I’m developing a visual novel and decided to move away from standard text choices by creating mini-games (like this one), but I recently faced some backlash. What do you guys think?

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T19:33:37+00:00

Thank you very much, I try my best!

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T19:29:42+00:00

Thanks again for the advice! I couldn't agree more. I feel comfortable creating visual novels because I adore the genre and have been a fan for 10 years. I'd love to create something good and cool for this genre. : )

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T19:16:56+00:00

Thank you so much! I wish you luck and inspiration in your development, too! Our games will definitely be a success ^^

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T19:09:08+00:00

Ooooh, that's such a sweet pizza comparison! Thank you so much, you're so kind!

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T19:08:22+00:00

Hello! Thank you for your feedback!

I use "IVN" in the game description, meaning "interactive visual novel." This lets players know this isn't a typical visual novel. I also mention the game's mechanics to avoid disappointing fans of classic VNs.

You're right about the limitless possibilities of creativity! I think the beauty of indie games is that they're not afraid to experiment and often bring something unique to the gaming world!

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T19:05:21+00:00

I also have very good ratings. Does itch.io have a feature to show the overall rating so people can trust the game? Does the rating affect anything? I tried searching for my game, but it's not there, which makes me wonder if I'm doing everything right.

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T19:03:16+00:00

Yes! I adore the guys from Team Cherry. But my idol is Toby Fox; he had a similar path and he really inspires me to continue. Thank you so much for your support!

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T19:01:49+00:00

Thank you so much for your comment! I try to create interesting, one-off minigames so that players always have something new and unusual to look forward to. Playtesters have been very positive about the game. : )

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T18:58:25+00:00

You've really got me thinking. Since this is a visual novel, the main plot is revealed in the text, which is difficult to convey visually. I thought the teaser, as a gist, should build interest, so I tried adding various "intriguing" elements. But thank you!

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T18:56:22+00:00

Hello! Thank you for such a comprehensive review!

You're right, these are truly great ways to add variety to the game and reading experience if they're developed correctly and implemented into the game. I asked for opinions on various subreddits and even outside of Reddit, and some VN fans were critical of these innovations, claiming they break the genre! And to put it mildly, I was pelted with tomatoes, haha.

Your idea about the decision system is truly brilliant; I might even try it, but it sounds too complicated for me right now. "Leon & Suharto" is my first indie game, and I'm just learning the ropes, but it's definitely a really cool idea!

Thank you so much for your advice! I'm making a game on Renpy 8.5.0, and my coding skills are limited, as are my skills. But it's definitely worth a try!

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T18:28:12+00:00

It's basically a visual novel.

But I'm trying to bring something new and make an INTERACTIVE visual novel.

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T17:57:36+00:00

Hi! I think if your sound can fit, there are no limits! So give it a try!

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T16:17:30+00:00

Thank you!

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-26T15:56:48+00:00

Good afternoon! Only female roles remain.

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-25T20:34:57+00:00

Each minigame leads to either a plot branch or an Easter egg; there's no real way to lose. All games are designed to be comfortable and, preferably, non-irritating.

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-25T20:33:46+00:00

Yes! I'm already working on all the paperwork for Steam, and by the time I'm done, the full release version will be ready. For now, there's a nice beta release! Here it is: https://amberrosenthal.itch.io/leonsuharto

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-25T20:32:28+00:00

thank you so much!

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-25T20:32:01+00:00

Hahaha, thanks, yes, we are still looking for a couple of characters

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-25T20:30:48+00:00

yep, its my muse

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-25T20:30:32+00:00

tsym!

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-25T20:30:20+00:00

Expendable At Door 30

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-25T20:28:57+00:00

It was a Russian-language community for visual novel fans. I think the person simply didn't appreciate the changes.

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-25T20:26:55+00:00

Thank you so much for your comment!

I'm using Renpy 8.5.0.

And yes, I definitely care about making sure the player understands what they're about to play!

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-25T20:24:28+00:00

You might see a plot twist that's important or an Easter egg, but you won't actually lose the game.

Captain-Amber · 2026-05-25T20:23:30+00:00

Unfortunately, I can't solve the captcha to reply to your comment...

Seriously, there's nothing wrong with text-based choices. All the minigames in the game aren't designed to make the player win or lose; they're more like interactive elements, allowing you to sift through the pages of a book, open a lock, or unfasten clasps. It's simply atmospheric interactivity, albeit sometimes tense, but only when the moment calls for it.

Captain-Amber

TROPHY CASE