AerielSchool is back, and unfortunately that means that summer vacation is officially over. The fun doesn’t have to end, though, so that’s why I’ve compiled this list of games as a recipe for curing after-school boredom. Below you will find a mixture of spooky games, dating sims, fantasy games, and even interactive comics!
10. The Hero’s Journey
Platforms: Windows, Mac (itch.io)
Price: Free
Five years have been wiped clean from your mind. When the Villain’s minions continue to cause trouble, you must travel once more, this time in search of your forgotten memories. But the more you remember, the less the stories ring true.
maneki_mushi
Set in a medieval fantasy world with villainous minions and a cast of mysterious companions, the game features a compelling story with stat-building mechanics. Because of this, along with the plethora of highly detailed artwork, this game is worth diving into if you’re craving an engaging fantasy story.
9. Lovewood
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android (itch.io)
Price: Free
You are the new healer in the fairy town of Liebwald, ready to seek adventure, friendships and maybe even love. Healing physical injuries is like second nature to you, but can you be the balm for your neighbours’ hearts as well? It all depends on the choices you make on your way.
LaceyIcepaw
Lovewood is an amare kemonomimi visual novel with a wholesome story and fantastic artwork. What immediately caught my attention was the fantasy aspect of the game along with the catchy title, but what’s really great about this visual novel is that you can choose to pursue a path of romance or just friendship.
Check out the VN Game Den review of Lovewood!
8. Haunted Vlogs
Platforms: Windows (itch.io)
Price: Free
Two teenagers, a vlogger and her cameraman go to explore an abandoned college, searching for clues and eventually an exit. There is a small tension between them, will they tell their feelings before it’s too late?
Romaniachan
Haunted Vlogs is an RPG Maker visual novel with a spooky story. The concept of this game is very intriguing to me, as someone who has a keen interest in paranormal investigations. I recommend this game to anyone looking for a mixture of cute and funny characters against a paranormal backdrop.
7. It’s Not Me
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (itch.io)
Price: Free
Short point and click Horror vn about a girl trapped in an abnormal corridor full of doors.
Kaffein
It’s Not Me is a short game released for this year’s O2A2 Jam. What reeled me in was the numbered doors found in the game’s screenshots, as it’s clear there’s a mystery that’s beckoning us to uncover it. It’s Not Me is based on Kaffein’s main game Five Stages of Pink, which is available on Steam and itch.io.
6. Therapy with Dr. Albert Kreuger
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (itch.io)
Price: Free
So what are you waiting for? Sign up for your therapy today!
dino999z
Engage in unconventional therapy, not for the faint of heart. This game is fun and scary simultaneously as it explores a new kind of therapy called “dream therapy.” Decked out with minigames and extraordinary pixel art, this game will take you on a twisted and surreal journey of combating mental disorders.
Here’s our review for Therapy with Dr. Albert Kreuger.
5. King of the Cul-De-Sac
Platforms: Windows (Steam) (itch.io)
Price: Free
An Interactive Comic with PUNCHING in it.
Matthew Vimislik
King of the Cul-De-Sac is the game to play if you’re a comic book fan, but even if you’re not, this game is a fantastic blend of a VN and a graphic novel. The game features boss battles and a fun variety of interactive choices that keep things interesting.
Read our review for King of the Cul-De-Sac!
4. The Last Star
Platforms: Windows, Mac (itch.io)
Price: Free
Mythical beings, an eternal night, and a fairytale that seems to tie it all together.
tanaw
The Last Star is a 2D platformer/visual novel hybrid with gorgeous illustrations of starry skies and nighttime backgrounds. Each scene is like a carefully painted picture that’s mesmerizing to look at. The game is free and currently includes chapter 1 with more to come.
3. Nursery School Diaries
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android (itch.io)
Price: Free
Life as a nursery school teacher can be tough, but it’s a rewarding job. What kind of little shenanigans will you be facing? Interact with the kids, and you might just become closer to their respective guardians.
ChaniMK
Nursery School Diaries has a premise that ventures off the beaten path. I love that the story includes both kids and their guardians as it provides refreshing and fun character dynamics.
2. Our Life: Beginnings & Always
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android (itch.io)
Price: Free, with optional paid DLCs
A nostalgic visual novel where you design your own character and grow from childhood to adulthood with the lonely boy next door.
GB Patch Games
Our Life: Beginnings & Always is perhaps one of the most innovative visual novels to date, as it allows players to be fully immersed in the story via complex character creation and a story that spans across decades.
Check out our review for Our Life: Beginnings & Always.
1. Boyfriend Dungeon – Secret Weapons
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (Steam) (itch.io)
Price: US $19.99
Date your weapons! Romance swords, daggers, and polearms to level them up in this “shack-and-slash” dungeon crawling adventure.
Kitfox Games
This game is on everybody’s radar right now, and there’s a good reason for it. Boyfriend Dungeon is an unconventional dating sim-meets-dungeon crawler that lets you date your weapons.
Boyfriend Dungeon recently received a patch update free to anyone who owns the game. This patch update includes new encounters with the love interests and more!
Anna Mirabella
