Introduction to the genre, its development and characteristic features. Top visual novels

Greetings, friends! A few days ago, the Ukrainian Visual Novel Jam #5, organized by Ternox, started. This event aims to popularize the visual novel genre among Ukrainians, unite talented people into teams, and give great ideas a chance. The launch of this event is a great opportunity to tell more about this interesting genre, which is much more complex than it seems.

We will learn what exactly can be called a visual novel, look at the peculiarities of the genre, its characteristic features, and consider some representatives of Japanese novels. We will also provide links to resources that may be useful for beginners.

This is the first part of the guide. The second part will be written soon.

 

Візуальні новели


General information

Visual novels (скорочено ВН) – is a type of video game (interactive literature) with a focus on the textual component. The vast majority of visual novels have no gameplay and are limited to reading the text.

VNs often use choices that allow the narrative of the story to shift depending on the options chosen by the reader. This is the basis for the two main types of VN. If a short story has 2 or more endings, the outcome of which depends on the decisions of the player (reader), it is a non-linear short story with choices. If there is only one ending and no significant choices , the story iskinetic.

Non-linear novels can contain a large number of choices that affect the plot and are not limited in the number of endings. The ending can be influenced by one important choice, or by a complex system of choices that complicates the plot, making it similar to adventure or quest games.

 

Inherent (though not always) features of the genre:

  • Complete absence or small amount of gameplay;
  • Focusing exclusively on the story;
  • The presence of text boxes, backgrounds, sprites, CG illustrations (derived from the English Computer Graphic – illustrations using computer graphics) and other elements inherent in the genre;
  • Simple animations, low number of dynamic visual effects (or their complete absence);
  • Change text, visuals, other elements by clicking a mouse button/key on the keyboard/touching the screen;
  • Static during inactivity – as long as the reader does not move through the text, nothing happens (except for using the autoread function);
  • Genre-specific settings (fast text skipping, auto-reading, setting the text output speed, sometimes color/font/stroke)
  • Low system requirements.

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

An example of a visual novel (Angel Beats! 1st Beat)

Visual novels: Development of the genre

The genre of visual novels originated in the 80s and 90s of the 20th century, after“text quests” became widespread. These are primitive video games where all events are transmitted through text. The player can influence what is happening by performing specific actions that are offered during the game.

Many ideas in non-linear visual novels were borrowed from “text quests”. However, there is a major difference: in quests, the player controls almost every action, and is constantly forced to choose essentially the same thing (imagine a simplified version of the GameBoy Pokemon games, where instead of walking on a map, you are offered options for where to go by text, and each step must be chosen manually until an event occurs. Somehow it worked that way). In visual novels, on the other hand, choices appear only at predefined moments, and do not require constant intervention by the reader.

Japan was and still is the birthplace of the genre. 90% of famous visual novels come from there. Because of this, some trends characteristic of Japan have emerged.

From the very first visual novels, the main focus was on erotic content. Hence the Japanese term“eroge” (an erotic game with adult content). The plot in such novels was in the background-the main focus was on lustful content. Over

time, VNs stopped focusing exclusively on erotica, and other genres began to emerge: everyday life, romance, drama, thriller, fantasy, comedy ,etc

. By the way, many romance novels are structured in such a way that the player tries to “romance” the characters in the story with his own decisions. Depending on these decisions, he or she either succeeds, so that the characters start dating, or makes bad choices, so that he or she has to try again. Such VNs have received their own status – “datesims“(dating simulators).

Nowadays, the overwhelming majority of VNs are formed by Japanese works. This is why we can observe their characteristic features:

  • anime visual style;
  • often the presence of erotic content;
  • Japanese mentality, timing, location (the vast majority of HH from the Japanese takes place, surprise, in Japan);
  • anime character archetypes (tsundere, yandere, moe, chunibyo, otaku, etc.), typical plot twists, similar writing styles, etc.

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

Visual novels: Recommendations for beginners

Based on the popularity of the genre and its supporters, in our case, we can distinguish three main groups of the VN audience:

  • Readers of Japanese visual novels;
  • Readers of visual novels of other nationalities;
  • Readers of Ukrainian short stories and jam projects (e.g., Ukrainian VN Jam).

Considering the genre of visual novels, we have formed several “tops” – Japanese, Ukrainian and other nationalities:

Top 5 Japanese visual novels of SFW:

  • Steins;Gate
  • Higurashi When They Cry
  • Umineko When They Cry
  • Clannad
  • Rewrite

 

Top 5 Japanese visual novels NSFW:

  • Tsukihime, Moon Princess
  • The Devil on G-String
  • The Fruit of Grisaya (3 parts)
  • Majikoi! Love Me Seriously!!
  • The Song of Saya

 

Top 5 visual novels of other nationalities:

  • Katawa Shoujo
  • Doki Doki Literature Club!
  • Heralds of the Avirentes
  • Argumentum ad Culpam
  • JUSFASLEX

 

Now that we’ve familiarized ourselves with the top novels, let’s take a closer look at each of them. Let’s start with Japanese visual novels SFW – no erotic content

Steins;Gate

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

 

It is the fourth most popular visual novel and the first rated one according to VNDB. Stein’s Gate is still one of the best representatives of the visual novel genre.

Description 

Steins;Gate tells the story of a group of young students who find a way to change the past via email using a modified microwave oven. Their experiments on how far they can go with their discovery begin to spiral out of control as they become embroiled in a conspiracy surrounding SERN, the organization behind the Large Hadron Collider, and John Tyrant, who claims to come from a dystopian future. (borrowed from the Steam page)

A good visual novel for beginners – it has a great visual style and music, an extremely intriguing plot, interesting mobile phone mechanics, and many endings. Known for its anime adaptation, which has become one of the most popular.

Among the disadvantages are a delayed start, a large number of info dumps and terms.

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

 

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

 

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

Ukrainian translation of the first two episodes:

 

The first popular VN from Ryukishi07. Known for its 2007 anime adaptation.

Description

The novel is set in 1983 in Hinamizawa, a small village in Japan. It is known for its annual Watanagashi festival, which honors the local deity Oyashiro-sama.

The story follows Maebara Keichi, a teenage boy who recently moved to Hinamizawa with his family. He quickly befriends a group of local girls: Ryugu Rena, Sonozaki Mion, Hojo Satoko, and Furude Rika. At first glance, Hinamizawa seems to be a peaceful, close-knit community. However, Keichi soon learns that the village harbors dark secrets and a history of mysterious disappearances and gruesome murders that occur every year during the Watanagashi festival. (borrowed from Wikipedia)

Despite its long duration, Cicadas is one of the best works for beginners in the genre. The extremely intriguing plot captivates throughout all 8 episodes. The genres of the short story quickly shift to other genres – in an instant, everyday life and comedy can turn into psychological horror. With the installed modification, a great visual is added, much better graphically than the original. Also, the novel has a great soundtrack, one of the best among the novels. The music on the answer arch is especially great.

Disadvantages – delayed at the beginning.

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1Umineko no Naku Koro ni

https://store.steampowered.com/app/639490/Umineko_When_They_Cry__Answer_Arcs/ (answer arch)

 

  • Recommended installation of the 07th modification for an improved reading experience: https://07th-mod.com/home/ 
  • Ukrainian translation of the first episode:

https://telegra.ph/Vstanovlennya-ukrain%D1%96zatora-dlya-Umineko-no-naku-koro-ni-02-23 

 

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

 

A continuation of the When They Cry franchise, this time a completely new story in a similar format to Higurashi When They Cry.

Опис

The action takes place on October 4 and 5, 1986, on a secluded island called Rokkenjima. The head of a wealthy family named Ushiromiya Kinzou, who lives and owns Rokkenjima, is near death, and eleven members of his family arrive on the island to discuss how Kinzou’s assets will be divided after his death. Also on the island are five of Kinzou’s servants and his doctor. After the eleven members of the family arrive, a typhoon traps them on the island, and shortly thereafter, they are mysteriously murdered. (borrowed from VNDB)

One of the best visual novels in terms of plot and narrative. Extremely rich in characters and plot twists. In the case of the PS3 version, one of the best graphics and cel art can also be highlighted. Another feature of Seagulls is its massive soundtrack with 100+ songs – one of the best among all known novels.

Among the disadvantages is a very complex and complicated plot. It is not suitable for everyone. Also, although it’s not VN’s fault, Seagulls has one of the worst anime adaptations, failing to capture what they are loved for.

 

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1Clannad

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

The most famous visual novel by Key. It gained cult status as one of the first romantic novels to completely abandon erotic content in favor of history.

 

Description

Clannad tells the story of Okazaki Tomoya, who lost his mother in a car accident at an early age. Because of his mother’s death, the boy’s father lost all motivation to take care of his son, which made Tomoya very lonely and lost motivation to go to school.

The story takes place in the last year of high school. While walking to school, Tomoya runs into an indecisive girl from a parallel class. It’s not the first time she’s been relegated to the second year, and she’s very worried about it. She loves school, but feels that her life cannot go on like this forever. Tomoya feels an uncanny resemblance to himself in this girl. He decides to support her, which is the first step to change his life…

The novel is filled with a pleasant nostalgic atmosphere of old-school HF, has many fun and funny scenes, good characters, and an incredible soundtrack. A great manifestation of romance. It has a very large number of choices and a comprehensive root tree. A huge number of endings. There is a whole sequel available right in the game. It also has an excellent anime adaptation that remains faithful to the original. A good choice for lovers of romance and slice-of-life.

The disadvantages are that it is very long, some of the characters and routines are boring, and you need to read all the routines beforehand to continue. Many people also did not like the visuals.

 

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1Rewrite

 

The second of the most famous Key visual novels, unique among other releases.

 

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

 

Description

Rewrite takes place in the fictional city of Kazamatsuri, where tree planting and reforestation have resulted in a city lush with trees and flowers. Despite its modern setting, the city also evokes a strange sense of nostalgia.

Tenoji Kotarou lives here. He is a high school student who has the ability to rewrite his own body; he can become stronger and faster at any time. One day, he decides to change his life for the better, and revives the abandoned Occult Study Club at his school. Meanwhile, mysterious and mysterious events are increasingly happening in his life… (partially borrowed from the Steam page)

Rewrite is incredible in terms of visuals – the illustrations, backgrounds, and sprites are among the best of any Key novel. The soundtrack is also great – many of the songs are among the best of the many famous novels. Despite its typical formula of Key novels, Rewrite has a well-developed lore and a very interesting plot. There is also a large number of choices, many routs, and as many as 2 sequels available in the novel itself. One of the routs was written by Ryukishi 07 himself, the author of Cicadas and Seagulls!

The disadvantages are the typical length of Key’s novels, although much less pronounced than in their other novels. Some of the routines are written by other writers, and not all of them may be to your liking. Also, the official localization on Steam has many drawbacks, so we recommend installing a fan translation if possible.

 

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

VISUAL NOVELS: a guide for beginners - Part 1

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This concludes the first part of the guide. In the next part, we’ll look at even more Japanese short stories, as well as short stories of other nationalities. We hope we’ve managed to interest you! In the meantime, I’ve attached a list of useful links for beginners in the genre – go ahead and check them out!

 

Useful links

 

https://vndb.org – the largest database of visual novels (in English)

https://jpdb.io/visual-novel-difficulty-list – a reference book useful for those wishing to read Japanese visual novels in the original language

https://t.me/UVNTeam – Ukrainian telegram channel dedicated to visual novels.

https://t.me/ua_visual_novels – general chat of visual novels.

https://itch.io/jam/ukrainian-visual-novel-jam-5 – visual short story contest organized by Ternox.

 

Original content: Ignor

Editorial: TellerySpyro