual novel ever” award, but I truly disagree. Nocturnal Illusion is the complete Anime experience and each similar game should learn a bit from this title. Not only that it addresses most of the fantasies men have (in a very “safe” manner using generally fantasy/fantastic characters like a Mermaid, a Werewolf or Little Red Riding Hood) but it also offers a deep emotional story, inserts an exploration element and adds lots of suspense as well as a bit of conflict. Nocturnal Illusion, just as the name suggests, is nothing but a truly epic journey deep inside your mind where well hidden fantasies and wild dreams coexist, where reality has a completely different shape, where everything is possible and illusions are brought to life. It is a perfectly done visual novel, a truly unique experience and the most complete game you could ever play in the genre.

UPDATE: Enjoyed the list? Then check out my most recent article on Ten Amazing Visual Novels You Must Play (in English)!