I don't announce many visual novels because I feel like the audience isn't here for it but they are gaining in popularity. I only announce when I feel it has a bit more to it than just clicking through. What are your thoughts on them?

Description: A visual novel is a genre of interactive, text-based fiction video games that combines literature with static graphics, sound, and occasionally voice acting. Originating in Japan, these games feature anime-style art, a first-person perspective, and branching storylines, where player decisions, made through dialogue choices, determine the plot’s outcome and ending.

Key Characteristics

Narrative Focus: They prioritize storytelling, often focusing on romance, drama, fantasy, or mystery.

Visuals: Stories are told through character sprites (portraits) over static backgrounds, with special "CG" art for significant events.

Interactivity: Gameplay usually involves reading text and selecting choices that branch the story.

Format: Popularized in Japan (often under categories like ADV or NVL), they are now popular globally, often played on PC and consoles.

Types of Visual Novels
Kinetic Novels: Strictly linear, featuring no player choices.

Dating Sims: Focused on building relationships with characters.

Hybrid Games: Combine traditional visual novel narration with mechanics from other genres, such as puzzles or RPG elements (e.g., Phoenix Wright).

Here is an example: The Bunker Notes

Thanks in advance for providing your thoughts!

Ana

As a rule, I am not a fan of making choices in games but I guess that is part of the point of Visual Novels. I have played a couple and I'm pretty sure I have at least a couple more. Some of them look pretty good. I think as long as you know that's what type of game it is, that they're fine for certain moods you might be in.

I will admit that my interest in visual novels is pretty close to zero. I am very fond of reading (with an actual physical book, no less) and have no interest in spending that much time with a game/visual novel on the computer. This may well be my loss, but I kind of doubt it.

Visual novels don't really do it for me either, although I do quite like making choices that determine the narrative path. Like Marian, if I want to read I will read a book. If I want to play a game I want more to do than just progress things along.

I'm with Marian and flotsam... If I want to read a book, I will read a book. If I want to game, I try to pick one that is enjoyable and I rather like making some choices in them.

Me too. Not enthralled by Visual Novels 😶

I’m not a fan of visual novels either, although I can see the appeal. I tend to think of them as digital comic books with extra elements like sound, music, and sometimes multiple choices, rather than visual novels. ”Choices matter” is a tag on Steam, but while some people see that as a feature, I prefer a predetermined story (both with games and visual novels).

I like the Vampire The Masquerade visual novel series though.

Ana, you can't say "Let's Discuss" and then not tell us your thoughts on the subject. That's not fair! So?