5 Best Visual Novels Like Archetype Arcadia

Visual Novels allow players to experience stories they aren't likely to forget. This is due to the nature of the medium itself, as well as the care and craftsmanship that goes into many of the genre's storylines. These are stories designed to stay with you long after you complete them. Archetype Arcadia is one such title that embraces its sci-fi roots with a dark tinge. These are games that immerse the player based solely on the strength of their characters. Here are the 5 Best Visual Novels Like Archetype Arcadia.

5. Corpse Party: Book of Shadows

Starting off our list of the best visual novels like Archetype Arcadia, we have Corpse Party: Book of Shadows. Corpse Party: Book of Shadows is an immensely dark visual novel with a memorable cast of characters. Players will truly be able to immerse themselves within the game's world due to the perspective used in the game. This first-person perspective allows players to get up close and personal with the events of the story, giving them more staying power. Additionally, the game has some clever tricks up its sleeve to make it stand out from even the best visual novels.

Corpse Party: Book of Shadows allows for players to experience the truly distorting feeling of “Darkening”. This is a system in which players' characters will slowly start to become more affected by psychological distress the further you get in the game. This really does a fantastic job of ramping up the tension throughout the playthrough in an already tense title. So, if you are someone who enjoys visual novels, and wants to experience some of the best visual novels like Archetype Arcadia have to offer, check out Corpse Party: Book of Shadows.

4. Doki Doki Literature Club

Staying somewhat in the same vein as our last entry, for our next entry, we have Doki Doki Literature Club. For fans of the visual novel genre, this title has served as a very popular game among genre veterans and newcomers alike. This is due to the nature of the game, as well as many other aspects that make it really appealing to a number of audiences. What players should definitely keep in mind is that behind this cheerful and happy exterior, lies a deeply disturbing game. This makes it great for adult audiences who can handle more of the game's darker themes.

It is this cheery exterior that the game uses to juxtapose the traumatic events depicted in the game. This makes the game stand out in quite a few ways, as it tonally shifts quite often. This works well for the game, however, and in fact, adds to the unsettling nature of the game. So, if you are someone who is a fan of the world of visual novels, make sure you check out Doki Doki Literature Club, as the base game is free to play for all to enjoy. That said, it is simply one of the best visual novels like Archetype Arcadia on the market today.

3. Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE

Following up on our last entry, next we have Master Detective Archies: RAIN CODE. This game is one of the best visual novels like Archetype Arcadia that players can currently play. This adventure game takes place across six chapters. Within the chapters, are events that slowly start to unfold in front of the player. This allows the player to sink into the game's world. This, coupled with the multitude of side quests in the game, allow players to create a world that feels very lived-in.

Players will be able to participate in quite a few different styles of gameplay. While most of the game is deduction-based and asks the player to figure things out. The game does feature a skill system in which players are able to upgrade their character. This makes the game rather unique from other games in the same genre. This inclusion allows every playthrough of the game to feel just that little bit different, which is great. All in all, Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is one of the best visual novels like Archetype Arcadia you should play today.

2. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Next up, we have a title that visual novel fans will no doubt have heard of. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, is the first of the Danganronpa series. This is the title that is responsible for making the franchise so beloved by many fans. In this game, players are cast in the role of students, as they make their way through several death games in order to survive. Along the way, there are many twists and turns to be observed. This is great, as it often keeps the player on their toes, and the choices you make in the game definitely matter.

Players will be able to use their deductive skills to investigate murders that are going on all around them. This will see players searching for clues, or any bit of evidence they can find. This is great, as it rewards players for paying attention not only to their environments but the characters around them. However, players will have to use their powers of persuasion in order to convince the rest of the characters of their version of the truth. This, and many more reasons, make Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc one of the best visual novels like Archetype Arcadia.

1. AI: The Somnium Files

Wrapping up our list of the best visual novels like Archetype Arcadia, we have AI: The Somnium Files. This is a game that stands out, not only through its aesthetic but also through its commitment to quality. Set in a near-future version of Tokyo, this game has a distinct setting that stands out. This makes experiencing the roller coaster ride of a mystery all the more enjoyable. Described as a neo-noir title, this game definitely embraces its noir roots, as far as the storytelling of the game goes. This is a mystery that has to be pieced together throughout the player's playtime.

After finding a body in an abandoned theme park, the game quickly immerses the player in its dark world. However, it is in how the game's characters interact with each other that this game truly shines. The game's overall narrative is rather complex, even by genre standards, and this should be commended. The game also manages to balance rather silly aspects of the game with its darker tones rather well. So, if this sounds like it would be up your alley, definitely check out AI: The Somnium Files.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Visual Novels Like Archetype Arcadia? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.