Twist your own plot

From cyberpunk dystopias to creepy urban legends, these 10 eerie visual novels allow you to be the author of the story, and chart your own journey

- By Rudraa Abirami Sudarshan | [e-mail]

1 Higurashi: When They Cry. From the writer of the upcoming instalment of Silent Hill, this franchise revolves around the inhabitants of Hinamizawa. A brutal death occurs annually at the Watanagashi festival. Can the residents figure out why, or will they all succumb to Oyashiro-sama's curse? Or, will paranoia drive them to homicidal rage before that? The game is not for the faint of heart. This rural horror story isn't just a visual novel, but a sound novel too - use your ears to get immersed.

Developer: 07th Expansion

2 Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo. For fans of creepy urban legends, the occult and atmospheric mystery. It's set during the Shōwa era in Sumida City, Japan, where curses are being heaped upon the quiet neighbourhood of Honjo. Control a wide cast of characters to get to the bottom of things. Save your skin. Live to tell the tale. Best played at midnight with headphones. Why go half-measures with the scares?

Developer: Square Enix

Your Turn to Die - Death Game By Majority -. Eleven people wake up to find that they've been trapped in a building. Forced to participate in a cruel death game, can Sara figure out who's pulling the strings before the body count rises? The tension is taut. You must investigate, debate and reason your way out, because every choice you make has a devastating consequence.

Developer: Nankidai