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The Novelist

The Novelist

Balance writing dreams with family life in this heartfelt indie drama.

Our Verdict

Best for

players craving heartfelt narrative sims about work‑life balance

Skip if

players who want combat or high replay variety

What is The Novelist?

The Novelist follows Dan Kaplan, a novelist wrestling with the pressure to finish his magnum opus while staying present for his wife and child. Players navigate daily routines, creative blocks, and relationship moments to see if success can coexist with love. Through a blend of simulation and narrative adventure, the game challenges you to allocate time, make choices, and confront the emotional toll of ambition, delivering a poignant look at work‑life balance.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

msrp$9.99
developerOrthogonal Games
publisherOrthogonal Games
age ratingESRB T
multiplayerSingle player
critic score59/100
release date2013-12-10

Key Features of The Novelist

Allocate daily hours between writing, family, and personal care to influence story outcomes.
Experience branching dialogue that reflects Dan’s relationships and emotional state.
Manage creative blocks with mini‑games that simulate writer’s block and inspiration bursts.
Make moral decisions that affect both the manuscript’s quality and family happiness.
Track progress through a journal system that records both manuscript drafts and personal milestones.
Unlock multiple endings based on how well you balance ambition with love.
Enjoy hand‑drawn art and a minimalist soundtrack that reinforce the intimate atmosphere.
Play on Linux, Windows, or macOS without any platform‑specific limitations.

Use Cases for The Novelist

1

Aspiring Writers

Explore the challenges of balancing creative work with personal life.

2

Story‑Driven Gamers

Experience a deep narrative where choices shape both career and relationships.

3

Indie Game Fans

Enjoy a low‑budget, high‑emotion title that emphasizes storytelling over graphics.

4

Time‑Management Enthusiasts

Strategically allocate limited time resources to achieve multiple goals.

Pros & Cons of The Novelist

Pros

  • Deep emotional narrative
  • Meaningful choice consequences
  • Cross‑platform availability
  • Simple yet engaging mechanics

Cons

  • Limited replay variety after multiple playthroughs
  • Steep learning curve for time‑management systems
  • Minimal combat or action elements

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms can I play The Novelist on?

The game is available on Linux, Windows PC, and macOS.

Is there any multiplayer component?

No, The Novelist is a single‑player experience.

How long is the typical playthrough?

Most players finish the main story in 4‑6 hours, with additional time for multiple endings.

Do I need an internet connection to play?

An internet connection is only required for initial download and updates; the game can be played offline.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →
Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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Target AudiencePlayers who love narrative‑driven, emotional indie games

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