[Updated 16/08/15]
These are, in my opinion, the best Original English Language Visual Novels (OELVNs) out there. Keep in mind that if I haven’t read them they can’t make it here, so don’t worry if you don’t see your favorites.
If you’re new to visual novels and want to know more about them, feel free to ask either here or using one of the options on my “Contact / Follow Me” page (under the “About” tab).
Disclaimer: Some of these titles contain adult content. They have been marked.
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Note: The OELVN Recommendations List has a lower threshold for acceptance than the Visual Novel Recommendations List. OELVNs can appear in both lists.
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Katawa Shoujo – Heavily Emotional Slice of Life + Living With A Disability
R18 – Option to revert to PG
An Octave Higher – Formulaic Magic + Dystopian Society
Rising Angels: Reborn – Space Travel + Ship Politics + Frontier Exploration
Sunrider – Space Mecha Combat + Tactics Gameplay
Review (Pending)
Analogue: A Hate Story – Twisted-Trail Plot + Piece-Together Mystery
The Geek Clinic 
One day…
Is it just me or is the difference between these and the Japanese ones obvious?
One day?
The difference is really that the Western industry doesn’t have the same kind of funding or experience as Japanese developers do. I think things will pick up with time if the good visual novels being translated at the moment can expand the niche market we have currently.
One day I will make one of these, I’m sure.
Picked up An Octave Higher during a sale Playism had a few weeks back, so just waiting until my next opportunity to start it. I did have a chance to play through Analogue per the recommend of someone else and enjoyed it. Sadly, the sequel (if you want to call it that) felt too sluggish. VA-11 HALL-A is another interesting one to keep an eye on that I have paid for and played, but can’t recommend it until they actually get the full game out. Dysfunctional System was also kinda of intriguing, but the project is canceled and developer shutdown the company. My Little Dictator, Love Series Regenerate, Memory’s Dogma, Millia, Starlight Vega, and Divine Slice Of Life (I believe that is from AJTilley) are some more upcoming ones to look forward to.
I think An Octave Higher is the only OELVN i’ve received a review key for that’s up here, more for its worldbuilding than anything else, so i’ll be interested to see what you think of it (I noted we felt similarly about Icebound). I have yet to pick up Analogue’s sequel but it’s a shame to hear you didn’t like it as much…I have to replay to original at some point too.
I’d had dysfunctional systems on my list for a while though now i’m not sure I want to start a dead-end game. Of the others you’ve suggested (embarrassed genderbent Hitora?!) Memory’s Dogma appeals to me the most. Given how large my backlog is, however, i’m waiting on either review keys or positive reviews before I pick up more OELVNs to peruse…there are so many coming out that i’m happier letting others sift through them XD
Hmm, yea. The thing about OELVN is that it always seems off-putting to me, like, just looking at the pictures, I can’t help but feel that I wouldn’t be able to get used to it compare to my experiences of “normal” visual novels. Will still check some of these out in due time though, Analogue looks interesting.
That being said, anyone tried Hatoful Boyfriend? Seems kinda… amusing.
I get the same feeling, to tell the truth, but I usually push forward with them anyway because the visuals don’t necessarily say anything about the story (take True Remembrance for instance, though it’s not an OELVN).
I…don’t think I could ever bring myself to play it XD A friend of mine who hasn’t played any other VNs enjoyed it though (and made me incredibly sad at the same time).