Top Visual Novel for Adults 18+
Without a doubt, many of us growing up as kids loved to read comics and graphic novels. We found them merely captivating and enticing. Even today, many of us still pull out the classics just to peruse them and relive the long gone good old days.
Many of us typically fail to understand that the world of graphic novels is really wide, and there are several exciting titles out there that you can still enjoy as an adult. These titles are every bit as engaging as the ones we loved and cherished growing up.
It is good to finally know that not all is gone, before you dive in to explore the market for some of these products.
You should know that there are hundreds of thousands of titles, and this can make it a bit challenging when it comes to selecting the best title, and this is where we come in to assist you.
The compilation we have made consists of some of the best titles with meticulously constructed storylines, intriguing character development, and well-written original stories that we can guarantee that they will leave you fixed to them as you crave more.
Let us examine some of the best buys:
Zanma Taisei Demonbane
This is one of the go-to games that is highly recommended, especially for beginners. It is a thrilling and captivating no holds bar immersive experience suitable for those who are keen on the anime-style adventure games.
And of course, this epic would not be complete without the erotic and sensual aspect, as it features copious amounts of sex scenes, and it is the reason that this should be restricted to mature adult audiences; you certainly don’t want to be playing it around kids.
The game is undoubtedly very well written, with epic storylines and fun-filled side adventures. Even speed-runners will find it hard to skip some of the entertaining cut-scenes. Daijuuji Korou is carrying the fate of the world in her hands, but will she succeed in her quest to save it?
This is a classic story with many unpredictable twists that only fuel your appetite to play it till the end. It is as addictive as games get, so get ready for nothing but entertainment.
The plot revolves around battling mysterious and supernatural enemies with epic boss fights, not to mention the gore. This is one of those games that will keep you on your toes. This critically acclaimed title is one that you certainly want to have in your collection.
Song of Saya
Among critics and pundits, this title holds up as one of the best, if not the very best graphic novel in the market. This masterpiece is undoubtedly going to keep you engaged for hours on end. You cannot help but feel that this is undoubtedly going to be a collector’s item someday.
If you are a fan of horror and gore, this will be the game for you. The exhilarating gameplay is one of the best features of this anime-style title. The bone-chilling and horrific scenes will undoubtedly redefine what you thought you knew about this genre. I can tell you know that is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
The engrossing storyline features a young Fuminori Sakisaka, who, after undergoing a medical procedure following a bizarre accident, gains the ability to visualize horrific underworld-like monstrosities.
The gameplay is superb, and the graphics are of exceptionally high quality, making the novel engrossing and fun.
Again, featuring so much gore and trauma, you would not want to play this around your kids. This immersive game will rock you to the core, as it guides you through incredible and spine-tingling adventures that might undoubtedly keep you up at night. Be wary of this one!
Hanachirasu
This title is highly recommended for those gamers who typically do not have a lot of time to play. This is because the game is somewhat short, you should complete the game objectives in about 11 hours or so, and this may vary based on your skillset.
But do not worry a bit, the game might be short, but there is plenty of entertainment to be derived from this magnificent title. The storyline is solid, and the character development is on point. It is a story of vengeance, passion, dynasties, and of course, tragedy.
This title is appropriate for speed-runners, who will undoubtedly get the thrill in completing tens of missions in just a few hours. It, unfortunately, does not appeal to folks looking for a game to tie them down for days at a time, but it is still fascinating nonetheless.
For those who are skeptical about the length of the game, you need not worry. I can assure you that this is a solid, well put together a game that will be thrilling; it will also have excellent gameplay and marvelous graphics.
This game does well for those of us who are enchanted by samurai-style adventure games. The ending is also quite fascinating, as you will see when you read the comic.
Deardrops
Deardrops takes a very different approach to your typical adult graphic novel. It is nonetheless a very original and classic masterpiece that you are certainly going to find addictive and fun. This title will appeal to those who love music.
The most exceptional selling point of this novel has got to be its unique storyline. This title features a fun and unique setting about the life of a dropout. You will find yourself singing along to the fantastic tunes, as it features excellent rock music and a bit of pop.
The scenes are captivating and emotionally satisfying. This novel is excellent as it occasionally tugs at the heartstrings. Addictive is not enough to describe this novel; you probably not stop till you get to the very last chapter.
The talent showcased by the characters is excellent. The plot unravels in a manner that keeps you engaged. The character development is also on point. The graphics are also of very high quality. This shows that a lot of work has gone into the creation of this work.
Get ready for a thrilling and fun-filled adventure. Expect nothing but entertainment with this excellent piece. It will certainly not let you down.
Ef
This one is an extraordinary graphic novel for all the folk out there looking for a great title that is based on romantic fantasy. This is an excellent game. You might think that romance does not make for captivating gameplay, but once you try this title, you will undoubtedly be impressed.
Having romance, you will, of course, expect the occasional sex scene, as well as other erotic and sensual aspects, bringing forth the emphasis that this is an adult game that is not meant for children, and neither should it be played around them.
The developer has spared no effort in making this an incredible game. The graphics are to-die-for, to say the least. The game entails vivid and visually captivating scenes that will surely be marvelous and keep you engrossed.
The game is filled with excellent adventures, great gameplay, and also many features that make it complete. It is also very addictive, and you will love how entertaining it is. I can tell you that this is certainly not one of those cliché stories involving romance and sex.
The script is well written and uniquely developed, and this makes it a must-have for any adult graphic novel enthusiast. You will undoubtedly love this one.
What to look for when planning to purchase an adult graphic novel
The world of graphic novels is pretty extensive. There are hundreds of thousands who dare say millions of titles that have been created explicitly for adult audiences. This was not always the case, and this is because many writers had previously perceived them to have a very limited audience.
Throughout the years, more and more people, particularly adults, started to read these novels, and consequently, there has been an exponential increase in the production of such content. Now that the market is filled with novels, the real issue that we consumers face is selection.
It might appear easy, but in truth, it isn’t. Many people have been frustrated by selecting titles of poor quality, and this is very likely to happen to anyone. So, how can we be sure that we are making the right choice?
Many people might argue that a lot of it has to do with personal preference, which to some extent, is true, but this can at times be frustrating, especially when you are about to delve into the products of little-known authors.
To avoid making a less than ideal choice, here are some simple yet effective guidelines you should observe.
Continuity
This is where you need to do some research. There are thousands upon thousands of graphically illustrated novels that end on cliff-hangers. A typical gamer would expect a second volume, but this is not always the case. It can really be frustrating.
Much like with a television series, we usually anticipate a second season, but sometimes some of these shows end up getting canceled. This is also the case with some novels, whereby, you understand that for some reason or the other, there is a lack of continuity into a second season.
So, go ahead and research the title, or at the very least, the author or developer and discern for yourself whether it would be worth purchasing.
The bait of microtransactions
This is a contentious issue in the world of modern-day gaming. There have been concerns raised, not only by the gaming communities but also by governments over the morality of in-game features such as loot boxes.
There are, of course, a lot of titles that have microtransactions within the game. And this helps determine the progression or the fullness of the gamer’s experience, however, in the long-run, they end up being very expensive, and this can have catastrophic financial consequences if you end up being addicted to the game.
I would advise you to avoid titles that have microtransactions as you might end up spending more money in the novel than what you had initially purchased it for.
Graphics
In order for you to fully enjoy a graphic novel, the picture quality has got to be on point. In the past, we have seen a lot of promising titles with great potential, but we were put off by the graphics.
Graphics go a long way in determining whether or not a particular game is going to be enjoyable, as they affect how immersive the game is. They elicit our visual pleasure.
Therefore, be sure to spend your money on a title with excellent graphics, as it only serves to improve your viewing experience.
Gameplay
Where any game is a concern, the actual gameplay is what is going to get us hooked. The storyline might be entertaining, but if the gameplay is horrible, then it is certainly not worth the time. This is why it is vital to review in-game footage before making a purchase.
In many titles, especially anime-style games, the overall controls, and gaming engines are satisfactory, but there are some manufacturers who put in the time to make a game that appeals to consumers based on the excellence of the gameplay.
I know that with many of these games, the emphasis is generally on the storyline, but it certainly would not hurt to pick a well-rounded game. The great news is that there are several titles that have managed to incorporate great storylines as well as decent gameplay.
Storyline
This is arguably the most sensitive aspect of any visually illustrated novel. The greatness or weakness of a title is based on what story the author intended to tell, and whether or not the consumer finds the story entertaining.
It is advisable that you go for original and authentic pieces. This will undoubtedly be better than your usual convectional stories, which are repetitive and have almost predictable endings. Be sure to avoid such titles.
Remember that the best authors establish and pride themselves on creativity and originality. Authenticity is the key here.
The length of the story
The duration of the story should be a significant factor in determining whether you want to purchase a graphic novel or not. These works come in a variety of story lengths, some being longer than others.
There is a wide array of short, well-illustrated titles that you can pick from for speed-running enthusiasts. These also happen to be ideal for those of us who are generally busy with other things and only get weekends off.
If you have a lot of time on your hands, you also have variety, as there are also several novels that you can choose from, some extending into captivating series that you will undoubtedly enjoy. There is something for everyone.
The diversity of in-game features
What many players want nowadays is to be given variety to do many things within the game. This includes the ability to switch characters, customize them, and even have access to a glut of side-quests to make the novel fascinating.
Many novels tend to be fixed to one character since that might have been the perspective that the author had intended to convey the story. There are, however, some characters that are flexible enough to allow some character selection.
Items such as weapons and armor can also be customized in some games, and this will allow you to exercise a high degree of creativity, making the novel even more enjoyable.
Multiplayer
When we talk of graphic novels, we are inclined to think of them as a unique user experience, which, more often than not, has limits to multi-level engagements, unlike your typical videogame. This is, however, not always the case.
There are several titles that have gone the extra mile to include the multiplayer feature, which is not typically found in a lot of games. This is a great bonus feature, as it allows you to share the experiences with your friends. (at least the ones which are not awkward).
Multiplayer might not be an essential feature, but it might come in handy at parties, or once you are done with the main plot.
Character development
The key to any excellent script lies in the development of each and every character. In some titles, this has been done excellently, thanks in part to the ability to play as different characters, and this gives a detailed background to their origin, as well as their story.
Character development improves the understanding of the individuals and helps us understand how the pieces form the main story, you can, in this respect, think of the characters as pieces of a grand puzzle.
For you to be wholly immersed, pick a game that tells the stories from the perspective of several characters. You will get the freedom to choose, and it also makes the novel more entertaining.
2D or 3D
This is a factor that boils down to one’s personal preferences. The choice between the classic two dimensional or the modern 3-dimensional illustrations plays a crucial role in making your selections.
There are, of course, pros and cons in regard to this. 3D is preferred for peripheral devices like VR headsets and gives a more lifelike depiction in several aspects such as motion. 2D.
However, has a more authentic and traditional approach to viewers, especially in regard to anime-based illustrations. Consider these options when making your purchase.
Maturity of the content
Obviously, with adult novels, you know what you are in for. You know to expect explicit and gory content. There are some titles that take these to the extreme and may result in psychological and physiological distress.
Be sure that you can handle the very extremities that are typically portrayed in these titles. Read the ESRB content rating when making these purchases.
Addiction
This is a severely under-addressed issue with a lot of modern-day games. It is not a surprise that uncommon for many of us to spend almost 90 hours a week on games. Moderation is the name of the game. Be sure not to overindulge as some of the titles in the market are known to be extremely addictive.
Be sure nor to over-complicate these purchases. Remember, those graphic novels are supposed to be fun and entertaining. Be sure to follow this guide, and you will certainly not go wrong when planning your purchase.
Also, remember that all the aforementioned titles should be restricted to adult consumption only, as they can cause harm to young in the society and impressionable minds. Consume them responsibly.
Conclusion
Graphic novels are not only engaging, but they are also fun and easier to follow than traditional novels. They also serve to elicit the visual senses, and this makes it, to a certain degree, even more, enjoyable than your typical novel.
The novels are not only meant for kids, but there are also many engrossing titles that have been created particularly for mature audiences. This is because many creators have moved away from the idea that these types of novels have a very niche-based market.
There are several titles in the market, and there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for gore, erotic romance, you will indeed find an excellent novel. The real problem that many adult consumers face is determining the best novel.
It is advised that you go through the well-researched titles that we have identified before you make your decision. Please note that while most graphic novels tend to be anime-based, you can also find other types, which are equally as satisfying.
Of the thousands of titles available, I can say that the best graphic novel is Zanma Taisei Demonbane. This highly engaging title is very addictive and well thought out. It features beautiful adventures and a fantastic plot that will undoubtedly keep you engrossed.
I would strongly urge you to try this excellent game, and you will definitely find it thoroughly fun and entertaining.
