What are the most important games in gal-game/dating sim genre?

[FullMetalJesus]

I have recently developed an urge to play some of the new and classic gal-games, dating sims or whatever you want to call them, I just don't know which ones I should start with. I want to be come more familiar with the genre so I wanted to know if anyone had a list of must-play games for the galge genre.I already know a few that are mega important like:

Tokimeki Memorial
Kanon
Air
True Love Story
and a couple others

but if anyone can recommend other must-play dating sims I would really appreciate it! Don't concern yourself with the system/platform since I will be playing them on an emulator. Thanks in advance!

 

[Z of the Na'vi]

Katawa Shoujo is a really solid, popular choice.

[sub]If that counts.[/sub]

 

[Savagezion]

Yeah, I don't typically care for or know much about them but Katawa Shoujo was really good. It's all I really have to offer up in the discusision though.

 

[Smooth Operator]

There really is only one choice here, Hatoful Boyfriend.
Everything else just seems meaningless once you get into that game, and until they make a sequel there is no point looking for any other.

 

[Full]

There really is only one choice here, Hatoful Boyfriend.
Everything else just seems meaningless once you get into that game, and until they make a sequel there is no point looking for any other.

So I decided to look that up just now. I then saw a screenshot and bought it immediately.

 

[chocolatekeith]

One of the most famous visual novels out there is Fate Stay Night. While not exclusively dating sim, it's got some really good love stories.

 

[Loop Stricken]

There really is only one choice here, Hatoful Boyfriend.
Everything else just seems meaningless once you get into that game, and until they make a sequel there is no point looking for any other.

You're in luck! An English-language sequel was released on Christmas past.

 

[Cheesepower5]

Ever17 is supposed to be good, but I know literally nothin about it.

I'm guessing it involves 17 year olds. Y'know, just a shot in the dark.

It doesn't have pigeons in it though, so it might not be your scene.

 

[Lugbzurg]

I feel the need to mention this. It's very... different.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plb8GegfL2U

 

[FullMetalJesus]

Thanks to everyony for the help, I wasn't expecting a response so quickly. I gave Katawa Shoujo a try and I must say I'm really enjoying it so far, thanks for the suggestion! Now for the other suggestions... I'm going to have a busy semester ^_^;;