A visual novel is a type of interactive game that focuses heavily on narrative, where the player experiences a story mainly through text, static or animated images, and soundtrack. This genre is especially popular in Japan and often features illustrations in anime or manga style.
Visual novels typically allow the player to make choices throughout the story, which can lead to different endings or branching paths in the plot. They can range from linear stories to complex narratives with multiple routes and alternative endings. Romantic, mystery, fantasy, and science fiction themes are often common in this genre.
In addition to text and images, some titles may include limited interactivity, such as puzzles or mini-games.