The best visual novels on mobile
Narrative games have been around for ages, but only now have they been creeping into the mainstream spotlight. These games tell some of the industry's finest stories, and they break new ground in terms of gameplay and mechanics regularly. Here are a few that are truly special.
A Normal Lost Phone
A Normal Lost Phone makes good use of its home on iOS -- the entire game interface is someone's phone. Players comb through the phones text messages, e-mails, and photos to uncover the previous owner's story, but are you going to far? This is a visual novel that will have you questioning your own intentions.
Her Story
Her Story is an eerie FMV game that sees you watching a series of police interviews to decide if the main protagonist has murdered her husband or not. It's a brilliant mystery game, with excellent writing and acting to back it up.
Mystic Messenger
Mystic Messenger is a true guilty pleasure visual novel. Again, you find a lost phone and end up in a secret club comprised of handsome Korean boys. The game has a brilliant phone interface, and you'll soon find yourself frantically checking up on your "voicemails" and "texts" to find out what happens next over the course of the story.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
There are a number of Phoenix Wright titles now on iOS, and they're all worthy of a spot on your phone. These brilliant visual novels are full of intense moments and sheer comedy mixed into one charming package. You'll find yourself scoping out crime scenes before heading into the courtroom to make your case.
Papers, Please
Papers, Please casts you as a customs agent in a fictional soviet state. You have to choose who can cross the border and who to turn away -- be it suspicious characters or impoverished families. Your standing as a government official, your own family's safety, even your life, is on the line and not every decision is black and white. Good luck!
What's your favorite visual novel? Let us know in the comments.