Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Unchained

    Unchained New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2012
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0

    Ever heard of Visual/Sound Novels?

    Discussion in 'The Lounge' started by Unchained, Jul 1, 2012.

    Hey guys, I'm just curious if a community of writers and avid readers would know anything about visual/sound novels.

    Put simple, sound novels are 'modern' books or stories. You read them from a computer and what separates them from traditional books is that accompanied with the text is background music, sprites of the characters and a background image of where the particular scenes are set.

    This type of text mainly comes from Japan but over the years has crept into Western shores. They do provide a refreshing and different type of reading experience. The biggest thing I love about them is the use of music. Befitting background music can double the intensity of emotions depicted in a story.


    Now there are a lot of junk (mainly generic and erotic style) visual/sound novels, but two of my favourite series is the Higurashi; When They Cry and Umineko: When They Cry by the writer Ryukishi07, whom has quite a bit of post-modern influence and breaks away from traditional story-telling.

    Both stories have very deep themes running through the veins of the story itself. Higurashi explores the idea of community, fate and human bonds. Umineko, on the other hand, is a bit more mature than Higurashi, and it explores post-structural and -modern philosophies. Small Spoiler Alert: Umineko is in summary a murder-mystery that also challenges the integrity and truth of the narrator. Up to this day, people debate the who-, how- and why-dunnit and the author himself gives no signs of revealing the answers, saying that those persevere will reach the truth.

    Umm, so that's just a brief insight about visual/sound novels. Has anyone read any?
     
  2. Thumpalumpacus

    Thumpalumpacus Alive in the Superunknown

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2012
    Messages:
    594
    Likes Received:
    165
    Location:
    Texas
    I tend to be put off by multimedia presentations. One of the things I enjoy about reading is the visualization involved; how my mind fills in the blanks for itself.
     
  3. SocksFox

    SocksFox Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2023

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2012
    Messages:
    1,798
    Likes Received:
    595
    I like what my own imagination comes up with. The presentations like this, while neat, are limiting to a book's potential. If I want images and theme music, I will just toss in a movie. I have an ereader, but that doesn't overwhelm my senses like these things do. About two minutes of one, is enough to give me a migraine. With that in mind, would there be any reason to attempt finishing the 'book'? For me, no. I like my books to be simply words, allowing my imagination to do the work, not have someone else do it for me.

    - Darkkin
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice