Character centric VN's (as opposed to Story Centric)

[torbin12]

Anyone can suggest some good VN's that are more character centric as opposed to story centric? Like, story is important to me, obviously, but I am looking for VNs that focus more on the characters or heroines than the story, similar, imo, to Canvas 2, or Katawa Shoujo, where the story is there, but the main focus is on the characters really. If they could be ones that don't have enforced playing orders, that would be vastly preferred, thanks for any help

[Down]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but i'm pretty sure every Key VNs are very character-centric. At least Clannad is. And they're quite liked around VN players too.

[torbin12]

Awesome, thanks Down, I'll check them out...probably starting with Clannad, since that's the one I know the best. I think

[Wahfuu]

Most Key things are character centric. I think Little Busters probably is the most character attentive out of them all, though. Yume Miru Kusuri is another one that comes to mind.

[Metaler]

I think it's pretty weird to say that some VNs are story-centric... I mean, a story is, naturally, centered on itself, as a whole.

But I digress, you're probably looking for moege. Try some Yuzu-Soft games, they're one of the best out there.

[VN-Angel]

I think muv-luv alternative can be considered as a heavy character centric vn. The story mainly revolves about the development of protagonist.

And it is one of the best vns out there. You should definitely try it. (Be sure to play muv-luv first )

Other good character centric vn in my opinions are

-Sharin no Kuni, Himawari no Shoujo

-Yume Miru Kusuri

-Cross†Channel

-Hoshizora no Memoria -Wish upon a Shooting Star-

[InvertMouse]

I think it's fair enough to say there's a difference between character and story centric VNs. For example, I'd say Ever17 and 999 are plot driven. Anyway, character centric VNs~ Here are a few I like:

- Narcissu (especially Side2nd)

- ONE ~Kagayaku Kisetsu e~ (Kawana Misaki's route in particular)

And as mentioned earlier, Clannad. I suppose Kyou/Ryou's path specifically.

[Steve]

From some recent ones I played I would say Hatsukoi the Anzu route. There is very little plot and more it is focused on the brother and sister romance and character development of both protagonist and Anzu. I really loved it. http://forums.fuwano...tsukoi-partial/

No enforced order and 2 routes have done TL.

And as people suggested, Clannad or Little Busters from Key would be very character based. Even Kanon would fall there. Although there you have always a true end so it is enforced, however not that much.

From similar ones like that also Hoshimemo, there you only have 3 routes to start with and unlock more though.

These still have story but it mostly surrounds the characters closely.

Those 2 vocaloid games are also only about the characters, Miku and Rin. Those are kinetic novels too, no choices and quite short..

I am the same, I love great story but I require romance with the girls and the route be centered around the girl and her development.

I also only chose those where the characters look moe and are lovable xD

[Clephas]

Don't get chara-ge mixed up with regular moege or story-focused. In the case of the latter, the overarching story takes precedence and in the case of the former, visual aspects and blatant appeals to moe archetypes tend to take precedence. The Key games are mostly story-focused, despite having a cast with a strong impact. In games like this, the drama is minimal and when it exists it is personal. Suzunone Seven, Kamikaze Explorer, and Prism Recollection (all by Clochette) are of this type. On the other hand, Hoshimemo is most definitely NOT of this type, as it focuses as much on the overarching theme and story as on the characters. It's a really fine line... Another common aspect is the lack of a 'true' or 'central' heroine...

It would be a lot easier just to give you a set of common moege that have a strong set of characters (in descending order as they are on my vndb VN list)

Maji de Watashi ni Koinishinasai

Marginal Skip

Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru (both the first and second game)

Chuning Lover

Konna Ko ga Itara, Boku wa Mou!

Anything by the company Whirlpool

Mashiro Iro Symphony

Sakura Iro Quartet (avoid anything else by this company)

Strawberry Feels

Tayutama

Toppara Zashikiwarashi no Hanashi (despite having a true heroine, this is definitely a chara-ge)

WLO Sekai Ren'ai Kikou

Walkure Romanze

Acchi Muite Koi

Anata no Koto Suki to Iwasete

Dolphin Divers

Duelist X Engage

Flag Heshiori Otoko