What are you playing?

[Dreamysyu]

So, I recently finished reading Dead End Junction, a short doujin VN which I got as a part of some bundle not so long ago and which was laying untouched on my Steam account since then. Well, for a few moments when I just started it felt as if I found a hidden gem, but as the story progresses quite a lot of major problems became apparent, and they negate almost all good that there was in the story originally.

Well, for instance, the setting in this VN is pretty unique. It is set in a fantasy-escque world based on Wild West. Josette is a tomboyish "cowgirl" who lives in a small isolated town in a desert. The story is focused on Josette and her friends traveling across the world and confronting the Dark Knight, an evil god who transfers to her world from another one and is going to bring great misfortunes with him.

Well, on one hand, this VN has a lot of interesting ideas. The setting and the comic book-like presentation make it stand out. It also has a lot of other little things that could make it a great VN: the characters have likeable base personalities, the art style is fitting and reasonably good, and some ideas about war are quite interesting. In the end, on the other hand, this VN is simply not done well enough to make it all actually work. The plot is full of cliches and overall goes nowhere; the pacing is completely off; the setting, in the end, is left largely unexplored; the characters lack any depth, and their development is very unrealistic (basically, shitty fanfic level of unrealistic). The presentation would work much better if the VN had a lot more visual assets, and since it tries to mostly rely on dialogues rather than exposition, most fight scenes basically consist of a single static CG, a few dialogue lines, and... that's it. And the final problem is that this VN lack any real conclusion. The ending is pretty much a sequel bait, and, since this group never released anything new since 2012, I really doubt that the sequel will ever get released.

In the end though I still liked this VN. It works pretty well if you want to relax your brain and consume something dumb and without any real value (which, I guess, is the main reason why some people read moege). I'd recommend trying this VN if you are looking for something like that, but it's pretty much the only reason why I'd recommend it.

5/10

[r0xm2n]

Finished Rina's route in Fureraba. Pretty much the best route in the game, and 2nd best girl overall (Yuzuyu still best girl).

Spoiler

The deal with Rina's parents smacked me in the heart too.

And that was the last route. Fureraba finished! Kyousuke's near infinite enthusiasm (and childlike antics) won me over as one of my most favorite protags so far (top 2 currently).

Now what do I read next......?

[r0xm2n]

I want to buy and read Sorcery Jokers. And the upcoming Steam Sale isn't active yet.

In the meantime, I'll read *eden.

..... I'm gonna get gut punched in the feels, ain't I? Why do I do this to myself?

[adamstan]

Ah, Steam sale around the corner, right. Time to grab that Clannad at last (and others).

Yesterday I finished Ai's route in Tsujidou-san no Jun'ai Road (all endings). It was really good.

Edited June 21, 2018 by adamstan

[Dreamysyu]

Started The Second Reproduction. Huh. I'm not really sure what my opinion about it is so far. It's kind of underwhelming, but still pretty enjoyable, so we'll see.

Edited June 22, 2018 by Dreamysyu

[Mr Poltroon]

28 minutes ago, Dreamysyu said:

Started The Second Reproduction. Huh. I'm not really sure what my opinion about it is so far. It's kind of underwhelming, but still pretty enjoyable, so we'll see.

It is the best thing.

If you find it underwhelming, clearly, you are too blame. Get better taste. Tsk tsk.

[Dreamysyu]

On 6/23/2018 at 12:11 AM, Dreamysyu said:

Started The Second Reproduction. Huh. I'm not really sure what my opinion about it is so far. It's kind of underwhelming, but still pretty enjoyable, so we'll see.

Aaaand...  I already want to take my words back. I somehow managed to make this post right before I reached a major plot twist which made all of the complaints I previously had about the story not legit anymore. And after that the story gets really interesting, and I'm actually hooked.

You know, that's exactly why I love reading VNs completely blind, without any idea o what they're actually about. Usually gives the best result in terms of enjoyment (in case that the VN in question is actually good of course).

I'll post more detailed comments after I finish at least one route.

[r0xm2n]

27 minutes ago, Dreamysyu said:

Aaaand...  I already want to take my words back. I somehow managed to make this post right before I reached a major plot twist which made all of the complaints I previously had about the story not legit anymore. And after that the story gets really interesting, and I'm actually hooked.

You know, that's exactly why I love reading VNs completely blind, without any idea o what they're actually about. Usually gives the best result in terms of enjoyment (in case that the VN in question is actually good of course).

I'll post more detailed comments after I finish at least one route.

Yes, reading visual novel's demands patience. And an open mind helps too.

One VN I read had a really, really slow start. Then suddenly slugged me with a plot twist that left me speechless.

[Inorin]

Recently started on Root Double and it's already giving me Zero Escape & Ever17 vibes (though the Ever17 feels are more apparent tbh, which is understable, since Regista also played a part in the development for E17)

On a side note, this is actually the first time I've come across a vn told from a third-person perspective so I may need some time to get used to it.

Edited June 25, 2018 by wei123

[douggle]

Recently finished Subahibi and Karakara2, Subahibi was a great read, though I still am rather perturbed by looking glass insects, overall its a great experience, Karakara 2 while short was pretty enjoyable though I admit I am a bit annoyed about the cliffhanger ending. 

[the tales of Sora]

If my heart had wings is so much fun, I just want the twins to show up more though. 

[r0xm2n]

Picked up Sorcery Jokers from the Steam sale. My initial impression is basically "Final Fantasy in Visual Novel format". Think I'm gonna enjoy this...

[Plk_Lesiak]

I think that after two months of not being able to seriously read VNs and only half-cautiously watching playthroughs of Sakura games and similar ecchi trash I nearly forgot what a good VN looks like. So, I've decided to remind myself using Juniper's Knot. Really an excellent short story - fresh, climatic, touching, with a unique artstyle. It even has a small bit of f/f romance in the protagonist's backstory. It's always good to remind oneself that a good developer can fit a lot more genuine feeling and creativity in an hour-long experience than a typical fanservice will deliver over a dozen. :3

Edited June 26, 2018 by Plk_Lesiak

[Zayne11293]

About to start Gin'iro Haruka.  Been looking forward to this one as i really enjoyed Tone Works other 2 VNs.  Recently finished another playthru of Katawa Shoujo as well as Tokeijikake no ley line Part 1. I still love KS just as much as my first time and Ley line was very enjoyable, highly recommend it.  Ah and I also managed to get my hands on the pulltop 15x15, cost a pretty penny but worth it.

Edited June 27, 2018 by Zayne11293

[douggle]

Started up Da Capo 3, I ve managed to finish Himeno, Ricca, and Sara's route, honestly the vn is simply gorgeous and while a bit repetitive at times about certain details, Its a really enjjoyable read especially compared to DC 1 and 2 

[Ranzo]

Finished Ruuko's route in toheart

This song really meshes with her route well. It's a bit of a shame that her route didn't end with me as some galactic overlord though

That's four routes down and five to go baby! Don't you think you've won!

[r0xm2n]

Day 6 in Sorcery Jokers.......

Spoiler

..... well THAT escalated quickly!

..... and I knew there was something wrong with that girl

 

[Daydreamer97]

Took a pretty long break from reading VNs (Thanks Bethesda) but I'm back because Steam has both Hakuoki games dirt cheap. I confess I was never a huge fan of the original guys except Kazama so I'm way more interested in the new ones. So far, I've only played the new guys and I really like their routes better. Yamazaki is the best boy. Anyway, I like this version of the over-milked Hakuoki better than the original I played on mobile. As far as otoge goes, Nightshade remains my top favorite. I don't really see Hakuoki as being particularly a classic or must-play although I enjoyed the historical stuff. I like that it's plot focused, yes, but there isn't really a whole lot of romance.

[douggle]

Finished up Da Capo 3, which was VERY enjoyable, started on Evenicle, and I m awaiting Maitetsu and Chaos;Child. 

[Dark Cornflakes]

Playing through Fate/Stay Night right now. I'm not very far in to the game yet, definitely not enough to say what I think about it. I have, however, watched the UBW TV series and I wasn't much of a fan unfortunately. Apparently, the fate route is the worst of the three routes because of it mostly being introduction, which makes me hope that the VN's writing is significantly stronger than the anime. I feel like the only reason I'm obsessing over F/SN is because Fate/Zero was so goddamn legendary, which to my knowledge was written by Urobuchi Gen. But still, I still believe that the F/SN VN will be good because I've been a fan of Nasu's other work (the Kara no Kyoukai movies were absolutely amazing and Tsukihime seems interesting). Basically, I'm just hoping that the source material is better than it's adaptation.

[cro-mag]

11 minutes ago, Dark Cornflakes said:

Playing through Fate/Stay Night right now. I'm not very far in to the game yet, definitely not enough to say what I think about it. I have, however, watched the UBW TV series and I wasn't much of a fan unfortunately. Apparently, the fate route is the worst of the three routes because of it mostly being introduction, which makes me hope that the VN's writing is significantly stronger than the anime. I feel like the only reason I'm obsessing over F/SN is because Fate/Zero was so goddamn legendary, which to my knowledge was written by Urobuchi Gen. But still, I still believe that the F/SN VN will be good because I've been a fan of Nasu's other work (the Kara no Kyoukai movies were absolutely amazing and Tsukihime seems interesting). Basically, I'm just hoping that the source material is better than it's adaptation.

You're more devoted than me that way) At first i also wanted to read through VN, but after watching Fate/Stay Night anime... i abandoned the idea of doing so, cuz i'm absolutely not fan of it, especially MC, don't like him at all, annoying. Fate/Zero was better, especially 2nd season, but everything else... I even didn't watch UBW full show, maybe some other time or maybe won't do it at all. Dunno, the whole thing kinda didn't cling to me the way i hoped.

[Inorin]

37 minutes ago, Dark Cornflakes said:

Playing through Fate/Stay Night right now. I'm not very far in to the game yet, definitely not enough to say what I think about it. I have, however, watched the UBW TV series and I wasn't much of a fan unfortunately. Apparently, the fate route is the worst of the three routes because of it mostly being introduction, which makes me hope that the VN's writing is significantly stronger than the anime. I feel like the only reason I'm obsessing over F/SN is because Fate/Zero was so goddamn legendary, which to my knowledge was written by Urobuchi Gen. But still, I still believe that the F/SN VN will be good because I've been a fan of Nasu's other work (the Kara no Kyoukai movies were absolutely amazing and Tsukihime seems interesting). Basically, I'm just hoping that the source material is better than it's adaptation.

The VN has much better writing but it will irritate you at times. If you thought Shirou and Shinji were annoying in the anime, wait till you read the vn. Also, the battle scenes in FSN aren't really that good as compared to the anime (you will sometimes get a black screen followed by a "whoosh" sound during battle scenes). Last, but not least, the pacing. I personally didn't mind it but many others did so it's up to your own discretion.

However, that's where the drawbacks end. I quite liked the character development in the vn, and while Shirou still isn't a perfect man after all the character development, he's much better in Heaven's Feel than in Unlimited Blade Works and Fate (though admittedly he was kind of decent in UBW). Last but not least, the vn has LOTS of material that the anime doesn't cover. Important plot points are left out so what you already know is only about 40%.

Tl;dr, the source material is better than the adaption but is much longer.

Edited June 30, 2018 by wei123

[Dark Cornflakes]

55 minutes ago, cro-mag said:

You're more devoted than me that way) At first i also wanted to read through VN, but after watching Fate/Stay Night anime... i abandoned the idea of doing so, cuz i'm absolutely not fan of it, especially MC, don't like him at all, annoying. Fate/Zero was better, especially 2nd season, but everything else... I even didn't watch UBW full show, maybe some other time or maybe won't do it at all. Dunno, the whole thing kinda didn't cling to me the way i hoped.

Yee I can't even blame you tbh. I've heard a lot of people say that you should watch UBW first and F/Z second since F/Z will make everything else trash by comparison, which is hilarious to me. Just a heads up, if you don't think you'll enjoy the UBW anime, you most likely won't!

43 minutes ago, wei123 said:

The VN has much better writing but it will irritate you at times. If you thought Shirou and Shinji were annoying in the anime, wait till you read the vn. Also, the battle scenes in FSN aren't really that good as compared to the anime (you will sometimes get a black screen followed by a "whoosh" sound during battle scenes). Last, but not least, the pacing. I personally didn't mind it but many others did so it's up to your own discretion.

However, that's where the drawbacks end. I quite liked the character development in the vn, and while Shirou still isn't a perfect man after all the character development, he's much better in Heaven's Feel than in Unlimited Blade Works and Fate (though admittedly he was kind of decent in UBW). Last but not least, the vn has LOTS of material that the anime doesn't cover. Important plot points are left out so what you already know is only about 40%.

Tl;dr, the source material is better than the adaption but is much longer.

Dayum only 40%? Well, the VN is pretty humongous so I'm not surprised. I've heard a lot about the Heaven's Feel route and how great it is (and how it's as good or even better than F/Z), so I'm pretty excited for that whenever I get there. Hearing that the VN has better writing is quite reassuring, and yes Shirou was pretty annoying in the anime, thnx for the heads up! Honestly, a lot of people give Shinji a lot of crap for being a douchebag. I just find him comically evil. Everything he does (in the anime) is so overplayed, to the way he talks (Kamiya Hiroshi FTW), his gestures, his funny faces, it's all hilarious to me lol. Also, it's daijobu, fight scenes aren't that big a deal especially in VNs. Umu, thnx for the reply! I feel more motivated to read F/SN now!

[Dreamysyu]

1 hour ago, cro-mag said:

after watching Fate/Stay Night anime

If you mean the original FSN anime, than it's not even remotely indicative of the quality to the original VN. I tried to watch it at some point, and I'm pretty sure I dropped it after the first or the second episode. The characters lose all characterization, which always stood out in Nasu's works for me, and the whole atmosphere of the original is just off. I personally would never recommend anybody to watch it, especially if they are ready to read the VN instead.

To @Dark Cornflakes: if you don't feel like reading the same story again, you can always skip UBW and move directly to HF after finishing Fate. On the other hand, I'd recommend you at least to try reading it. UBW anime is not a bad adaptation, but the problem with VNs is that it's usually simply impossible to adapt them completely faithfully. There will always be little details and the inner monologues that will be lost, and in most cases it's exactly these details that make an average VN good.

And the main problem with FSN adaptations is that none of them are actually complete. None of the routes actually work on their own: they complement each other, and each next route uses the previous ones as the foundation to further develop its ideas and show the new sides of the story, which are impossible to show in a linear story. On the other hand, Fate route doesn't have an adaptation that would give it justice, and the HF adaptation is still ongoing. So far, there's no way to watch the anime and get the same complete experience that you'd get if you read the VN first.

[cro-mag]

5 minutes ago, Dreamysyu said:

If you mean the original FSN anime

Well i mean anime of 2006 year. There was only one of those as far as i (and internet) know. Others are movies or Fate/Zero anime or UBW. So i didn't have much of a choice as obviously i wanted to start from the beginning.

Edited June 30, 2018 by cro-mag