The Visual novel reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Visual novel

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Visual novels are best known as video games composed of little more than text, pictures, and perhaps music and/or voice acting. While they are abundant in Japan and several other parts of Asia, few can be found in English-speaking countries. Including those in Asia.

People constantly believe that visual novels are dating sims. They are wrong- while dating sims are indeed visual novels, not all visual novels are datings sims. Visual novels are just that- novels. If you look, you can find all sorts.

Unfortunately, most visual novels that have been translated are pornographic dating sims, and that contributes greatly to the misconception.