ββ₯ Priro's Tea-Length Visual Novel List β₯ β
This is a list of visual novels by various independent developers that are short enough to be played within an afternoon (or an evening) with not much time. The idea is that you can make yourself a cup of tea, have some snacks, light some candles, and wind down with a short, but beautiful experience. Full-length visual novels are like full-sized cakes: Really delicious, but not really possible to finish on your own in a night (unless you're really determined!). Think of these like the macarons or chocolate truffles of visual novels!
Though this list is primarily for visual novels, I have also decided to add Twine games and other interactive fiction that might not be considered a conventional "visual novel." There is simply no reason to be rigid about what fits on this list, because more is merrier!
Since many of these pieces are made for short jams/ as experiments, the vast majority of them are FREE to play. Any games that are not free will be marked with a dollar sign, as told by the key.
Key:
π = Browser Playable
π = 18+ Content
πͺ’ = Made with Twine
βΆοΈ = Demo
π² = Paid
Before we begin the list, a friendly reminder that Act 1 of Parfum Nostalgique, my visual novel series, is a pretty great sit-down-with-tea kinetic novel about a 265-year-old therapist-by-day, dom-by-night vampire. You can find it on itch.io here, or you can return to the homepage of this website to find links to the browser version and other cool stuff.
Reflection. A short, tragic story about a jester named Ziri who laments about failing to make her dream come true. Unable to let it go, she wishes for a second chance.π
A Late Night Convo. A Late Night Convo tells the story of a demisexual man being happy that he's found a partner who's accepted him for who he is. It's a very cute, heartwarming ace story that pulls a lot from my personal experiences + feelings about being asexual!π
I Hate the Color White. A Twine game based off the developer's real-life experience of visiting her father in the hospital last year.ππͺ’
Still Shining. A 7 minute VN about stargazing with your best friend. The game deals with some heavy topics, such as depression, drunk driving, survivor's guilt, and death so keep that in mind!π
Midnight on the Milky Way. A person without face or memory boards a train through the galaxy. No crying 'till the end. 40mins-2hrs.
Petrichor. Pommy βshort for Pommelineβ goes on a coffee date with her partner Paris and hopes to come out to him as asexual.
Someone to Hold Me. A visual novel about longing for non-sexual closeness, starring an asexual girl and her internal and social tribulations. 30mins.
Led Along a Torchlit Road. A black comedy/horror parody; the classic story of a mysterious evil child destroying his adopted families - but has now seemingly met his match with his new caretaker. ~1hr.π
lastrain and firstrain. This is a train for those who are no longer here. Why are you here, my darling? Two short visual novels inspired by the developer's 2-man Call of Cthulu campaign.π
Come Back Soon, Oddie. A deceased knight longs to reunite with his comrade of battle, Oddie, but wonders if he will remember him after all those years of being alive.
In This Life. A short, ~10 minute visual novel about two middle aged men tackling change in their relationship. It has vampires, tea and some angst. Parfum Nostalgique fans will really like this one!
Lamprey. A visual novel about four co-workers who find themselves trapped together after an experiment with an AI goes wrong. Free to play, runtime is 60-90 minutes.π
No More Little Match Girl. A bite-sized Gothic retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen story. Itβs got multiple endings, so she doesnβt have to freeze to death anymore (unless you want her to)!
i like flying:). A 10-15 minute VN about travelling for business.
Hello Counsel π. A romantic comedy that follows a criminal mastermind who just got arrested! Good news is that her lawyer boyfriend is here to help her avoid any jail time β if only she stops flirting with him, that is.
Kill the Prince!? A prince is being married against his will. An assassin(?) is hired to take care of the issue. Wait, what? This game is gay? Infiltrate a party, dress up in weird outfits, and try to complete your mission in this espionage VN! π
Confluence: An Of Sense and Soul Sololoquy. A little side story to the main Of Sense and Soul game and itβs ~10min of fully voiced sappiness!
BABELOMANIA (Demo). You are cordially invited to attend the wedding of Francesco Colombo and Delphine Badeaux. The ceremony will take place on the grounds of the historical ChΓ’teau de Bois-le-Dumont, a bizarre estate with a dark hidden past. Please be warned that when the lights go out, you shall find no succour. When the darkness overwhelms your neighbour, you shall find no salvation. When the cruel ambition reveals itself, you shall find no solace. Arm yourself with your wits, determination, and an open mind...Or lose your humanity, before you lose your life.βΆοΈπ
Unsent Letter. Evan Wilhelm, the most fearsome knight of the Thyrs Empire is writing a letter to a friend on his day off.π
Looking For my Mermaid. A short kinetic novel (800+ words) about a man who frequently goes to a certain beach to find a "mermaid."π
Only When you Sleep. Wake up in a dream, choose your guardian and navigate a dangerous realm to try and return to the waking world.π
Drink of Choice. By sharing a drink with someone you can learn their story, struggles, and more. When a sad patron enters the bar, the protagonist decides to share a drink with her and help her sort her problems.
Date Cuenta!/Take a Hint! A short VN about making your friend realize she's in a toxic relationship through showing her the right evidence!
Edda Cafe. A story about about traveling back through time to overcome grief from the loss of your loved one.
Unsettled. Upcoming indie musician, Delia Kate, has a conversation with her music producer over the phone about a song she wrote about an ex. Fully voice acted with an original song!π
Magic, Motherhood, and Mayhem. A short but cute visual novel about a couple trying to survive after they have saved the kingdom! It's fully voice acted! π
Keep It Smooth, Elliot. Elliot has finally mustered up the courage to confess to her long-time crush, Lana. But first, she needs to get through another day of work before she can tell her manager how she feels.π
Moral Retrograde. Ian wakes up in hospital with the last 3 years of his life missing from his memories. Upon opening his eyes, he's greeted by a stranger that claims to be someone intimately close to him. But who is this stranger? And are they telling the truth?π
I'm a SIDE CHARACTER in a BL story! Ever wondered what the side characters get up to in a BL story? Here's your chance to find out. π
Self-Help. Gary's most complicated case is in his office, and they're ready for their session. Or at least, ready as they'll probably ever be. Will today be the day a breakthrough happens, or will the session just continue as usual? You decide! π
Night on the Bayou. An All-Saints' Day undead lesbian rom-com with gorgeous art, alligators, and a deadly amount of puns. 20mins-1hr20mins.
Update 10.25.24
If you have a visual novel/piece of interactive fiction you think would fit well on this list, email Prince Rosalium about it here!
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