The top visual novels of 2014 marked a transformative year in the realm of interactive storytelling, showcasing a diverse array of narrative experiences. In this blog, we highlight the Top 14 Visual Novels of 2014, a year that stood out for its innovative storytelling, deep character development, and immersive worlds. These titles not only offered captivating stories but also pushed the boundaries of what visual novels could achieve in terms of player engagement and emotional depth. From intricate mysteries to heartfelt dramas, each game in this selection is a testament to the creative prowess of visual novel creators in 2014. Join us as we revisit these memorable and influential works.
Top Visual Novels of 2014
1. VA-11 Hall-A
‘VA-11 Hall-A’ offers a unique experience set in a cyberpunk world where players take on the role of a bartender, mixing drinks and interacting with an array of diverse characters.
– Genres: Cyberpunk, Simulation
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Bartending, Story Rich
2. ENDLESS EXPRESS
In ‘ENDLESS EXPRESS’, players navigate a real-time train network, using it to find their way home in a world filled with mystery and exploration.
– Genres: Adventure, Exploration
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Trains, Real-Time
3. The Whisperer in Darkness
‘The Whisperer in Darkness’ is a game where rumors and legends are resurrected, offering players a blend of horror and mystery in a Lovecraftian setting.
– Genres: Horror, Mystery
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Lovecraftian, Dark
4. Detective Chirpums: Private Investigator
‘Detective Chirpums: Private Investigator’ is a noir-style game featuring the city’s only detective in a world where humor and mystery intertwine.
– Genres: Noir, Comedy
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Detective, Humor
5. Gods of Nowhere
This visual novel delves into a world where the grim reaper is a reality, blending elements of the supernatural with a narrative that challenges the concept of fate.
– Genres: Supernatural, Drama
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Grim Reaper, Fate
6. Vile Halicarnassus
‘Vile Halicarnassus’ is a detective story spanning three nights, featuring two detectives trying to catch a killer in a gripping tale of suspense.
– Genres: Mystery, Thriller
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Detective, Suspense
7. Actual Sunlight
A short interactive story about love, depression, and the corporate world, ‘Actual Sunlight’ explores deep and challenging themes in a modern setting.
– Genres: Drama, Interactive Fiction
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Depression, Corporate Life
8. Sage Fusion 2
‘Sage Fusion 2’ is a hybrid of RPG, adventure, and visual novel, offering an intriguing storyline set in a futuristic world with complex characters and moral dilemmas.
– Genres: RPG, Adventure
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Futuristic, Moral Choices
9. Three Fourths Home: Extended Edition
An IGF-nominated visual short story, ‘Three Fourths Home: Extended Edition’ explores family dynamics and personal struggles through a narrative-driven experience.
– Genres: Drama, Interactive Fiction
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Family, Personal Struggle
10. Vacant Sky Awakening
‘Vacant Sky Awakening’ is a pre-apocalyptic RPG visual novel focusing on a group of heroes trying to end the world with style.
– Genres: RPG, Pre-Apocalyptic
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Heroes, End of the World
11. Dark Scavenger
‘Dark Scavenger’ is a bizarre point-and-click RPG adventure, where players embark on a journey filled with odd characters and humorous encounters.
– Genres: Adventure, RPG
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Point-and-Click, Humor
12. My Nigerian Prince
A surreal choose-your-own-adventure visual novel, ‘My Nigerian Prince’ explores the oddities of internet scams in a humorous and bizarre narrative.
– Genres: Comedy, Adventure
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Internet Scams, Surreal
13. Technoccult: Covenant
‘Technoccult: Covenant’ dives into a world of mystery and esoteric knowledge, where players form covenants and explore occult themes.
– Genres: Mystery, Occult
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Esoteric, Supernatural
14. BrokenFolx
‘BrokenFolx’ is a visual novel focusing on the lives of queer and hurt individuals, providing a narrative that explores identity, struggle, and resilience.
– Genres: LGBT, Drama
– Release Date: 2014
– Tags: Queer, Identity