Video Games: Visual Novels

Visual novels (or VNs) focus on a text-driven narrative with minimal gameplay. The majority of player interaction is limited to clicking to move the text and graphics-- similar to turning the page of a book. Many visual novels have multiple storylines with more than one ending, allowing players to make decisions that affect the narrative. The different endings are usually categorized as normal, good, bad, or "true." 

The classic linear VN offers a story with no choices and no additional gameplay. Players only need to advance through the game’s dialogue and read the story.

Horror VNs are first-person horror adventures, typically focused on psychological horror themes. Players make their choices with the knowledge that bad endings are lurking around every corner.

Otome VNs are romance-based games with a singular female protagonist. In addition to the main story goal, players seek to develop a romantic relationship between the protagonist and a (typically male) love interest. The different storylines, referred to as "routes," each focus on a specific love interest. Routes may build on each other to create an overarching narrative or operate as completely independent stories.

Not all VNs are limited to the classic text-driven narrative! Cross-genre games incorporate additional gameplay elements, such as rhythm games, mini games, evidence gathering, or battle sequences.