hellish

I'm a fan of their games too. I played every title released by Aquaplus.
Now reading White Album 2 and being greatly moved.
YOU SHOULD TRY IT TOO.

My thoughts exactly.
I even believe the writer somehow projects his own value onto the male protagonist, and all I can do is follow his decision to the bitter end. I kept questioning Tomoya's belief, as to why Tomo must be returned to the family that abandoned her in the first place, when she could instead receive care and affection in a loving family-like group, not to mention that her blood family lives in a remote village without a proper school. I would have chosen to adopt Tomo myself should I have the option to do so, but I was deprived of this privilege.

Again I'm happy that there's finally someone I can discuss this game with. It's one of my favorite RPG series.
 

Objection!
Where's Clannad OST? I love it more than others.
Plus LB OST is never complete without the extra 15 tracks from EX. You guys should have a listen.

I finished the original Muvluv and Muvluv Alternative recently. I can tell you that the war didn't end in these two VNs, though humanity did make some progress. 

Progress:

Ah, finally a general discussion thread about LB. I wanted to talk about this VN but didn't find a place to start. Now is my chance.
 
First, is it true that the western players are all playing the original Little Busters that has only 6 character routes?  If so, it's such a pity because the enhanced version Little Busters EX (or better, Little Busters PERFECT EDITION, which is the best version on PC) has a revised plot, new CGs and BGM, and 9 character routes, including a new heroine, saya, whose route is of HIGH quality, plus her theme song is nice too. I do hope the perfect edition will be translated into English someday or else western audience will be missing out on a lot of new content and plot, and I'll have to always refrain from sharing my thoughts on these new contents in this forum for fear of spoiler.
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Here's a list of difference in various versions of LB:
Little Busters <- original version, I suppose this is the version you're playing now
Little Busters EX <- 3 new routes, h scenes added, around 15 new BGMs, revised plot, especially in Kud route. I remember someone said that Kud route is too vague and unsatisfying in this thread, maybe they'll think differently after reading the revised Kud route.
Little Busters Converted Edition for PS2 <- a port of EX version without h scene
Little Busters Converted Edition for PSP <- a port of PS2 version, plus full voice for all characters (excluding Rikki)
Little Busters Converted Edition for PSV <- a port of PSP version, plus a new character sprite for a-chan senpai
Little Busters PERFECT EDITION <- a port of PSV version to PC, plus a new CG, but removed some CGs from PSV version
Little Busters Converted Edition for PS3 <- a port of PSV version, HD graphics and sound, plus the new CG in PERFECT EDITION, and the dungeon exploration in saya route is rendered in 3D. This is the ultimate version of LB. I played this version.
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I think Kurugaya route is of much importance because it gives the player strong hints on the world setting of LB, that this is not an ordinary school romance, and you should prepare for what is coming in the true route. Her route requires some pondering to understand, so some people may simply dismiss it as weak. Indeed the ending is vague and symbolic, but I hope you'll appreciate it more when you come back from Refrain. (There's also an extra scene in Kurugaya route after finishing Refrain, so please do come back)
 
Personally I don't like Komari very much because to me her route is bloated and a little too sappy thanks to her vacant and dumb personality. It's easy to anticipate what will happen next since it really is a cliché story. However if you like Komari in the common route, maybe you can enjoy it more than I was.
 
BTW, I like the character portraits in the status screen, especially Kud's.

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.

Hello.
I don't know how I came across this forum, but I just find it hilarious that a group of western VN players gather together and talk about Japanese VN, with moe pics flying around the whole forum! To witness the once insurmountable cultural gulf between east and west easily shattered by the prodigious and absolute power of moe really brings tears down my cheek.
 
Anyway, I hail from China, but can understand English and Japanese just fine, so for me there's no excruciating wait for translation, just pick up a game and play! As a video game player, I ONLY read VN on gaming consoles (PS,XBOX,etc), not on PC. I bet few people here, if any, read VN on gaming console, so I may start a new thread later to talk about VN on gaming console.
 
So far I have read several famous VNs, like Ever17, Steins;Gate, Clannad, Tomoyo After, Little Busters, Sharin no Kuni, To Heart 2, 428, Root Double, DanganRonpa, Ace Attorney, Zero Escape, to name a few.
 
I love gripping story (doesn't really mean the story has to be thrilling or full of suspense, an interesting story transpiring in normal every day setting is just fine), but good character design and music are also satisfying to me if the story itself feels a bit lackluster.
 
I still have a long list of console VN in my to-read list, like Umineko, Muv-luv, Rewrite, Grisaia trilogy, White Album 2, Kono Oozora ni... Most of them are quite long, dunno when I can finish reading these all. Besides, new VNs keep coming out, so there's no end to this disaster, but at least I hope I can find haven in this forum, right?