One main theme is loyalty. Given their characters, the exploration of whether they are truly loyal to each other or have their own hidden agendas is often a key part. For example, in many fanfics, Kisaki's manipulative nature might put their loyalty to the test.
There's also 'The Unlikely Alliance'. In this fanfic, Kisaki and Hanma find themselves in a situation where they have to work together against a common enemy. It shows a different side of their relationship, with some interesting plot twists.
One characteristic is their clever use of irony. Saki often sets up situations where the outcome is the opposite of what one would expect. For example, in 'The Open Window', the girl's made - up story seems so real at first.
The story 'Sredni Vashtar' is also among the best. It's about a boy who has an unusual bond with a ferret - Sredni Vashtar. The boy is in a rather oppressive situation, and Sredni Vashtar becomes a symbol of his hope and a sort of protector. It's a story full of mystery and a bit of a dark undertone.
The Saki visual novel might be about the growth and development of the characters. In the Saki universe, there are many interesting characters with different backgrounds. The visual novel could focus on how they overcome challenges, not just in mahjong but also in their daily lives at school or within their friend groups. For example, some characters might be initially shy but grow more confident through their mahjong experiences.
In 'Dusk by Saki', the main character seems to be an individual in a park at dusk. This character is in a rather pensive mood, observing his surroundings. There could be other characters that he encounters, for example, those who seem to be on the fringes of society or just ordinary people going about their business at that time. The main character's interactions with these other characters, if any, and his internal thoughts are what drive the story forward.
It's difficult to determine its popularity without more data. There are so many visual novels out there, and some gain popularity through word - of - mouth within niche communities. 'yahari saki visual novel' could be one of those that is popular among a specific group of fans who are into a certain type of art style, story, or gameplay mechanics. However, compared to some well - known mainstream visual novels, it may not have as much exposure to the general public.
Well, it's hard to pick just one, but 'The Encounter at the Tea Party' stands out for me. The way the story unfolds and the surprises it holds make it truly memorable.