Shakugan no Shana

The game plays out like a visual novel but with the addition of a battle system and dating sim elements. Choices that are made throughout the course of the game determine which of the five endings the player gets upon completion of the game.

Like most visual novels, much of the game’s duration is spent on reading the text that appears on the screen, which represents the story’s narrative and dialogue. The player will be given chances to choose from multiple options. Sometimes during text progression, an “active countdown” minigame appears, which requires the player to press the game buttons in a specific order in a set time limit. Success or failure in these minigames influence which endings are viewed. During the turn-based battle sequences, the player assumes the role of Shana. The player uses a combination of fire, powers of unrestraint, and treasure tools to battle Crimson Denizens; and Shana is also able to use a special attack and defend.