Ripples Visual Novel is an app in the style of an animated e-book for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch that allows you to listen and read a short, illustrated story.
Readers will follow Koda, an adolescent boy who is both an amateur photographer and the narrator of Ripples Visual Novel, as he explains his somewhat jaded philosophy on life. Ripples Visual Novel begins on a Monday and follows Koda throughout the week. On the first day, he visits a park with the intention of taking pictures. Instead, he meets a girl named Kuu who seems to alternately amuse and irritate him.
Yet every day Koda finds himself returning to the park to see if Kuu will be there. Ripples Visual Novel ends a little suddenly, but it leaves readers with a lot to think about, and will likely leave them with a warm feeling and hopefulness for future installments as well.
Ripples Visual Novel allows users primarily to read narration. There are also two voice actors who speak Koda's and Kuu's conversations. In the background there is calming and subtly inspiring music to enjoy. The images remain somewhat similar from frame to frame, but they are well done, in a style that will be appreciated by long-time fans of manga and newcomers alike.
Unfortunately, Ripples Visual Novel is a relatively short story; users can get through it in under 10 minutes going at a leisurely pace. Unlike most other apps for mobile devices, Ripples Visual Novel offers users no interactivity whatsoever. For regular manga and e-book readers, this will likely not be a large issue. For those who are less familiar with the genre and more accustomed to playing game apps, Ripples Visual Novel might seem a bit dull.
Ripples Visual Novelis beautifully illustrated and the story is touching, making it ideal for a quick reality break.
