Which is more important in a Visual Novel to you?

[IanaBri]

Is it the story or the visual (graphics/art)?

[EternalDream]

I guess story is more important to me but if the art/graphics is too bad, then I wouldn't even consider it. However I could deal with the art if the story is awesome but I can't deal with the story even if the art is good (But if it was like out of the world good then maybe that's something else... But then I wouldn't even play the game and just get some pictures of it to enjoy the graphics ) I hope I answered your question a bit?

[netravelr]

I'm one of the opinion that great graphics can sway people to enjoy your game than they would otherwise like EternalDream said if the graphics aren't good enough people won't play your game at all.

However, I would say that the story is what will make a player visit your game over and over again and would make it one of their favorites.

[Poketto Kunoichi]

The story.

While the art is very important and a main factor in my a decision to pick up a game, I can get used to shoddily drawn sprites and backgrounds. They always stay the same, for the most part. On the other hand, the story is what keeps everything interesting, not how much detail a sprite's eye has.

[lastmousestanding]

really depends
Normal story is the overwhelming factor in terms of importance, as perhaps not that great art can grow on you as the characters develop (e.g. Tsukihime), but visuals really help in getting through the story (for me at least).

On the other hand, great visuals could be the only factor in the VN, i think, but that would be if it were a +18 NSFW one - where story doesnt matter that much (but there are quite a few eroge out there with an awesome story...). Also if you throw gameplay into it, then the story isnt that important...

[lordcloudx]

I think both should ideally be equally important (along with the other elements of the VN), which is the mindset with which I create my own visual novels. This is how I feel.

As to visual novel appreciation: I think the matter of whether art or text takes precedence depends on each individual VN. Some games rely very heavily on text while others are more anchored on visual appeal. As a reader/player, I'm always inclined to appreciate the game the way it is presented to me. So, if the game wants to be story-centric, visual-centric or even music/sound-based, I'd be fine with that as long as the game can provide a satisfying experience.

[IceD]

This question was already answered a thousand times and I say it one more time - everything has the same exact importance and you can't sacrifice one thing to get another one done better.

Additionally to lordcloudx's words, if you want make a good visual novel that will appeal to everyone, you have to get what it takes to create a game of at least decent overall content, which means good story, good art and nice music. If, for example music doesn't play a large role, uou can always try and experiment or minimize the content, but you CAN'T downgrade it's quality. Do that and your game will be treated as unproffesional.

[lazuli]

For me, it's the story (maybe because I'm a writer. LOL). However, I have observed that most people like VNs that have good graphics, which is, of course, reasonable (especially when you're paying for it.)

Plot twists are very, very vital for me. I really get bored when a visual novel makes me think ahead of what I'm reading. But I do not necessarily dislike kinetic novels. Along with good graphics, the readers/players will be effectively glued to the story.

[SusanTheCat]

Paraphrasing "Music and Lyrics"

The art is like when you are physically attracted to a person. It's what draws you in.

But the story is what makes relationship deeper and more meaningful.

Susan

[dstarsboy]

I'd say story and art are both equally important, however, I've been spoiled by Sake Bento and Jack Norton's games lately and I'm really starting to be more apt to play a game with voice-overs over one without.

[machinist]

If I had to choose one I would go with art...
Even with great story if I see art and I don't like it it rly throws me off lol

[okonomiyaki]

Story. In the end, despite all the chatter about art, it's a good story you remember years, years, years later.

[musical74]

With a visual novel it's a bit trickier but in the end...it's all about the story. Why? A novel that has WONDROUS graphics...and the story is sub par, I'll pass on it. Graphics can be a bit dated but the story is top notch? I'll give it a go. Yes, Graphics are imprtant, but not a make-or-break for me unless the graphics are REALLY lousy.

[miji]

Hmm I'd say the story, but not by much.

For me, if the art is...kinda below average but the story is good I'll keep playing it anyway to see what happens.
But if the art is reeeeeally good but the story isn't I tend to lose interest pretty quickly...and will probabaly go look up the art on google so I can see it without having to go through the story XD

[Verity]

Story and writing most important by far; visuals I prefer to at least be passable, but writing is the real maker-or-breaker for me. If I can't stand the writing or can't get into the story, I won't keep playing, even if the art's fantastic.