Overview

Imaginary Bad Friend is a free-to-play visual novel adventure developed and published by Shinogiya. This title invites players into an emotional journey centered around a boy named Shiomi, who appears one day as an imaginary friend only the main character can perceive. While Shiomi offers kindness, preparing games and sweet treats, a darker, more complex side to his nature is hinted at, suggesting a narrative rich with emotional depth.

Highlights

  • Genre Blend: Combines elements of Adventure, Visual Novel, and Story Rich gameplay, offering a narrative-focused experience.
  • Emotional Narrative: Explores themes of friendship and perception, with a story that promises to be deeply emotional.
  • Player Choice: Features Choose Your Own Adventure mechanics, allowing players to influence the unfolding story.

Who It's For

This game is ideal for players who enjoy narrative-driven experiences, emotional storytelling, and the unique charm of visual novels. Those who appreciate cute art styles and games that explore psychological themes will find themselves drawn into Shiomi's world. It's also a great option for those looking for a free, engaging single-player adventure.

Game Info

Developed and published by Shinogiya, Imaginary Bad Friend was released on December 21, 2025. It is available for free on Steam and supports Japanese language.

Regarding live commentary and streaming, the developers permit broadcasting throughout the entire game, including monetization. Screenshots can be used freely for thumbnails and other purposes up until the point where the ending branches diverge, after which their use is prohibited to avoid spoilers.

A link to the store page is requested in video descriptions. The contents of the DLC artbook are not permitted for use in videos.