Best games
Best Visual Novel games of 2020
The 8 best Visual Novel games released in 2020, ranked from 1,053 critic and player ratings.
The best Visual Novel game of 2020 is Persona 4 Golden, with a critic score of 90/100 — updated September 2026.
How this ranking is built
- Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
- A game only enters the ranking with at least 30 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
- Each game is ranked in one genre only, the one that defines it best, so the same title never tops two different genre charts.
- Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
- Release window covered: 2020.
- 8 games are listed on this page, carrying 1,053 ratings between them.
- Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 28 September 2026.
Top 8
01
Persona 4 Golden
A coming of age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders. Now available on modern platforms, the world-renowned Persona 4 Golden promises unforgettable adventures, meaningful bonds, and heartwarming experiences.
90
/100
02
Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk
A short story about what sort of challenges everyday little things can be. Help the girl buy milk, be the first not to disappoint her.
80
/100
03
The White Door
Robert Hill wakes up in a Mental Health facility and suffers from severe memory loss. Follow the strict daily routine of the facility and help him to recollect his memories by exploring his dreams. The White Door is a point-and-click adventure by Rusty Lake that uses a split-screen for interaction with the environment and protagonist. The release is planned for iOS, Android, Steam and itch.io at the end of summer 2019.
77
/100
Persona 4 Golden
A coming of age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders. Now available on modern platforms, the world-renowned Persona 4 Golden promises unforgettable adventures, meaningful bonds, and heartwarming experiences.
90
/100
02
Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk
A short story about what sort of challenges everyday little things can be. Help the girl buy milk, be the first not to disappoint her.
80
/100
03
The White Door
Robert Hill wakes up in a Mental Health facility and suffers from severe memory loss. Follow the strict daily routine of the facility and help him to recollect his memories by exploring his dreams. The White Door is a point-and-click adventure by Rusty Lake that uses a split-screen for interaction with the environment and protagonist. The release is planned for iOS, Android, Steam and itch.io at the end of summer 2019.
77
/100
04
Helltaker
Helltaker is a short game about sharply dressed demon girls.
74
/100
05
Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!
Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage! is a rhythm game for iOS and Android. The game is a collaboration between SEGA, Colorful Palette, and Crypton Future Media.
71
/100
06
Coffee Talk
Coffee Talk is a coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator about listening to fantasy-inspired modern peoples’ problems, and helping them by serving up a warm drink or two.
70
/100
07
Being a DIK - Season 1
Being a DIK is a choice driven adult Visual Novel focusing on the fun parts of college life. The game is packed with humor, sex, romance, drama and a rich story. Play as a young male attending college at B&R and guide him through the experience.
70
/100
08
Vampire: The Masquerade - Shadows of New York
Vampire: The Masquerade – Shadows of New York is a visual novel set in the rich universe of Vampire: The Masquerade. It's a continuation of our previous title, Coteries of New York. While Coteries was a general introduction to the world depicted in the 5th Edition of the hit tabletop role-playing game, Shadows presents a more personal and unique tale.
33
/100
Helltaker
Helltaker is a short game about sharply dressed demon girls.
74
/100
05
Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!
Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage! is a rhythm game for iOS and Android. The game is a collaboration between SEGA, Colorful Palette, and Crypton Future Media.
71
/100
06
Coffee Talk
Coffee Talk is a coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator about listening to fantasy-inspired modern peoples’ problems, and helping them by serving up a warm drink or two.
70
/100
07
Being a DIK - Season 1
Being a DIK is a choice driven adult Visual Novel focusing on the fun parts of college life. The game is packed with humor, sex, romance, drama and a rich story. Play as a young male attending college at B&R and guide him through the experience.
70
/100
08
Vampire: The Masquerade - Shadows of New York
Vampire: The Masquerade – Shadows of New York is a visual novel set in the rich universe of Vampire: The Masquerade. It's a continuation of our previous title, Coteries of New York. While Coteries was a general introduction to the world depicted in the 5th Edition of the hit tabletop role-playing game, Shadows presents a more personal and unique tale.
33
/100
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Visual Novel game of 2020?
Persona 4 Golden currently tops the ranking with a score of 90/100 across 51 ratings. Ranking updated September 2026.
How is this ranking built?
Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.