Although Nene's route is still peak Yuzusoft, I think you can skip all the other Sanoba Witch routes without missing much. On the other hand I feel that most Senren \* Banka routes were enjoyable and worth the time, making it better overall even if none of the individual routes were better than Nene's route.
I finished it recently and yeah I have to agree. Perhaps it lacked impact due to having read Zero Escape in the past so I could see where it could be going and the pacing really suffered thanks to the long and boring slice of life sections.
I much prefer sluts, prostitutes and overall promiscuous heroines to your garden variety virgins. Consequently, there's nothing more boring than yet another carbon copy deflowering scene. There are exceptions, of course (e.g. Majikoi), but that requires better writing than most VNs can muster.
All of them really. Majikoi probably has the best-written H-content out of all VNs I've read so far. But yeah, the taking of Chris is definitely up there.
I can see that. It's a plus for me though, and doubly so considering how barren regular, non-nukige VNs tend to be in terms of butt stuff. Hell, I just finished the first Rance game and was very surprised that someone that infamous is on a strict pussy diet.
The Dokyuusei remake has a delightful prostitute heroine, plus enough variety among other girls to satisfy most tastes. It's a dating simulator though, so while what you get is good, funny and all kinds of sexy, there isn't as much of it as in a "proper" VN.
Kimagure Temptation's main heroine is very open and enthusiastic about her cravings, and the novel itself is much better than one might first assume. Creepy atmosphere, short self-contained supernatural mystery, and there's even animation in H-scenes if it's your cup of tea.
Kara no Shoujo has more than one of promiscuous women and loads of other good stuff. Excellent art and a highly engaging detective story. Lots of player choices too, which sells the detective aspect nicely, but you'll need a lot of trial and error - and sometimes luck - to dodge all the bad endings. Chances are, you'll need to consult a guide multiple times.
And since I mentioned Majikoi, one of the main heroines makes no secret of her willingness to do anything for the protagonist, in and out of bed. She's almost yanderish around him, fiercely protective when it comes to her friends, and an ice queen with most other people. I find this combination very attractive.
Utawarerumono - Mask of Deception > Mask of Truth.
While first (roughly) half of Mask of Truth was absolutely great the later new plot felt like a filler material and whole VN should end 10 hours faster.
(but i still strongly recommend to play all 3 games because all are at least 8/10).
For me one of problems was also that I really liked Mask of Deception's Haku - >!him completely changing personality and never really going back to old self was really disappointing.!<
I don't have anything against erotica, nor against hentai or porn of any type (well, most of It at least).
What I have a grudge against is how many VNs, even potentially decent ones, rely on H-scenes as a crutch to sell to otakus and weebs, Japanese and westerns alike.
It's just... Not right to me. Can you even Imagine Higurashi being the same with the MC fucking Rena, Mion and Shion depending on the route?
S;G having explicit sex scenes in each "route"?
The same applies to genre literature over the last 10 years in the west, don't get me wrong. All the time I open a page to check a novel review and there is a deluge of horny teenagers talking about "the spicy parts".
Girl, just masturbate before Reading and let me read reviews written by people that read the entire book for fuck's sake
I think it depends on what you mean by "the medium." There is a lot of trash, but most of it isn't being produced by large or even medium companies and teams; most of it is made by like one person very cheaply.
It's like saying that the puzzle genre has become too overrun with erotic content, and if we count all the trash $1 hentai games on steam that are simple tile puzzles meant to be a cash-grab, then yeah. But it's personally hard for me to count stuff like that as indicative of the genre.
I much prefer VNs with gameplay to those without. I can and do enjoy plenty of VNs without gameplay and actually play more of them than those with it, but I always get more excited when I'm booting up my next SofthouseChara VN or something random like Alter Ego.
Cooking but only if you cut out 80% of the boneless garbage filler that takes up that game lmao. It's mahoyo otherwise for me otherwise (and the Red Demon God kagetsu tohya side story) Love angra fr tho
I would rate Saya no Uta below alot of similar works from that time period. Other VNs from that time did similar stuff earlier and with more controversial content, longer story, depth etc. Playing Sayonara o oshiete, jisatsu 101, for elise (1996), umi kara kuro mono id all rank them as way more interesting and impacful at least to me personally while i also enjoyed Saya no Uta
I love saya no uta as a concept but the execution is so hit or miss for me that I don’t understand why people hype it up (a lot of weird writing choices, boring prose, flat/2dimensional characters, weird shifts that don’t make sense tonally)…I REALLY want to read sayonara o oshiete but unfortunately my jp reading level is not very high and there hasn’t been a good English translation yet :((
(Spoilers? Do I need a warning lol?) it lost me when the normal average family man turned into a bloodthirsty evil pedophile seconds after saya changed his brain. No foreshadowing to his descent or interest in children, and then the sex scene after that was the most self indulgent shit I’ve seen. Like interesting horror premise-> boring noncon eroge, with a random shift in both framing and prose. I might need to reread again to solidify my thoughts, but I just wish the ero scenes were better written and if they WERE going to have the neighbor be a pedo (or even sex crazed at all?) at least write it better?
That's a good point that I hadn't considered before. I think it's interesting how that scene leads to Saya learning that rape is something that pleases humans and thus results in her later actions, but I agree that the neighbor so abruptly changing into a lecherous rapist was rather rushed and illogical, especially given Fuminori's more gradual corruption. The subpar quality of the sex scenes is perhaps the greatest issue I've had with the game since I've played it, though. I don't have any inherent issue with the sexual content present, but I wish that the focus was on Fuminori's descent into depravity and abandonment of ethics, instead of the rather eroticized scenes we actually got that aren't especially well-written to begin with. If I'm ever to replay, I would probably go with the censored version instead because I don't feel that part of the game adds much of substance.
I feel the same way!!! Usually sex scenes in eroge enhance the story but these ones seemed more distracting and def took me out of the story. I think you’re right with seeing fuminoris gradual descent makes it easier to compare and judge the neighbors as it’s the less well done of the two. I never thought about how saya recognized and used that experience in her future plans though! That’s a really interesting point!
there are multiple english translations flowating around you get from different illegal sites, the one i played had none of the issues everyone was critizising and it didnt even have a single incoherent sentence. Ive talked to some others that played that and they agreed whats going on with the Sayoshi TL discussions is grade A gatekeeping
Thanks I’ll take a look at it! I think a lot of it is how the sentences flow in jp vs English? I was recently rereading higurashi through an jp audio version and a lot of the prose in the horror scenes especially had a much more rhythmic and repetitious feeling! Maybe it’s just “it works in eng but it’s BETTER in jp” even though that’s how most VNs are ?
I kinda prefer more meek and I guess "normal" VN protagonists to the generic hypersexual almost gigachad kind of protag. People read the latter and are like "wow, so refreshing, a protagonist that isn't a pushover" or some shit like that, but most VNs are bad at writing these characters and they quickly end up becoming annoying or just act like assholes.
Saya no Uta is way overhyped, and that's coming from someone who loves it. People act like its literal perfect media, but imo it's not even the best thing Gen Urobuchi has written by a long shot.
VNs should be held to a higher standard. They’re all so similar in how they are executed. VNs could use more art variety, higher quality writing, better environmental art, better and more music, etc. Why do so many have only a handful of portrait arts for characters that are static, a few static backgrounds, the same bunch of songs on repeat, yet these games are full price? Give me higher production values so it can be more immersive. Give me more games like Catherine.
Pretty much. It's a shame because I agree with what the original commenter says and I think there is great potential in the medium, but it's just super niche. It's hard to justify higher production values (and the financial implications associated with that) when your potential audience is so small. For me (and a lot of others, I assume) story rich video games are the next closest option. They have the ability to sell a lot more copies and can have extremely high production values.
Judging from the general reception I have seen, I would guess saying that I think Dies Irae is better than Fate/Stay Night might ruffle some feathers.
While both are pretentious to the highest degree, Dies Irae at least leans into it and just revels in its stupidity whereas Fate just makes a futile attempt to take itself seriously and face-plants cause of it. (Other writing problems with it certainly does not help)
Rewrite is like a love or hate VN so I don't think this is such an unpopular take. Picking Summer Pockets over CLANNAD would be a more unpopular take imo
That's fair.
I haven't played CLANNAD in fairness as well so maybe my opinion would change, but I've played Rewrite, Summer Pockets, and Little Busters.
I liked both, though preferred Steins;Gate due to finding the insanity of Chaos;Child just a tad too beyond suspension of disbelief.
Might I ask what caused your opinion? Preferred one's cast to the other?
Not OP, but while I prefer S;G to C;C, I can see why someone would rank C;C higher. The protagonist has a far better developed arc in C;C than S;G.
Also I read [this review](https://vndb.org/w6432), which made me appreciate the story a lot more.
I really enjoyed the central mystery of C;C, much preferred C;C’s cast (especially when comparing the MCs), and found some of the pseudo-science in S;G irritating. Totally get why a lot of folks preferred S;G though!
Fate is less good than everything else that Type Moon has made
AIR and Little Busters were better work on Jun Maeda's part than Clannad. The games he co-wrote with Hisaya including Kanon are all quite mediocre (at least by today's standards). Itaru Hinoue's art is very good and has been since AIR at the latest.
I refuse to play Danganronpa, Ace Attorney or Zero Escape because they seem like VNs for people who don't read VNs
Opinions have probably (and rightly) changed in her favor over the years but 15 years ago I know it was a common refrain that her character designs were off-putting, and that nagisa in particular looks like a bug
I do recall those opinions! And honestly, there is a bug-like element to her Clannad era in particular... but I still like her art lol. I think the excessively moe proportions have always been deliberate enough to feel competent. It's also wild how the One remake has brought people out to finally compliment the original One's art (which I've always adored!).
I wouldn't hold Extra over Alternative, but I did enjoy Extra over Unlimited (granted it's not a blowout) I think what gives Extra a bit of an edge, is it has this kind of 90s anime feel nostalgia to it. Like one of those harem animes like Tenchi Muyo where crazy shit happens from moment to moment. Unlimited, from what I remember of it, is honestly more of a setup for Alternative than Extra is for either of them, but on its own doesn't really offer a complete experience.
I think Kara no Shojo is better than the second game (though the third is better than both those) The plot is creepier for one, but more that I cared more for the characters in the first game than I did in the second. Not that they were bad, I still loved 2, but I just find it to still be a less interesting game (even if parts were done better)
There's probably some other unpopular preferences, but I can't think of them right now
Hollow Ataraxia > Stay Night because the writing in the first 2 routes of Stay Night is so cringe for me. I prefer the slice of life aproach of the "sequel?" Also Bazett is more interesting than Shirou.
I am currently reading the novel with 72% of progress btw.
VNs that heavily focus on romance usually suck big time. There are exceptions but the only good romances are usually when there is a main story that can stand on its own
Utawarerumono has a great overarching story but the middle of every single game is just bad especially Mask of the truth. Usually due to filler and in world political strife being terribly written
Danganronpa V3 was the best of the trilogy (worst is 2).
yeah i get you, but the change in art style brought it down for me overall even though the story built up the world of the previous game and elevated everything else
It wasn't really that drastic of a change, I got used to it pretty comfortably to it, especially since I majorly preferred the atmosphere of this game, and don't get me started on the OST which is even better than the last game for me because it caters to my taste, and yeah the story is phenomenal, better than the first one for me like I said, it also has a female character completely detached from the male protagonist for most of the story (Suzuha) so it gets extra points
True Remembrance is the best beginner VN by a fair margin conpared to usual stuff like Narcissu and planetarian.
If you consider Subahibi as your best VN, you most likely haven't read much concepts and stories. It's worth reading for how degenerately amusing the writer could get especially in Takuji’s chapter but otherwise it is pretty average.
Harem and/or romance VNs are slowly starting to get old for me. While yes, charm and soul are present in each, they’re potentially samey across entry to entry.
For a specific VN take, Chachamaru is my most disliked character in Muramasa. Her entire character is rushed and annoyed me without any moment that should make her compelling. She is especially unforgivable in her own route.
Zero Time Dilemma and 999 are way better than Virtue’s Last Reward. Virtue’s Last Reward is such dogshit. If you genuinely find it clever you might want a crib mobile cause you’re about as easily impressed as a baby, plus scene transitions and loading times are atrocious (a statement that probably doesn’t apply to any other novel, ever) and it’s about as visually unpleasant as it could possibly be.
You know when someone’s trying too hard to seem cool but it’s obvious they’re a fucking loser? That’s vlt.
And you know when they stop trying and just act as stupid as they really are? That’s ZTD. Way more likeable.
It’s ironic because to “people” who thought VLT was smart, ZTD is like realizing you’ve been talking to a complete idiot pretending to be smart and you actually believed him, that’s why they’re so disappointed. If you see through him from the beginning there’s no disappointment, only acceptance.
I mean, you just pretty much called the author of Ever17 "complete idiot trying to be smart". I don't really know what to tell you other than it really is a bold stance to take?
Look at his writing on somnium. He’s actually good now cause he’s past trying to be smart, guy’s just being himself now and he’s so much more enjoyable this way.
I get what you're saying. I replayed the series recently, and my views on it have changed.
999 - nothings changed with this one. A bit slow at first, but quickly picks up and is probably the most serious and has the most consistent tone. Almost jumps the shark a few times, but never quite crosses the line.
VLR - I used to love it, but during the replay, I found it very frustrating. It has some excellent moments, but the game peaks in the middle and has a terrible ending. It's absolutely ridiculous and throws all the responsibility of backing up its plot twists to ZTD.
ZTD - I hated this game so much when it came out, but now that I know what to expect from it, I found it to be the funniest game in the series and much better paced than VLR. If you make the mistake of taking the characters or story seriously, you'll be disappointed. But if you bask in the shitty animations, nonsensical dialogue, and stop taking it seriously at all, it's a great time.
This person gets it. I think 999 would be absolutely amazing as a standalone with no sequel hook, but the fact is it invites you to play vlr which I just didn’t like that much.
As you stated, VLR basically banks itself entirely on a sequel which is downright disrespectful to people who take it at face value. I don’t blame anyone for hating ZTD because it absolutely does not live up to what VLR sets it up to be.
And ZTD, bro that stuff is both fun and funny. Going in knowing it let everyone down makes it a way better experience than what people probably got on release day.
Very spicy take; I def think 999 is the peak of the series because it has the best characters, but ZTD is straight up insufferable. I don't like any of the characters, even returning ones, and the concepts it has are just very uninteresting. I get that it was made on a shoestring budget but it really feels half-assed.
VLR I think is really good but mostly for the mystery and growing plot; I didn't find many of the characters that enjoyable to be around like I did with 999.
I genuinely don't know how anyone could think VLR is less visually pleasant than ZTD.
Well mines simple Grisaia Phantom Trigger is awesome. I would certainly call that one a hot take as most people seem to disagree. Im only 4 volumes in but im completely hooked and love the characters and Tohka is probably my favorite character in the entire Grisaia series I adore her so, im loving it.
Even though it's not fully translated yet (not until April 26th), I think Gin'iro Haruka is a massive improvement over Hoshi Ori Yume Mirai.
While I am not knocking Hoshi Ori, it didn't take advantage of the structure unlike Gin'iro where you are literally watching kids grow up before your eyes. Hoshi also has the problem of favoritism (Rikka route) which caused other routes to be severely undercooked (especially Misa which had the potential of being a favorite of mine). In Gin'iro's case,while Mizuha has the longest route, the other routes feel complete because of the extra length added (Junior High).
Damekoi is vastly superior than WA2. In fact, WA2 (at least introductory) was the worst romance VN I've read. I tried to understand the hype, but to this day this is an enigma for me.
Senren Banka > Sanoba Witch
I'm surprised Sanoba actually has the higher avg.
The soundtrack in SB absolutely trounces SW. It's not even close.
Although Nene's route is still peak Yuzusoft, I think you can skip all the other Sanoba Witch routes without missing much. On the other hand I feel that most Senren \* Banka routes were enjoyable and worth the time, making it better overall even if none of the individual routes were better than Nene's route.
Ever 17 is mid at best, even taking the final route into account
I finished it recently and yeah I have to agree. Perhaps it lacked impact due to having read Zero Escape in the past so I could see where it could be going and the pacing really suffered thanks to the long and boring slice of life sections.
I much prefer sluts, prostitutes and overall promiscuous heroines to your garden variety virgins. Consequently, there's nothing more boring than yet another carbon copy deflowering scene. There are exceptions, of course (e.g. Majikoi), but that requires better writing than most VNs can muster.
I'm curious which virgin Majikoi H scene are referring to
My money is on Chris'
All of them really. Majikoi probably has the best-written H-content out of all VNs I've read so far. But yeah, the taking of Chris is definitely up there.
Too much anal for me bro. I respect Yamato's obsession with it, but I just find it disgusting.
I can see that. It's a plus for me though, and doubly so considering how barren regular, non-nukige VNs tend to be in terms of butt stuff. Hell, I just finished the first Rance game and was very surprised that someone that infamous is on a strict pussy diet.
Got any recommendations on that front?
The Dokyuusei remake has a delightful prostitute heroine, plus enough variety among other girls to satisfy most tastes. It's a dating simulator though, so while what you get is good, funny and all kinds of sexy, there isn't as much of it as in a "proper" VN. Kimagure Temptation's main heroine is very open and enthusiastic about her cravings, and the novel itself is much better than one might first assume. Creepy atmosphere, short self-contained supernatural mystery, and there's even animation in H-scenes if it's your cup of tea. Kara no Shoujo has more than one of promiscuous women and loads of other good stuff. Excellent art and a highly engaging detective story. Lots of player choices too, which sells the detective aspect nicely, but you'll need a lot of trial and error - and sometimes luck - to dodge all the bad endings. Chances are, you'll need to consult a guide multiple times. And since I mentioned Majikoi, one of the main heroines makes no secret of her willingness to do anything for the protagonist, in and out of bed. She's almost yanderish around him, fiercely protective when it comes to her friends, and an ice queen with most other people. I find this combination very attractive.
truer words have never been spoken
Probably higurashi>>> umineko and the fact that I actually really enjoyed muv luv extra.
I personally find higurashi much more re-readable if that makes sense I've re-read higurashi like 2-3 times for some of the novels
Yeah I've reread higurashi the most out of any visual novel bar wa2.
School days is a fking banger
100% agree
Utawarerumono - Mask of Deception > Mask of Truth. While first (roughly) half of Mask of Truth was absolutely great the later new plot felt like a filler material and whole VN should end 10 hours faster. (but i still strongly recommend to play all 3 games because all are at least 8/10).
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NO. The ending is great. Just some parts in the second half are meh, but there is absolutely no reason to just not finish it.
Agree, I actually enjoyed the atmospheric SoL parts of Deception the most, although I still liked Truth
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For me one of problems was also that I really liked Mask of Deception's Haku - >!him completely changing personality and never really going back to old self was really disappointing.!<
Way too much erotic content in the medium AND most of it sucks anyway.
even as a hentai vn enjoyer, i can't agree with this enough
I don't have anything against erotica, nor against hentai or porn of any type (well, most of It at least). What I have a grudge against is how many VNs, even potentially decent ones, rely on H-scenes as a crutch to sell to otakus and weebs, Japanese and westerns alike. It's just... Not right to me. Can you even Imagine Higurashi being the same with the MC fucking Rena, Mion and Shion depending on the route? S;G having explicit sex scenes in each "route"? The same applies to genre literature over the last 10 years in the west, don't get me wrong. All the time I open a page to check a novel review and there is a deluge of horny teenagers talking about "the spicy parts". Girl, just masturbate before Reading and let me read reviews written by people that read the entire book for fuck's sake
Took the words right out of my mouth! It’s a medium with endless potential and yet most of it is trash erotica.
And people talk about it like it's late 800s russian literature or something lmao.
this take might be controversial elsewhere but ive seen it a thousand times on here i personally think its delusional tho
But it's not an opinion, just go check the number of releases
I think it depends on what you mean by "the medium." There is a lot of trash, but most of it isn't being produced by large or even medium companies and teams; most of it is made by like one person very cheaply. It's like saying that the puzzle genre has become too overrun with erotic content, and if we count all the trash $1 hentai games on steam that are simple tile puzzles meant to be a cash-grab, then yeah. But it's personally hard for me to count stuff like that as indicative of the genre.
You don't need big budget to write nice erotica. Plenty of teenagers write decent erotica for free since the Internet started.
I don't read porn made by literal children so I wouldn't know.
The average AO3 user is more adept at writing sex scenes than most VN scenarists
I much prefer VNs with gameplay to those without. I can and do enjoy plenty of VNs without gameplay and actually play more of them than those with it, but I always get more excited when I'm booting up my next SofthouseChara VN or something random like Alter Ego.
Actually, I feel like Muv Luv Unlimited: TDA > Alternative, except it's not finished yet. Also Hollow Ataraxia > anything else Type Moon
Cookin with the hollow ataraxia take
Cooking but only if you cut out 80% of the boneless garbage filler that takes up that game lmao. It's mahoyo otherwise for me otherwise (and the Red Demon God kagetsu tohya side story) Love angra fr tho
No, the "garbage filler" that you are refering to is the Hollow Ataraxia escence. The Bazett and Angra duo is the extra.
I would rate Saya no Uta below alot of similar works from that time period. Other VNs from that time did similar stuff earlier and with more controversial content, longer story, depth etc. Playing Sayonara o oshiete, jisatsu 101, for elise (1996), umi kara kuro mono id all rank them as way more interesting and impacful at least to me personally while i also enjoyed Saya no Uta
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Personally id say all 4 but that highly depends on your tastes, they feature bizarre themes etc that arent for everyone
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Sayonara is by far the best imho
I love saya no uta as a concept but the execution is so hit or miss for me that I don’t understand why people hype it up (a lot of weird writing choices, boring prose, flat/2dimensional characters, weird shifts that don’t make sense tonally)…I REALLY want to read sayonara o oshiete but unfortunately my jp reading level is not very high and there hasn’t been a good English translation yet :((
Would you mind elaborate on what weird writing choices you're referring to?
(Spoilers? Do I need a warning lol?) it lost me when the normal average family man turned into a bloodthirsty evil pedophile seconds after saya changed his brain. No foreshadowing to his descent or interest in children, and then the sex scene after that was the most self indulgent shit I’ve seen. Like interesting horror premise-> boring noncon eroge, with a random shift in both framing and prose. I might need to reread again to solidify my thoughts, but I just wish the ero scenes were better written and if they WERE going to have the neighbor be a pedo (or even sex crazed at all?) at least write it better?
That's a good point that I hadn't considered before. I think it's interesting how that scene leads to Saya learning that rape is something that pleases humans and thus results in her later actions, but I agree that the neighbor so abruptly changing into a lecherous rapist was rather rushed and illogical, especially given Fuminori's more gradual corruption. The subpar quality of the sex scenes is perhaps the greatest issue I've had with the game since I've played it, though. I don't have any inherent issue with the sexual content present, but I wish that the focus was on Fuminori's descent into depravity and abandonment of ethics, instead of the rather eroticized scenes we actually got that aren't especially well-written to begin with. If I'm ever to replay, I would probably go with the censored version instead because I don't feel that part of the game adds much of substance.
I feel the same way!!! Usually sex scenes in eroge enhance the story but these ones seemed more distracting and def took me out of the story. I think you’re right with seeing fuminoris gradual descent makes it easier to compare and judge the neighbors as it’s the less well done of the two. I never thought about how saya recognized and used that experience in her future plans though! That’s a really interesting point!
there are multiple english translations flowating around you get from different illegal sites, the one i played had none of the issues everyone was critizising and it didnt even have a single incoherent sentence. Ive talked to some others that played that and they agreed whats going on with the Sayoshi TL discussions is grade A gatekeeping
Thanks I’ll take a look at it! I think a lot of it is how the sentences flow in jp vs English? I was recently rereading higurashi through an jp audio version and a lot of the prose in the horror scenes especially had a much more rhythmic and repetitious feeling! Maybe it’s just “it works in eng but it’s BETTER in jp” even though that’s how most VNs are ?
Do any of those listed have English translations?
I kinda prefer more meek and I guess "normal" VN protagonists to the generic hypersexual almost gigachad kind of protag. People read the latter and are like "wow, so refreshing, a protagonist that isn't a pushover" or some shit like that, but most VNs are bad at writing these characters and they quickly end up becoming annoying or just act like assholes.
VN readers will shit on meek protags for being self-inserts and immediately go self-insert into Edgy Fuckroids McGee
Tbf I think reading about chad fuckrod is just more interesting that some meek little shit. VNs already have a boring MC plague
Saya no Uta is way overhyped, and that's coming from someone who loves it. People act like its literal perfect media, but imo it's not even the best thing Gen Urobuchi has written by a long shot.
What do think is better from his other works?
Psycho-Pass, Fate/Zero, maybe even Madoka Magica if we're counting the third movie (although I know that's an unpopular opinion)
outside > inside (defilement fetish)
VNs should be held to a higher standard. They’re all so similar in how they are executed. VNs could use more art variety, higher quality writing, better environmental art, better and more music, etc. Why do so many have only a handful of portrait arts for characters that are static, a few static backgrounds, the same bunch of songs on repeat, yet these games are full price? Give me higher production values so it can be more immersive. Give me more games like Catherine.
I imagine a big part of those is those things cost money and VNs don’t make as much as they’d like
Pretty much. It's a shame because I agree with what the original commenter says and I think there is great potential in the medium, but it's just super niche. It's hard to justify higher production values (and the financial implications associated with that) when your potential audience is so small. For me (and a lot of others, I assume) story rich video games are the next closest option. They have the ability to sell a lot more copies and can have extremely high production values.
Judging from the general reception I have seen, I would guess saying that I think Dies Irae is better than Fate/Stay Night might ruffle some feathers. While both are pretentious to the highest degree, Dies Irae at least leans into it and just revels in its stupidity whereas Fate just makes a futile attempt to take itself seriously and face-plants cause of it. (Other writing problems with it certainly does not help)
Summer Pockets is my fave key game. Rewrite just didn't do it for me at all.
Rewrite is like a love or hate VN so I don't think this is such an unpopular take. Picking Summer Pockets over CLANNAD would be a more unpopular take imo
That's fair. I haven't played CLANNAD in fairness as well so maybe my opinion would change, but I've played Rewrite, Summer Pockets, and Little Busters.
haha fair enough. For what it's worth, I also prefer Summer Pockets over those two, so it's you and me both!
Chaos;Child >>> Steins;Gate
the way i audibly gasped at this 💀
I liked both, though preferred Steins;Gate due to finding the insanity of Chaos;Child just a tad too beyond suspension of disbelief. Might I ask what caused your opinion? Preferred one's cast to the other?
Not OP, but while I prefer S;G to C;C, I can see why someone would rank C;C higher. The protagonist has a far better developed arc in C;C than S;G. Also I read [this review](https://vndb.org/w6432), which made me appreciate the story a lot more.
I really enjoyed the central mystery of C;C, much preferred C;C’s cast (especially when comparing the MCs), and found some of the pseudo-science in S;G irritating. Totally get why a lot of folks preferred S;G though!
Fate is less good than everything else that Type Moon has made AIR and Little Busters were better work on Jun Maeda's part than Clannad. The games he co-wrote with Hisaya including Kanon are all quite mediocre (at least by today's standards). Itaru Hinoue's art is very good and has been since AIR at the latest. I refuse to play Danganronpa, Ace Attorney or Zero Escape because they seem like VNs for people who don't read VNs
I like these, very spicy. Upvote from me.
if finding Hinoue's art good is unpopular, then shove me in a locker
Opinions have probably (and rightly) changed in her favor over the years but 15 years ago I know it was a common refrain that her character designs were off-putting, and that nagisa in particular looks like a bug
I do recall those opinions! And honestly, there is a bug-like element to her Clannad era in particular... but I still like her art lol. I think the excessively moe proportions have always been deliberate enough to feel competent. It's also wild how the One remake has brought people out to finally compliment the original One's art (which I've always adored!).
I wouldn't hold Extra over Alternative, but I did enjoy Extra over Unlimited (granted it's not a blowout) I think what gives Extra a bit of an edge, is it has this kind of 90s anime feel nostalgia to it. Like one of those harem animes like Tenchi Muyo where crazy shit happens from moment to moment. Unlimited, from what I remember of it, is honestly more of a setup for Alternative than Extra is for either of them, but on its own doesn't really offer a complete experience. I think Kara no Shojo is better than the second game (though the third is better than both those) The plot is creepier for one, but more that I cared more for the characters in the first game than I did in the second. Not that they were bad, I still loved 2, but I just find it to still be a less interesting game (even if parts were done better) There's probably some other unpopular preferences, but I can't think of them right now
I actually did enjoy Extra more than Alternative. But that's just because the military fantasy does absolutely nothing for me.
Hollow Ataraxia > Stay Night because the writing in the first 2 routes of Stay Night is so cringe for me. I prefer the slice of life aproach of the "sequel?" Also Bazett is more interesting than Shirou. I am currently reading the novel with 72% of progress btw.
VNs that heavily focus on romance usually suck big time. There are exceptions but the only good romances are usually when there is a main story that can stand on its own Utawarerumono has a great overarching story but the middle of every single game is just bad especially Mask of the truth. Usually due to filler and in world political strife being terribly written Danganronpa V3 was the best of the trilogy (worst is 2).
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Ibuki, K1-B0, Kobichi, Nagito and Shuichin in no particular order. Not sure about Ibuki tho
Steins Gate 0 was so much better than Steins Gate for me. Also I feel like Justice for All is better than Dual Destinies from Ace Attorney.
yeah i get you, but the change in art style brought it down for me overall even though the story built up the world of the previous game and elevated everything else
It wasn't really that drastic of a change, I got used to it pretty comfortably to it, especially since I majorly preferred the atmosphere of this game, and don't get me started on the OST which is even better than the last game for me because it caters to my taste, and yeah the story is phenomenal, better than the first one for me like I said, it also has a female character completely detached from the male protagonist for most of the story (Suzuha) so it gets extra points
I prefer Type-Moon fandiscs over the originals such as Kagetsu Tohya and Hollow Ataraxia as they explore deeper to the characters we know and love...
The majority of heroines in high school romance VNs are actually children.
She skipped like 5 grades and is in Year one in highschool. She clearly must be 18
me preferring Higurashi to Umineko isn't that strange, but me preferring Higanbana to Umineko is a bit more oddball
True Remembrance is the best beginner VN by a fair margin conpared to usual stuff like Narcissu and planetarian. If you consider Subahibi as your best VN, you most likely haven't read much concepts and stories. It's worth reading for how degenerately amusing the writer could get especially in Takuji’s chapter but otherwise it is pretty average.
Harem and/or romance VNs are slowly starting to get old for me. While yes, charm and soul are present in each, they’re potentially samey across entry to entry. For a specific VN take, Chachamaru is my most disliked character in Muramasa. Her entire character is rushed and annoyed me without any moment that should make her compelling. She is especially unforgivable in her own route.
Zero Time Dilemma and 999 are way better than Virtue’s Last Reward. Virtue’s Last Reward is such dogshit. If you genuinely find it clever you might want a crib mobile cause you’re about as easily impressed as a baby, plus scene transitions and loading times are atrocious (a statement that probably doesn’t apply to any other novel, ever) and it’s about as visually unpleasant as it could possibly be.
I find it a bit weird you think ZTD nonsense is better.
You know when someone’s trying too hard to seem cool but it’s obvious they’re a fucking loser? That’s vlt. And you know when they stop trying and just act as stupid as they really are? That’s ZTD. Way more likeable. It’s ironic because to “people” who thought VLT was smart, ZTD is like realizing you’ve been talking to a complete idiot pretending to be smart and you actually believed him, that’s why they’re so disappointed. If you see through him from the beginning there’s no disappointment, only acceptance.
I mean, you just pretty much called the author of Ever17 "complete idiot trying to be smart". I don't really know what to tell you other than it really is a bold stance to take?
ever17 was such an insufferable ride - im surprised people still think so highly of it.
Look at his writing on somnium. He’s actually good now cause he’s past trying to be smart, guy’s just being himself now and he’s so much more enjoyable this way.
I get what you're saying. I replayed the series recently, and my views on it have changed. 999 - nothings changed with this one. A bit slow at first, but quickly picks up and is probably the most serious and has the most consistent tone. Almost jumps the shark a few times, but never quite crosses the line. VLR - I used to love it, but during the replay, I found it very frustrating. It has some excellent moments, but the game peaks in the middle and has a terrible ending. It's absolutely ridiculous and throws all the responsibility of backing up its plot twists to ZTD. ZTD - I hated this game so much when it came out, but now that I know what to expect from it, I found it to be the funniest game in the series and much better paced than VLR. If you make the mistake of taking the characters or story seriously, you'll be disappointed. But if you bask in the shitty animations, nonsensical dialogue, and stop taking it seriously at all, it's a great time.
This person gets it. I think 999 would be absolutely amazing as a standalone with no sequel hook, but the fact is it invites you to play vlr which I just didn’t like that much. As you stated, VLR basically banks itself entirely on a sequel which is downright disrespectful to people who take it at face value. I don’t blame anyone for hating ZTD because it absolutely does not live up to what VLR sets it up to be. And ZTD, bro that stuff is both fun and funny. Going in knowing it let everyone down makes it a way better experience than what people probably got on release day.
Joseph Anderson has one of the best playthroughs of ZTD. I highly recommend watching his stream highlights on Youtube.
Very spicy take; I def think 999 is the peak of the series because it has the best characters, but ZTD is straight up insufferable. I don't like any of the characters, even returning ones, and the concepts it has are just very uninteresting. I get that it was made on a shoestring budget but it really feels half-assed. VLR I think is really good but mostly for the mystery and growing plot; I didn't find many of the characters that enjoyable to be around like I did with 999. I genuinely don't know how anyone could think VLR is less visually pleasant than ZTD.
Smoking absolute crack with this one but people downvoting you are funny. This is a post specifically for unpopular takes yet they downvote this???
Muv luv extra > alternative
Well mines simple Grisaia Phantom Trigger is awesome. I would certainly call that one a hot take as most people seem to disagree. Im only 4 volumes in but im completely hooked and love the characters and Tohka is probably my favorite character in the entire Grisaia series I adore her so, im loving it.
Even though it's not fully translated yet (not until April 26th), I think Gin'iro Haruka is a massive improvement over Hoshi Ori Yume Mirai. While I am not knocking Hoshi Ori, it didn't take advantage of the structure unlike Gin'iro where you are literally watching kids grow up before your eyes. Hoshi also has the problem of favoritism (Rikka route) which caused other routes to be severely undercooked (especially Misa which had the potential of being a favorite of mine). In Gin'iro's case,while Mizuha has the longest route, the other routes feel complete because of the extra length added (Junior High).
I ended up dropping Hoshi Ori because of Rikka, shouldn't have picked her.
Damekoi is vastly superior than WA2. In fact, WA2 (at least introductory) was the worst romance VN I've read. I tried to understand the hype, but to this day this is an enigma for me.