Sound design is another aspect. High - quality voice acting, if available, and a great soundtrack can enhance the overall experience. For instance, in 'Zero Escape' series, the music and sound effects add to the tense and mysterious atmosphere, which is part of what gives it high production value.
The quality of the writing and story also matters. A well - written story with complex characters and engaging plotlines is a sign of high production value. Good visual novels like 'Fate/stay night' have deep and multi - faceted stories. The story should be able to draw you in and keep you interested throughout.
The 'Danganronpa' series is also a high - production - value visual novel. It has unique and stylized art, complex characters, and a really intriguing mystery - based plot. The use of color, character expressions, and the overall layout of the scenes make it stand out in terms of production value.
You can look at the amount of text in the visual novel. Usually, those with a large number of lines of dialogue and detailed descriptions tend to be larger. For example, if a visual novel has multiple story paths and each path has a significant amount of text, it's likely to be large.
To identify the best high concept novels, consider the originality of the concept. If it's something you've never heard before or it combines familiar elements in an unexpected way, it could be a winner. For example, 'Cloud Atlas' which weaves together multiple stories across different time periods and genres in a very creative way. Pay attention to how the concept is developed throughout the story. Does it hold your interest? A good high concept novel will keep you engaged as it unfolds its idea. Also, look at the impact the novel has had on other works. If it has inspired other writers or filmmakers to explore similar concepts, it's probably a great high concept novel.
One way to identify an undeclared visual novel is to examine the gameplay mechanics. If the majority of the gameplay involves reading dialogues, making choices that affect the story, and there are static or animated visuals throughout, it might be an undeclared visual novel. Also, check if the game has a branching storyline, which is a common feature in visual novels. If it has all these elements but isn't advertised as a visual novel, then it could be what we call an 'undeclared visual novel'.
Look at reviews. Other people's opinions can give you a good idea about what makes a visual novel great. They often mention things like the story, art, and characters which are keys to a good visual novel.
Look for stories that have a lot of moving parts. For example, if it involves multiple parties or complex issues like international trade negotiations. These are often high maintenance as you need to track different viewpoints.
Look at the character development of the protagonist. In a great visual novel, the protagonist should grow and change throughout the story. For example, in 'Persona 4', Yu Narukami starts as a new student in Inaba but as he delves into the mystery of the Midnight Channel, he becomes more confident and his relationships with others deepen.
Reviews and critical acclaim play a huge role. If well - respected literary critics consistently praise a European novel, it's a good sign. For instance, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco received a great deal of critical attention for its complex plot, rich historical setting, and deep exploration of themes like knowledge and power.
One way is to look at their influence on other works. For example, if a novel has inspired many other writers to explore similar themes or use certain literary techniques, it's likely important. Also, novels that have sparked significant social or cultural discussions over time are important. 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a case in point. It has influenced youth culture and discussions about growing up.
You can identify the best plotted novels by the way the author builds suspense. In 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier, the mystery surrounding the first Mrs. de Winter keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the book. Also, the development of characters in relation to the plot is important. In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', as Dorian's character deteriorates due to his immoral actions, the plot thickens and becomes more complex. The ability of the plot to hold your attention from beginning to end is a key indicator as well.