A visual novel is an interactive fiction game, featuring mostly static graphics, most often using anime-style art or occasionally live-action stills (and sometimes video footage). As the name might suggest, they resemble mixed-media novels.
In Japanese terminology, a distinction is often made between visual novels proper (abbreviated NVL), which consist predominantly of narration and have very few interactive elements, and adventure games (abbreviated AVG or ADV), which may incorporate problem-solving and other types of gameplay. This distinction is normally lost outside Japan, where both NVLs and ADVs are commonly referred to as "visual novels" by international fans. Visual novels and ADVs are especially prevalent in Japan, where they made up nearly 70% of the PC game titles released in 2006.
Visual novels are distinguished from other game types by their extremely minimal gameplay. Typically the majority of player interaction is limited to clicking to keep the text, graphics and sound moving (most recent games offer "play" or "fast-forward" toggles that make even this unnecessary).
Most visual novels have multiple storylines and many endings; the gameplay mechanic in these cases typically consists of intermittent multiple-choice decision points, where the player selects a direction in which to take the game.
Patisserie na Nyanko: Set in a Patisserie, the game deals with the wonders of baking... and love. The game itself is a traditional adventure simulation game in the Japanese style, complete with multiple choice conversation system and branching storyline. The game's main character, Ichigo, is presented in anime-style super-cutesy fashion and has gotten the "full voice" treatment, along with the rest of the cast.
Shouichi spent most of his life living and working in his father's bakery. Like many young men, he left home for college upon graduating from high school. However, Shouichi's father has fallen ill, and now Shouichi must return home to manage the shop. In doing so he'll be reunited with beloved friends and forced to confront long standing family problems.
On his first night back home, a magical catgirl named Mio mistakenly curses Shouichi to turn into a cat at night! It's not all that bad though, as the girls just love holding cats. Some will even bring him into the bath with them!
The Playstation 2 adds a character, who is a miko.
The Limited Edition includes a drama CD "hiyoko-kan, saigo no hi !?" and an illustration book.
MANUFACTURER'S DESCRIPTION:
Unfolds on the stage of cake shop, sweet, strange love adventure. Transplant operation from the PC version, add the scenario of existing character and new character-one love, power-up. Hero, which aims to pastry is, would be enchanted to become transformed into a cat when it comes to the night, to the verge busy Christmas, a mysterious new hero life begins.
FEATURES:
- First person perspective.
- 2D graphics
- Cartoon graphics
- Romance, Humour & Anime themes.
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