Help me induct a friend into the wonderful world of VN!

[Tatty]

Hello, all!

So, I've got a question - I've got a v. good friend who I would love to introduce to visual novels. They're somewhat unfamiliar and uninterested in anime style/aesthetic, although it doesn't really displease them either. In addition, they're rather prudish, so my usual stock of otome games are out and I respect that and want to try giving them some things they'll generally enjoy. When I say rather prudish, I'm heavily debating not recommending Umineko to them; although it's one of my favorites, I feel even Battler's hard pg-13 Battlerisms wouldn't really sit well with them.

And with that, I'd like to open the flood gates and ask for help! They're most interested in science-fiction, mystery, and adventure, especially with a more modern bent to it. As such, here's the list of VN's and VN-likes I've got so far:

Steins;Gate, Hatoful Boyfriend, the Ace Attorney series + Ghost Trick, possibly Umineko (they'd love the atmosphere and story, but - ). I would like a few more professional titles, perhaps a few more hand-held 'VN-likes' (Nine Doors, maybe? Hotel Dusk??), and - of course - your own recommendations. English-language, please!

Naturally, I'd like you to keep in mind that anything that is really much more then pg-13 content-wise is going to lose their interest quickly; they're fine with violence, though, so go figure. I don't think they're really big on romance (of any kind) either, though they're not really opposed to it as long as it doesn't distract from the plot. If you recommend a game from the Forums/your own game, I'll try to get around to reviewing myself as well, though I've been kittens for time, recently; so just expect it random and arbitrarily into the future!

Thanks a million - and please wish me luck!

[Taleweaver]

999's a good title, though very mindfuck-y because of alternate realities and stuff. Hotel Dusk is a little more down-to-Earth, though just a little.

For crazy murder mysteries, Danganronpa is among the best.

[Evolution]

Remember11 and Ever17 are good sci-fi/mystery titles, both with absolutely no sexual content!

[trooper6]

What about Cyanide Tea's The Elevator?

[SundownKid]

I would definitely include Hotel Dusk and Ghost Trick. 999 could also be a good option although the art style is anime. (Then again, most VN's are.)

[MaiMai]

The World Ends With You, while definitely more of a game, has a lot of VN mechanics.

[Tatty]

Wow, so much good advice! Thank you all, kindly! I really appreciate it; I feel like I kind of messed up my first pitch to them, and this should let them make their own opinion on the matter.

Taleweaver - Wow, I can't believe I didn't think of Danganronpa! I went in with my eyes rolled and expecting not to like it, and by the end, had entirely ended up loving the story and characters. It's perfect for my friend's taste, too. Thank you! (And yeah, you're right on about the content in 999, but I think they can handle it? Perhaps? Hrmrn....)

Evolution - Ah, fantastic recommends. I haven't previewed Remember11 yet, but I heartily enjoyed Ever17, especially as the plot went on. I *know* they'd have a good chance of enjoying it, and thanks for both recommendations!

trooper6 - Woah! Well, all I can say is that even if they don't like it, I imagine I will. That being said, it looks like the kind of game they'd enjoy as well, as they're a huge fan of the trappings of noir, art deco, etc! Thank you for the excellent recommend!

SundownKid - They don't dislike anime at all; they just won't jump towards it either. I'm kind of trying to guess some of their interests to fill in the blanks, which makes this more challenging then it needs to be, perhaps. Anyway - thanks, I'm glad to hear another recommend for Ghost Trick. Missile thanks you!

MaiMai - You know, another title that completely slipped my mind. I was really opposed to playing it because fashion and young people, and then I finally broke down and played it and loved every minute of it. That's just how I am, I guess, ahaha! Anyway, yeah, that's definitely another title I'd recommend!

[trooper6]

Tatty, what is cool about The Elevator, is that whike it is noir, it is also sci-fi. Really, I love the universe they created. I wish Cyanide Tea would make another game set in that universe!

[Tatty]

Ah, they haven't? DRAT! I just finished it, and absolutely *LOVED* it. It hit every single thing I love in a novel, VN or other-wise! Ahaha, I especially loved the feedback method they chose. (And thank you so much for linking it to m- er, my friend!) Anyway...

To all those present, the project was a success! So far at least. I'll watch carefully to see how the process matures, and take notes on how best to future-nurture new invitees...

[trooper6]

Yeah, it is really great! The Elevator is definitely in my Top 5 favorite VNs of all time, and it might even be #1. I also think it is a great way to introduce people to English language and Western aesthetic VNs.