solidbatman

Voice acting would have seriously detracted from the game, a ton. It also would have ruined some of the tricks the VN has up its sleeve to alter the reader's perspective.

Gamers=autism Gamergate-autism^2 Case closed

I liked it...

Yeah, the VN is never really scary. Its more foreboding with a really heavy atmosphere, coupled with suspense. Like they stated above, Crimson Peak is a great example, for more than one reason What a fun movie that was though.

Giselle was easily the best, and my favorite character. In fact, every character was really good, and all character felt meaningful and important. A rare feat.

If I had to read one more "gaaah" or "nnnghhh" from Mell, I was going to gouge my own eyes out. It does repeat itself, in part to remind readers of what happened earlier, and also to show the repetition of suffering from characters. Keep in mind, I binged the fuck out of this VN, and despite the issue towards the end where the narrative loses steam, I still think its the best VN in the west.

Gonna pull a sanah and not post anything to add to the discussion, but instead a link to my content on Fata Morgana. Gotta get dem clicks baby fuwanovel.net/reviews/2016/06/18/the-house-in-fata-morgana/

minori pls

ummm... thats the CEO of Sekai Project, he's still in charge as far as we know, and he despises the community, understandably so at times. You obviously know little to nothing about Sekai Project based off your statements. Just do a bit of research on them. Yeah, they still fuck up a lot, but the community also is very toxic towards... everyone lol

Good, now I dont have to fire you fire bad tweets

because of your shitty misleading title

that click bait title lol

I wonder what happens to the Filthy Frank network of people now

Calm down. This is exactly why I stopped trying to get involved in discussions. No where did I state I had an issue. No where did I state that drawn boobs where the issue. I said anime boobs. VNs have a stigma, like it or not. Not sure why you have to imply that I have a personal issue with this. KnS is not something I'd recommend as a starter VN. You disagree. I really don't care that much, and was simply clarifying my stance, not attempting to disprove what you said, nor trying to attack what you like. So lets cut it out with passive aggressive remarks, and the defensiveness.

Its weird, and I'm not saying I agree with it, but for some reason, real tits are acceptable. 3D rendered tits are acceptable, but for some reason, anime tits are not. Thats the only reason I'd avoid it as a starter. Nothing against the quality of KnS (which is a fantastic VN), just has some quirks that I feel would keep the average newbie away.

Yeah and in the first hour the main character's sister walks into the room naked for no reason.

What the average VN likes will typically not be what the average newbie to VNs will like. To be honest, many people here like VNs because they are VNs, and are "otaku" oriented as much as I hate using that word. The "normie" or average newcomer is not coming to VNs for the same reasons you did. They are looking for a good story, or something fun. Basically, think about a bunch of solidbatmans (less salty maybe) getting into VNs. My criticisms of many VNs match the criticisms of some of the people I've gotten into VNs. In the near future, I plan to have them write them up for a good post/editorial but its something to keep in mind. I keep seeing certain VNs suggested which absolutely would not be good for your average newcomer to VNs. Unless we are talking about the weeb who sits at home all day, and has no hobbies other than Japanese media, many suggestions in this thread are dubious at best. Not to pick on anyone, but Kara no Shoujo is a no. It has porn. Eden is possible, but I can't comment on it just yet (haven't read it). Tsukihime, far too dated + Nasu not good for entry level (now having someone watch Fate/Zero and then read Fate/Stay Night; thats a valid enough entry). Basically, when recommending a VN to a newbie, shift your perspective. Don't recommend what you like. Completely pull yourself away from your current tastes. If you know the person, it makes your job much easier, so get an idea first, of what they enjoy, and what they dislike. Katawa Shoujo is great for some people, but would have others running to the hills away from it after 20 minutes. The House in Fata Morgana is great for some people, but too heavy for others. Like salty Tiago said, one size does not fit all. There is no single starter VN list, and will never be a good one. A better way to pursue something like a starter list, is draw up a list of comparable titles in other mediums. "If you like the Atelier series, you may also enjoy the Kamidori." "If you like the action in Avengers, you may like Cho Dengeki Stryker." "If you like big tits, murder mystery, and fucking your sister, Touma Kojirou no Tantei File is the VN for you." and so on and so on. This might actually be a good project for someone more motivated than myself. Draw up a starter VN list, comparing various VNs to similarly themed works in other mediums.

The House in Fata Morgana

You either need interactivity, or a super unique story, and lacking either of those, really really good execution of a "trope". That rules out things like Katawa Shoujo, Clannad, MajiKoi, or basically any of the really popular VNs in this circle. Also, rule out porn. Big no no for most people getting into VNs. Sure you might be able to name an exception or two, but those people are outside the norm. So, what does that leave us with? Short kinetic VNs that focus on telling a single story, really well, things like Planetarian, and Narcissu. For interactivity, we can look towards Analogue: A Hate Story, Ace Attorney, Corpse Party, Danganronpa and even to a certain extent, the Tell Tale games (I'm aware that these generally are not considered VNs, but in my eyes, they at their core, do the same things that VNs do to make themselves unique). And finally, super unique stories, things like Phenomeno, The House in Fata Morgana, and Cave Cave Deus Videt. "But Bats! What about X VN or Y VN!" Chances are, if you are listing anything with a common route, it will not catch the attention of a "normie". Unless the common route, is short, and generally advances the overall story, you will lose the interest of most newcomers to VNs. I say this mostly from experience. Lets take a look at my early VNs I've read. -Analogue: A Hate Story -- common route line sort of blurry, but advances the actual story -Ever 17 -- common route is like 20 minutes long before splitting off into one of four directions -Clannad -- Long common route, but with enough variation to not wear too much on the reader. Subsequent playthroughs can get tedious with changes based off choices, when wanting to get into the route. Also, main story is locked away, HUGE no for newcomers in my experience -Steins;Gate -- This is a tricky one for sure. Solid story, but takes a while to kick off. Can be a turn off to newcomers wanting the real story (though if memory serves, character routes can be skipped and the true story can be unlocked without character arcs completed. Feel free to correct me.) -Planetarian -- Good for newcomers, short, focuses on two characters and their relationship, lack of world story means little time on lore. No common -Corpse Party -- adventure VN, plenty of trial and error, lack of skip make it a tough pill to swallow except for the patient, and if youre patient, you likely already are reading longer, more celebrated VNs in the community like Majikoi and LB! No common route When I explain VNs to people, for example my girlfriend, they tend to be most interested in the shorter, more unique sounding experiences and less in the long, multi-route, high school setting. I will never get my girlfriend to read Clannad, but Planetarian is something she is loving at the moment. She adores The House in Fata Morgana but has absolutely no interest in Majikoi or Katawa Shoujo. Same deal with a co-worker of mine. Same with an old high school friend of mine. All 3 of these people enjoy anime, but don't watch a ton of it. They enjoy manga but do not read a ton of it. They are "normies" and just like with anime and manga, a VN is going to need to stand out like the color of this text in a sea of same looking text.

please dont remind me of Fata Morgana's sales numbers

Gahkthun did really bad if memory serves.

You two are perfect for each other. But for real, Tiago, you one of the only people to actually have good rebuttals to my LB! review and not just curse me out like 99% of people who like that game Cant hate you for that. I'll find something else to hate you for one day <3

Everything is speculation I don't think the companies release sales numbers, and if they do, I've never seen them myself. Only hear bits and pieces from company staff when they are talkative.

Can't be as bad as his... unless you like Little Busters