Recommendations of Visual Novels to Read for Depression

[aliciarune]

So, I read someone's thread and even responded to them about what to read since they were down. Now it got me thinking about how I may need some things to read. I'm planning soon to read Higurashi and/or Umeniko, but would like some more visual novels of what I should read. Basically I suffer from depression and certain visual novels are good for escape. I haven't read many, nor have finished many, and really only know certain ones, but I'm opening to anything with a good story, characters, and art. I'm fine if it's yaoi, yuri, otome, or BxG. I'm fine if they are light hearted visual novels or drama. Any genre is fine. Not really wanting 18 titles though, but if they are good I will give it a read. I'm a slow reader, so this list will take time. 

So yeah, I'm looking for a list of visual novels to read over the next two months or so. They don't have to be super happy and can even be sci fi and mystery. I just need something to help with my anxiety and depression for right now. Been a bad month or so for me.

Edited July 10, 2019 by aliciarune

[GXOALMD]

With such a broad scope for suggestions I could probably list any that I liked.

If you haven't read it yet, it's hard to go wrong with Grisaia no Kajitsu.  It was originally released as an 18+ title, but there is a censored version. https://vndb.org/v5154

If you'd be fine with some gameplay, zero escape is pretty good.  https://vndb.org/v3112

If you're ever looking for a short, standalone vn to read between the longer ones, Juniper's Knot is a good (and free) choice. https://vndb.org/v9986

[Cardinal]

Since you ask for something with a good story, i will focus on that.

If you already have seen steins;gates anime, maybe you can enjoy is sequel, as steins;gate 0. They have anime too, but is really bad, anyway if you dont have seen the first one, you can enjoy the both titles.  https://vndb.org/v2002 https://vndb.org/v17102

They have a really good story, with drama, sci fi and mystery. Without +18 content and only focus in the story+drama.

 

In other way, this is one of the lasted VN i played, Rance VI Collapse of Zeth. I know, i know... Rance is bestial +18 title with h-scenes in every stage and full of rape. But if speak about the story... well, rance VI is one of the best story i eved played and i really enjoyed the time i played this title. https://vndb.org/v2047

 

To finish, but not for that, less important... i can present you... Utawarerumono saga! This is one of the best sagas i played in my life, really good, with a amaising story and drama/sci fi content. With a bit of adventure and rpg gameplay style. (like disgaea)

The saga has 3 games, the first one is for PC, but the others can be played in psvita or ps3/4.  (Only the first game have h scenes )

https://vndb.org/v3 https://vndb.org/v7721 https://vndb.org/v18717

Edited July 11, 2019 by Cardinal

[kokoro]

Yume Miru Kusuri tbh, if there's anything I learned from it is that footjobs can cure your depression

[Ramaladni]

I direct you to Shinimasu.

[Clephas]

Ayakashibito...  Higashide's first major work is a great story that will suck you in.

[MIUUZICK]

Collar x Malice it's an otome game with a whole criminal mystery (the MC is a police officer), it has a lot of heartwarming moments too and I loved it.

[littleshogun]

I'm sorry to hear about your depression here, so hopefully you'll be able to get through your problem. As for the recommendations, I guess Seinarukana and Aselia should be fine enough seeing that both of those are gameplay VN (I know Seinarukana have sex scenes, but it's only a minor part and you can skip through the so hopefully it wouldn't be a problem). If you want more, there's Galaxy Angel trilogy as well. I hope my recommendations here will be useful here.

Edited November 20, 2023 by littleshogun

[aliciarune]

Thanks so much guys. I'm grateful for the recommendations. I'll read what I can. Thanks again. 

[Nier]

Subarashiki Hibi ~Furenzoku Sonzai~

[fuyopon]

Interesting! Well, Little Busters is definitely a comfort read to me: it deals with the topic of friends and found family, as well as fear of change. It's mostly comedy for the common route, but it's pretty touching on all its routes and the Refrain/True Route gets me emotionally invested every damn time. It also has some weird mystery that I enjoyed.

The House in Fata Morgana is another one I enjoyed and helped me in times of need, but it's a bit on the heavier side... it's a gothic (in looks and content) romance and tragedy, and deals with the lives of the people who inhabited this strange mansion over the centuries... All in all, it truly helped get out of my trauma shell and gave me more strength to deal with what life throws at me, even if it's still difficult.

Finally, there's Marco & The Galaxy Dragon. While Fata Morgana was heavier, this one is the light and comical story most people think of as something to distract yourself with. You know Guardians of the Galaxy? It's the first thing that comes to my mind when I watch the first scene, but imagine that but they come back to Earth looking for a treasure. It's whacky adventures with magic and shit. Pretty fun, would recommend! 

Since you are already reading through Higurashi, I won't recommend it again, but that one also made me bawl my eyes out and helped me oh so much too

[fjejgiei]

One visual novel I found really immersive is "Doki Doki Literature Club." It starts off seemingly innocent, but it delves into some deep themes that might resonate with you. It's free to download, so that's a bonus! Another one I'd recommend is "Steins;Gate." It's a sci-fi thriller with a gripping story and lovable characters. The time-travel aspect keeps you on your toes, and the emotional journey it takes you on is really something special. If you ever feel like you need more support beyond just reading, don't hesitate to reach out. I stumbled upon this resource for addiction treatment that might be helpful https://sunlightrecovery.com/addiction/ It's important to take care of ourselves in every way we can. I'm glad to lend an ear or share recommendations anytime.

Edited May 7, 2024 by fjejgiei

[LostPomegranate]

I know this thread is really old, but in case anyone with similar issues is still reading it:

 

Hoshi Ori Yume Mirai https://vndb.org/v14265 and Gin'iro, Haruka https://vndb.org/v18778 are both pretty darn solid pure love slice of life stories. Some drama occurs in both, but nothing crazy, and they're a pretty good distraction and uplifting read really. Fair warning, they are long, even taking me around 55 hours each.