drauch wrote:Wrote a huge thing for you and then accidentally clicked off the screen. BAHHHHHH. I apologize if this isn't written well or doesn't make much sense.
Anyhow, I'm not really the best authority on the subject, although at this point I've played a handful of visual novels/dating sims. Danza seemed to know his stuff but I'm not sure if he visits these parts much anymore. I had a thread here:
http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.ph ... ai#p632521
It doesn't go into much detail and not many examples are given, but I'll try and expound upon it.
I'll stick to US released games for now that are available for purchase. Also available by "other means," but yeah; not stepping on those toes. Casual Romance Club is really the only straight up dating sim that is available. Not really a visual novel, as the story is minimal, with heavy emphasis on calling, talking about nonsense, taking ladies out on dates, etc. The stuff that pathetic dreams are made of. What little story there is is absolutely worthless, but some of the conversations you can have aren't all that bad. I used to get drunk and play it and get super depressed. Ultimately you try and sleep with the woman of interest. I'm sure you were surprised.
Most stuff released is more of a visual novel, although a handful of them have a lengthy story with emphasis on dating, making the right choices, etc. D.A. Capo is a nice production with a good release. Sequels and animes and what-not have been released since, but stick with the original visual novel. I like it quite a bit, and it's pretty long.
Tokimeki Check-In is a cheapo release that's a bit older. More of my style with the character designs--really 90s-ish. A visual novel, but with a heavy focus on "getting together" with various women in the hotel you run. Essentially a harem, but some of the stories aren't all that bad. Gets pretty dirty, but worth playing.
JAST USA releases pretty much everything available in the U.S.
http://jastusa.com/blog/2009/08/25/the- ... is-online/
A lot is available on different sites for different prices, either download or disc. I've got quite a few of their releases, but the few mentioned are more along the "dating" variety.
I've got information for you if you'd like of sites to try them out or to play out of print and fan-translated ones as well. I won't post that on here as I don't want to break any rules and such.
Probably the best way to get maudlin if you booze it up while you play. Used to be my favorite activity.
