Poll: Katawa Shoujo: Not Sleezy fetish Sim

[NovaCascade]

Anyone who is on the fence about this game should read this article - http://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/01/unexpected-sincerity-disabilities-girls-and-katawa-shoujo/

Before I read it, I had written off the game as one of those creepy Japanese fetish games that shouldn't see the light of day. Hearing that it was made by people on 4chan didn't help either. But after reading this article I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about it. I decided to give it a go, downloaded it last night. I haven't had much of a chance to get very far, but I am already admitting to myself that I had judged this game way too soon. By the sounds of what everyone else has written, and what I've seen of the game so far, it looks to be a very thoughtful take on the subject. I hope everyone gives this game a chance. I'm glad I did

 

[God's Clown]

Well, I said in another topic on this game, some games may tug at my heart strings, but this game was like a full blown symphony. I genuinely like all of the girls, if they were real, I would have a crush on every one of them.

At the end of the day though, Rin is by far my favorite. That was an up down rollercoaster of epic story telling. I can't commend the author of Rin's story enough. Lilly is my second favorite, the story is also very well done, and I genuine feel like Hasio and Lilly really loved each other truly and completely. Shizune's was the worst, kind of very little on the emotion part. The story seemed more like a casual relationship then the others which were more dramatic, and romantic.

 

[DarkRyter]

I don't think anyone ever said it was. You go on the news thread for it and every post is either "Sweet" or "Okay. Whatever." because that's how people are. Mildly excited or entirely flippant.

I've played it. Great VN. Probably the best VN I've ever played. But I've only ever played this, Clannad, Yume Miru Kusuri, and one route in Shuffle.

 

[Weaver]

Well, I said in another topic on this game, some games may tug at my heart strings, but this game was like a full blown symphony. I genuinely like all of the girls, if they were real, I would have a crush on every one of them.

At the end of the day though, Rin is by far my favorite. That was an up down rollercoaster of epic story telling. I can't commend the author of Rin's story enough. Lilly is my second favorite, the story is also very well down, and I genuine feel like Hasio and Lilly really loved each other truly and completely. Shizune's was the worst, kind of very little on the emotion part. The story seemed more like a casual relationship then the others which were more dramatic, and romantic.

Shizune's route was my least favourite as well. It's a bit disappointing because the dynamic between Hisao, Misha and Shizune had the potential for an incredibly impactful story, but I felt the characters and their relationships just weren't given the depth they could have.

Oh well, I guess that's what happens when each route gets its own writer.

 

[Kajin]

(especially the shed one, you know what I'm talking about...though it was pretty funny)

At least it was lemon flavored.

 

[God's Clown]

Spoiler

Well, I said in another topic on this game, some games may tug at my heart strings, but this game was like a full blown symphony. I genuinely like all of the girls, if they were real, I would have a crush on every one of them.

At the end of the day though, Rin is by far my favorite. That was an up down rollercoaster of epic story telling. I can't commend the author of Rin's story enough. Lilly is my second favorite, the story is also very well down, and I genuine feel like Hasio and Lilly really loved each other truly and completely. Shizune's was the worst, kind of very little on the emotion part. The story seemed more like a casual relationship then the others which were more dramatic, and romantic.

Shizune's route was my least favourite as well. It's a bit disappointing because the dynamic between Hisao, Misha and Shizune had the potential for an incredibly impactful story, but I felt the characters and their relationships just weren't given the depth they could have.

Oh well, I guess that's what happens when each route gets its own writer.

Yea, it definitely had potential, but the author of that particular story really just didn't deliver on the same level as Rin or Lilly. I really hope they eventually join back up to make another VN. This VN has me really interested in VN's now but I just get the feeling none will ever match up to Katawa.

 

[Durgiun]

It's fairly well-written, shows you the lesson it means to convey without being blunt and obvious about it and the numerous endings give incentive to replay the game more than once.

Plus, the art is pretty damn neat as well.

 

[kasperbbs]

I'm not into sims and adding disabled people in it isn't gonna change that, so no, never.

 

[Liberaliter]

I don't care about anything else, I just think the idea of playing a dating sim in general is pretty creepy.

 

[Master Kuja]

Played it, got Rin's good end, was emotionally ripped apart because of how god damn close to home the entire route hit. It's incredibly tasteful, very well done if I'm honest.

I'm honestly not sure what else to add, I've summed up my opinions on KS several times in other threads. It's always cool to discuss it with other people though.

Edit: Oh yeah, Mutou, Hisao's teacher, for side character of the year, all years. The guy's a bro.

I don't care about anything else, I just think the idea of playing a dating sim in general is pretty creepy.

Good job it's not a dating sim then, it's a visual novel, there's a distinct difference.

 

[tobi the good boy]

Ok, I have returned from giving the game at least one playthrough. I have to admit it was handled very well great story, tasteful as people here have commented, amusing and most certainly not some fetish sex thingy.

However I'm a bit disappointed it ended up with some woman I wasn't interested in(to begin with). Rin seemed to be the most interesting and I tried perusing her but... Ended up with Emi which was unexpected to say the least. While I was saddened that I seemed mostly locked out of the others before I knew it was too late I did grow to become rather fond of the character at the end and even found a sense of content so I'm assuming that shows the markings of a good game.

Funnily enough, despite being a story that revolves around the handicapped... I found the main character was the only one that I remembered was actually suffering from a disability and grew to just see everyone else as, well; normal people.

 

[Weaver]

I'm not into sims and adding disabled people in it isn't gonna change that, so no, never.

I don't care about anything else, I just think the idea of playing a dating sim in general is pretty creepy.

Dating sims have you walking aorund town, buying gifts and filling up "love meters" on girls for sex scenes. This is not that in any way at all, it's a Visual Novel.

It's exactly as it sounds; a book with pictures and music. You get to pick certain choices at key areas that direct where the story is going, but it does not simulate dating in any way. Instead, it depicts people falling in love through a strong story with great characterization (in general) and has a great knack for making you care about the characters.

The only reason not to try this game, IMO of course, is if you hate reading or just have literally no free time.

 

[Weaver]

Ok, I have returned from giving the game at least one playthrough. I have to admit it was handled very well great story, tasteful as people here have commented, amusing and most certainly not some fetish sex thingy.

However I'm a bit disappointed it ended up with some woman I wasn't interested in(to begin with). Rin seemed to be the most interesting and I tried perusing her but... Ended up with Emi which was unexpected to say the least. While I was saddened that I seemed mostly locked out of the others before I knew it was too late I did grow to become rather fond of the character at the end and even found a sense of content so I'm assuming that shows the markings of a good game.

Funnily enough, despite being a story that revolves around the handicapped... I found the main character was the only one that I remembered was actually suffering from a disability and grew to just see everyone else as, well; normal people.

I did something similar. I was shooting for Hanako but ended up on the Emi route. It seems you end up on the Emi route when you decide to

Spoiler

push yourself on the track and have a "flare up".

That being said I ended up really liking Emi's route. I found her to be a very multifaceted and well developed character. I ended up relating to her quite more than I initially expected.

 

[tsb247]

I am on the fence as to whether or not to try this game. The subject matter seemed sketchy to me at first, but having read a little more about it, I can see that it appears to be tastefully done. That being said, I am not sure if I really want to give this game a try or not. I may, but it will depend on when they can get their DDL working since I have had issues torrenting things in the past.

 

[DrRockor]

Played it, got Emi's good ending. ADORED this game. I wanna do the other paths, but I'm waiting to sorta "get over" Emi as I'm still attached to her slightly.

I've got that right now and I'm tring to get past by doing Shizunes path.

There is nothing distasteful or sleezy about this game. The fact that the characters have disabilities isn't much part of the personalities.
I very rarely become emotionally invested in a game, film etc. but this really got me about half way through the second act. Cannot recommend it enough

Edit: lilly's ending is nothing short of heart rending

 

[Weaver]

I am on the fence as to whether or not to try this game. The subject matter seemed sketchy to me at first, but having read a little more about it, I can see that it appears to be tastefully done. That being said, I am not sure if I really want to give this game a try or not. I may, but it will depend on when they can get their DDL working since I have had issues torrenting things in the past.

People have made mirrors with direct downloads for when their server is overloaded, however I'm at work so I can't find them for you.

If no one has given you one (or you haven't found one) by time I get home I'll give you one.

 

[RaphaelsRedemption]

I just finished Emi's path, and I loved it. What initially seemed to be a bubbly, cliched character ended up tugging at my heartstrings. Which is amazing, considering I never normally touch romance with a ten foot pole.

I can't emphasise enough just how much I enjoyed this game. I'm going to go back and replay, although I have a feeling I'm not going to top the excitement and interest of my first playthrough with Emi.

 

[MammothBlade]

I found this deep emotional connection with it. Freakin' feminist conspiracy, I tells ya. Shoulda listened to Kenji in the first place! This game will make you feel such deep feelings.

Katawa Shoujo is seriously brilliant. I played through all the storylines just for the girls' touching (no pun intended) stories. It turned out to be nothing like a twisted fetish sim, and much more of an inspirational tale. And I'm pleased with that.

Actually, I haven't followed Shizune's path yet.

 

[Weaver]

I just finished Emi's path, and I loved it. What initially seemed to be a bubbly, cliched character ended up tugging at my heartstrings. Which is amazing, considering I never normally touch romance with a ten foot pole.

I can't emphasise enough just how much I enjoyed this game. I'm going to go back and replay, although I have a feeling I'm not going to top the excitement and interest of my first playthrough with Emi.

I agree there's a certain magic of the unknown the first time you play it. Luckily there is the skip button if you don't feel like re-reading things in the first act. It will stop skipping when you encounter a scene or line of text you haven't before.

That being said the first act can change a lot depending on what you pick, and act 2+ are always their own stories so it feels fresh. However, there are things that can lose their impact on you as a player. For instance seeing Hisao adjusting to the school for a second time is a bit strange because you, as a player, are already used to the setting.

I found the only weak route I've played so far to be Shizune's (done Emi, Hanako, Shizune and doing Lilly's currently, Rin's Tomorrow) and I still really want to see it all. This is from a guy who gets really easily bored with things, so while a second play can be different in some ways it can still tell a great story and really invest the player just as emotionally as your first time.

 

[Baron von Blitztank]

Well, having played Kira Kira (another VN eroge with more plot than porn) I already have some vague idea with what I'm getting myself into. Unfortunately I have exams coming up over the next couple of weeks so until those are done I'm going to have to leave this on my desktop while playing Skyrim in my study breaks (might get too boring reading textbooks and then reading a Visual Novel). Nonetheless I know I'm going to enjoy this!