I already shared this with Elkin, but I'll post it here too. A list of the top-rated visual novels, as per ratings on the Visual Novel Database:
https://vndb.org/v/all?s=rating;o=dThe list is kind of a mess. It uses Japanese titles for all games, even those localized, so you'll have to click to get more info. For instance, Gyakuten Saiban 3 is actually Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations. Other than that, each game profile contains tons of great info.
Anyway, I'm going to try to work my way through the most critically-acclaimed stuff. Some I own, some I'll have to get.
I find the ratings on the site to be pretty much in line with my own tastes.... Except the users show no respect for the retro classics. Portopia is only rated a 5.55 and Suishou no Dragon a 5.03??? What's the problem, not enough HD anime taddies? Fuckin weebs.