If you’ve been craving something new from the visual novel genre, Southeast Asia is brimming with talented storytellers putting out fresh, heartfelt, and underrated narratives. Whether you’re into romance, mystery, or looking for a story that will make you cry, there’s something for every kind of player.
We’ve put together a list of ten visual novels from Southeast Asian studios that you should add to your wishlist!
1. The Sun Shines Over Us (Indonesia)
Developed by Indonesian studios Eternal Dream and Niji Games, The Sun Shines Over Us follows the story of Mentari, a transfer student who is trying to recover from a traumatic experience in her previous school. Help her make choices through her school life in this award-winning visual novel about mental health.
2. Ookami Okami (Indonesia)
You’re dead. But your love life is just beginning! In Ookami Okami, take over a crumbling hot spring inn in the Spirit Realm and partner with a brooding masked god who hides more than his face. Explore secrets, rebuild the inn, and flirt through simmering tension in this visual novel developed by Indonesian studio Mushroomallow.
3. Memory Rewind (Indonesia)
From Indonesian studios Lion Core and Niji Games, Memory Rewind puts you in the shoes of a self-proclaimed detective. Along with your quirky assistant Olivina, take on a seemingly ordinary case, until you unravel its hidden twists and turns that pull you through a thrilling, unique story.
4. Talents (Philippines)
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a game developer? Developed by Philippines-based studio Izumi Games, Talents follows your journey as an aspiring game writer and designer who dives into a business partnership with a rowdy crew of talented co-founder. Will you write your way to the top?
5. Of The Lillies (Philippines)
Of The Lilies is a romance-adventure game about love, loss, and sacrifice developed by Philippines-based Startris Studio. Explore a fantasy colonial world together with your love interest in five different routes, and reach fifteen different endings by deciding if your own motives over the greater good is worth a single sacrifice.
6. High Times (Philippines)
Philippines-based studio Yangyang Mobile returns with another highly anticipated visual novel featuring voice acting by LilyPichu, Johnny Yong Bosch, Kira Buckland, and more! High Times is set in a world where one can literally eat their feelings, where you help customers escape from their problems by serving special donuts that affect their emotions.
7. Threads of You: Beyond the Bay (Malaysia)
From Malaysian developers Lavendeer Studios, Threads of You: Beyond the Bay begins with one broken down car and an unplanned vacation in a hidden seaside town named Brine Bay. With over fourteen possible endings, the story and fates of seven potential love interests shift based on the decisions you make.
8. Once Again (Malaysia)
Developed by Malaysian studio RB Wolf Games, Once Again is an interactive story about a teenage boy Sia who spends his summers wandering between past and present. After making a wish on a boring summertime birthday, he finds himself in an unfamiliar time, in front of a familiar girl who he never had the chance to meet. Who is she, and what journey awaits this star-crossed duo?
9. Tale of REN: Searching for HEART droplets (Thailand)
From Thailand developer Erost Game79 Studio, Tale of REN is a visual novel that immerses players in the journey of Mizu Ren Nanami, a character sent to a distant world to gather the “Water of Heart”, a vital key to saving the world of Ren which is on the brink of collapse.As she undertakes this mission, hidden secrets from the past emerge and change her view of the world forever.
10. Shepherd’s Plan (Thailand)
Shepherd’s Plan is an office point-and-click puzzle game meets visual novel set in a noir fabled world, created by Thailand-based developers Laborastory 604 and Kawakhwan. As you are fired from your job, it’s time to investigate, discovery the company’s dark secrets, and take sweet revenge for the money you deserve — before your dream collapses forever.
Added any games to your wishlist? Top up your Steam Wallet on Codashop to earn bonus rewards the next time you make a purchase!
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