Complicated Visual Novel Games and the like..

[namastaii]

So I'm just curious. What are some of your favorite VN/otome games? I'm looking to experience some more complicated ones (if they're free) because the game I'm working on is pretty complex and I'd like to see more like it. Nothing wrong with simple dating sims and such but what are some more in-depth ones? Ones with more freedom and activities etc? Are there not many? I can't find any really...

On another note.. what are your thoughts on games like that? The best example I can use atm is like gta 5 for instance... Not only are you going around doing missions and driving etc but you have a cellphone gui with things to do and an internet browser and there are side missions and fun things you can do on the side. It isn't just a straight path to the end of the game.

What are some of your favorite features in games in general? I really like extra interface stuff and customization. That's just me though. I probably care too much about customization.

[ludeshka]

I'm broke, so I'm only going to link you to free ones.

If you're looking for ones with schedules and stuff, you could try FreakQuency viewtopic.php?f=11&t=29640 and Heartstring Bug viewtopic.php?f=11&t=18354&hilit=heartstring

The FreakQuency dev is now making a game called Amplitude viewtopic.php?f=43&t=30104, and it looks like it will be even bigger.

Then, there's Rock Robin viewtopic.php?f=45&t=37968&start=30&hilit=rock+robin, it's a game about managing a rock band, but it also has romance paths, and minigames...it really is a big game.

Last, but absolutely not least, Seven Kingdoms. This one is not only about letting you do different activities, but about really customizing how your main character thinks and speaks and feels. I LOVE it. viewtopic.php?f=43&t=29494&hilit=seven+kingdoms

Between this games, you'd have like a month of gaming material, I think

[namastaii]

Wow thanks I'll definitely take a look at these

[gekiganwing]

I usually recommend playing a variety of video games before designing your own. Don't limit yourself to recent best sellers. Be willing to try ones which were published ten or more years ago, and also at least a few indie games. Having experience with varied games can help a designer learn things such as "This gameplay concept has evolved quite a bit since the mid-2000s" or "This gameplay concept was criticized in the late 1980s, and has rarely been used since then."

I'm looking to experience some more complicated ones (if they're free) because the game I'm working on is pretty complex and I'd like to see more like it. Nothing wrong with simple dating sims and such but what are some more in-depth ones? Ones with more freedom and activities etc?

Two ways to use the Visual Novel Database:

1. Start with the Other Gameplay Elements page. Click on one of the categories. Then click Filters, select the Language tab, select English, then click the Apply button. This will give you a list of all visual novels with this type of gameplay with a partial or full English release.

2. To focus on free VNs, first go to Releases, and then select at least two Filters: "General: Freeware: Only freeware," and "Language: English." Unfortunately, this method is not helpful in finding visual novels with complex gameplay.

The freeware VN Heartache 101 was created a few years ago, and I enjoyed it. The game does not include complex plot or intricate characterization, and I thought the art was just okay. Play it in order to experience a simulation game which becomes more complex as the main character's relationships improve. Keep in mind that you will need a Windows PC.

The browser game Project: Princess might be the easiest way to experience a raising simulation for free. If you enjoy it, then you might want to look into inexpensive indie games with similar gameplay (Spirited Heart and the two Cute Knight titles).

[namastaii]

Oh I know. I've been playing games since I was old enough to touch them. Including choose your own adventure/vn games. So I don't have a very limited idea to game design. I'm just curious if there ARE more complicated VNs like the kind I'm making because I couldn't find any before and I'm curious how others went about it since it doesn't seem like a common thing. I'll still be making my game my way either way.