It’s no secret that I am a lover of boys love media and on this sacred day, I wanted to spotlight some of the boys love visual novels you absolutely need to play. So if you consider yourself a fujoshi, fudanshi, or fujin, you do not want to miss out on these visual novels!

Dramatical Murder

If you play any of the Nitro+chiral games, it HAS to be Dramatical Murder—it’s like a BL fandom right of passage! This cyberpunk adventure is a wild ride, follow Aoba as he is he ventures into the vibrant Platinum Jail to take down the powerful Toue Corporation and protect his home and the people closest to him. High-tech virtual reality battles, street gang turf wars, and dangerous secrets await! Dramatical Murder was my first BL game back in the day and I couldn’t think of a better game to kick off this list! Stylish designs, a wild cyberpunk storyline, and just a dash of nightmare fuel, makes this a MUST play!

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The Divine Speaker

Two and a Half Studios can just go ahead and take all my money, with their immersive stories, gorgeous art, and phenomenal characters this indie team has quickly become one of my favorites. An expansive fantasy world full of mystery, magic, and so much more awaits—The Divine Speaker is better than some of the Japanese produced visual novels I have played! Follow orphan, Raen after he is expelled from his home on a death sentence, his adventure will take him all over a world he didn’t even know existed. If you need one reason to play this game, it’s hands down, Fawn. Baby boy is too pure for this world and MUST be protected!

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I’m a Love Interest in My Childhood Friend’s Reverse Harem

This may be an otome parody with a ridiculously long light novel-esque name, but I’m a Love Interest in My Childhood Friend’s Reverse Harem is a friggin riot! Instead of playing the heroine and choosing between several men that have typical dating-sim personalities, you play as the childhood friend, Geum Park. What’s more, you’ve made it your mission to protect your precious childhood friend (the actual heroine) by making two of her love interests fall for you instead. In this topsy-turvy rom-com you can create your own BL romance~ This game is hilarious and lowkey cute as heck! I didn’t know what to expect going in, but I couldn’t help but root for Geum Park and the other boys.

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Night/Shade: You’re the Drug

Night/Shade: You’re the Drug is a newer indie visual novel that’ll definitely put you in the mind of Nitro+chiral’s Dramatical Murder—especially with it’s neon colored aesthetic and crime riddled city setting. But, that’s where the comparisons end, this intense crime thriller delves into the seedy underbelly of the city of Sobena. 27 year old drug dealer Sasha is caught in the middle of a dangerous struggle between two powerful crime syndicates. To protect those he holds dear, Sasha will have to put it all on the line or risk losing it all. I was HOOKED on this game! There is so much more going on outside of Sasha and his “romance” and the devs do a phenomenal job of fleshing out ALL the characters and creating such genuine interactions. Though, be warned, this game EARNS its 18+ rating.

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UUUltraC

What can I say? I’m a sucker for kaiju and tokusatsu. Don’t get me wrong I love Adelta’s Hashihime of the Old Book Town (you should play it too), but their latest localization, UUUltraC blew me away! Set in a world where kaiju and superheroes duke it out on a regular basis, three couples on different sides of the conflict struggle to live normal lives. This game is all kinds of wild and bizarre, I think I had more questions while playing than I ever got answers, but I was so caught up in the action and all the twists and turns to even care! UUUltraC is PLUS ULTRA Hashihime and I love it! Fast paced kaiju battles, steamy scenes, and wild storylines that feel like an absolutely acid trip… and it’s addictive as heck!

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Camp Buddy

Camp Buddy is just good cute fun! Set in a scout themed summer camp, follow the ever optimistic Keitaro as he forms deep bonds with his fellow camp mates. It’s up to Keitaro to unite the campers once again and make Camp Buddy a great place to be for everyone. Just a cute game about a group of equally cute boys, filling their summer with the greatest memories… There is a bit of “drama” in some of the routes, but for the most part this a fun lighthearted romp. PLENTY of characters to love and a helluva lot of steamy scenes Camp Buddy is an all around great time.

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Tokyo Onmyoji -The Tale of Rei Tengenjibashi-

I don’t see many folks talking about Tokyo Onmyoji, which is a shame because it’s a really great game that deserves way more attention! Follow Tengenjibashi, an onmyoji in Shinjuku as he navigates the spiritual goings on in the city—pick up odd jobs and take down malevolent spirits while also dealing with other onmyoji. Tokyo Onmyoji isn’t a game that fits neatly into one category, at times a fast paced supernatural adventure, at others a quirky comedy. But with it’s dynamic cast, plucky protagonist, and interesting premise, this is definitely a game you’ll want to pick up! Tengenjibashi is one of my fave protagonists, strong willed and sassy, but just jaded enough to be believable and 100% DTF. The game has a bit of an episodic feel to it in the beginning before narrowing the focus for the individual routes. And the characters are all just perfection!

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