With a Metacritic score of 96, this game has one of the most poignant love stories of all time

In the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, the world seems to have turned various shades of red and pink, with roses and teddy bears in shop windows and romantic ideals seemingly falling in the air. The gaming world is not immune to this annual celebration of hearts and cupid's arrows, with plenty of love stories from past titles hitting fans' heads every February 14th. Yuna and Tidus, Geralt and Yennefer, Shepard and Garrus — the list of (mostly) happy couples goes on. However, a quirky game often flies under the radar when it comes to love stories, despite boasting a wildly high rating across the board: House in Fata Morgana.

Developed by Novetacle, House in Fata Morgana For a time, it was the highest-rated game on the Nintendo Switch, surprising fans of the console and driving people to the unique romance-driven visual novel. Although this particular type of game isn't always an easy sell, those who decided to give it a shot found themselves completely engrossed with its artwork and story, the latter of which is anything but straightforward. To say that love and heartache are at the heart of the mystery title is an understatement, and whoever makes it to the end and unravels each string will never forget it.

related to

35 RPGs with the most romance options

One of the standout features of RPGs is the option to do anything you want, even falling in love. These titles offer a wide range of romance options.

The home of Fata Morgana is an emotional tour de force for Valentine's Day

Conspiracy of House in Fata Morgana Not so easily summarized, and the title must be played in full to fully appreciate its depth, but some tidbits may attract those curious about this Valentine. One day, a soul with no memories wakes up in a mysterious mansion, desperate to regain its lost memories. At this end, a strange maid appears, eager to share her own memories of the property with the ghost. The maid works in the mansion for hundreds of years, and then shares her impressions, plunging into the lives of the house's many residents from 1099 to 1869. This is done in the hope that these stories will stir some emotion, and when this eventually proves to be the case, no one is prepared to face the full truth.

Several love stories are told over the course of the play, from young puppy love to mature pining, with the main relationship holding the single thread that ties each story together. Only in the final hours of the title do they all come together, with a series of sharp and shocking twists and easy landings. House in Fata Morgana At the top of the visual novel ladder. It's anything but predictable, and its cloying atmosphere is only strengthened by an unexpectedly powerful soundtrack. Five composers contributed to the game's impressive soundtrack, most of which includes vocals, giving it a more dramatic feel and making the start of each chapter feel like a new curtain rising.

House of Fata Morgana also boasts a score of 93 on OpenCritic and an overwhelmingly positive rating on Steam.

Visual novels often feature an anime aesthetic, and given its Japanese roots, that's expected by many. Fata Morgana to do the same. Instead, realism was key to making the story strong enough to stand the test of time, and alongside its powerful writing, its impressionistic artwork, by Moyataro, is far from generic, with each character and historical setting feeling truly alive on screen.

Give feedback House in Fata Morgana has been incredibly positive, with its Metacritic score of 96 being only the tip of the iceberg. Critics have called it everything from “one of the best stories in gaming” to “an experience both beautiful and painful in equal measure”, with one writer having trouble explaining “how deeply the game has affected their psyche”. It's rare to see a niche visual novel find such substantial critical acclaim, but the title currently ranks higher on OpenCritic than many recent megahits, as well Hollow Knight: Silksong (91), Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (90), and also Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (92).

While love plays a central role, The House of Fata Morgana also tackles many dark and heavy themes

While its main love story is memorable for positive reasons, not the least of all its longevity and the couple's unwavering devotion to each other, is not all love. House in Fata Morgana All are created equal, and it's definitely not healthy at all. As dark and somewhat creepy as the artwork might suggest, the game doesn't shy away from a lot of troubling topics, with love sometimes being distorted in awkward ways. From an adulterous relationship to pure passion that destroys one's mental health, the visual novel not only addresses the concept of a happy ending, but what can happen when passions go too far, and the attachment becomes unhealthy and destructive.

9 Match the games to the grid.

Toxic romance isn't the only heavy theme the play tackles, with some chapters telling stories of slavery and discrimination and others showing the devastating effects of self-sacrifice, not only on the victim, but on those who care for them. maybe what House in Fata Morgana It is best to address the concept of perspective, its many nuanced characters are clearly good or bad. Circumstances drive them, and just as some choices lead to positive outcomes, others lead to destruction and the need for redemption. It's easy for players to find themselves in one or more of the game's characters, and it makes it an easy recommendation for fans of visual novels or skeptics.

Fans who enjoyed The House in Fata Morgana will also want to pick up The House in Fata Morgana: A Requiem for Innocence, which is a companion to the main game. The original game will take most players between 30 and 40 hours to complete, while a single Quest for Innocence takes around 10 hours, or 15 for completionists.

Interestingly, the story of House in Fata Morgana May not be complete yet. In early 2025, a live-action adaptation of the game was confirmed to be in development, thanks to a particularly passionate North American film director. It's unclear when — or if — it will actually come to pass, but fans are hopeful. This Valentine's Day may be best spent exploring this otherworldly title, although it should be noted that most who reach the end should be prepared to shed a few tears.