9 Visual Novels Perfect for Beginners

Summary

Visual novels cater to beginners with simple gameplay focused on choices rather than complex mechanics.
Visual novels cover various genres like horror, romance, and sci-fi, offering countless options to appeal to diverse gamers.
Novels like Bad End Theater offer engaging storylines with minimal romantic elements, suitable for newcomers to the genre.

Among various types of gaming, visual novels are likely the most suitable for beginners due to their straightforward gameplay mechanics, primarily involving clicking to advance text, similar to reading a book but with an interactive element. The main distinction lies in the player’s ability to influence the story by making key decisions at various points during the narrative.

Visual novels, a versatile gaming category spanning genres like horror, romance, and sci-fi, abound with thousands of choices on the market today. Choosing where to start can feel overwhelming due to the multitude of appealing options suitable for even the most discerning gamer. Here are some beginner-friendly picks for those dipping their toes into visual novels for the first time.

9. Bad End Theater

Drenched In Mystery And Excitement

Platform(s): PC, Android
Release Date: October 26th, 2021
Developer(s): NonnomNami
Genre(s): Story Rich, Fantasy

In most visual novels, the narrative heavily emphasizes romantic elements, allowing players to pursue numerous characters during gameplay. However, Bad End Theater doesn’t eliminate romance entirely but offers a richer experience beyond courtship with fictitious characters.

In this visual novel, players are given more control over the characters they play, allowing them to either assist or hinder these characters. Although each character’s storyline may not be fully experienced in a single playthrough, it serves as an ideal starting point for beginners who want to understand what makes a great and immersive visual novel, while avoiding mature themes that might deter them from the genre.

8. Vampire: The Masquerade – Shadows Of New York

Gorgeous Art Style

Originally, “Vampire: The Masquerade” was designed as a tabletop role-playing game, offering players the chance to assume the role of a vampire concealing their undead existence amidst the real and contemporary world, while navigating the complex politics of the vampire realm to either ascend to power or sink into obscurity. In “Shadows of New York”, players step into the shoes of a newly-turned vampire in the city that stays awake, where tensions simmer and hidden conspiracies unfold.

In this game, since your character is a fresh vampire, you won’t require prior knowledge about the universe of VtM; instead, you’ll discover it alongside Julia, immersing yourself in the eternal fight. The art style is remarkably realistic and gritty, providing a refreshing change from the excessively cute and cartoonish visual novels that dominate the genre. This game might serve as an ideal introduction to visual novels, offering a more grounded experience compared to many others.

7. Hatoful Boyfriend

A Game That Never Takes Itself Too Seriously

Many gamers are likely familiar with the title “Hatoful Boyboyfriend“, a unique game where you pursue romantic relationships, but This unconventional idea is deliberately absurd and serves as a playful spoof of romance visual novels. It can provide players with a lighthearted introduction before they delve into more serious romance-themed games.

Unconventional and captivating, “Hatoful Boyfriend” might not be praised for its literary or artistic merit, but it has earned a dedicated fanbase, including those who typically dismiss visual novels. For those yet to experience this game sensation that swept the internet, it’s highly recommended they give it a try.

6. The Arcana

A Free-To-Play Mobile Game

Platform(s): Android, iOS
Release Date: October 17th, 2016
Developer(s): Nix Hydra
Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance

In the realm of The Arcana, there’s an abundance of uniqueness, filled with captivating lore, world-creation, and characters that effortlessly steal your heart. As a disciple under the guidance of the nomadic and gifted magician Asra, you find yourself mingling with the most eligible suitors and suitors across the kingdom. How fortunate indeed! Each romantic option takes players on a distinct and captivating journey, ensuring they’ll be eager for more and more adventures.

As a fan, I’d put it like this: For those like me who love gaming but don’t have a high-end console or a big budget, “The Arcana” offers a fantastic solution. It’s mobile, free, and you can earn in-game perks simply by playing – no need to spend a fortune! Plus, the quality of this romance visual novel is top-notch, making it an ideal choice for both newcomers and seasoned players alike.

5. Mystic Messenger

Discover The Mystery Behind RFA And Its Members

Mystic Messenger is a game that leans towards realism, as it places the main character within an organization focused on doing good deeds. With one of its key members gone missing, the remaining members rely on the player to coordinate the upcoming event by communicating via text messages, either in group discussions or private chats with specific characters. This interaction helps the player grow closer to their chosen romantic interest.

For mobile gaming enthusiasts, Mystic Messenger feels like a perfect fit as it’s designed exclusively for phones. Although there’s a complex web of events unfolding behind the scenes, such as Rika’s disappearance and the emergence of the Mint Eye organization, the narrative remains grounded and realistic enough to avoid overwhelming newcomers to visual novel genre. Yet, it maintains an engaging storyline that invites multiple playthroughs to unravel more secrets.

4. VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action

Serve Drinks And Listen To Patrons’ Stories

Generally speaking, most cyberpunk games feature a character battling digital or dystopian adversaries, armed with an array of weapons and cybernetic upgrades. In contrast to this, VA-11 Hall-A focuses on the intimate narrative of Jill, a bartender, and the vibrant clientele she encounters through her profession.

As a dedicated listener and skilled mixologist, I weave tales and craft drinks that soothe souls in this captivating game. My humble abode, a cozy shared space with my beloved feline companion, offers respite between each engaging encounter. The gameplay is uncomplicated, focusing on mastering the art of cocktail creation. Yet, it’s the intriguing stories spun by the patrons that truly captivate, leaving me eager to uncover more secrets, night after enchanting night.

3. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy

A Collection Perfect For Newcomers To The Series

Most individuals are likely familiar with the Ace Attorney, be it from the popular video game series, the animated TV shows, or even internet memes that frequently reference the catchphrase “Objection!”. The series boasts numerous titles, but this collection offers gamers the opportunity to play the first three installments, ensuring countless hours of engaging gameplay and detective work.

For novice players of Phoenix Wright, this is an ideal approach to immerse themselves in these highly entertaining visual novel games. By assuming the role of a lawyer, gamers must engage their analytical skills and pay close attention to the statements of witnesses, searching for inconsistencies that contradict the evidence. To support their arguments, they’ll also have to personally investigate crime scenes for additional proof.

2. Monster Prom

Play Alone Or With Friends

For many students, the year reaches its most nerve-wracking peak during prom season. They’re on a quest to find the ideal attire – be it a stunning dress or a sharp tux – and the perfect companion to accompany them. This central theme is humorously portrayed in the game Monster Prom, where players assume the role of a student at a school inhabited by monsters. The objective is to win over their dream monster date, engaging in conversations and actions to make an impression. If they manage to gather enough points through their interactions, they might just win their chosen one’s heart, or else endure the mortifying experience of attending prom solo.

As a huge fan, let me tell you this: Beyond the excitement, Monster Prom offers a unique experience where you can play along with your buddies. They might aid or complicate your romantic pursuits. It’s a blend of visual novel, dating simulator, and party game that feels fresh rather than overly repetitive like some other visual novels. It serves as an excellent introduction to the genre, immersing players in countless hours of engaging dialogue.

1. Hooked On You

A Spin-Off Of Dead By Daylight

In simple terms, “Dead by Daylight” is a terrifying multiplayer game where one player takes on the role of a killer, chasing down four other players who are survivors, trying to fix five generators and escape alive. The game features numerous characters from various popular IPs such as “Dungeons & Dragons” and “Halloween”, along with many original characters for the players to choose from. However, it wasn’t designed for romantic interactions; that changed with the introduction of “Hooked on You“.

For years, there’s been banter among fans of Dead by Daylight (DbD) about dating killers, but developers at Behavior Interactive decided to cater to their fans’ whims, creating a visual novel dating game where players can court one of four characters from the game who are killers. Although this may not be the standard for visual novels, it makes it an ideal choice for newcomers to the genre since it deviates from the norm. Given that Dead by Daylight enthusiasts might not have explored this genre before, Hooked on You serves as the perfect introduction to visual novel games.

2025-01-21 03:37