The World Next Door: Anime Action Meets Visual Novel Puzzles

8/20/2026, 12:01:15 PM

Release date: 3/28/2019

Tags: #visual-novel #puzzle #indie #female-protagonist #story-rich #action #2d #lgbtq+

User Reviews

Score: 81%Very Positive
Review Count: 345 reviews
Fetched At: 8/30/2026, 10:38:33 AM

Reference prices

Japan

¥ 580 (JPY)

Steam JP

$4.99 (USD)

Steam Global

Live Store Snapshot

Body text may reflect the state at publication time. For the latest sale, price, and review changes, prioritize the live price panel, review panel, and the Steam store listing.

Japan Price: ¥ 580
Global Price: $4.99
Price in Your Region: ¥ 580Prices as Steam lists them per country. What you are actually charged depends on your Steam account settings.Regional prices checked: 29 Aug 2026
Sale Status: Regular pricing
Price Checked At: 8/29/2026, 10:05:13 PM

Key highlight

The World Next Door combines visual novel storytelling with fast-paced puzzle action, featuring an anime-inspired aesthetic and a compelling narrative about a teen lost in a magical world.

Who this is for

Recommended for players who enjoy a blend of emotional, anime-like storytelling and fast-paced puzzle action. Navigate a magical world and race against time to return home, interacting with a cast of unique characters.

Details

Overview

The World Next Door, developed by Rose City Games and published by VIZ Media, plunges players into the shoes of Jun, a rebellious teenager who finds herself transported from Earth to the enchanting and enigmatic world of Emrys. This unique title masterfully blends the emotional depth and narrative richness of a visual novel with the fast-paced excitement of action-packed puzzle battles, all wrapped in a vibrant aesthetic inspired by anime and indie gaming.

Highlights

Genre Fusion: Experience an addictive mix of immersive visual novel storytelling and lightning-fast puzzle gameplay.
Anime-Inspired Aesthetics: Features a colorful cast of otherworldly creatures and a distinct visual style reminiscent of beloved anime.
Narrative Focus: Follow Jun's journey as she navigates the magical world of Emrys, relying on new friends to find her way back home before time runs out.

Who It's For

This game is perfect for players who enjoy compelling narratives, character-driven stories, and engaging puzzle mechanics. Fans of anime, visual novels, and indie games looking for a fresh experience that combines emotional storytelling with dynamic gameplay will find much to love here. The inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes also makes it appealing to a diverse audience.

Game Info

Developed by Rose City Games and published by VIZ Media, The World Next Door offers a single-player experience that launched on March 28, 2019. It's praised by Steam users for its story-rich gameplay and unique blend of genres. The game is available in English and features a strong female protagonist at its core.