Pretty great review, despite the way it starts out (presumably just to establish some preconceived notions before it knocks them down). I commented on a link to this review on reddit [http://www.reddit.com/r/katawashoujo/comments/odef4/probably_the_best_ks_review_ive_read_so_far/c3gcw9s], if you want to read it.
Deskimus Prime Skips A Beat with Katawa Shoujo
- Thread starter Deskimus Prime
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Heh, thanks! I barely expected this to last half a day, let alone bring in the response it did. When I wrote the opening the general opinion was..."less than responsive," so I thought I'd have to tailor it a bit to reflect that. Turns out they beat me to it, it just tickles me in my special place seeing all those comments on the Escapist news article doing a complete 180 after a few days.V2Blast said:
The more the merrier, if there's enough of us that makes us the majority and therefore our opinions become facts!Pyramid Head said:
My poor print screen button, though. I took over a hundred screenshots and then chewed off my own fingers trying to pick just half a dozen. You have no idea how hard it was not to just dump all the best CGs all at once, but I gotta save something for the people just picking this up.
Another night and I find myself right back to this thread with something to add. 
As I was playing through a couple more characters (Finished Hanako's story and on act 3 of Lilly's arc), I found one of the most intriguing things about this is how Hisao changes depending on which route you follow. While following Emi's he turns out one way, but following Hanako's path makes him almost a completely different character, and in Lilly's he seems to be changing yet again. It's surprising how they took in to account all the decisions you make not only in how the girls react to Hisao, but also how he reacts to the side characters, how he does in class, and so on. I'm not sure if this sort of thing is normal for the genre, but I was rather impressed by it.
As I was playing through a couple more characters (Finished Hanako's story and on act 3 of Lilly's arc), I found one of the most intriguing things about this is how Hisao changes depending on which route you follow. While following Emi's he turns out one way, but following Hanako's path makes him almost a completely different character, and in Lilly's he seems to be changing yet again. It's surprising how they took in to account all the decisions you make not only in how the girls react to Hisao, but also how he reacts to the side characters, how he does in class, and so on. I'm not sure if this sort of thing is normal for the genre, but I was rather impressed by it.
This game is quite literally the best game I have ever played story wise. Every once in awhile a game might tug on my heart strings a little bit, but this game was like a symphony. The music was also absolutely spot on.
I've finished all the the routes for the "true endings," because I hate bad endings. Personally I like Rin's the best by miles. If i were to rank them it would be Rin, Lilly, Hanako, Emi then Shizune. Shizune's seemed a bit lack luster while Rin's was just so absolutely perfectly done.
I honestly have to consider this the best game I've ever played, even though it's more a story, with game aspects. Rather it's more a pick your own path book, but details. I am a sucker for a good story, and this was beyond a good story. I really wish 4leaf would make more games, or other companies would take note of just how great the story in this game is.
I've finished all the the routes for the "true endings," because I hate bad endings. Personally I like Rin's the best by miles. If i were to rank them it would be Rin, Lilly, Hanako, Emi then Shizune. Shizune's seemed a bit lack luster while Rin's was just so absolutely perfectly done.
I honestly have to consider this the best game I've ever played, even though it's more a story, with game aspects. Rather it's more a pick your own path book, but details. I am a sucker for a good story, and this was beyond a good story. I really wish 4leaf would make more games, or other companies would take note of just how great the story in this game is.
I actually gave the game a go, it's pretty true. Not the greatest in my opinion (but then I'm not one for dating games anyway) and it's darn slow... but as an illustrated narrative, it's darn good.
I was doing a little thinking about it, and I think they're actually going for the complete reverse of what's expected for the Act 1 choices.Apollo45 said:Another night and I find myself right back to this thread with something to add.
As I was playing through a couple more characters (Finished Hanako's story and on act 3 of Lilly's arc), I found one of the most intriguing things about this is how Hisao changes depending on which route you follow. While following Emi's he turns out one way, but following Hanako's path makes him almost a completely different character, and in Lilly's he seems to be changing yet again. It's surprising how they took in to account all the decisions you make not only in how the girls react to Hisao, but also how he reacts to the side characters, how he does in class, and so on. I'm not sure if this sort of thing is normal for the genre, but I was rather impressed by it.
Instead of "pick the choices of the girl you're interested in," it seems more like you're shaping Hisao's character to make him more attractive to whichever girl. For instance, the Risk game for Student Council. He acts much more outgoing and aggressive, and Shizune's route reflects that. Hanako's route has you hiding out in the library becoming a shut-in bookworm. The deciding choice for Emi is to push yourself on the track, something that's a little stupid given his heart condition, but starts you down the path to being physically active, and a fair bit of determination to boot.
Anyway, just a thought I had sparked by what you said. It's not like you're a generic faceless MC capable of wooing anything with a vagina, it's more like Hisao's personality is "set" at the beginning of each girl's route to make him more compatible with her, and a more believable relationship.
I like you, KS devs.
I love this game. I didn't follow the development and I'm generally dismissive about eroge... Hell I didn't even read any reviews beforehand. And I'm really glad I didn't because the game literary blew my mind.
I've spent 8 hours on it so far. The story feels organic, like something that can actually happen (slim as the chances may be) and I think it does a good job of making the whole ordeal seem natural. I like the way the game approaches sex and sexuality it feels part of the story not just some tacked on crap.
On the first go I hooked the main character with Emi, it's not that I wanted to, mind, but I would feel a bit guilty if I deprived Hisao of his exercise and good health. So my decisions were lead by my conscience and the game actually made me empathize with the main character and I really can't remember when was the last time a game made me do that. Oh and that scene near the ending of Emi storyline made me tear up (quite) a bit.
I've spent 8 hours on it so far. The story feels organic, like something that can actually happen (slim as the chances may be) and I think it does a good job of making the whole ordeal seem natural. I like the way the game approaches sex and sexuality it feels part of the story not just some tacked on crap.
On the first go I hooked the main character with Emi, it's not that I wanted to, mind, but I would feel a bit guilty if I deprived Hisao of his exercise and good health. So my decisions were lead by my conscience and the game actually made me empathize with the main character and I really can't remember when was the last time a game made me do that. Oh and that scene near the ending of Emi storyline made me tear up (quite) a bit.
This game is good. It's one of the first mediums to really display true forming of relationship couples. It's given me a great deal to reflect on.
Also, I like how it represents and explains people with disabilities. It is respectful, yet doesn't dodge the issues either.
If you think this game sounds bad, like some weird fetish trip, then this is all I ask of you. Just play the first act.
It'll take you like 40 minutes. There's no mature content in the first act, and while you'll spend time with a pair of people, you won't get into any dating stuff.
Just give the first act a shot. After that, do whatever you please.
Also, I like how it represents and explains people with disabilities. It is respectful, yet doesn't dodge the issues either.
If you think this game sounds bad, like some weird fetish trip, then this is all I ask of you. Just play the first act.
It'll take you like 40 minutes. There's no mature content in the first act, and while you'll spend time with a pair of people, you won't get into any dating stuff.
Just give the first act a shot. After that, do whatever you please.
Eeyup. I'm basically in love with Emi, and playing a different route made me feel bad, heh.
This is really one of the most emotional stories I've ever read. It is incredible.
This is really one of the most emotional stories I've ever read. It is incredible.
well you had better luck than meApollo45 said:
I went for Hanako on my first attempt
got the bad ending of getting drunk with Kenji and falling off the roof
I believe that every path had a different writer, hence the personality shifts between them. Take that with a grain of salt though. I want to see Lilly's story next (only did Emi's so far).Apollo45 said:Another night and I find myself right back to this thread with something to add.
As I was playing through a couple more characters (Finished Hanako's story and on act 3 of Lilly's arc), I found one of the most intriguing things about this is how Hisao changes depending on which route you follow. While following Emi's he turns out one way, but following Hanako's path makes him almost a completely different character, and in Lilly's he seems to be changing yet again. It's surprising how they took in to account all the decisions you make not only in how the girls react to Hisao, but also how he reacts to the side characters, how he does in class, and so on. I'm not sure if this sort of thing is normal for the genre, but I was rather impressed by it.
I'll take that explanation too. It really fits. When you take Emi's route, you have to answer that you WILL run on the track the next day instead of dancing around it. That allows Hisao to push himself when running so he can begin Emi's story. If you go "maybe" then the option to run harder is closed off entirely.Deskimus Prime said:
I created an account just so I could share this:
First off, I just want to thank the developers for creating such an honest and incredible game.
Secondly, I want to thank my fellow fans for sharing their feelings towards the game. It amazes me how similar my feelings are to others to have played this.
So I guess this is where I share my experience.
To begin with, I've always tried to steer clear of most VN's. None of them caught my interest, and I felt that most were just merely fan service. When I began reading about KS on Kotaku and various other news websites, I have to say, I was turned off by all the negativity. Then, after reading your review Deskimus, I was blown away at the effect it had on you and the other readers. Needless to say it intrigued me, and I decided to give it a go for myself. 5 hours later, I had gone through one of the biggest emotional roller coasters that i had ever experienced. Hanako's story made me laugh, cry, stop and think, cry some more, and look back at my own life more than any other novel/story/movie has ever done. It made me realize so many things about myself that I didn't know, and it made me look at my life and evaluate it. It has made me rethink every aspect of my life; namely, how I treat others. I was so heartbroken at how Hanako felt about the world, and about herself. At that moment, if I could have, I would have done anything for her, even it was just to tell her that everything was alright. Then I remembered that I was just playing a game. But calling it a game seems so... wrong. It has been much more than a game to me. It has been a life experience.
Not only has it made me rethink how I live my life and treat others, it has made me re-evaluate my relationship with my wife. Now that i think about it, I think the reason that I subconsciously chose to go with Lilly/Hanako is because they are the ones that reminded me the most of my love. Minus the burns and blindness, my wife bears a striking resemblance to Lilly, and her personality is similar to that of Hanako (shy, awkward at times, and such a treasure once you get to know her). After playing through Hanako's happy ending, at first I felt a tinge of sadness. Now that it was over, that meant I had to move on. That meant that I couldn't go any further with her. That meant that she was nothing more than a figment of pixels on my screen. Then I realized that I already had a Hanako in my life. Someone who I wanted to make sure was the happiest woman in the world. Someone who I wanted to give everything to. This thought hit me like a train, and I realized that not only had I taken for granted everything that I had, but I had so much more than I ever could have asked for. Someone who loved me for who I was, someone who was always there for me, someone who if I lost, I would have no more reason to go on living. Keep in mind, we are both in our mid-20's, but when you find someone for whom you care so deeply about, the ominous reminder that you could lose them in an instant is always there. Even now, as I write these words, I can't bring myself to think about it. But this game helped me see past that. Yes, it's possible that I could lose her, but why dwell on that when I have her, living, now.
I'm not sure why, but it gives me a feeling of settlement for having written these words. It's given me a chance to share these feelings and get them (literally) off my chest. This game has brought me more than I could have asked for, and has been a stark reminder of what I have, and what I should be to others.
I apologize if what I shared was too much. But this is what Katawa Shoujo did for me.
This is why it's much more than a game.
First off, I just want to thank the developers for creating such an honest and incredible game.
Secondly, I want to thank my fellow fans for sharing their feelings towards the game. It amazes me how similar my feelings are to others to have played this.
So I guess this is where I share my experience.
To begin with, I've always tried to steer clear of most VN's. None of them caught my interest, and I felt that most were just merely fan service. When I began reading about KS on Kotaku and various other news websites, I have to say, I was turned off by all the negativity. Then, after reading your review Deskimus, I was blown away at the effect it had on you and the other readers. Needless to say it intrigued me, and I decided to give it a go for myself. 5 hours later, I had gone through one of the biggest emotional roller coasters that i had ever experienced. Hanako's story made me laugh, cry, stop and think, cry some more, and look back at my own life more than any other novel/story/movie has ever done. It made me realize so many things about myself that I didn't know, and it made me look at my life and evaluate it. It has made me rethink every aspect of my life; namely, how I treat others. I was so heartbroken at how Hanako felt about the world, and about herself. At that moment, if I could have, I would have done anything for her, even it was just to tell her that everything was alright. Then I remembered that I was just playing a game. But calling it a game seems so... wrong. It has been much more than a game to me. It has been a life experience.
Not only has it made me rethink how I live my life and treat others, it has made me re-evaluate my relationship with my wife. Now that i think about it, I think the reason that I subconsciously chose to go with Lilly/Hanako is because they are the ones that reminded me the most of my love. Minus the burns and blindness, my wife bears a striking resemblance to Lilly, and her personality is similar to that of Hanako (shy, awkward at times, and such a treasure once you get to know her). After playing through Hanako's happy ending, at first I felt a tinge of sadness. Now that it was over, that meant I had to move on. That meant that I couldn't go any further with her. That meant that she was nothing more than a figment of pixels on my screen. Then I realized that I already had a Hanako in my life. Someone who I wanted to make sure was the happiest woman in the world. Someone who I wanted to give everything to. This thought hit me like a train, and I realized that not only had I taken for granted everything that I had, but I had so much more than I ever could have asked for. Someone who loved me for who I was, someone who was always there for me, someone who if I lost, I would have no more reason to go on living. Keep in mind, we are both in our mid-20's, but when you find someone for whom you care so deeply about, the ominous reminder that you could lose them in an instant is always there. Even now, as I write these words, I can't bring myself to think about it. But this game helped me see past that. Yes, it's possible that I could lose her, but why dwell on that when I have her, living, now.
I'm not sure why, but it gives me a feeling of settlement for having written these words. It's given me a chance to share these feelings and get them (literally) off my chest. This game has brought me more than I could have asked for, and has been a stark reminder of what I have, and what I should be to others.
I apologize if what I shared was too much. But this is what Katawa Shoujo did for me.
This is why it's much more than a game.
I...wow. Thank you. Just...thank you.AHumbledFan said:
This was everything I hoped I could do in writing that review; if I could convince even one person to try it, and it would have the same effect on them as it did me, then I'd know it was worth it.
Hearing this from you is indescribably heartwarming. I hope nothing but the best for you and your wife. Remember, the thing about Hanako's route is that it doesn't so much end as start something new.
It's like a short burst of concentrated life experiences. Like a little taste of what your life or someone else's life might have been, and all the wisdom and knowledge and well, mistakes that come with it. All I can ask is that more developers, writers learn from this and that someday soon we get more of this kind of experience.AHumbledFan said:
No...Thank you. Please keep doing what you do. And thank you for taking the time to write these reviews.Deskimus Prime said:
I hope more authors do take these into consideration as well. This is definitely a rare gem among a sea of garbage. Hopefully, more developers will strive to do what KS has done and continues to do.
I totally know what you mean... It is one of the most heart wrenching things I have ever experienced. Makes you think, doesn't it?...Caramel Frappe said:.. I.. I just finished.. the Hanako arc..
<spoiler=.. My reaction after>
Caramel Frappe said:.. I.. I just finished.. the Hanako arc..
<spoiler=.. My reaction after>
This arc, was the saddest.. story, no.. saddest plot I have ever heard in any game, movie, book... it's on this. Hands down. I mean, at first the drama between chapters 2-3 were just depressing and made my heart felt like the strings were being pulled...
But in chapter 4 where Hanako confesses it all, to where she gets on her knees breaking down saying she is sorry for being useless and that she felt like she was going to lose everything completely... I cried. Right there. Cried seeing her in such despair. Holy crap, I am so fragile right now I can't believe a Dating Sims game got me to cry like this!!
I felt horrible. Even though it's my main character doing the events (Hisao of course), I felt like it was me who took advantage of her during the sex scene. When she said she only allowed him to advance and do that due to not wanting to feel useless, I felt so utterly crappy my heart skipped a beat. Crap, just... crap man.. But the ending made me smile. I'm so so glad they worked it out, and it was far to cute. I'm still crying though.. and I still got more arcs to see. The stories are just way to well done.
I don't think that was the only point made during the sex scene. I think it also served as a way to increase Hanako's self esteem and stop her from being so shy around people and also as a way to show that she doesn't think of Hisao as just a father or brother figure.
