Discovering The Depths Of Visual Novels: A Comprehensive Exploration

Visual novels are one of the most misunderstood genres in video games. Many seem to view them as nothing other than glorified novels with some choice thrown in for kicks. Of course, fans of the genre are aware this description doesn’t completely ignore how good many of the titles are. Sure, they might have a ton of reading but they provide intriguing stories, and players usually do get to control a lot of the action.

Since the genre has been around for quite some time, it might be a bit overwhelming for someone wishing to give visual novels a shot. That’s why we decided to make a list of some of the best (and easily accessible) games! That means none of the games will require any “tricks” to play, such as downloading fan translations, running your computer in compatibility mode, or anything else. Even with these limitations, there are still a great deal of good titles for new players to dig into. Let’s get started!

Top Visual Novels to Explore

Visual novels come in various themes and gameplay styles, making them appealing to a wide range of players. Each title offers unique stories that can captivate your imagination. In this section, we will explore some of the most notable visual novels that are perfect for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.

Corpse Party

Corpse Party is a series that began in Japan as an indie horror game. It quickly gained momentum and has seen multiple releases, although the first for US audiences just arrived a couple of years ago on PSP via PSN. In Corpse Party, you are a high school student in Heavenly Host Elementary School with a few classmates. One night they all decided to perform a strange ritual…. As you might expect, this was the worst idea possible. The ritual wasn’t just some game, but real, and there are ghosts within the school. It’s your job to stay alive and hopefully keep your friends in the world of the living as well.

Many would not define Corpse Party as a pure visual novel due to the top-down adventure gameplay that you utilize to progress the story. However, this doesn’t change the fact that the game is nearly entirely narrative-based. The control scheme fits well, as exploring the creepy school only amplifies your fear. As soon as new objects are found, or events triggered, the story picks up again to fill you in on new disturbing details. It works very well, and the “standard” gameplay should ease VN curious players into reading-heavy games without feeling like it’s a huge effort.

Hotel Dusk: Room 215

In Hotel Dusk: Room 215, you play as a detective named Kyle Hyde. His former police partner was murdered, and this is something Kyle couldn’t abide. He needs to know what happened and why, which leads him to a ramshackle hotel by the name of Hotel Dusk. Once there, the interactions he has with other characters aid in his investigation, revealing new nuances and mysteries.

This game offers segments where you solve puzzles but revolves primarily around talking with other characters in the hotel to progress the story. The investigation and puzzle segments play out like point-and-click adventure games but still don’t feel antiquated. Regardless, the player’s main goal is to listen to each character and glean new knowledge from them. The writing in Hotel Dusk is fantastic, making it easy to engage with the characters and the intriguing mystery. The art itself is quite attractive as well, with black-and-white sketches that add to the noir vibe.

Katawa Shoujo

Katawa Shoujo is a game that has converted numerous non-VN players into VN lovers. This visual novel tells the story of a teenage boy named Hisao with a serious heart condition. Because of it, he has been sent to a school for disabled students. Initially, Hisao feels out of place, but he eventually learns to accept those around him and form friendships with his classmates. If the player chooses, they may even be able to date one of the girls.

Initially, Katawa Shoujo was met with a lot of reservations due to its theme. Could a small indie group provide a game that treats such content with respect? As it turns out, they did so splendidly. This is a pure visual novel, meaning that all you do is read and interact at various points. There are many moments where you’ll need to choose what to say, keeping players engaged. Katawa Shoujo is a modern VN classic that deserves to be played, and interested parties can visit Four Leaf Studios’ official website, where the PC game is available for free.

Saya No Uta -- The Song of Saya

Of all the games on this list, Saya No Uta is the hardest to recommend but remains an incredible game. This PC game focuses on a young man named Fuminori who was in a car accident that killed his family and nearly killed him. In an attempt to save him, the hospital operates on his brain, and something goes terribly wrong. Fuminori survives the surgery but perceives reality differently, seeing a world filled with viscera and blood.

One of the biggest reasons this game is tough to suggest to visual novel newbies is Saya herself. She is depicted as a very young girl, which can be problematic due to the narrative involving explicit content. Unlike Katawa Shoujo,