http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/10/24/heileen.released.for.mac/
Heileen takes gamers to New World
updated 03:25 pm EDT, Fri October 24, 2008
Heileen released for Mac
Tycoon Games has released Heileen, a "visual novel" game following a young girl in the 17th century. The protagonist is forced to undertake a voyage to the New World, meeting friends along the way. Players interact with the storyline on the way to three possible endings. The game plays out over eight chapters, and includes 4,500 screens of dialog.
Requirements for play are only listed as low, and the game costs $20. It is available now via download.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2006
Like Japanese VNs
"Heileen, cute 18 years old english girl...Each choice you make will have a consequence in your relationship with the other crew members..." - Tycoon Games
XD
They're totally taking their cues from Japanese VNs. All the way down to young female protagonists and relationship outcomes based on choices.