I think a really interesting visual novel, that unfortunately no one knows, is Gahkthun of the Golden Lightning. It does a pretty good at making the female MC feel real and her struggle genuine.
Thank you for the recommendation! I checked it out and seems pretty interesting, I like the art style as well. I'll add that to my list of Plan to Read!
BRO I know I'm like 10 months late but holy fuck it's the first time I've found another person who's mentioned the What a Beautiful Series. I've been reading those since I was a kid starting with the first one and man It's only gotten better.
Always great to see Hollow Ataraxia being praised, I agree with how it pretty frequently gets overlooked due to its abundance of slice of life and comedy, even though they were both handled incredibly well. It certainly elevated the already well developed and established cast of Fate. Also I'm looking forward to your Muramasa review in the future, I can confirm it's amazing!
Given how impactful Fate/Stay Night is, it's understandable to see HA overshadowed. Even still the quality of the story is on par with it imo. I love to point it out whenever I get the chance to! That's great! It might be a couple months until I get to it, but I'm excited!
I'm also new to the VN genre, and it's amazing how most of the rankings here I have read already. I very much agree with your ranking. Looking forward to see more from you!
@@NeNeiSan Mine is also Fate/Stay Night! I love how it fully utilizes the VN format by having routes that are dedicated in exploring certain characters and themes.
in regards to tsukihime remake. It wasnt just takeuchi in the art it was also Hirokazu Koyama who does most of the heavy work. Takeuchi is more of character desings and business nowadays, his art is still really great though and its key in remake too. just that koyama also deserves recognition for doing the most difficult part and doing thousands of CGs for the visual novels of Type moon.
Excellent video here! While I unfortunately cannot agree with all of them, I appreciate the opinions you have, and they're more than valid! You explain why you love each work very well, and it's clearly made from love, which is all that matters. The medium is expansive and full of many different kinds of beautiful stories, and I hope to see you exploring more of it! Good stuff!
Thank you, I appreciate your viewpoint! Having differences in favorites is only natural. Different people see different sides and are able to connect with them in various ways. In my eyes, that's the beauty of fiction! I've been wanting to get a good variety of VNs to read in the future, do you have any recommendations?
@@NeNeiSan Super late reply since for some reason I was never notified, so here's a list! - Every Key work, they're all stellar though some take their time to tell a story - ATRI and Eden for great shorter stories, I always recommend those and Planetarian to beginners - ToHeart & ToHeart2 if you want to see the roots of galge and what a truly *fun* SOL dating game can be like - Lamunation absolute golden standard of pure entertainment
@@EbullientSMP Thank you for list! I was thinking about getting into more Key Vns starting with Kanon then working my way through their catalogue. I'll be sure to put your other recommendations on my list as well. I've heard of a few of them, and others I knew nothing about, I'll be sure to check them out!
Simply impressed by how much time you spent in VN reading, I feel it mostly as kind of lonely spending so much time into it. Even tho it doesnt matter if I just consume blindly anime or series, it just feels different. I see the positive sides since I've read some VN's and still currently making my move over Higurashi. Its really a great difference, yet .. I struggle to keep focus on it. Still amazed that its more ore less caused by Doki Doki in your case. Glad your channel exists, deserves more attention for such a underrated medium in general (besides the attention for the most popular ones is way better these days).
I don't know why, but for whatever reason, the Visual Novel medium has enraptured me. Though I technically started with DDLC, it wasn't what gotten me into the genre. DDLC for me is a lot like watching the Pokemon anime as a kid without knowing what "anime" is, equating it to just another childhood cartoon. Fate/Stay Night was what truly brought me into loving VNs as a whole, and the experience each one brings is unparalleled with the emotion they invoke. I really appreciate your kind words! I wants to spread all the love I can for VNs!
This video was amazing and you had great picks my friend. Also Fate stay night is definitely my favorite visual novel and heaven's feel is probably my favorite pieces of media of all time, the way emiya shirou grows and matures and the way Illya and kotomine are developed and explored, and finally Sakura (best girl) as a whole made this fucking route nothing but pure masterpiece in my eyes. I also love tsukihime, it never gets boring seeing shiki go insane
Heaven's Feel is my favorite part of Fate Stay Night as well! Coming to see Shirou's resolve after how much he fought for his ideals in UBW was absolutely heart wrenching. That route did a lot for who were just side characters, Kotomine ended up being one of my favorite fictional characters because of this route. Haha, yeah it's always funny to think about how about half of Hisui's route is Shiki slowly going insane in his bedroom, yet it was the most interersting and thrilling part of the VN. Can't wait for the Remake translation that should be coming out in the next couple months! Thank you!
as someone who started umineko in October and finished in January I was like "I'll be surprised if umineko isn't #1" needless to say I'm omega excited for you to finish it and im so looking forward to the vid. its such a beautiful piece of media I havent gone a single day without thinking about it in some aspect since I finished it lol.
I had that same thought around the end of Chapter 4, and wondered where it will go from here. To my surprise, each chapter kept getting better and better and culminated in one of my favorite endings of all time. I finished it a week and a half ago and I am still ruminating over it. I'm going to finish Umineko Saku today, but I'm not looking forward to saying farewell.
This was a great video. Considering Fate was your first VN, that’s already such a high bar, so it’s cool you’ve continued to explore and get into other VNs. If you can track it down, Ever17 is pretty impressive. It’s definitely a story that can only be done in the visual novel format. 428 does have a spiritual sequel in “Machi” but I don’t know if there is a translation available or how easy that one is to find. Either way, great video and great list!
VNs are filled with such heartfelt and life changing stories with them that even after years just seem to stick. Ever17 is another on my seemingly insurmountable list that I hope I can get to one day. Sadly Machi doesn't have an English Tl, which is a shame as the style of 428 is very unique and would love more VNs like it. Thank you so much! Since its been a couple years and I have read a lot more since I uploaded this one, I'm thinking of updating it in a few months!
Really enjoyed this video, out of this list ive only read tsukihime but i've been interested in reading all the other ones you mentioned, I rewant to leave you with a recommendation of a vn I read last year, its called full metal daemon muramasa. Thanks for the video
Good list - I've read all of these apart from fate ataraxia. Would suggest looking into one called root double, hardly anyone knows about that one, but its absolutely badass.
Thank you! If you enjoyed Stay Night, Hollow Ataraxia can be really fun while also having a mysterious and intriguing story. I appreciate the suggestion, I haven't heard of it, but from the synopsis it looks pretty interesting. I'll be sure to give it a chance!
Hollow Ataraxia is like a farewell to the beloved characters of Stay Night. The slice of live parts get a bit out of hand there, but at least their existance is important for the main story, which is on par with the story of Stay Night. I started reading Root Double a while ago, but put it on hold. It wasn't really my thing to replace a decision-system with this spongy bias-system, but I like the author. Guess I'll come back to it after I finish Your Turn To Die. c:
Saya no Uta truly is in a league of its own. Did I enjoy it? A LOT. Would I recommend it? Only to my peers that I know are hardcore enough in the otaku game. I find it really hard to rank my favorite visual novels since each one just gives me such a special feeling, but Saya is for sure the one that grips me the hardest.
I can definitely see that. Seeing someone, who at random is forced into the equivalent of hell, trying to find any amount of happiness is endearing. Yet seeing how far they will go while understandable, exudes worry, pity, and terror.
Nice video, I definitely need to read some of these. I think my favorite vn from the ones I've played is Fate HA, I just connected too much the Bazzett storyline, and I can't wait for the official Mahoyo translation later this year. Some people might not count it as a vn since it has a little bit of strategy elements, but I think 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is an unforgettable experience and a must play
Thank you! Bazett and Angra's story/dynamic is one of my favorite, conveying meaningful messages between the two. Seeing that Mahoyo Translation had me shocking, making me think it was dream! I'm hyped for it as it's something I've been wanting to read for a while. 13 Sentinels is something I really to play! I heard that the story line is so complex, but compelling. It has my attention, but I sadly don't have a Switch.
@@NeNeiSan It is also on PS4/PS5 if you have access to any of those. If all else fails there's also a couple switch emulators, idk how well it would run though
Thank you! Fata Morgana is something i need to read! From the premise and some stuff I heard it looks very interesting. I just have a huge backlog, but I'll get to it!
I've got at least 3 VNs to add to my list now goddamn. I very much agree with steins gate and the nasu works you added too, gotta be some of the best stories I've read, absolutely hyped for the mahoyo remake and the new Steins gate sequel as well. But yea great video my guy!
Thank you, I hope you enjoy the ones you picked up! Seeing Mahoyo get an official English translation is unbelievable. I've been wanting to read it for years, so I'm very glad knowing I and many others will get to experience it in December! I'm also looking forward to see more details of Steins;???. Interested to how it will expand upon the original.
If you like Fate Stay/Night, I'd recommend giving Dies Irae Amantes Amentes a shot. It's a story very similar to fate with a colorful, impressionable, and very fleshed out cast of characters, strong philosophical themes and ideas, great artwork, epic fight scenes, and fantastic dialogue. It's just an all-around great time
@@NeNeiSan No problem. Dies Irae definitely has a very interesting art style. It can very from gothic to urban to surreal. I think you'll have a god time with it
*gestures wildly at Kimi to Kanojo to Kanojo no Koi* (aka YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story. Aka Totono) If you like 4th wall breaking denpa, heartfelt stories, self reflection, and cute waifus, this is the bishōjo game to end all bishōjo games.
Another good video bro, I’ve played steins gate and Fate stay night. I have been thinking about giving fate hollow ataraxia, Tsukihime and Higurashi a go.
Glad to see Higurashi that high. I didn't like Umineko tho. Fun to see Aokana in this top it has nothing in common with the others but it's pretty Nice haha
This was a great vid I’ll definitely have to give planetarian a read, and if you ever have the time you should give subarashiki hibi a read. It’s my number 1 visual novel next to fate/stay night and it’s philosophical topics as well as it’s psychological themes make it a great and memorable one.
once you get into Vn you cant leave it it so addictive and amazing as a female who play all type VN sens 2018 i have no regret getting into them i play anything from otome to erog bishoujo to yaoi and yuri or even one like stien gate ,higurashi VN idc which gender it is for all i care about is story some my fave are collar x malice / majikoi / bokuten why i became a angel / dramatical murder / wonderful everyday down the rabbit whole it F up though so brace yourself if you play it VN became a passion for me i love how deep the story can get and detail
It's been 3 years since I started reading VNs and still love just as much as when I started. They are so emotionally gripping and there is still so many out there to read. I haven't read any of your favorites yet, but I do recognize the names of a few. I'll be sure to check them out! I'm planning to read Wonderful Everyday soon, and I've heard that is can get pretty disturbing. Really interested to see what it's about, as those types of stories tend to stick with me for a while!
lool I'm so glad someone feels the same way about Kagetsu Tohya. It's exactly as you said, for the few short stories it was definitely great, but the lack of a cohesive, decent translation and proper progression made it unbearable. There are still some short stories that I have to unlock and read, I really liked the short story of Akiha going to her all girl school for example.
Yeah, there were a lot of good ideas in there, but it's presentation killed it. I haven't read all it either, I still have the true end and only read half of the 10 short stories. Yes! That Akiha afterstory was really comforting to read through and a nice touch to her character. My favorite is "Red Demon God," I don't want to accidently spoil if you haven't read it yet, but it's really good!
I might try it. Looking through my unlocked short stories I'm reminded how hilarious was the story of "Hisui-chan, Inversion Impulse!". For real, Hisui? Inversion Impulse? It got me laughing out loud God damn.
@@GustyforEminem That's one I haven't read yet. It sounds like a pretty fun scenario! Thinking about it, I need to go back and read through the entire thing. Maybe after reading through TsukiRe once the translation is done.
I hope Umineko will climb to #1 after you finish Ep. 8 (and especially after you see the final scene, the 'true' ending; I wonder if you'll agree with a number of other fans that it is the best, most appropriate ending this tale could have). I will be looking forward to your video on the experience!
It certaintly has! The ending is probably one of the best endings I have experienced. It was so emotional, and at the same time bold. The Halloween party scene and the entirety of the Magic ending had me in tears, haha! I have 2 videos on Umineko if you're interested and am looking to make more in the future!
@@NeNeiSan Same here -- I get emotional now every time I hear Ricordando Il Passato. It's difficult to put into words how much Umineko has impressed me and left a mark in me.
@@Asehpe It's such a beatiful song that is so impactful. I know what you mean, Umineko touches upon so many different themes and concepts that it's hard to process all of the emotions into only a few sentences. Truly a beatiful work!
@@NeNeiSan And this is its purpose -- to make you think about love, and truth, and reality, and philosophy, and what it means to write a mystery novel, or any novel. And how to solve one. Or to read any literary work. And whether or not there are witches, and magic. And what it means to be lost and not know who and what you are. And how one can sincerely love very imperfect people. And... :-)
All my friend disliked it and said I will find it worst than them because of how much harder than them I am. So I'm not sure if I will played it anymore x)
That's great! If you check some of them out, I hope you enjoy them. I have only played VNs on my PC since I don't own a switch. Although I would like to own one at some point.
Personally I find Mahoyo much better written than Tsukihime (og) and even better than Fate overall, despite Saber still being my favorite Nasuverse character.
I've heard Mahoyo is one of Nasu's best written works currently. I've only read up to Chapter 4 and await the re-release in December to get the full experience! From what I've seen it has an intriguing setup, and am anticipating to see how the story and characters develop!
@@NeNeiSan Understandable. From chapter 6 to the end is really god tier imho, especially if you like SoL. Part of what makes it better is the smaller cast of relevant characters, which allows for better character development. I already preordered my copy, can't wait to re-read it fully voiced!
Its kinda weird nobody mentioning muvluv alternative. It has everything, the only downside is its first game is kinda boring and if you fast forward it still took like a few hours. When you've reached the second game then your adrenaline getting pumped and kept you guessing but wait, in the third game the redemptionxrevenge arc equipped with great soundtrack like umineko gonna blow you away. Try it
A few people have mentioned it, and it does seem really interesting from all that I've heard. It's definitely on the list, just a matter of time until I get to it!
@@NeNeiSan It definitely surpassed my expectations, especially the OST. It got an anime announcement for next year too, so I am excited to relive it. Hope you can enjoy it someday!
Pretty decent video! It seems I disagree with many of your choices but such is life. I do hope you can articulate your thoughts better though and present them in a better manner, as I'm interested in your reasoning for each ranking; it may be because of time constraints but the review on the whole was rather...superficial? By that I mean I can somewhat see the angle you're coming from on some topics but you just gloss over them and give some vague and ephemeral statement, especially for fate. Cheers.
That's only natural, we all have our own tastes! Plus I still have a lot more to read! I completely see what you mean. Looking back, I should have condensed the summaries to fit in more personal reasons. Next time I do one of these I'll be sure to create a better balance! I really appreciate your comment, it always helps to get insight and critiques! Thank you!
@@NeNeiSan DUDE. Play it when you feel smart or inspired to solve a mystery. Also do it in Release order PLS! not in chronological, severely lowers the dramatic impact if you did chronological
I got into visual novels last year November and I am going insane I have been reading WTC series for the last 6 months send help ryu07 is running my life
Even though I'm not the biggest fan, I belive his popularity comes from his directly dark tone he sets with an overall meaningful moral to his work. He usually has 2-3 characters who are somewhat well-written. Though of course he isn't perfect and has some major flaws, sometimes enough to detract from the positives. Though in the end, everyone enjoys fiction for different.
Ya this list is more of a introduction to VNS the only thing missing is Danganronpa and Ace Attourney. There are tons VNS available now with quality translations so please dont stay on the surface go out there and explore