Magical Diary: Horse Hall (2012)

Developer: Hanako Games
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres: Adventure, Indie, RPG
Rating: 4.5 of 5, 1,019 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 10 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

More games like this Watch the trailer

or watch the trailer on YouTube

How it feels

You feel like a student navigating a magical school's social and academic challenges through interactive storytelling and puzzle-filled dungeon exams.

story richcharacter customizationmultiple endingsreplayablechoices matterromancepuzzle solvingturn-based

What players say

Players praise the nostalgic 2010s anime artstyle and find the game emotionally impactful, but note its short length which covers only the first year and doesn't resolve relationships fully. Reviews mention heavy themes like grooming and abusive dynamics, as well as the option to romance a professor. Some say it feels like an intro to a larger game.

Screenshots

More games like this

More by Hanako Games

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.