Warning: 18+ content. It's a fact that many Visual Novels are Eroge games, meaning they're NSFW. While there's patches for most of these that remove such scenes, and some even allowing an option to do so in its Japanese release, PLEASE REFRAIN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WHEN WANTING TO ADDRESS ANY ADULT THEMES. Purchasable Visual Novels will more than likely have cut out these scenes for sure. Fair warning ahead!
What's a Visual Novel?
Visual Novels usually contain voicing acting, music and anime like characters stills, and are very text heavy (some even have live-action stills/footage). Actual gameplay isn't a major feature in these. The biggest interaction is usually making choices (with an acceptation of a few unique games which we'll get to in a bit). What this means is that the player takes the position of the main character/protagonist and makes certain options for them that can change the plot's progression. This is usually two or three choices. These are known as routes (the main one being called the common route), that can lead further into the story, to a bad end or a game over. Some Visual Novels might not even have this option, and they're referred to as Kinetic Novels/Sound Novels. Visual Novels can either be short, lengthy, or extremely lengthy, being over 50+ hours (see Fate/Stay) to completely unlock/see everything it has to offer. As the name suggests, a Visual Novel has mixed media, just look at it as an anime styled book.
What's an Otome?
Take this as a genre of simulator/dating sim games (while VNs can have such a focus, not all of them do, while the majority of Otomes' main objective is being a dating simulator). This is typically aimed at a female audience, with the main goal of the plot being that the player has to develop a relationship with a man out of a variety of guys (this is known as a reverse harem), or even females if it's a same-sex game. A harem can be in Visual Novels too, but the main point of an Otome is it being about dating, therefor a dating sim. Visual Novels are usually always purchased, and can be quite expensive, but Otome games can be free of charge, 'label your own price', or purchasable at almost the same price.
Popular Otome games have been adapted, for example, there's the well known Diabolik Lovers, Amnesia, Uta no Prince-sama and Hakuōki. In the same case, did you know that Clannad, Higurashi, Little Busters! and Danganronpa were Visual Novels at first, then adapted into the anime series?
As already brought up, there's some Visual Novels with features more than just your typical VN. A prime example of this is Kamidori Alchemy Meister, which also has role playing mechanics when you can go to battle and do item creations. I'm currently playing this one, but I'm sure there's more examples with such elements in them too.
Got any resources then?
I recommend sakevisual as a starter if you're new to Otomes. Their short games are free to download and those which aren't have a demo available. It's where I first fell in love with this genre of gaming.
I love, love, love this site that updates and lists a variety of new Otome features. Easy navigation, and very friendly/helpful runners of the site. Also, check out tumblr for even easier findings of Otome information.
For the Boy's Love genre, check out this forum for lastest news, help and translations and links for games.
Something else to note is that while these genres are typically for PC, Mac, and Android, games on other consoles can be classified as them. For example, 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (NDS), Ace Attorney (NDS/3DS) and Steins;Gate (PS3, ported) all have Visual Novel features. Feel free to bring up anything that as mechanics already spoken of on any platform.
So what do I have to say on them?
I love 'em, which is why I created this thread. I didn't jump on board straight away in making it due to its content, so please, as a reminder, let's keep this as clean and neat as possible, avoiding talking about or linking anything gory, disturbing and/or sexual. Feel free to give out NSFW warnings when necessary though.
My favourite Visual Novels are those done by Nitro+chiral. Their Boy's Love in particular. Sweet Pool (Boy's Love) and Saya no Uta (recommended to those with a strong stomach) are my favourite Visual Novels. They're both similar with dark and bloody content, but they're totally gripping, with some of the neatest music in any media I've ever heard. OSTs usually go over my head, but they totally nailed it to enhance the atmosphere and it really does hit you in the face (well, ears) when it's only that you're hearing while reading the text/story. I wasn't expecting Sweet Pool to be as emotional as it was, and it really left an impression on me, more so than anything else I'll list. Just go play it already!
I've played both DRAMAtical Murder and its spin-off, DMMD Reconnect, but I find the whole thing overrated which ruined it for me by the time I finished playing through them. In the same way, after finishing Togaichu No Chi, I can't understand all the fever and love over it. They were both worth while though, but nothing stood out unlike the first two I mentioned. I've started Nitro's Lamento-Beyond the Void, which is the longest game Nitro ever made and it being recently translated completely, I was so hyped for it. It's super fun and interesting as to where I've got to and hopefully it gets only better the more it gets into it.
I'm slowly making my way through Enzai - Falsely Accused and Ever 17. The first is another Boys Love one, and it's probably the most disturbing one yet (as least to me), so fair warning to those with a light heart. It's about a boy being.. well, falsely accused, and trying to deal with his inmates while also finding a way of being freed from prison. It's nail biting stuff and also quite old fashioned, since the art looks super outdated and mediocre music at best, but all can be forgiven for its plot. However, the NSFW content can be an understandable turn off because of how real the setting is, so fair warning again! Ever17 was made by the same people who did 999, and this is super recommended and safe for everyone. Nothing NSFW here! Check out the whole infinity series by KID in fact! It has the same mysterious and suffocating setting as 999/Virute's Last Reward. It's very well made and has a gripping story and wonderful visuals all round.
I'm really unsure in bringing this one up but I have to because it's such a stand out for all the wrong reasons; Hadaka Shitsuji. I cannot and will not recommend this to any living soul unless you want to regret everything you've ever made. It's a painfully stupid and embarrassing game, and it's truly cringe worthy and almost wants you to rip out your own eyes with what visuals it displays. Extremely NSFW, google at your own risk.
I was obsessed for a good time with Lucky Dog 1, which is about a mafia group of five dudes who are in jail. They attempt a break out one day when they all receieve a letter from their boss stating if the main character can successfully break them all out, he'll be the new boss of CR-5 (the mafia's group name). It's not that long of a game really, but it has repeat value when going through your possible suitor's routes. Rather melodramatic but cute at the same time, nothing too NSFW apart from happy love making at the end of each route. Or death if you make the wrong move... And don't get me started on the beautiful art.
With Otome games, I like playing the free ones. I have yet to get to the well known ones already listed above, but here's a few I've played and completed.
Halloween Otome is pretty fun to pass the time with. Cute guys and a cute set up.
RE:Alistair++, done by already mentioned sakevisual is an even funner one to try out. Lovely simulator and just really pleasant all round. Also, if you manage to not take a peek at a walkthrough for both this and the Halloween Otome, it can take a while completing both, and keep in mind again these are just free games! Both are brilliantly executed.
The Second Reproduction I believe is an official game and marketed, so unlike the other two, this isn't free. It's romantic and has a great story line for a simulator, if not a bit shaky on some parts, but well worth a play through. I'd suggest going through each game in this order, it goes from good to great to awesome.
Also, I've only spent about half an hour on it, but Hatoful Boyfriend deserves a mention. It's bloody brilliant. Let's have a game with dog and cats characters next please.
I'm going to have to make an indie one after this now... @~@