Chronopolis

I think there's actually another podcast, called the eroge podcast. It's pretty long as well. I've never listened to it because I don't care about podcasts though.
 
EDIT: found it. Damn this thing looks pretty pro. http://reisengoestoschoolbybus.blogspot.com/
 
VNAer actually used to post a link whenever a new episode of the eroge bus came out, I suggest we resurrect this tradition if it's any good.

The VN cult is treated as an absolute minority by regular gamers, especially outside Japan, where localization of most VN remains just a vague fantasy, and the resulting grudge brewing in the depths of the feisty mind of VN fans threatens to scourge the land. But they are not forsaken, for God help those who help themselves. Fan translators step forward to bring salvation to the damned, and the radiance of hope once again shines upon the world. Yet where there is light, shadow lurks in its wake. While fans find comfort enjoying their favorite translated VN in front of PC, I, hellish the Dark, has awakened from slumber. Soon will there be conflict and chaos, and soon will I witness suffering and isolation, for I have ventured into the uncharted realm of console VN, alone.
 
Meh…I tried hard to create an epic feeling in the previous paragraph, but my writing skill failed me miserably. Well, you can’t really blame me since neither English nor Japanese is my first language. But since I happen to understand both languages and prefer to read VN on gaming console, I guess it’s my privilege to share my console VN experience with you guys, since most, if not all, of you are only able to read VN on PC. This thread is intended as informative, and is by no means about convincing you to switch to console VN.
 
By console VN, I mean either VN ported from PC to console, or console exclusive. Players of console VN are misfits among the already small VN fan base outside Japan. Admittedly, the rigorous criteria for touching console VN turn away most people. You need to own a gaming console (and a Japanese one if the console has region lock), you need to get your hands on those VN games, which are expensive and hard to find outside Japan, and you need to understand Japanese, because fan translation of console VN is out of the question. The first two criteria can somehow be bent, but the third one cannot be waivered, and there’s no text hooker to help you extract the texts and look them up easily in a dictionary.
 
So why do I PERSONALLY prefer console VN?
1.    Quality assurance
The fact that a PC version VN gets ported to console implies that the quality of that VN is at least acceptable to warrant the port. With so many VN releases every year, console port acts like a convenient filter for me to narrow down my search for good VN. In fact, nearly all critically acclaimed PC VNs that people in this forum love are ported to console, which is more than enough for me since I read VN at a slow pace and it takes me a long time (1~2 month) to finish a lengthy VN.
2.    All Age
This is about personal taste. Though all age version is frowned upon by many PC VN players, I myself find sexual contents and extreme scenes in VN distasteful, so all age version is welcome.
3.    Definite version
Console VN ported from PC is usually the complete version of that VN. During the port, exclusive contents are likely to be introduced, e.g. new endings added, new heroines created, sub heroines promoted to main heroines (no more “I want that girl to have a route” complaint), new OPs and event CGs included, game plot revised and expanded, and for old VN, new voice acting and upgraded graphics can be expected. Also, if the VN is released by chapter on PC, these chapters are merged together in console port. Sometimes fan discs are included alongside the main story as well.
4.    Ease of play
No need to worry about installation error, locale error, runtime error, just insert the disc/cartridge and start reading. You can take VN on handheld console with you wherever you go, while VN on TV console provide an exquisite experience. Imagine reading a HD (high definition) VN on a large TV screen: the fonts are big and crystal clear; the graphics are of high resolution, along with 5.1 surround sound! Maybe it’s kinda silly sitting put in front of TV reading text (strictly speaking, you may also choose to lie in your cozy bed), but the HD experience is definitely worth a try for PC only players.
5.    Console exclusive titles
Though the overall number is definitely not on the same order of magnitude as PC VN, there’re quite a few console exclusive VNs too, among which are buried some real gems.
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Since many players here have limited knowledge or access to console VN, I’m gonna first talk about current generation console ports of some renowned VN titles I’ve read, or VNs that are frequently mentioned and recommended in this forum, and point out the console exclusive content not seen on PC, if any. Note that every console VN is all age, with sexual content and extreme scenes censored.
 
First some VNs by KEY:
Clannad
This is THE renai VN to read, period. Clannad has been ported to many console platforms since its PC debut. Full voice was added in initial PS2 port. Later it was ported to X360 and PS3 featuring 720p HD resolution and 5.1 surround sound. A paid DLC called “Hikari Mimamoru Sakamichi de” is also available for X360/PS3 version, comprising 16 independent spin-off stories, with each story focusing on one character from the main game. It’s an interesting read if you want to know more about a character’s past story.
Tomoyo After
This is a spin off featuring my favorite heroine in Clannad, tomoyo, as main heroine. If you’re still hesitating as whether to pick this up or not, please do not take this spin off lightly; it’s definitely unlike the conventional fan disc filled with no-brainer fan service. I repeat, DO NOT TAKE THIS SPIN OFF LIGHTLY. The PSP port features full voice (including the male protagonist) and important scenario revision and expansion that clarify the story. These new contents were later back ported to PC Memorial Version, while the X360/PS3 version are HD ports of PSP.
Little Busters
I had high hopes for this VN after finishing Clannad. LB is good, no doubt, but still not as good as I had anticipated. It gradually builds up hype through multiple lengthy routes, some of which are not so engrossing to me, and the final climax is simply too short for the sake of all the hype. Just my two cents.
This is another VN that has many console ports. Last time I checked, there was only English translation patch for the original Little Busters that has only 6 routes, what’s the status now? Anyway, I assume the most complete version on PC is PERFECT EDITION, featuring everything in the PSV port (full voice, 9 routes, revised scenario, a-chan character sprite) plus one new CG. The latest PS3 port, which was the version I read, includes everything in the PERFECT EDITION and offers HD resolution and 5.1 sound, plus the dungeon exploration in Saya’s route is rendered in 3D.
Kud Wafter
This is a spin off featuring my favorite heroine in Little Busters, kud, as main heroine. No particular extra content is added in PSP and PSV port.
Rewrite
Currently it’s ported to PSP and PSV, featuring full voiceover for all characters excluding protagonist, and new CG. I haven’t read this one but it’s definitely on my list.
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Move on to VNs published by 5pb:
Steins;Gate
If you haven’t tried this VN, stop and go reading it now for serious awesomeness.
Originally a console VN, it was ported to PC with new CGs, then back ported to PSP and PS3. There’re two console exclusive spin off titles for Steins;Gate, Hiyoku Renri no Darling, and Senkei Kousoku no Phenogram, neither in my opinion is a must read.
Sharin no Kuni, Himawari no Shoujo
There’s a PSP port and X360/PS3 HD port. In these console ports the main game remains intact, and a portion of the fan disc, Yuukyuu no Shounenshoujo, is included, which is a lengthy chapter about the past of the controversial character Houzuki in the main game. This extra chapter, in my opinion, is even better than the main scenario. It vividly portrays Houzuki in his youth, how he came to be what he was in the main game, and explains what his words at the end of the main game mean. I HIGHLY recommend anyone who has only read the main story to try this chapter in the fan disc.
Muv-luv
Another classic series, but one needs to first read the boring original Muv-luv (both Extra and Unlimited) in order to understand and appreciate the awesome story in the sequel, Alternative. Nothing new is added in the X360/PS3 port of Muv-luv and Alternative, but the gory scenes in Alternative are toned down.
Ever17
WARNING: MAJOR REMAKE DETECTED
The X360 port is a total remake of the original game. Character sprites are rendered in 3D (though not that pretty), voices are re-recorded, and LeMU layout is completely redesigned. But what I want to talk about is the plot. I only read Ever17 on X360, and after talking with players who only read the original version on PC, I come to the conclusion that only the skeleton of the plot remains the same, while many specific events are rewritten in X360 version, some ambiguous events in PC version are made clearer, and details regarding certain scenes are totally different, even the back stories of certain characters are changed, not to mention several revised or newly added endings.
Too bad only few read this remake, or I bet these two versions of plot will divide fans under contending banners, carrying on vigorous flaming war against each other, until all eternity.
Akatsuki No Goei
This VN is not really my cup of tea, and I dropped it since I failed to grasp what the main plot is after clearing two routes.
All three games in the series are merged into one in the PSP/PS3 port; background/event graphics are vastly upgraded and expanded.
Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai
Virtually no one talked about it here. Guess it’s because there’s no English translation.
The PS3/PSV port is based on the enhanced “R” version on PC, and sub heroine Misaki has been promoted to main heroine. A portion of the fan disc is included which tells the past stories of 3 heroines.
Cross Channel
Personally I do not like this VN since it touches some sensitive topics, and the personality of the protagonist really turned me away, so I dropped it.
X360 and PS3/PSV port each has unique extra content. There’s After Story in X360, which is pretty much self-explanatory, and we have Forgotten Story in PS3/PSV, which illustrates the story from the view of several heroines. I read the X360 version.
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Finally some other VNs from various publishers:
Maji de Watashi ni Koishinasai
This title never came to my attention until I saw many people discussing it in this forum. So I’ll give it a try. The PS3 version only adds some mini games, immaterial to the main story.
Umineko no Naku Koro ni
The PS3 port is incontrovertibly the best version, with 1080p full HD resolution, all graphics redrawn, remastered and new BGM, plus full voice!
Grisaia
I bet everyone in this forum knows this VN. Currently only the first one in the trilogy, Kajitsu, is ported to PSP/PSV, with the other two being ported soon. No new content is added to the port of Kajitsu.
Root Double
I love this VN for its gripping story, especially the first chapter (out of a total of 4 chapters). There was never a dull moment in the first chapter, with every moment wrapped up in suspense; you really never know what would happen next. It’s a pity that there’s no English translation, so few people discuss it here.
Originally a console VN on X360, this game is ported to PC intact. Later an enhanced version is released on PS3/PSV called Root Double Xtend Edition, featuring new endings and revised story flow.
Tears To Tiara
WARNING: MAJOR REMAKE DETECTED
4 years after its release on PC, Tears To Tiara received a total remake on PS3 under the title Tears To Tiara: Kakan no Daichi, with fully upgraded graphics and character design, vastly revised plot, and 3D battle scenes. You may regard the original and the remake version as two different games. Under the guise of SRPG, Tears To Tiara is in fact a good VN too, with lengthy cutscenes between each battle. The remake feels like a funny harem comedy at first, but gradually takes on a more serious tone, and demonstrates deep camaraderie from halfway till the end of the story. I found almost every character adorable, and liked one of the protagonists very much.
Two console exclusive Tiara games were also released on PS3, one is a spin off called Avalon no Nazo, a mediocre after story of the first one, featuring the same cast. The other one is the sequel called Tears To Tiara II: Haoh no Matsuei. The story of the sequel takes place in the same world and around the same time as the first one, but on a different continent with a different cast. The thrilling and passionate first three chapters showed great promise and really made me tingle with excitement, however the rest of the story felt somewhat lackluster, ruining its potential for another great VN.
To Heart 2
To Heart 2 is a classical renai VN that stands as a paragon for all the slice-of-life school romance VN to come. There’s really no gripping story or event, just innocent heroines and casual every day life that sooth your heart.
Originally released on PS2, this title received various revisions on PC, but the producer did not feel like letting go of this title quite yet, so the ultimate PS3 version To Heart 2 DX PLUS was born, featuring new heroines, motion portrait (animated character sprite executed well), revised scenario and new event CG. The fan disc is included as well.
White Album 2
This renai VN is highly praised in Japan. And after 95 hours of reading, I can personally testify that it's definitely on par with, if not better than, Clannad. You can find everything that could be yearned for in a romance VN, e.g. fascinating characters, beautiful music, gorgeous graphics, and most importantly, highly emotional plot.
The PS3/PSV port merges the separately released chapters on PC into one game. Drama CD and official novels once sold separately are now included as extra content that will unlock in accordance with player’s progress. New BGM, new event CGs, and important new scenes are added. Motion portrait feature (animated character sprite) seen in White Album 1 remake and To Heart 2 DX PLUS is applied in PS3 version as well.
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In the last part, I’ll go through a handful of current generation console exclusive VNs worth mentioning to PC players.
428: Fuusa Sareta Shibuya de
I was shocked that there seemed to be no one in the forum discussing this VN. Then I realized that it is untranslated, but still, western community appears oblivious to 428. This is utterly preposterous! You’ll regret not reading this marvelous VN. It is so important that I have to say it out loud again:
YOU WILL RUE THE DAY YOU SHUN AWAY FROM THIS MARVELOUS VN.
Mark my words.
 
There’re many good VNs, but from time to time the plot develops at a rather slow pace and sometimes wears you down to the point that you have to turn away from it for a while, catch some breath, go out for a walk, and then resume reading. 428, by Chunsoft, is not. It features multiple protagonists whose paths are intertwined throughout the game. The story keeps at a steady pace and engrosses you from start to finish, planting all kinds of cliffhanger in each character’s path to make you always want to know more. The graphics are one of a kind. 428 adopts live action stills starring real actors as background and event CG, even cutscenes are live videos too. The main story boasts over 80 endings, all but one are bad endings. Though called “bad”, most of them are actually hilarious joke endings. After finishing the main plot, several hidden scripts are unlocked. These hidden scripts each have their unique style, and their quality is satisfying, to say the least.
428 is the VN to look for if you want a gripping, realistic plot. It received a 40/40 full score from Famitsu and I can testify myself that it deserves this score. It’s first released on Wii then ported to PS3 with HD graphics and sound, making it the best version to enjoy the story.
 
428 has a predecessor called Machi (PS1 PSP), and a successor called Time Travelers (PSP PSV 3DS). They share similar game mechanics, and transpire in the same world, but in different time. IMO, Machi is not that amazing if you have read 428, while the story of Time Travelers is simply too immature and ridiculous for me to take seriously.
Imabikisou
This is a horror VN by Chunsoft on Wii and PS3, featuring same graphics style as 428 (real actors and live stills/videos). If you love watching Japanese horror movie, then you can try this out. It takes several playthroughs to reach the true ending.
Robotics;Notes
This is the third installment in 5pb’s science adventure series, the predecessor being no other than Steins;Gate. After the initial release on X360/PS3, an enhanced version called Robotics;Notes Elite is released on PSV, featuring revised story flow, upgraded character models and new cutscene animation. Robtics;Notes doesn’t quite live up to the hype built up by its enormously successful predecessor, but is still worth a try if you love this science adventure series.
Dangan Ronpa
This anime style series (PSP PSV) is somewhat like Ace Attorney, featuring both investigation and trial parts, but with a much more unrealistic and darker plot. Its gaming mechanics in trial part is also significantly different from Ace Attorney. The PSV port of this series is officially localized into English, so you can pick up this series without problem.
Ghost Trick
A puzzle solving VN on NDS featuring wacky characters like those in Ace Attorney. The puzzle solving is fun, and the story turns out to be quite interesting at the end. It has official English localization.
Hotel Dusk
This western style NDS VN takes place in the 1970s, US. The unique pencil-drawn, dynamic-image art-style is candy to the eye, and I enjoyed the conversation between the charismatic protagonist and other vividly portrayed sub characters. Player needs to go around collecting items and use them to grill a sub character face to face at the end of each chapter, vaguely like Ace Attorney. You’ll enjoy the story if you love the characters in the game, like I do. A sequel called Last Window was released on NDS as well, featuring the same protagonist and game mechanism, but a totally different story. The official English localization for these two games was done so well that I didn’t realize the game is made by Japanese company until I saw the ending staff list.
Zero escape
A suspense VN with puzzle solving elements on NDS, written by the same author who wrote Ever17. Its sequel is released on PSV and 3DS. I bet many people in this forum already know this series. Both games have English localization.

Had enough? We're just getting started. Listen in, and let's turn up the music!
 
It is now Monday, and as I promised, it's time to post week 2 of the competition's questions in the thread. A quick reminder to everyone that the rules for the game are posted on the main page in the OP in case you need to be reminded about how it all works.
 
Remember, do not post any answers in this thread! Once an answer is submitted via PM, there is no changing it. Feel free however to answer some questions earlier and save the rest of the questions for a later time. So long as you don't give me an answer or clearly state you do not know, you are still allowed a chance at getting those points. I will be posting a result's list later on this week of the current points and where everyone sits once I know who is all in the game after the 1st week.
 
Finally, here is a list of important dates to remember:
 
Week 1 = Ends Monday (08/25) @ 11:59pm CST
 
Week 2 = Begins Monday (08/25)
Week 2 = Ends Monday (09/01) @ 11:59pm CST
 
Week 3 = Begins Thursday (09/11)
 
With that, let's jump right into the questions. The theme? Music! Good luck, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask me.
 

 

 
Please identify the visual novel from which each of these 45 second music clips come from. Questions are uploaded in a playlist on my Mixcloud account which is linked below. Full points will be awarded for a correct novel name, where bonus points will be awarded for correctly identifying the name of the track as well. Answers will be accepted in English or Romaji. This round is worth a maximum of 20 points.

GAREJ

GAAAAREJ

WHERE YOU AT

ITS HAPPENING

A point brought up in a conversation with clephas a few days ago in the differences between fan translating VNs and anime is that translating VNs is a lot more solitary without people to chat to. 
 
Chat doesn't directly help the project complete, and may even slow down progress (maybe?), but I think it would decrease fall off rates (wishful thinking probably) 

This morning I became fascinated with this line, so I did a little more research on it.
 
After picking it apart, I guess would have written something like "To know what one knows, and to know what one does not know:  this is knowledge."
Which is pretty much the same thing that you wrote.
 
I found a modern translation of the Analects of Confucius:  They translate the line as:
"To know when you know something, and to know when you don't know, that's knowledge."
 
Then I found an older version of the Anelects which has:
"When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it;--this is knowledge."
 
That last version not only makes full use of the capabilities of English, but also renders it in an old-fashioned, proverb-esque way that is very hard for those of us living in the modern world to fake...

Don't hate on him and just enjoy.

Don't hate on him and just enjoy.

これ is pretty simple: it translates to "this thing." So, if you're touching it or holding it, you refer to it as "これ."
 
それ is basically used in two different circumstances (although there are exceptions to each language):
To refer to something that is the これ of the person you are talking to. To refer to something intangible, like a concept. (1) seems a little strange, so let's try an example: Let's say A and B are shopping together. A stops at one clothing rack and B goes to another clothing rack a few feet away.
[A takes a dress and holds it up to show B] A: ね、これはどう？ B: なにそれ？ In this example, the dress is "this thing" to A, so B calls it それ. Let's try a reverse example, where someone says それ first:
[b finds a dress and takes it off the rack, examining it in her hands] A: それはかわいい！ B: これ？そんな。。。やばいじゃん！ Because the dress is "this thing" to B, A refers to it as それ。Hopefully, that helps clarify things.
 
The rule of thumb is to address the これ of the person you're talking to as それ.
 
(2) is more simple - when you are referring to an object or a person who is not present, or an abstract concept, you use それ／その。(それ is a noun,　その is the modifier form.)
An object not present: A: 「本当に忘れた？先週末、パン屋へケーキを食べに行ったよ！」(You seriously don't remember? Last week, we went to the bakery to eat cake!) B: 「あっ、そうね！そのケーキはジョーおいしかったわ！」 (Oh, that's right! That cake was sooo delicious~ A person not present: A: 「彼はどこだ？」 (Where is he?) B: 「その人いつも寝過ごすね。。。」 (That person [he] always oversleeps, huh... An abstract concept: A: 「絶対に恋しない。」(I'll never fall in love.) B:「それは無理だろう。」(That's impossible, you know. Final note: それ is used for the phrase immediately proceeding its use. That means in your question, それ would actually be referring to楽しそうにしている姿が見られて" if it follows conventional usage.
 
Hope that helped!

Light novels, in itself, is already a niche medium outside of Japan. Most of the otakus that I've met are into VNs, manga, anime and games. I rarely see people that read LNs, and if they do, it's usually for a light-hearted read or due to an anime adaptation. However, even in this already undistinguished genre, there are some fantastic light novels that I feel are hidden from the eyes of everyone.

At first, I was thinking about writing a review for each of the novels. However I realized that I'm not good at reviewing or recommending stuff, I'll just end up selling the novel short. So I won't even bother to try. I feel that no matter how I express it, words won't do them justice. You'll need to read them on your own to experience just how great they truly are. Whenever I read something amazing, I always feel like I have to share it with someone else. So I'll be glad if even one person enjoyed them!
 
(WIP)
Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria (The Empty Box and the Zeroth Maria)
Information:
Volumes: 7
Status: 7 volumes released, 7 volumes fan translated
Authors: Mikage Eiji (Story), Tetsuo (Art)
Genres: Action, Mystery, Drama, Horror, Romance, School, Supernatural, Psychological, Thriller

Synopsis:
Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria, or The Empty Box and The Zeroth Maria, tells the sinister story of Kazuki Hoshino, who is almost madly attached to his everyday life, and his antagonist Aya Otonashi, who suddenly transfers into his class—for the 13,118th time. She majestically announces to "break" him, without paying heed to anyone else around them.

This is but the start of a dark roller coaster ride that turns the two against themselves, the people around them and the one who may be god. Read on as their relationship slowly changes and they go against their most basic values in their struggle against the world itself.


Personal Opinion:
HakoMari is the best work of fiction I've ever seen, not just the best light novel. You should definitely give it a shot, if you don't mind it being very dark. People like to throw around the word 'masterpiece' a lot when it comes to describing works that they like, but HakoMari is about the only thing that I would dare call a masterpiece. The way the author writes really draws you into the deep and complex story. He loves to lead you in with clues and then surprises you at every turn.The characters are all fleshed out and very unique, although they seemed like your cliche stereotypes at first. If you like intelligent stuff, this is definitely for you. Time loops, psychological warfare, philosophy, human relationships, ethnics and morals, etc.

Reviews:
MAL: http://myanimelist.net/manga/55215/Utsuro_no_Hako_to_Zero_no_Maria
Baka-Updates: http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=53868
 
 
Ame no Hi no Iris (Iris on Rainy Days)
Information:
Volumes: 1
Chapters: 5
Status: 1 volume released, 1 volume fan translated
Authors: Matsuyama Takeshi (Story), Hirasato (Art)
Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life, Psychological

Synopsis:
The story is centered around a cute android who initially had a happy life with her master who dearly loved her. But she was then struck by a series of misfortunes and ended up in a robot-equivalent of concentration camp. Through experiencing and witnessing the sufferings towards herself as well as the people/robots around her, she eventually gained a better appreciation of life.

Personal Opinion:
When I started reading Iris on Rainy Days, I went into it expecting a light-hearted slice-of-life novel of a cute android with a little drama in it. What I got was a story that took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. When reading this short novel, sometimes you'll feel a heartwarming sensation, sometimes you might feel despair, and other times you might be on the edge of your sit. Don't be fooled by it's cutesy appearance, because it contains a really beautiful story within.

Reviews:
MAL: http://myanimelist.net/manga/56923/Ame_no_Hi_no_Iris
Baka-Updates: http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=74021
 
 
Gekkou (Moonlight)
Information:
Volumes: 1
Chapters: 11
Status: 1 volume released, 1 volume fan translated
Authors: Mamiya Natsuki (Story), Shiromiso (Art)
Genres: Comedy, Mystery, Romance, School, Shounen

Synopsis:
Gekkou, or "Moonlight", is about the peculiar relationship between a cynical boy and a perfect girl. Said cynical boy is Nonomiya who spends day in day out in boredom, taking refuge from his dull life in his imagination. One fateful day, he happens upon the notebook of the much-rumored beauty Youko Tsukimori, neglected on the ground. Poking out from it is a scrap of paper with the unexpected title "Murder Recipe". His interest ignited, he immediately stuffs it into his pocket, only to find out the promising recipe contains nothing but scenarios that may or may not lead to deadly accidents, not even worthy of being called a plan. When he tentatively asks her about it the next day, she hasn't lost anything. But then her father dies. An accident...

Personal Opinion:
After finishing Gekkou, I can say with confidence that it has to be one of the most mysterious, interesting and unique things I've ever seen. It just felt that special to me. I have never seen a Mystery/Romance genre being shown in this way. Reading the synopsis immediately made me interested in what the plot is going to be. However, where the novel truly shines is in the characters. The interaction between the two characters and the lack of universal morals and laws in them, along with the author's ambiguous style of writing makes it one-of-a-kind and highly entertaining to read. The ending of the novel may seem unsatisfactory to some, as it's not specific but open to interpretation. But, I feel that it's part of the charm of the novel and that it ended perfectly.

Reviews:
MAL: http://myanimelist.net/manga/44167/Gekkou
Baka-Updates: http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=68101
 
 
Hikaru ga Chikyuu ni Ita koro...... (When Hikaru was on the Earth......)
Information:
Volumes: 10
Status: 10 volumes released, 8 volumes fan translated
Authors: Nomura Mizuki (Story), Takeoka Miho (Art)
Genres: Mystery, Romance, Psychological

Synopsis:
High school student Koremitsu Akagi finds himself attending the funeral of Hikaru Mikado, who had died in an accident during Golden Week. He's not sure why he's there, as he only exchanged a few words with Hikaru at school.

However, Hikaru doesn't seem to be completely gone from the world, as he comes back as a ghost in order to fulfill a promise to Aoi Saotome, his fiancée. Since Koremitsu is the only one who can see him, he asks him to carry out his promise in his place.

Complying with his request, Koremitsu tries to fulfill Hikaru's promises to the rest of his "girlfriends", helping them overcome past misunderstandings and repair broken relationships. But the situation surrounding Hikaru's death is shrouded in mystery, as it's uncertain whether or not he truly died in an accident...

Personal Opinion:
I heave a sigh of satisfaction with a smile at the end of every volume when reading "Hikaru". Hmm, I don't really know what to say about this one... To quote the author,“Hikaru” is a story of separation. Once you finish reading it, you may feel sad, but you will feel a warm feeling in your heart too. I think this describes the novel perfectly. As stated in the review, I feel that the strong point of "Hikaru" lies in the narration. It is all done in an abstract third person, limited to one character’s thoughts and perceptions at a time. The way the narration shifts from one character to another gives much better psychological insight than anything else could. "Hikaru" explores the relationships between humans very well. You will experience a bittersweet feeling in your heart after reading every volume of "Hikaru", but you can't help but just smile.

Reviews:
MAL: http://myanimelist.net/manga/26201/Hikaru_ga_Chikyuu_ni_Ita_koro......
Kafkafuura: http://kafkafuura.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/aoi-review/
 
 
Sayonara Piano Sonata (Goodbye Piano Sonata)
Information:
Volumes: 4
Status: 4 volumes released, 4 volumes fan translated
Authors: Sugii Hikaru (Story), Ueda Ryo (Art)
Genres: Drama, Music, Romance, Slife-of-Life, Seinen

Synopsis:
The story revolves around a 16 years old boy called Nao, which is son of a music critic and has a hobby of fixing machines. On a visit to a junkyard he meets a girl which is supposed to be a piano prodigy, to their surprise, she transfers to his school and enters his life. On top of it, he has a strange senpai and his childhood friend who want him to join their band...

Personal Opinion:
Going into Sayonara Piano Sonata, I had very high expectations. For one, it's written by Sugii Hikaru, the author of Kamisama no Memochou. More about KamiMemo later. Secondly, I'm a sucker for the music genre. And I was not disappointed when I finished the series. It was a perfect blend of romance and music. I really like the way the author handles the romance. Unlike most rom-coms you see nowadays, the romance isn't needlessly dragged out with no clear conclusion at the end. No idea what's with that trend, it's really frustrating to me. Although our protagonist is, like every other MC in every other romance series, unbelievably dense to the point of making you want to face palm at times, I feel that the author made use of it very well to create drama. Unlike your generic rom-com, the female casts in SPS aren't just added to the MC's harem to fill stereotypes. They are there for a reason, not fan-service. Also, the music aspect of the novel is very well written. You can see just how much research the author went through just to write the novel. The way he describes the music is so captivating that even if you have no knowledge on music whatsoever, like me, you'll still be able to capture the feelings of the characters.

Reviews:
C.E. Translation: http://cetranslation.blogspot.sg/2011/07/review-sayonara-piano-sonata.html
Baka-Tsuki: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/blog/?p=265
 
 
Kamisama no Memochou (Heaven's Memo Pad)
Information:
Volumes: 4
Status: 9 volumes released, 5 volumes fan translated
Authors: Sugii Hikaru (Story), Kishida Mel (Art)
Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance, Slife-of-Life, Comedy

Synopsis:
"I am not an ordinary detective, but a NEET detective. Searching the whole world to locate the words of the dead."

The NEET Detective leading the NEETs who gathered in the dark alley— Alice said that.

The perplexing incident that Ayaka and I were wound into during the winter of my first year at high school, and also the malicious drug 'Angel Fix' that corroded the city, the mystery was unraveled by the detective girl Alice who doesn't take even one step out of her room.

"Knowing the truth might destroy the tranquil life of your past, do you wish to know even so?"

Because of my answer, the NEETs who usually do nothing were mobilized to solve the case!

Personal Opinion:
**Before I begin, yes, I know that KamiMemo isn't exactly under appreciated. In fact, it had won several awards in three consecutive years before. It's by no means under appreciated in Japan. However, that might not be true outside of Japan. Take a look at MAL, for example. It's ranked around 4,500th the last time I checked. I know it isn't concrete proof, but that's how I feel.
First things first, the novel is much better than the anime. Sorry, I just have to say it. It was even disclosed in volume 8 that the anime producer ignored Sugii's scenario and made up his own. With that out of the way, KamiMemo is an amazing mystery drama novel. To quote Shadow, KamiMemo is a blend of dark harsh reality with a hint of hope left within. Its masterful portrayal of the emotions and harshness of reality along with its presentation of very interesting ideas in a not-so-ordinary fashion, makes me a big fan of the series. I also absolutely adore the characters. I mean, where else can you find a cast made up of a gambler-cum-boxer, a gigolo, a military otaku and a loli NEET detective?! The protagonist might seem like your typical weak and indecisive wimp at first, but I have to give props to Sugii for turning him into a great character. And I'm the guy who hates those spineless MCs. What more can I say, go read it for yourself. Why? Well, because: it's the only NEET thing to do.

Reviews:
**Sorry, I coudn't find any reviews for the novel. This (kinda) proves my point on the popularity of KamiMemo outside of Japan. You'll have to make do with 'community reviews' on Goodreads. Those are the only ones I could find.
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3950629-1-kami-sama-no-memo-ch
 
 
Kamisu Reina Series
Information:
Volumes: 2
Status: 2 volumes released, 2 volumes fan translated
Authors: Eiji Mikage (Story)
Genres: Drama, Supernatural, Psychological

Synopsis:
She is my best friend — a member of the track-and-field club and in a different class, but we always go home together.
She is my hateful nemesis — the murderer of my family. I won't forgive her and I will take revenge!
She is my fellow partner — together, we fight against the humanoid energies to save the world.
She is my...

She is always smiling with an absurdly beautiful smile. What is she to you...?

Personal Opinion:
Well played Eiji Mikage, very well played indeed! Once again, Eiji (the writer of HakoMari) manages to blow my mind and impress me like no other, in just a single volume. Throughout the whole story, you will find yourself constantly asking the question: Who is Kamisu Reina? And that is where Eiji's amazing writing comes in. Volume 1 is made up of 5 chapters, each containing its own short story. However, there is one common aspect that connects all of them, and that is the mysterious Reina. At the end of each chapter, you will learn a little more about the existence known as Kasumi Reina. As you slowly but surely piece together all the clues, you will probably arrive at an answer by the end of volume 1 — but is it the correct one?

Reviews:
MAL: http://myanimelist.net/manga/67777/Kamisu_Reina_Series
 
 
Tabi ni Deyou, Horobiyuku Sekai no Hate Made (Our Journey to the End of the Ceasing World)
Information:
Volumes: 1
Status: 1 volumes released, 1 volumes fan translated
Authors: Yorozuya Tadahito (Story), Houmitsu (Art)
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy

Synopsis:
The story revolves around a boy and a girl who travel together through a world that is gradually nearing its end. A mysterious illness has emerged that erases the very existence of everyone who suffers from it. The story does not, however, focus on the tragic aspect of this fairly post-apocalyptic setting, but rather shows the people and events the two travelers come across during their journey.


"Will you leave everything behind and go on a journey with me?"
  I wonder how many people could answer such a question right away.   But whatever their number might be, I could.   The scene that day is still indelibly engraved in my memory like a photograph.   "Will you leave everything behind and go on a journey with me?"   My answer was "Yes".   Personal Opinion:
Tabi ni Deyou is a one-shot novel that I found while looking through the works that EusthEnoptEron had translated. I decided to read it as the synopsis reminds me a lot of Naricissu and a little of Kino no Tabi, and what a gem did I stumbled upon. As the synopsis stated, the novel focuses on the journey of our two main characters as they go on their journey "to the end of the world". Although the author doesn't necessarily have amazing writing skills, I really liked the way he presented the story of their adventure and the unique premise along with it. The "vanishing", as they call it, takes an interesting twist to your usual apocalypse. How would you spend today if you knew you would die tomorrow? Furthermore, what would you do if you could leave nothing behind after dying? 

Reviews:
MAL: http://myanimelist.net/manga/58509/Tabi_ni_Deyou_Horobiyuku_Sekai_no_Hate_made
 
 
"Fushigi" Toriatsukaimasu: Tsukumodou Kottouten (Tsukumodo Antique Shop - We Handle "Mysteriosities")
Information:
Volumes: 7
Status: 7 volumes released, 4 volumes fan translated
Authors: Odou Akihiko (Story), Takeshima Satoshi (Art)
Genres: Mystery, Fantasy

Synopsis:
In our world there are objects that go by the name of "Relics". Not antiques or items of classical art, but mysterious things like a stone that brings luck, a doll whose hair grows night after night, or a mirror that shows your future appearance.
The world is big and so there happens to be a shop that offers such suspicious items — the Tsukumodo Antique Shop (FAKE). But as the name suggests, only fakes can be found there. To make matters worse, the shop assistant is a girl whose attendance couldn't be blunter, so the store hardly has any customers at all. However, from time to time a real Relic appears and makes things interesting.
Very well, now let us talk about those who have obtained one of these mysterious items.

Reviews:
MAL: http://myanimelist.net/manga/62841/Fushigi_Toriatsukaimasu__Tsukumodou_Kottouten
 
 
Zaregoto Series
Information:
Volumes: 7
Status: 9 volumes released, 5 volumes fan translated, 2 volumes officially translated
Authors:  Nisio Isin (Story), Take (Art)
Genres: Action, Mystery, Drama, Supernatural

Synopsis:
It’s the vacation of a lifetime, a trip to a remote island filled with geniuses–and murder. 
On Wet Crow’s Feather Island, a tiny speck in the Sea of Japan, lives Akagami Iria, the exiled daughter of a powerful family. Born into great wealth, she was a princess of the highest pedigree–until she was cut off by the leader of the Akagami Foundation. For the last five years, she’s lived on Feather Island with her maids. But she hasn’t been alone. She has invited the best minds Japan has to offer to come and stay with her.
And so nineteen-year-old college student Ii-chan and his best friend, computer genius Kunagisa Tomo, find themselves as Iria’s guests at her elaborate mansion. Surrounded by fascinating women–a chef, a fortune-teller, a scholar, and an artist, not to mention his own friend Tomo–Ii-chan is feeling a little overmatched intellectually. But the sudden discovery of a grisly murder sends the island into shock. And Ii-chan discovers that he does possess a bit of genius: the ability to discover what is real and what is fake... who is who they claim to be–and who is a killer.

Reviews:
MAL: http://myanimelist.net/manga/9726/Zaregoto_Series
 
 
Kieli
Information:
Volumes: 9
Status: 9 volumes released, 9 volumes officially translated
Authors: Kabei Yukako (Story), Taue Shunsuke (Art)
Genres:  Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy, Supernatural

Synopsis:
Kieli is a reclusive girl isolated by her ability to see ghosts.
Her only friend is her "roommate," Becca, the precocious spirit of a former student still residing in Kieli's dorm. Everything in Kieli's life changes suddenly when the girls meet the handsome but distant Harvey who, like Kieli, can see ghosts. He also turns out to be one of the legendary Undying, an immortal soldier bred for war now being hunted by the Church.
When Kieli joins Harvey on a pilgrimage to lay to rest the spirit of a corporal possessing an old radio, as unlikely as it seems, she feels she may have finally found a place where she belongs in the world.
And in Kieli, Harvey may have found a reason to live again.

Reviews:
MAL: http://myanimelist.net/manga/13238/Kieli
 
 
Bungaku Shoujo (Book Girl)
Information:
Volumes: 8
Status: 8 volumes released, 8 volumes officially translated
Authors: Nomura Mizuki (Story), Takeoka Miho (Art)
Genres:  Mystery, Drama, Romance

Synopsis:
For Tohko Amano, a third-year high school student and self-styled "book girl," being the head of the literary club is more than just an extracurricular activity. It's her bread and butter...literally!
Tohko is actually a literature-gobbling demon, who can be found at all hours of the day munching on torn out pages from all kinds of books. But for Tohko, the real delicacies are hand-written stories. To satisfy her gourmet tastes, she's employed (rather, browbeaten) one Konoha Inoue, who scribbles away each day after school to satisfy Tohko's appetite.
But when another student comes knocking on the literary club door for advice on writing love letters, will Tohko discover a new kind of delicacy?

Reviews:
MAL: http://myanimelist.net/manga/10000/Bungaku_Shoujo_Series
 

That will be all for now. If anyone of you are interested in reading the novels, most of them are all up on BakaTsuki. For android users BakaTsuki even has an app, BakaReader EX, which allows you to download novels and read on the go! If I manage to come across more light novels that I feel is worth mentioning in the future, I'll update and include them in this post. Also, feel free to share your opinions on the novels or even some of your own recommendations!

It's not that impressive. There's tons of places where I don't know the precise meaning, but it's just hidden under fluffy English. There are many easier-looking things that are in fact harder, I think. Ok not these two lines, these were seriously hard.
 
3. 英知を持つを知らぬ者こそが、真の智者であることはすでに過去の智者が語るところである
It is exactly because a person lacks wisdom that they can already speak about the true wisdom of the past.
It is precisely those who have not known wisdom (lit: have not experienced holding wisdom) who are truly sages. This is something which sages of the past have already spoke of.         (I think.)
 
5. 知るを知るとなし、知らざるを知らずとなす。これ知るなり
To know is not to know, Not knowing not to know. Becomes knowing.
To be aware of what one knows, of what one knows not, this is "to know".   (なり　is an archaic thing that means です　or だ 。)   
(I couldn't understand the line directly, but the second half of the line turns out to be a proverb, and so from that you can more or less infer the first half.)
 
Oh, this is from steins gate!

時間は流転し、死へ臨む存在とともに生まれ消えてゆく。有限 Time constantly changes, things that wish for death are born then disappear. Finite.
Times flows, and alongside mortal beings ("those who face death") it is born and fades away.
 
一方で時間は過去から未来へと移ろいゆくのではなく、超自然的に悠然とただそこに在る。無限 On the one hand, time flows from past to future and is not transient, on the other it seems to be just supernaturally sedate. Infinity. Conversely (or "other the other hand"), time does not move from the past towards the future, rather, it supernaturally and calmly, merely exists. Infinite.
 
智を知る者は智に溺れ、智を知らぬ者は泳ぐ術を知らず The person who knows too much drowns in knowledge. The person who doesn't have knowledge doesn't know how to swim. Thou who knows drowns in knowledge. Thou who is ignorant knows not how to swim.
 
知らぬことを知らぬと認めることこそが、神へと近づく第一歩となる──
To find out that you don't know what you don't know is like becoming one step closer to god.
To accept that one does not know what one does not know, that is the first step towards approaching god.  (I dunno if being closer to is being closer to god faith-wise, or the if this is the first step to becoming a god-like being ie. ascending)

This is probably why the western touhou community has reached out to more people (especially online) while they both started out at the same place. It just enjoys a wider stream of incoming content across multiple mediums. That and everyone is on the same page. There can't be flagship VN (maybe Katawa Shoujo is the scout frigate), there isn't even a group of 10 flagship vns.
 
Putting that aside, what content should fans make or come together to make, and share? The precedent is all there in other fanbases such as touhou, anime, and MLP. Art, Music remixes, Card/Board games, Youtube MAD's, Cosplay, Fanfiction,  etc. (particularly the bold ones)
There's a definite lack of the above content, and a place to share it on this forum. To be honest, I had a vague feeling that something was different (their being oddly nothing to do), but only did I put my finger on it. In any case, content which is creatable by individuals is going to see a lot more creation than content that needs an entire group's dedicated effort.
 
I think there's a bit of a disconnect between being a fan of VN's and wanting to make VNs. It's not the most natural "fan content" to make, and yet people point to it like it almost is. To put it another way, it's like urging people who want to celebrate Harry Potter to work on writing their own fantasy book with wizards.
 
I didn't know you were up to date in that circle. Neat. I've been thinking about taking a dip into what OELVN has: it's always interesting familiarizing oneself with a community that revolves around creative production has to offer.

This is probably why the western touhou community has reached out to more people (especially online) while they both started out at the same place. It just enjoys a wider stream of incoming content across multiple mediums. That and everyone is on the same page. There can't be flagship VN (maybe Katawa Shoujo is the scout frigate), there isn't even a group of 10 flagship vns.
 
Putting that aside, what content should fans make or come together to make, and share? The precedent is all there in other fanbases such as touhou, anime, and MLP. Art, Music remixes, Card/Board games, Youtube MAD's, Cosplay, Fanfiction,  etc. (particularly the bold ones)
There's a definite lack of the above content, and a place to share it on this forum. To be honest, I had a vague feeling that something was different (their being oddly nothing to do), but only did I put my finger on it. In any case, content which is creatable by individuals is going to see a lot more creation than content that needs an entire group's dedicated effort.
 
I think there's a bit of a disconnect between being a fan of VN's and wanting to make VNs. It's not the most natural "fan content" to make, and yet people point to it like it almost is. To put it another way, it's like urging people who want to celebrate Harry Potter to work on writing their own fantasy book with wizards.
 
I didn't know you were up to date in that circle. Neat. I've been thinking about taking a dip into what OELVN has: it's always interesting familiarizing oneself with a community that revolves around creative production has to offer.

Oh definitely not, I love a good argument. Unfortunately I've had the same one plenty of times with people on here, and nobody's come up with a logical argument to back their position. That was my exasperation. If you have, then hit me with it. Do keep in mind that to make VNs popular you need a product to begin with, so if your goal is to spread VNs you need to ensure the health of the industry WHILE spreading the fanbase. And I'm saying this as a hard-core supporter of a game genre which was dead for 10 years or more. Trust me when I say that being a supporter of a dead industry sucked balls. We did keep spreading games though, they were just very old ones. Mostly. It only revived when tens of thousands of fans chucked fistfuls of money at developers, which is the sort of thing you need to encourage to keep an industry alive.
 
So in short, popularity means big fanbase + industry, and while piracy increases the fanbase I can't see any evidence that there's much more money going into the industry than 10 years ago. Maybe with Steam things are changing, but that's hardly Fuwa's doing.
 
 
I can cover OELVNs, but I can't do Japanese news. I don't speak Japanese and most news comes from Japanese news sites.
 
Also, Tay has a plan to revamp the blog. And he's scouting people from lemma, and from other places. I may have thrown a certain person's name at him over and over and over... I should apologise for nagging btw. But don't worry, Tay's got some plans for it.

The obvious problem in why visual novels can't gain that much traction is the language barrier. I joined this website due to Tay's post about learning Japanese since I figured that would be a pretty cool thing to do. I think if another thing like that happened, in which we had people working together to learn Japanese, that would open up a lot more possibilities for the future. 
 
There actually is a basically fuwanovel skype chat related to learning japanese (we started out as a group to all play the same game so we could talk about it, but that didn't end up so well. Worked for a few weeks, but real life commitments and different reading speeds kind of made things weird. Also motivation about the game in question too I guess. There has been quite some success in talking about games we've mutually played/encourages each other to play though) 
 
Obviously we talk about the language as well and work together to answer each other's questions, which is the true benefit. We're not so experienced to be able to know everything, but we're pretty damn good at figuring things out. 
 
tl;dr: fuwanovel japanese learning stuffs, maybe english learning stuffs too? 

Well it's finally done. In side the spoiler contains a literary analysis of Mai Kawasumi and Sayuri Kurata from the visual novel and anime Kanon. I explore the complexities of their friendship through analyzing them as individuals. I don't want to say any thing more because of spoilers. Speaking of spoilers, if you have not watched the Kanon 2006 anime, or read Mai and Sayuri's routes in the Kanon Visual Novel then you have been warned. However, if you read Mai's route without reading Sayuri's, I personally wouldn't stray away from this paper as Sayuri's route is only around an extra 30 min - 60 min of original text. So I don't think you would be spoiling yourself from much, but in the end it's your choice. This paper does not spoil any other character routes.  
 
A few notes about how I incorporated quotes: 
 
1) Non-Directional Translations created the English patch for the Kanon visual novel, so my quotes are of their translation. 
 
2) After I finish a quote I cite the character's route by writing their name, and then I include the in-game day that it was said. For example: if Mai said "I like Usagi-san", and the in-game day was January 15th. I would write it like this: Mai said, "I like Usagi-san"(Mai, Jan 15). This is significant because... (It's not).
 

It's been a long time, but Makise Kurisu.
http://www.zerochan.net/146800
Such a great first CG too. There's like half a dozen different things that make the scene and her attention grabbing.

Heh....t-t-thank you...

I know it's released yesterday but after finishing just sora's route, I think this could be worthy of discussion. While the common route and initial character route was typical of a highschool pure-love VN, what I especially liked was the After story set several years after college where more mature themes like work and marriage are involved. While most VNs end shortly after a confession and a conflict resolved, perhaps with a brief epilogue or FD, this one takes things further and it's essentially a sequel of almost equal length with the same slice of life narration style, set years later, quite rare.
 
I can name a few works, say clannad, irohika, hoshizora EH, that also take us to marriage and family, but those are reliant on a supernatural setting or a dramatic plot to retain the reader's interest. Few of this category hold the same slice of life-ish pace or the same everyday events you'd see in reality to keep us reading. I think this isn't bad at all since I've always been more interested in the life of our characters as/after they become mature adults, not highschool kids. So I hope I can see more of these time lapses in future works, and especially FDs.
 
The love confession and all that is just a beginning, but most novels only leave us with a fairy tale ending "they lived happily ever after" (probably).

I did a tally of the most recent 50 or so threads, and:


Interpretation: In the last week (=first two pages of threads), there have only been 7-9 s seperate VNs for where there has been discussion about the content of the game. I'm sure the fuwanovel community is playing many many more games then that.
 
Many VN's have few enough players so that people are playing them months apart. Heck, VN's in general take long enough that you can finish weeks apart even if you start around the same time. Basically, if what you are playing isn't translated and at least somewhat popular, you're pretty out of luck. There are too few people at one time to support a specific VN thread.
Here's what I'm proposing:
 
Everyone put down a list of the VN's they are open to discussing. It could be most of the VN's you've played recently, or just a few. Then when you or someone else finishes a VN and are looking for someone else to talk about it with , you can search the VN title in this thread and try PM'ing that person.
 
You can edit and keep your list updated as you read more VN's, or if you don't want to get PM's anymore.
 
To start off, here's my list.
Midori no Umi
Aiyoku no Eustia
Houkago no Futekikakusha
Gin'iro
 
 
 

I did a tally of the most recent 50 or so threads, and:


Interpretation: In the last week (=first two pages of threads), there have only been 7-9 s seperate VNs for where there has been discussion about the content of the game. I'm sure the fuwanovel community is playing many many more games then that.
 
Many VN's have few enough players so that people are playing them months apart. Heck, VN's in general take long enough that you can finish weeks apart even if you start around the same time. Basically, if what you are playing isn't translated and at least somewhat popular, you're pretty out of luck. There are too few people at one time to support a specific VN thread.
Here's what I'm proposing:
 
Everyone put down a list of the VN's they are open to discussing. It could be most of the VN's you've played recently, or just a few. Then when you or someone else finishes a VN and are looking for someone else to talk about it with , you can search the VN title in this thread and try PM'ing that person.
 
You can edit and keep your list updated as you read more VN's, or if you don't want to get PM's anymore.
 
To start off, here's my list.
Midori no Umi
Aiyoku no Eustia
Houkago no Futekikakusha
Gin'iro
 
 
 

I did a tally of the most recent 50 or so threads, and:


Interpretation: In the last week (=first two pages of threads), there have only been 7-9 s seperate VNs for where there has been discussion about the content of the game. I'm sure the fuwanovel community is playing many many more games then that.
 
Many VN's have few enough players so that people are playing them months apart. Heck, VN's in general take long enough that you can finish weeks apart even if you start around the same time. Basically, if what you are playing isn't translated and at least somewhat popular, you're pretty out of luck. There are too few people at one time to support a specific VN thread.
Here's what I'm proposing:
 
Everyone put down a list of the VN's they are open to discussing. It could be most of the VN's you've played recently, or just a few. Then when you or someone else finishes a VN and are looking for someone else to talk about it with , you can search the VN title in this thread and try PM'ing that person.
 
You can edit and keep your list updated as you read more VN's, or if you don't want to get PM's anymore.
 
To start off, here's my list.
Midori no Umi
Aiyoku no Eustia
Houkago no Futekikakusha
Gin'iro
 
 
 

Fuwanovel Podcast Status Updates -
 
A lot of new problems and suggestions have popped up in the past week, and as such I wanted to address everything that was brought up and try to answer all of the questions and concerns I noticed to the best of my ability. Listed below is a list of all the new items that in some way or another have been brought to my attention. If I didn't quote anyone specifically, I decided to put things into my own words to help everyone understand it a little better and how I viewed the feedback that was given to me. Hopefully this list will alleviate some of the questions and concerns everyone has been having.
 
For everyone reading this post, please remember that while I may not always follow the advice that is given to me about the podcast and its direction, I am always listening to what is said to me via feedback and suggestions and that I take all of it to heart. I will always do my best to listen to the people, so please don't ever forget that.
 
Anyways, I hope this helps:
 
1. "I really think you should focus on content rather than presentation and marketing--leave those to for-profits.  A focus on content means picking topics that are compelling and trending, and finding guests that are knowledgable and have interesting viewpoints to share."
 
I agree 100% with this concern, however what I want to address is that no matter how much I try to make the Fuwacast have a cool title or no matter how much I try to get some cool art designs for it, none of that will ever, ever make me produce poor quality episodes. The reason I made a suggestion thread for a poll in the 1st place was to give members of the community something to keep them interested in the podcast itself. Nobody wants to see the same format over, and over, and over again. For those members who may not find many topics that interest them, the revamped look of the podcast will give them the chance to be apart of something that is being hosted on this site. Don't want to speak? Topic isn't interesting? Help me make the podcast look cool! This is our baby, something we have made; I am simply the man directing the performance. Without actors/actresses, what good am I?
 
In short, this project makes me happy, and I want to look at all sides of it and say to myself, "man, we did an awesome thing on the site."
 
2. "Each episode needs a prominently displayed title.  I listened to the Special Episode (which I was interested in due to the post above), looked around afterward and all I saw were episode numbers.  It's not the best way to keep listeners interested."
 
Easy fix! I will go back and label the episodes with the appropriate topics tomorrow after work. As for the open ended random questions in podcast episodes 1-3, I am not really sure what I should label these as, considering they are a mesh of many questions, so if you have any suggestions, let me know via PM and I can put something up!
 
3. Talent is something you have to seek.  The people you want the most aren't necessarily going to take the initiative to volunteer.  People tend to respond better when you appeal to their ego than if you just cast the widest net possible.  Finding the right people for each topic is going to require some familiarity with the community, use of social connections, and some good old fashioned persuasion.
 
As I stated before in a previous address of the podcast, finding volunteers is a challenge, however after reading this comment a little more, I think I have found a solution. Everyone talks about Ren, all we ever hear about is Ren this, and Ren that. Ren makes the questions, Ren chooses the topics, and Ren leads the charge. Well, enough about me! Let's shift gears for once and start talking about you, the community. So many people do so much for Fuwanovel, and I think it would be awesome to represent them in a 1-on-1 podcast. No topics, no discussion, just questions about what each member does and why they enjoy doing what they do.
 
To give some examples that come to my mind, Nosebleed posts his anime preview posts, Clephas posts his VN of the month, and SieghartXx makes some mean signatures for a huge portion of members here on the site. Let's get to know them! I understand that not everyone will want to be interviewed in a 1 hour podcast, but I think we can reduce that time if we want these interviews to be shorter. I think there are a lot of people (some who I know personally) that have a lot of stories to share and that everyone would love to get to know more about.
 
4. "Hey Ren, your recent episodes are taking a long time to get started. What's the deal?"
 
My original intent was to release 2 podcast episodes every 2 weeks, meaning 2 a month. For July, we are all caught up on that total except for the the 4th episode of the podcast. I understand that this episode has had some issues with time, and I will be honest in saying that I have not emailed the group for that episode in awhile. I do apologize for this. I promise I have not forgotten the episode, I just haven't taken the time to sit down and finish it. With the current 3 episodes on the list, the end of August will see everything caught up, with a total 10 episodes for the podcast. As for the special episode which was recorded recently (located at the end of this post in case you missed it), as well as the 1-on-1 episode suggestion I posted in the previous concern, I don't think those should count against that release limit and should be a separate entity all together; whatever day works best for those being interviewed will be the best time to record and upload them, however I will never post more than 1 a week.
 
I hope this helps make people understand how I am working the podcast. As for other time delays, sometimes personal life and other projects get in the way. Also, I lose motivation at times, so bear with me if there is a lull period between each episode due to that reason.
 
5. "I really don't understand the point of a podcast when text is so much more informative..."
 
An interesting point, and I am glad you brought it up. Not everyone likes to speak, and some people feel they can address things better in text than they are able to in speech. For the next round of podcast episodes after the current 3, I have an idea that may seem like a stretch but I feel could be interesting to try. We have tried group volunteer recordings and I have suggested the new 1-on-1 member episodes. Now let's try a round table discussion. Instead of having only speakers in the actual podcast, let's have people who want to participate use text as well. See point #6 below for more details on this.
 
6. "It's just my opinion, but I think many of the current topics lack general appeal, especially ones that focus on a single visual novel.  I think controversies would make better topics: issues such as the impact of piracy on the visual novel market, sexualization of children in VNs, censorship in VNs.  Think about the threads that always rise to the top in the forums, and the issues people are passionate about.
 
Let's do it. The people speak, and I will listen. I think these podcast episodes are a great way to involve the entire Fuwanovel community. For each topic, I can choose the most passionate people to be featured on the actual speaking portion of the episode, where (as suggested in point #5) other members are allowed to join an IRC while listening to a live stream of the cast. People can discuss the content in the IRC and host their own discussion, while we in the podcast host the same discussion side by side. I will pull comments, questions, and other material from the IRC while we discuss, essentially giving everyone a chance to talk about the actual episode. During the recording, I can capture both the IRC chat in 1080p, full size, while at the same time recording the audio. While the audio portion will be the only thing recorded for download, the YouTube videos which are currently being worked on will have the recordings of both the chat, as well as the speech.
 
In short, we will be making a live forum thread via a podcast episode. As for the guests in the IRC, anyone will be welcome to come and join as they see fit. Stay for the whole thing, or leave early, it doesn't matter. If the discussion is big enough, we can add time and take a break between recordings, essentially splitting the episodes into parts. There is a lot of potential for this.
 
7. "I can't download any of the podcast episodes! Help me!"
 
I am currently uploading all of the recorded episodes into my Google Drive which I will publicly share with the community at the end of next week. My internet is not the fastest, and since I like to do other things on my computer during the upload times, please bear with me while I get each one on the drive. In addition, maefdomn and The Major are working on the YouTube side of things. As soon as I start handing them the episodes, they will hopefully start working on that as well.
 
For the time being, please wait patiently and I promise I will get them to you as fast as I can.
 
And that's it. I am terrible at closing posts, so instead, here is that special episode I was talking about on the Mixcloud for those that haven't had a chance to listen to it:
 
http://www.mixcloud....wacast-special
 
Feedback please. I am always listening.

I did a tally of the most recent 50 or so threads, and:


Interpretation: In the last week (=first two pages of threads), there have only been 7-9 s seperate VNs for where there has been discussion about the content of the game. I'm sure the fuwanovel community is playing many many more games then that.
 
Many VN's have few enough players so that people are playing them months apart. Heck, VN's in general take long enough that you can finish weeks apart even if you start around the same time. Basically, if what you are playing isn't translated and at least somewhat popular, you're pretty out of luck. There are too few people at one time to support a specific VN thread.
Here's what I'm proposing:
 
Everyone put down a list of the VN's they are open to discussing. It could be most of the VN's you've played recently, or just a few. Then when you or someone else finishes a VN and are looking for someone else to talk about it with , you can search the VN title in this thread and try PM'ing that person.
 
You can edit and keep your list updated as you read more VN's, or if you don't want to get PM's anymore.
 
To start off, here's my list.
Midori no Umi
Aiyoku no Eustia
Houkago no Futekikakusha
Gin'iro