Many interactive novel games in Japan feature some form of sex or another, which sometimes works well or clashes with the setting, depending on the styling of the game. Take for example Kana: Little Sister, which is a story about the life of a girl who has defective kidneys. Preventing her from leading an active lifestyle, she has a friend in the protagonist who helps her until the conclusion of the story. It is serious and can be heartbreaking, but the sex is forced and largely inappropriate to the way the game plays out.

I think that the developers of Kana HAD to include sex, for the simple reason that it sells games. To not have sex in a Interactive Novel, would be like forgoing violence in Dragon Age or Deus Ex. That said, some games can employ violence and sex that strongly motivate the player. For example, Lemmings features a horde of sentient beings who are too stupid to live without the player’s guidance, and thus would meet their doom because of smashers, falling, slashers, ect. The player intervenes to save the lemmings, but will also be forced to murder lemmings in order to save the majority.

Sex is a powerful force for motivation if it is enticing and well done. Tsukihime is one such title. It features strong violence, but a great deal of sex as well, allowing the player to pursue 5 different girls through the various gameplay path, which are actually quite compelling. The paths interlink, but are distinct because of how characters and situations are rearranged, and the text can make the player question the protagonist’s sanity and makes it rather clear that the protagonist is rather human.

I can’t adequately explain the game, but I highly recommend a playthrough. That said, here is a list of games that you should check out. All feature sex of some kind or another.

Tsukihime: The protagonist moves back to the Tohno mansion, and begins to encounter strange things – vampires, family history, and how he fits into it. Features strong sex and violence.

Fate/Stay Night: A ritual known as the Holy Grail War has begun for the 4th time, in which heroes and villains throughout time are summoned to fight. The Servant and Master who claims victory, shall have their wishes granted. Strong violence, moderate amount of sex. Please note this game was made by the same developer of Tsukihime.

Wanko to Kurasou: A world in which there are Antromorphic dogs and cats, the protagonist raises a dog due to circumstances. Highly sexual, and features little in the way of violence.

Critical Point: The protagonist is a military investigator who is sent to the moon to investigate the all-female moonbase. As of late, they have somehow been exposed to an Aphrodisiac, which has distracted the ladies from their duties, and indicates the possibility of sabotage – which is a real danger, be it poisoned food or oversexed soldiers. As one would expect, the investigator soon comes into conflict and danger. Moderate amount of violance, high amounts of sex.

The Family Project: The Protagonist joins a group of people who want to make a home for themselves. Not related by blood, they each take on a role in the family and do what they can to live in suburban Japan. Light violance, moderate sex.

One popular game is Bible Black, which features high amounts of sex, violence, and Satanism. I don’t oppose any of these things in themselves, but I don’t like Bible Black, it simply doesn’t appeal to me – but I needed to mention it, because it is one of those game titles that would make moral guardians up in arms, so it is an important example to play out. It wouldn’t be fair to play the deep and interesting games I mentioned without having an opposite number to compare against.

You might also be interested in the Sagara Family, which is strongly sexual and does contain violence, of the blackmail and stalkerish on the part of the antagonists.

Hopefully, this selection of games would assist in making a balanced and informed article on the subject of sexual games. Sayonara!