Game recommendations for beginners

[GeneDNC]

I am new to the world of visual novels and very excited about making one myself. Of course I am completely naïve about the time and effort it takes and am fully sure that I will be able to create a masterpiece out of the thin blue air in no time at all. In light of this fact, I want to play as many vn’s as I can to get a feel for the medium.

Unfortunately I can’t play everything out there (yet), so I want to ask the community which (free) games they would suggest that best represent their genre/type-of-story. (I’m not sure what the correct terminology is here.) This is mostly concerning the actual storyline structure as opposed to art etc. Although examples that say “in THIS game the BGs are done well” or “HERE the music was great” are welcome too. I am not sure I am making myself 100% clear, so tell me if I'm not.

Of course what different people consider to be good is a subjective matter, but hopefully I can get an overview of quality games that set a high standard for new game-makers.

[Applegate]

I'd consider this a good, free read. It explores a theme, has good music and gives an example of how an amateur novel can look like.

Of course, if you're more into the romance type, you could take a look at this tale. Both are kinetic novels, but as far as I care they are excellent examples of their kind, ymmv.

[fleet]

Check this link for lots of free VNs http://lemmasoft.renai.us/wsgi/new_games

[Ionait]

From wandering the forums, a lot of people have said that Taleweaver's The Dreaming is very good despite not having completed art and having a steep difficulty level near the end. The story is great and many have said the music in particular pulls you in. http://lemmasoft.renai.us/forums/viewto ... taleweaver

Also, this is an H game but the only other one I could think of.. Nestaddt Troll. (spelling is probably wrong.) It has an interesting story and characters and implements a fun system of having to bring in vegetables, go shopping, etc.
http://lemmasoft.renai.us/forums/viewto ... ilit=troll

[Taleweaver]

The Dreaming is hardly a game I'd recommend to beginners. Try Daemonophilia for an easier game with better art and a very sweet story. Plus, it's complete

[DaFool]

I also do not recommend Nettestadt Troll for beginners. I have no idea what the f I was thinking when making that.

You can look for Songs of Araiah as an example of the classic style KN (I haven't played most of the recent otome games so don't know what to recommend there, though the benchmark is supposedly still RE:Alistair++)

If you just search for "al|together" and "Nanoreno" you should also be able to hit upon most of the significant freeware entries to these respective festivals.

[lordcloudx]

Tsk. tsk. How soon we've forgotten the raison d'etre for this? http://www.lemmasoft.net/lemmys/lemmys2008.html

results: http://lemmasoft.net/lemmys/results2008_0.html

[HigurashiKira]

Narcissu you must read this or you're not a true VN reader. This is perhaps the most pristeen example of character development and story. And I'm willing to bet that

the ending will make you shed tears for Setsumi

[machinist]

I recommend RE: Alistair++

I think this is the game that seriously made me drawn into renpy

http://lemmasoft.renai.us/forums/viewto ... =11&t=6726

[Anthiena]

Well, a challenge is good. Plus, looking at even incomplete or what creators may consider their weaker works can give another an idea of what DOESN'T work. Troll was nice and simple most of the time but a bit difficult to get the two good endings if you don't cheat. The art, writing and little touches are what make it, I think. Even what you may think of weak games can be a hook.

I would take a look around and see what people think of the different games posted. I have no recommendations, I haven't had a computer of my own in months, quite frankly.