the Visual Novel (Where graphic novel) is a narrative video game where you follow an illustrated story and make decisions that change the ending.
Born in Japan, this genre remains relatively obscure in France despite a very active community of enthusiasts. If you enjoy rich storylines and well-developed characters, you'll quickly find something you love here.
What is the Visual Novel ?
A Visual Novel, it's a hybrid of a novel, a comic book, and a video game. It features text, 2D still images, music, and often voices.
It all comes down mainly to computer, as well as on consoles and mobile devices.
You play a character who lives in a virtual world. The main feature is the selection system : At certain key moments, you make a decision that shapes the rest of the story. These branching paths open up multiple routes and several different endings, which encourages players to replay the same game multiple times.
The quality of a graphic novel depends above all on its script, its storytelling, and character development. The gameplay, on the other hand, remains light. Some visual novels even do away with choices: this is what’s known as a kinetic novel, where you read a linear story without any interaction.
There are also other subgenres, such as the dating sim or theotome, focusing on romantic relationships. The themes therefore range from lighthearted romance to much more complex stories, such as science fiction or horror.
What are the origins of the Visual Novel ?
The genre originated in Japan from the very beginning of the the 1980s, on the first personal computers. Many consider The Portopia Serial Murder Case (1983) like its direct predecessor: this game combines a police investigation with an illustrated text-based story—two elements that would become the hallmark of the visual novel. At that time, much of the content was still aimed at adults, including the famous eroge.
The genre really comes into its own in the the 1990s. Two tracks released in 1992 lay the modern foundations:
- Otogirisō, a “sound novel” from the studio Chunsoft, which has popularized branching storylines and alternate endings.
- Dōkyūsei, published by ELF, where you try to win over various characters. It lays the groundwork for the dating sim and has been reprinted several times.
In the the 2000s, visual novels are gradually moving beyond the computer. Cult classics such as Fate/stay night Where Higurashi are reaching a wider audience and coming to consoles. Community translations are also beginning to spread these titles outside of Japan.
The real shift toward the’West takes place in the the 2010s. The arrival of Steam and the success of songs like Steins;Gate Where Danganronpa open up the genre to a very wide audience.
Today, you can find visual novels on computer, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and mobile.
Who is the Visual Novel ?
Contrary to popular belief, visual novels aren't just for adults. The genre encompasses all audiences. Some titles are restricted to adults, particularly games with very dark storylines. But the vast majority are accessible to everyone, including manga fans drawn to Japanese aesthetics.
Many stories explore mature themes such as grief, friendship, or romance without being inappropriate. The experience offered falls somewhere between the illustrated novel and video games: read and choose.
Some subgenres target even more specific audiences. The’otome, for example, features romantic storylines designed primarily for a female voters. In short, there's a visual novel for just about every taste, whether you're a seasoned gamer or just someone who loves a good story.
What are the best Visual Novel To get started?
Here is a selection available at computer, Steam, Nintendo Switch and mobile.
Ace Attorney, the perfect new car for beginners
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is the perfect introduction to the genre. You play a lawyer who defends clients in court: you investigate, gather evidence, and then expose the witnesses’ lies.
Developed by Capcom, this series blends police investigation and humor with formidable effectiveness.
It is available at computer (via Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and mobile.
Doki Doki Literature Club, the gratuitous narrative twist
Doki Doki Literature Club At first glance, it seems like a simple high school romance set in a literature club.
Except that the game hides much more than meets the eye: get ready for a plot twist which left a lasting impression on the entire community. The base game is free on Steam. An expanded version, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!, sells for around 15 € on PC and console.
Steins;Gate, the go-to source for science fiction
Steins;Gate is one of the highest-rated visual novels in the world. The story follows a group of friends who discover how to send messages back in time. Your choices open up multiple paths and endings, making it a game with a lot to explore.
This is a great choice if you like stories about time travel, available at computer via Steam, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch.
Danganronpa, the mystery that captivated the West
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc locks a group of gifted high school students in a sealed-off location. To escape, one of them must commit the perfect murder, and it’s up to you to unmask the culprit during the trials.
The series, which Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony, a blend of mystery, horror, and black humor. It is playable on computer, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
Other Popular Visual Novels to Try
- Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward : continued from 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors, a closed-door affair full of mysteries.
- Fate/stay night : A Japanese classic that spawned a massive franchise.
- The House in Fata Morgana one kinetic novel a drama, praised for its writing.
- Higurashi When They Cry : a gripping thriller that has become a cult classic.
Good news: several of these titles are available in translation French, whether official or community-based. Be sure to check the available languages on the product page Steam before buying.
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