Visual Novel Vault #1: pretty art

Cozying up in bed with my Switch. Snacks and mug on my desk. Both of these scenarios will tell you right away that I am readying myself for a good story. I'm specifically talking about visual novels, text-based storytelling video games primarily known for narrative branching. Over the years, visual novels have evolved to include many forms of interactivity between the player and the medium, all of which can be seen in the hundreds of thousands of visual novels available right now for you to enjoy.

As a fan of visual novels, I figured it would be nice to make my own little editorial series on my personal favourite visual novels. Introducing the Visual Novel Vault, where I showcase visual novels that had me cry, weep, scream, sing, and whatever it is people do when part of a game hits them in just the right spot. 

This week, it's all about pretty art. There's nothing fancy to it. I just…really like the art in these visual novels. The stories alone are worth the download, but the cherry on top? The human-drawn, human-crafted art. Please enjoy.

Parfum Nostalgique

The art. THE ART. THE ART FOR THIS ONE.

When I first encountered Parfum Nostalgique, I was awestruck. Jaw on the floor. I was pulled to it. Drawn to it. I was so enamored by the hand-drawn style seen in every single part of the game. It was love at first click. Therapist-by-day-and-dom-vampy-by-night Valdemar is by far one of the most beautiful OCs I've ever seen. Luscious locks of blonde hair with a bold red outfit that has just the right touch of cheekiness (literally). If you love a good art-savouring session and a well-polished, downright sexy story with it, I highly recommend this one.

Pierrot review for Parfum Nostalgique coming soon!

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Akiya

Maybe it's just my network of people, but it wasn't until recently that I saw photos and videos of Japan on my social media — food, sights, the whole lot. When I stumbled upon Akiya on itchio, my mind immediately went to those very digital moments. A visual novel based in the Kyoto prefecture, you as a photographer will capture memories within an akiya, or empty house. You'll meet with someone named Toma, who will walk you through the akiya's history and secrets, including some that you likely won't expect…

Bright, saturated shades of green and tan transport you to the countryside of Japan, giving you (the player) a sense of calm and serenity. I personally love the hand-painted aesthetic for the background art and character art, and the outfit design for Toma is just as lovely. Fresh and sweet — just like the tale.

Pierrot Review for Akiya coming soon!

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Ill days

Wake up. Freshen up. Commute. Work. Commute Again. Home.

What seems like a never-ending cycle ends up serving as a timeline for this black-and-white visual novel. Following a woman who lives a mundane life, you'll tag along with her through just a few days of her rigid regime, one that she follows just to get by. As you play through Ill days, you may encounter faces that are regular and faces that are not-so-regular. If it really gets rough, you may end up seeing a being that's more…monsterous than human.

Despite the gloomy theme weaved into this story, the art style provides a bit of comfort. Reminiscent of 90s and early 2000s manga, the illustrations are just gorgeous to look at. Candy for the eyes, hot cup of tea for the soul.

Pierrot Review for Ill days coming soon!

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Itchio

missed messages

In a world where dialogue can take place physically and digitally, missed messages is a game that manages to channel various cultural aspects of both avenues of conversation into a heartfelt, heartstring-tugging game about life, death, and the moments in between. Studying hard for your math test while looking at the memes your friend sent you? How about taking the time to just stare around your room?

Or maybe even…spending some quality time with those you love.

angela's artistic direction for this game really nailed it for me. The soft brushstrokes and warm colour palettes carried the rough and even unpleasant topics well. missed messages is an immediate add to my list of "comfort games," one that I see myself going to on occasion just to relive the beauty of its narrative.

Pierrot review for missed messages coming soon!

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Glass Hearts

Being wrongfully accused of a crime is one thing. Getting submitted into a psychiatric hospital because you were wrongfully accused of said crime is another. That is the unfortunate reality for Song Kai, who ends up bunking with a roommate in a space where people seek help for their needs. Ironically, there's something that feels off about Long River Psychiatric Center, and it isn't long before Kai starts to find out why.

While Glass Hearts may be a thrilling, yet eerie tale, there's one thing about it that isn't unsettling: the artwork. Water colours that add a softness to every character, while the graphite-lined sketches add texture to the background art. The contrast between the two visual elements works well somehow and is a pleasant experience for both my heart and my eyeballs.

Pierrot Review for Glass Hearts coming soon!

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About Viv

How’s it honkin’, folks? I’m Viv, founder and owner of Big Top Indies. You can think of me as an indie media ringmaster who enjoys nothing more than showcasing fun, fresh, and fruity media created by independent creatives. From video games to music to animation to film, I love using my circus tent as a space for creative works to shine.

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