So I've been looking for new visual novels to check out in my downtime recently, and spotted this old topic on the forums that I want to revive in the hopes of seeing more recommendations! (as opposed to starting a whole new thread about it). I believe visual novels (speaking of the interactive games here) and comics are inherently close-knit media that share a lot in common, including some of the ways they handle writing and art. So here's a few of my favorites to hopefully get the thread rolling again:
The House in Fata Morgana
Absolutely gorgeous art and a very dark, twisted storyline revolving around a mysterious manor and its occupants across the centuries- including three in particular who seem to always keep coming back, and the story of star-crossed love and revenge that ties them together. There aren't that many choices in this game, but it does have multiple endings that reward careful readers. It's also quite long.
Will: A Wonderful World
Another visual novel with beautiful artwork and a complex story- but the thing that really stands out about this one is the unusual gameplay mechanics. You manipulate the fate of multiple characters whose lives intersect in various humorous and unsettling ways. The tone in this game varies from lighthearted comedy to sudden abject horror, so do be vary of that. Many, many choices can be made here (an almost overwhelming amount) but there is an ultimate true ending.
Leviathan: The Last Day of the Decade
This visual novel features some of the must stunningly detailed artwork I have ever seen in any game, period. The world building is quite interesting as well. There are a number of adventure/point-and-click style elements and some good old mystery solving. Fair warning though (SPOILERS AHEAD): there is a major subplot in which the male protagonist ends up manipulating the feelings of a gay character who has an unrequited crush on him, resulting in this character being sent to prison for the protagonist's crimes. Personally, I cringed pretty hard at this plot line- not because it's a possibility, but because the player gets no choice but to go along with it. As a queer person myself, I found the writer's choice to favour compulsory heterosexuality and force you to effectively punish the gay character for his feelings really jarring here- given that this visual novel revolves around making moral choices. But it's a testament to how great the art and story are otherwise that I would still recommend it, even given this warning.
And some other great ones off the top of my head:
The Letter (psychological horror) https://theletter.yangyangmobile.com/
Herald: An Interactive Period Drama (historical fiction) http://heraldgame.com/
Queen at Arms (warfaring fantasy) http://www.queenatarms.com/about/
Solstice (dystopian thriller) http://moacube.com/games/solstice/