ebeth

at some point in my life, i'd like to write a history of japanese visual novels in the style of 50 Years of Text Games. i haven't played that many titles, but i can at least recommend a few titles:

Doukyuusei and Doukyuusei 2

this duology of titles is the grandparent of all dating sims and some visual novels. they deal with some seriously interesting themes about sexuality and have very amusing writing. the first game has a remake that's translated with very good funny english.

YU-NO

the most legendary pc-98 adventure game that popularized character routes and true routes. the title suffers from its ambition, especially in the second half; however, what does succeed is awe-inspiring. it was the "aaa" game of its time and it deserves a look. tlwiki archives offer a version that includes as much assets from different consoles and pcs for a definitive version (english translation optional).

Youkoso Cinemahouse e

sapporo momoko's ww2 space hollywood game. we have nostalgia for the hustle and bustle of early hollywood, a strange setting about an intergalactic war, and the strangest gameplay where we make shoddy successful b-movies. i have written a twitter thread on this game.

Hacchake Ayayo-san Series

a series of cult eroge with zero plot and a lot of weird bdsm ero from the then up-and-coming nagaoka kenzou (character designer of Sayonara wo Oshiete). i collaborated with amelie doree to make a pretty popular video on this series.

i was going to write more, but cohost only allows four pics lmao. i'll just list several titles at once, i guess: Toushin Toshi 2, Dragon Knight 4, and Isaku. historically significant but awful titles include Shizuku and Saori.

enjoy being a boomer whoever you are.