OriginalRen Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 The title of this thread might be confusing so allow me to explain. What, if anything, do you find to be a common trait when it comes to reading visual novels? This can relate to comedy, action, themes, or anything really. I seem to notice a lot of trends when I read visual novels so I wanted to ask what everyone else thought about it. Keep in mind, I didn't use the word "stereotypes" here because while these are common trends, I'm not aiming to criticize any novel. That being said, what do you think? Here are some examples (putting aside the obvious) that I feel I have noticed: The line, "It can't be helped." This is common in a lot of VNs (and anime) I feel. Masochism and sadism. Every single VN I play somebody (either the protagonist or one of the heroines) mentions this in some form or another I feel. It's interesting to see that this is a big thing for a lot of games. Complete heterochromia iridis. A lot of characters exhibit this trait in VNs and anime I feel, though not all. astro 1 Quote
Clephas Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 仕方ない, usually translated as 'it can't be helped' is a statement of resignation in Japanese that is so common at all levels of Japanese society that it is impossible to avoid. It can refer to taxes, work, natural disasters... or your friendly neighborhood extreme nationalist chapter/Emperor worshipers. Just give up, it is everywhere. *Stupid/normal/average protagonists who are beloved for no apparent reason from the beginning. *tsundere *lolis in VNs up to a few years ago *kyonyuu (massive breasts) in newer VNs *donkan (dense) protagonists *DIDS (damsel-in-distress syndrome) Narcosis 1 Quote
Chronopolis Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Stories focused around a circle of characters, rather than a series of events. Staying mostly in one location, where slice of life hijinks can be crammed in. Relationships (connections) between minor characters, coming full circle. Often neglecting to hint at the plot properly within the first 100 pages. Lots of dutch angles of characters in CG's, especially with the advent of widescreen VN's. Quote
Monmon Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Does absurd hair color count???? i mean pink or blue is norm...but when seein a foreigner with blonde hair...its like a song from Aladdin(whole new world) to them. Quote
Life Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Having all the girls with a certain problem that all occur at the same time. Quote
DimDito Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 The MC is a long lost childhood friend of one of the heroines despite near impossible odds. (Usually followed by a forgotten promise of some sort.) Quote
Freestyle80 Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 MC having a comic relief friend who envies him Quote
DimDito Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Trips to the beach and/or hot spring during summer vacation. Quote
DoodlyNyan Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 No parents ever. This and childhood friend who wears glasses and has C-Cup Quote
DimDito Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 An authoritative father figure with an ulterior motive usually associated with the MC's or a heroine's dark past. Quote
Monmon Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 most of time....sex after confession.... somehow the protag hve dull face~~~~Side char face is more impressive(while thinking bout Forterial) .... Quote
DimDito Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 somehow the protag hve dull face~~~~Side char face is more impressive(while thinking bout Forterial) .... Because 99% of the time you don't see the protag's face. In most visual novels anyway. It's like face design in Skyrim. There's no point. Quote
Monmon Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 when the heroines ave ahoge, their ahoge constantly changing based on their expression. Quote
Chocolat Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Let's see... A side character to create humour, the girls who fall in love easily, a pretty average hero who changes personality depending of the girl's route. Quote
Monmon Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 Because 99% of the time you don't see the protag's face. In most visual novels anyway. It's like face design in Skyrim. There's no point. duh....there is....vn nowdays hve a cg or two tht describe a bit bout the protag....hm..Forterial,Grisaia n Koiken. so i wanna at least the protag's face a lil bit unique like in Grisaia. Quote
DimDito Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 duh....there is....vn nowdays hve a cg or two tht describe a bit bout the protag....hm..Forterial,Grisaia n Koiken. so i wanna at least the protag's face a lil bit unique like in Grisaia. It's not strictly an obligation but yeah I'd very much prefer so. Besides, some VNs like KnS 2, Rewrite, or LB! already let you interact with/through him. Quote
Monmon Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 It's not strictly an obligation but yeah I'd very much prefer so. Besides, some VNs like KnS 2, Rewrite, or LB! already lets you interact with/through him. hohoho...nice knowing tht we could agree... Quote
OriginalRen Posted May 10, 2014 Author Posted May 10, 2014 Stories focused around a circle of characters, rather than a series of events. Staying mostly in one location, where slice of life hijinks can be crammed in. Relationships (connections) between minor characters, coming full circle. Often neglecting to hint at the plot properly within the first 100 pages. Lots of dutch angles of characters in CG's, especially with the advent of widescreen VN's. Interesting you mention the Dutch angle bit. I have noticed that too now that you mention it.No parents ever. Truth. Quote
Nosebleed Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 "Our parents remaried so we're not blood related" seems to be a very common family situation. DimDito 1 Quote
Narcosis Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 This is how lolicon is often justified as well, if we're already at it. Quote
shcboomer Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 How about that genki character, you know what I'm talking about. Seems like almost every VN has at least one. Quote
Clephas Posted May 11, 2014 Posted May 11, 2014 Needlessly adorable - and frequently emotionally dependent - little sisters as heroines. Quote
grim_tales1 Posted May 11, 2014 Posted May 11, 2014 MC who is apparently really normal MC loses memory/part of memory Annoying tsundere moaning bitchy character Quote
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