[Chase McAbee]

So uh yeah, what ones do you like ? Do you have any reccomendations ? Or just want to discuss some you have read with others ?

Also if this thread somehow reaches its limit, can someone else make one ? I was hoping someone else would make this thread, they could have done a much better job. I hate making threads.

Free VNs (any I missed please tell me, and I will edit this post)
Description of VN is in spoiler tag.

http://narcissu.insani.org/down.html

Spoiler

The anonymous protagonist is diagnosed with a terminal illness shortly after his twentieth birthday, and is admitted to a hospital in Mito, Ibaraki. There he meets Setsumi, a woman a few years older, who is also terminally ill. Finding that they both reject to die either in hospital or at home, they steal a car and run away together.

Katawa shoujo (18+ cant link)

Spoiler

Hisao Nakai is a normal high school student, currently in his final year of high school. One day Hisao receives a letter from parties unknown in his locker and waits at the written place for the sender. The person who wrote the letter turns out to be his crush; while speaking to her, he suddenly collapses. He awakes in a hospital bed, and is told by the doctors that the reason he collapsed is due to arrhythmia, a rare heart condition that causes his heartbeat to sometimes become irregular. Due to this, his parents have enrolled him in Yamaku, a school for disabled students of all kinds.

http://scoutshonour.com/digital/

Spoiler

Set "five minutes into the future of 1988", it tells the story of the protagonist's online relationship with a girl and their attempts to solve a mystery. The game is presented entirely through the interface of a 1980s computer with online Bulletin Board System posts and messages from other characters; the protagonist's own messages are implied but never shown. The game was received positively, with critics especially praising the game's writing and plot, and it was noted in lists of the best indie games of 2010.

http://scoutshonour.com/donttakeitpersonallybabeitjustaintyourstory/

Spoiler

Intended as a spiritual sequel to Love's Digital: A Love Story, the game was developed over the course of a month and was released as a free download on April 4, 2011. Don't take it personally is a visual novel, with the majority of the plot taking place outside of the player's control except for key decisions. It follows a new high school literature teacher in 2027 over the course of a semester, with the ability to see private messages between students at any time without their knowledge. It deals with themes of privacy and relationships in the future. The game was received positively, with critics praising the interplay between the metafictional elements of the story and those of the game itself, with special acknowledgment reserved for the writing.

[Rude_Bitch_420]

I'm willing to give VNs a try. I've downloaded a few. I just don't have the time to play? read? watch? them at the moment.

I do think it would be a neat idea for people to name and link free VNs for those of us who are curious. They could even be added to the OP as a list.

[Emma Louise Adams]

I'm willing to give VNs a try. I've downloaded a few. I just don't have the time to play? read? watch? them at the moment.

I do think it would be a neat idea for people to name and link free VNs for those of us who are curious. They could even be added to the OP as a list.

I did actually consider that. but I only know of 2 VNs that are free.
One cant be linked due to content (Katawa shojo)

Leaving one, which I have in my sig. Allthough it has no actual choices. (Try Narcissu, its great)

However if people know free VNs I will edit in a list.

Edit: Also Manga gamer seems to have trial versions of VN's before you download them. Try "kara no shoujo" I thought it was an interesting trial, enough to get me to buy the game. Just a heads up, it has nudity, six and gore, so I cant link it.

[Lisa Robb]

Here are some of the VNs I like:

PC:
Kanon
YU-NO
Tsukihime
Kana Little Sister
Divi-Dead
Season of the Sakura
Critical Point
Da Capo

DS:
Ace Attorney series
9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors
Ghost Trick

Other:
Snatcher (Sega CD)
Policenauts (Playstation)

Most of them are old titles, I mainly play the DS ones now.

[Kat Ives]

Here are some of the VNs I like:

PC:
Kanon
YU-NO
Tsukihime
Kana Little Sister
Divi-Dead
Season of the Sakura
Critical Point
Da Capo

Kanon is one im looking to buy eventually, along with Tsukihime. KLS is in the mail. Im in no hurry to get more depressing VNs.

Do you know of any VNs that wont make me depressed as hell ?
It seems most VN's (of the few I have played) have that effect.

Was also looking to get Planetarian, but that requires me knowing how to use Amazon jp, and then import it.
Found it then on PS2 on amazon UK, but its in Japanese... Im suprised just how hard it is to get these things outside of Japan, if you dont speak Japanese. I knew people said it was bad, but still.

[Richard Thompson]

Do you know of any VNs that wont make me depressed as hell ?
It seems most VN's (of the few I have played) have that effect.

My highest recommendation would be for YU-NO, I was engrossed in that one for days. Tsukihime has an interesting story/lore as well, the interface kinda svcks though.

If you had a DS then I'd recommend Ace Attorney, as always. Those games have the perfect mix of comedy and drama, plus a lot of great characters.

[Scotties Hottie]

My highest recommendation would be for YU-NO, I was engrossed in that one for days. Tsukihime has an interesting story/lore as well, the interface kinda svcks though.

If you had a DS then I'd recommend Ace Attorney, as always. Those games have the perfect mix of comedy and drama, plus a lot of great characters.

I just googled that. Sounds like it could be depressing, allthough its an interesting concept. But I am not big on the idea, of parallel worlds.
Maybe comedy would be a good thing to consider, but I am thinking more of mature VNs, that can have a happy outcome. I suppose KLS could fit, but odds are not in my favour.

[Emily Graham]

I just googled that. Sounds like it could be depressing, allthough its an interesting concept. But I am not big on the idea, of parallel worlds.
Maybe comedy would be a good thing to consider, but I am thinking more of mature VNs, that can have a happy outcome. I suppose KLS could fit, but odds are not in my favour.

The parallel worlds mainly refer to different versions of the same world, so basically every branch on http://i.imgur.com/n2KU7.png is considered a parallel world. It's part of a game mechanic where you can save your position in time (sort of like saving your game in a normal VN), and return there later with all of your items and map progress intact.

I like it because it plays like no other VN I've ever seen. The prologue and the epilogue are your standard fare, where you pick your choices from a limited menu; but the middle 2/3 of the game is like a non-linear point-and-click adventure game.

[Robert Garcia]

anologue: A Hate Story is worth looking at, some nice interactive elements to it and an interesting cultural basis/inspiration.

Also - Ever 17 can't have a VN list without that!

Glad this thread exists

[Hope Greenhaw]

Just curious Hicks, what do you think of the Kara no Shojo OST ?

Especially the title music.

[liz barnes]

The atmosphere and more "chilling" music manages to go nicely with the more jazzy and noiresque type music. I was surprised to be honest how well they fit together, I think the warmth and sometimes softness of the images helps that though. It's not in a rush, it's happy to let the atmosphere build and establish itself which I like, transitions between images even have a gentle pace to them giving a softer feel. Ever 17 felt pretty rapid and jerky at times, makes sense given the siutation that the story is taking place in and makes it appropriate.

The theme as you mention in particular for Kara is happy to go at its own pace, I like its confidence in that respect. Same for the voice acting.

[ZzZz]

The atmosphere and more "chilling" music manages to go nicely with the more jazzy and noiresque type music. I was surprised to be honest how well they fit together, I think the warmth and sometimes softness of the images helps that though. It's not in a rush, it's happy to let the atmosphere build and establish itself which I like, transitions between images even have a gentle pace to them giving a softer feel. Ever 17 felt pretty rapid and jerky at times, makes sense given the siutation that the story is taking place in and makes it appropriate.

The theme as you mention in particular for Kara is happy to go at its own pace, I like its confidence in that respect. Same for the voice acting.

So what exactly does that piece make you think/feel ? Does it come of as lonely ? Optimistic ? Or something else ?

[Jessica Thomson]

The impression it gives me is that it is a bit lonely, bit unsure and hessitant but slightly hopeful all the same.

I find it relaxing but with an undercurrent of someones hopes and sadness conflicting.

How about yourself?

[CORY]

The impression it gives me is that it is a bit lonely, bit unsure and hessitant but slightly hopeful all the same.

I find it relaxing but with an undercurrent of someones hopes and sadness conflicting.

How about yourself?

Interesting. I thought it was lonely, but optimistic at first. Now my feelings when hearing it are different. Im just curious how others will view it, and if thier views change too.

I reccomend this VN if anyone hasnt read it, there is a trial version on Manga gamer you can DL, I suggest trying it.

I didnt want to mention this, becuase it may give away some things. But Hicks, were you aware KNS is an Utsuge game ?
I wasnt until it was too late... And if anyone is curious about the game, I feel they should know before trying it.

Utsuge stands for utsu game, and it means "depressing game". It is said that the purpose of these types of games is to depress the player.

Aliases
depressing game
suicide enabler

Just letting people know what they are getting into.

[Frank Firefly]

anologue: A Hate Story is worth looking at, some nice interactive elements to it and an interesting cultural basis/inspiration.

Played that a few weeks ago and liked it a lot. Christine Love's writing is always good, and I enjoyed piecing together the story of what happened to this long lost spaceship. Also asks some pretty interesting ethical questions, and the fact that it literally asks them, since it's a game, made me think about them more than I would have if I were just reading a novel.

anologue: A Hate Story is the spiritual sequel of Digital: A Love Story (see what she did with the names? Isn't it clever? I don't think so either ). Digital is about hacking and the internet as it existed in 1988. It's a very unconventional VN and is definitely worth checking out. Also, it's free.

In fact, anyone who's interested in trying visual novels should probably check out Katawa Shoujo, Digital, and Narcissu, since those are the best of what's free.

[N Only WhiTe girl]

Played that a few weeks ago and liked it a lot. Christine Love's writing is always good, and I enjoyed piecing together the story of what happened to this long lost spaceship. Also asks some pretty interesting ethical questions, and the fact that it literally asks them, since it's a game, made me think about them more than I would have if I were just reading a novel.

anologue: A Hate Story is the spiritual sequel of Digital: A Love Story (see what she did with the names? Isn't it clever? I don't think so either ). Digital is about hacking and the internet as it existed in 1988. It's a very unconventional VN and is definitely worth checking out. Also, it's free.

In fact, anyone who's interested in trying visual novels should probably check out Katawa Shoujo, Digital, and Narcissu, since those are the best of what's free.

I think I remember Hicks telling me about that (anologue) I dont think I got it though.

Is it depressing ? If it is, im not getting it for a while.

And yes Narcissu and KS are also great, free VNs. Im not sure about narcissue due to length, but I would likely have payed for KS.
I think I may play KS soon actually, I need something happy and cheerful.

Allthough I also feel I need to change some stuff in KNS. Ending im going for isnt canon, but its the most ideal one, imo.

DEFRON assuming you read these threads, can Kira-Kira be depressing ?

[Manuel rivera]

Is visual novels just another way of saying graphic novels, or comics? Because if it is, I recommend FreakAngels, because it's badass. I have no idea what the difference is between a comic, graphic novel or visual novel. But you should give FreakAngels a try seeing as it's both free and brilliant.

[Bethany Short]

Is visual novels just another way of saying graphic novels, or comics? Because if it is, I recommend FreakAngels, because it's badass. I have no idea what the difference is between a comic, graphic novel or visual novel. But you should give FreakAngels a try seeing as it's both free and brilliant.

http://vndb.org/d6#1

A visual novel can be seen as a combination of a novel and a computer game: they're computer games with a large text based storyline and only little interaction of the player. A typical visual novel consists of text over an anime-style background image and is accompanied by background music. Throughout the game, the player usually has to answer a few questions which will have an effect on the story, thus playing a visual novel a second time while giving other answers may result in an entirely different plot.

Allthough some dont seem to have any interaction e.g Narcissu and Planetarian.

[Jesus Duran]

DEFRON assuming you read these threads, can Kira-Kira be depressing ?

Yes, very, especially for non-true endings.

[Sian Ennis]

Yes, very, especially for non-true endings.

Well [censored], it seems most VNs I get are depressing. I think KS is the only one that didnt seem it set out to crush my soul.

Are there any heartwarming VNs you know that are on PC ?
I like depressing ones to but I need a bit of a break from them.

[Jade]

Well [censored], it seems most VNs I get are depressing. I think KS is the only one that didnt seem it set out to crush my soul.

Are there any heartwarming VNs you know that are on PC ?
I like depressing ones to but I need a bit of a break from them.

Well it depends on the routes you take and how far you go, but Clannad can be quite heart warming, just make sure you are careful in the order you do the routes as to make sure you only get true ends and avoid certain arcs otherwise THE TEARS WILL NEVER STOP

[~Amy~]

Well it depends on the routes you take and how far you go, but Clannad can be quite heart warming, just make sure you are careful in the order you do the routes as to make sure you only get true ends otherwise THE TEARS WILL NEVER STOP

I doubt I will get my hands on Clannad for a long time.

Why would the route order matter ? Do you mean I may get attatched to a character, then be unable to play other routes ? Happened in YMK, I cant abandon Aeka.

[Matt Bigelow]

Why would the route order matter ?

It'd be spoilers to tell you that

[Nikki Lawrence]

It'd be spoilers to tell you that

I thought so, but it dosent really make sense to me. I mean the routes are seperate I assume.
Also how would I know which order to take ? Seems messed up, I need to know a random order, or become depressed as hell.

I will cross that bridge when I come to it. Until I find a copy and learn Japanese, I cant play the damn thing.

[Jesus Lopez]

I thought so, but it dosent really make sense to me. I mean the routes are seperate I assume.
Also how would I know which order to take ? Seems messed up, I need to know a random order, or become depressed as hell.

It's not so much know a specific order as it is avoid certain routes and not play one or two until doing all the other ones. There's a reason there's a 300 hour gameplay guide for Clannad.

I will cross that bridge when I come to it. Until I find a copy and learn Japanese, I cant play the damn thing.

Erm, there's an english patch for it, all you have to do is buy the Original or Voice edition (the memorial edition isn't supported by the patch yet)

Edit: memorial, not millennium