Everyone loves a good monster, some more than others. I made a top-5 list for monster fans looking to be part of the story through visual novels. Experience the heart-pounding adrenaline rush of running from or into the arms of things that go bump in the night. How many rows of teeth are you looking for in a partner? I personally think most of the monsters on this list are more afraid of you rejecting them than you are of them eating you. Some will be tempted. Number 1 is the best for fans looking for a real side of horror with their monster love. This is my list of the top five visual novels for monster lovers.
5: Hooked on You
If you’ve ever thought about what it would be like to kiss the killers from Dead by Daylight as you tried to run from them, I have some good news. Hooked on You is a visual novel based on Dead by Daylight where the player is stranded on a beach with four of the game’s iconic slashers. Players can choose to romance The Huntress, The Trapper, The Spirit, or The Wraith. Earn the affection of your chosen love interest by spending time with them, but also by playing mini-games. They’re very impressed when you cut meat correctly. Hooked on You leans into the role of parody game, but I didn’t find it off-putting. Sometimes I find visual novel parodies mean-spirited to fans, but Hooked on You was just silly fun. It feels very Love Island at times, doing confessionals with the love interests for the player to see if they’re on the right track. As someone who’s never played Dead by Daylight, just a monster appreciator, I found Hooked on You made me want to play. Each route has the romance options go into their character lore, and I was hooked by the writing. I was searching through the wiki to learn even more and became attached to these characters. They humanized the hunters to the point where, for a moment, the player forgets they’re killers. Just for a moment, until you annoy them and it’s game over, the player is slain. Don’t lose your head on this romantic beach in Hooked on You.
4: Replay Boys
How much of a raise would you require to save a concert on your day off? It’s not even your job. From social media manager to boy band wrangler, the player agrees to collect the pop sensation The Replay Boys for their concert. Their regular ride called in sick and asked for a favor. Can you really say no? Yes, and there will be consequences! Replay Boys is a Lovecraftian mystery that has one of my favorite tropes that you have to play for yourself to see. I think it’s perfectly implemented. This game doesn’t have the player romancing monsters, but instead figuring out how to escape the clutches of one. It takes a keen eye to see behind the curtain of the entertainment industry. There are romancable characters the player can choose between: two of the band members, Tyler or Jax. I think the story is perfectly paced, slowly guiding players down the rabbit hole. The further you go, the harder it is to put down. I’m impressed by the way each band member’s route influences the next until the puzzle pieces start falling into place. This is the perfect time to get nosy and start snooping with Replay Boys.
3: Mythic Love: Iberian Legends
Become part of the lore that saves Spanish folk tales, and they’ll tell stories of you. Transported to a different world where magic and monsters are real, players search for a way home. The only option is to open a portal; the instructions include getting close to a supernatural being of their choice. Mythic Love has five romanceable characters: Bú, Coru, Tiago, Juana, and Gaueko. Mythic Love differs from the other visual novels on this list as the player can choose which character they’d like to interact with the most instead of trying to win their affection. Instead, the player must choose if they want to be just friends with their monster companion or unlock a deeper connection. If players pursue romance with a character, there’s the possibility of seeing their true monstrous forms. I’m a sucker for the scenes where these monstrous figures protect the player from the shadows that threaten to eat them. Mythic Love gives the player an option to learn about the myths their romancing if they’ve never heard of them. In my opinion, using visual novels as a learning tool is a neat idea. The overall story is meaningful and well written, with moments that’ll make your heart flutter and others that’ll make you laugh. I went to one mythical ball, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. I’ve written a full article for Mythic Love: Iberian Legends. Become immersed in the myths.
Full Article: Mythic Love: Iberian Legends – Igniting Romance with Spanish Folklore
2: Monster Prom – Monster Con
Strolling around artist alley, you never know who you’ll lock eyes with: a professional cosplayer, an internet star, or your favorite fan fiction writer. Conventions have this magical feel that may lead to romance. My personal favorite of the Monster Prom Series is Monster Con. In my opinion, it captures the full goofy spirit of the team behind the games. I feel like the writers were in their element, and as a con-goer myself, I felt seen. Maybe too seen at times. There are plenty of monsters to romance, with six candidates, including my personal favorite of the whole series, April, a quirky and at times scary clown girl. Players get to choose from 4 monster personas to join in on the fun. Make memories that’ll last a lifetime at Monster Con. If you have friends who are also into dating monsters, Monster Con does support multiplayer, which could turn dating into a competitive sport if two hearts are after the affections of the same monster. The game uses a blind-box system that affects players’ stats based on what they pull. It’s just fun to open them and see what you get. Go to panels, participate in tabletop games, and even write your own comic! It’s your own personal year-round convention with the added bonus of monster kissing and no travel fees.
1: Scarlett Hollow
Drawn to the middle of nowhere by family obligations, you learn of the horrors your branch of the family attempted to escape. The past collides with you as you’re forced to relive a past passed down by blood. Scarlett Hollow is pure horror in a visual novel with monsters in many shapes. Some hide so well the player may not yet notice they’re in love with a creature waiting to sink their teeth into their neck. Some monsters don’t hide at all, chasing the player across the Hollow. It feels impossible to put this visual novel down once you start. There are no bright sides in the Hollow; only survival as you experience haunting terrors. At the beginning of the game, players can choose two attributes that change how their character may experience the game by adding new dialogue options. Scarlet Hollow has a branching narrative with plenty of dialogue options. I’ve played two runs so far, and both were very different from the opening chapter alone. Scarlet Hollow is the scariest visual novel I’ve personally played, with some real horror monsters as romance options. I recommend picking it up and playing on a quiet night to let the sound design dig at your bones. It’s chilling. I do feel like there is a monster for everyone in Scarlet Hollow; my personal favorite is Wayne; he has early slasher vibes. I’ve written an article previously for Scarlett Hollow, but I think I need to revisit it after the final chapter releases. Travel to Scarlett Hollow to add fear to the romance stirring in your heart.
Full Article: Scarlet Hollow- Echoing Past
Monsters fit into more than horror and have found their place in romance. If you’re brave enough to pursue them, or let them pursue you. A date with an Eldridge horror may be the best date you’ve ever been on. Add a dash of adventure to your visual novel list. I created this list with games I’ve personally played. What monster romance games would you recommend?
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