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Subject: Look to the past: Katawa Shoujo

So about a year ago, 4chan released a videogame. What? What yous aaay?

Yeah, 4chan, the hive of the internet, got together their artists, game programmers, music makers, and whatnot, and made a video game. And not just any video game, a 20+ hour long visual novel with four plus writers.

With a team consisting of 20 plus members, it was the first project of its kind. And the game was free. No cost to anybody, and was a fan creation based on the last page of a doujin. A doujin artist said in a page "I'd totally play a game called Katawa Shojou where you could date disabled girls!". And so 4chan answered years later.

After 5 years in development, Katawa Shojou was released in 2011. And 4chan, and the general internet exploded. It was everywhere. Even here on Bungie.net. Everyone was talking about 4chan and this game and the scale of the project.

The game itself? Great. Although the writing is not as good as an average novel, you really can't beat the price of free. And you can't say you've ever played a videogame where you date crippled girls. It was unique. And damn was it good. At least...if you went the right routes.

The general consensus is that of the 5 "routes" (paths you can take in the story), Hanako (burnt face) and Rin (no arms) have the best writing, and the most compelling stories. Then it goes Lilly (blind girl), Emi (no legs), and Shizune (deaf/mute) in dead last. I went Hanako's route, and probably like many people, I even shed a tear. I wouldn't be the first person to shed a tear for a game, although that's how deep the story was.

Some people on the internet though took the game way too seriously. Videos were posted on the internet of people actually in love with the characters from the game, going as far as to post youtube videos literally CRYING while confessing their love to a fictional character.

And now, a year later? Nobody really talks about the game anymore, which means it's a good time to look to the past. I might replay it. I never did any other route, only Hanako's, so I have no idea what the other routes are. Have you played it? Thoughts? Routes? No spoilers here, thanks.

[Edited on 12.03.2012 12:35 AM PST]

  • 12.03.2012 12:32 AM PDT

Gamertag: KoB Kuro Yakobi

Im a anime fan. If you every need a anime recommendation just PM me. Currently watched over 280 anime.

Great game Hanako is by far my favorite route.

  • 12.03.2012 12:43 AM PDT


Posted by: Zombie Governor
going as far as to post youtube videos literally CRYING while confessing their love to a fictional character.


i couldn't finish the video. i had to stop it.
faith in humanity - 1000000.

also, the game was released in january of this year. it hasn't been a year. smh

  • 12.03.2012 12:45 AM PDT


The general consensus is that of the 5 "routes" (paths you can take in the story), Hanako (burnt face) and Rin (no arms) have the best writing, and the most compelling stories. Then it goes Lilly (blind girl), Emi (no legs), and Shizune (deaf/mute) in dead last.


*Reads this and is about to -blam!- at OP for how wrong he is until reading.*

I never did any other route, only Hanako's, so I have no idea what the other routes are. Have you played it? Thoughts? Routes? No spoilers here, thanks.


How can you even say which is worst and best without even playing all the routes? As for your questions I have played it did all routes. Personally Rin's was the most lackluster imo. As for the others I really enjoyed it and rating them would be a pain in the ass.

  • 12.03.2012 12:51 AM PDT


Posted by: Jin Kisaragi

Posted by: Zombie Governor
going as far as to post youtube videos literally CRYING while confessing their love to a fictional character.


i couldn't finish the video. i had to stop it.
faith in humanity - 1000000.

also, the game was released in january of this year. it hasn't been a year. smh

You should finish the video it is quite funny.

  • 12.03.2012 12:52 AM PDT
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Babbies first VN.

Seriously, the thing was mediocre and doesn't deserve half the praise it gets.

  • 12.03.2012 12:53 AM PDT


Posted by: Mr Pinata
Babbies first VN.

Seriously, the thing was mediocre and doesn't deserve half the praise it gets.

Meh there are far worse VN's to start with and/or play.

  • 12.03.2012 12:54 AM PDT


Posted by: What Is This1
How can you even say which is worst and best without even playing all the routes? As for your questions I have played it did all routes. Personally Rin's was the most lackluster imo. As for the others I really enjoyed it and rating them would be a pain in the ass.


First off, I want to say that I never did any other route at the time because the first time I played it, I got Hanako's "good" ending (not best) which kind of ticked me off because I did the choices I would have done irl. (which is how you should do VNs the first time through anyway imo). I had to reload to do the best ending, and so i was like "Okay. i'm done". I considered doing other routes, but after thinking about it, Hanako was probably my favorite character, and letting her suffer the entire game (which she essentially does) just so I could go some other route would have made me feel bad.

That, and of the discussions I see about the game on NeoGAF and such, a LOT of people said that the worst route is Shizune's, that everyone except Hanako has pointless adult scenes that don't even make sense. (Hanako's, on the other hand, is actually somewhat relevant to the plot so you miss out on a plot element by skipping it). I don't want to deal with that crap, so if I did do those routes i'd have to toggle that crap off. Finally, the other routes/characters just didn't interest me enough to try them out.

I am considering replaying the game though, and wondering which route I should do if I do. Probably Lilly.


Posted by: Mr Pinata
Babbies first VN.

Seriously, the thing was mediocre and doesn't deserve half the praise it gets.


What's your take on Saya?

[Edited on 12.03.2012 1:05 AM PST]

  • 12.03.2012 1:05 AM PDT

If you can read this, that means I'm not a Shaolin monk...

yet.

Sounds like a really lame game

  • 12.03.2012 1:08 AM PDT


Posted by: Zombie Governor
First off, I want to say that I never did any other route at the time because the first time I played it, I got Hanako's "good" ending (not best) which kind of ticked me off because I did the choices I would have done irl. (which is how you should do VNs the first time through anyway imo). I had to reload to do the best ending, and so i was like "Okay. i'm done". I considered doing other routes, but after thinking about it, Hanako was probably my favorite character, and letting her suffer the entire game (which she essentially does) just so I could go some other route would have made me feel bad.

That, and of the discussions I see about the game on NeoGAF and such, a LOT of people said that the worst route is Shizune's, that everyone except Hanako has pointless adult scenes that don't even make sense. (Hanako's, on the other hand, is actually somewhat relevant to the plot so you miss out on a plot element by skipping it). I don't want to deal with that crap, so if I did do those routes i'd have to toggle that crap off. Finally, the other routes/characters just didn't interest me enough to try them out.

I am considering replaying the game though, and wondering which route I should do if I do. Probably Lilly.

I can kind of see why people would say Shizune's is the worst due to her attitude, but really I didn't have an issue with that. Instead I enjoyed how you got to communicate with her over time without Misha. As for sex scenes being necessary or unnecessary that really is up for debate seeing as it is an adult VN and those kinds of things are expected. If you don't want them and have good stories play a VN made by Key otherwise there really is no point in -blam!-ing about them. If anything I think the people that do should be happy there is even an option to turn it off. As for Lilly unfortunately I would have to say choosing that route actually helps out Hanako more in the end than Hanako's route itself. Lilly really is probably one of the lower routes due to the focus is more so on her and Hanako, but you could argue that for Shizune and Misha if you want to. Then Hanako's sex scene being needed is debatable.

  • 12.03.2012 1:14 AM PDT

As for Lilly unfortunately I would have to say choosing that route actually helps out Hanako more in the end than Hanako's route itself

Well, the thing is, most of the characters end up being fine if you go another route from what I know. Hanako, though, not really. She's suffering in almost every route from what i've read. I'll have to check Lilly's out sometime.

Then Hanako's sex scene being needed is debatable.

Look, I know a lot of the well-known VNs and good ones have sex scenes. Except for crap like Steins;Gate because it was released on xbox, stuff like Nitro+ releases (Saya, Phantom, etc.) have those kinds of scenes.

However, there is a mature way of going about the scenes, and an immature way of doing it. The mature way is generally how it's done in movies or novels. Immature is what it appears to be the case in a lot in KS. I've heard about a cringe-worthy scene with Emi and equally disturbing scenes with Lilly.

For Hanako, though? It was done in a mature way. It was just that one segment, it was very brief, and in my opinion done pretty well. It actually shoved the plot's entire main problem in the spotlight and paved the way for the final stretch of the story. Without that scene, the events that happen after might confuse you.

[Edited on 12.03.2012 1:43 AM PST]

  • 12.03.2012 1:42 AM PDT
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Posted by: Qbix89
Talking about Sweden is an ultrabannable offense.

Posted by: Achronos
Too bad being completely and utterly wrong isn't a bannable offense.

A lot of people completely miss the point with this game.

I found it helped me to understand myself. Did Rin's route first go.

I didn't go "OMG I WANT A GIRLFRIEND LIKE HER BAAAWW" at the end; I realised how similar she was to me and helped me realise my opinion on art and motivating myself and all that crap. Might've been the first step to helping me out of depression.

I played all the other routes and they're all good depending on your opinion. Don't listen to the internet about how Lilly is a -blam!- or how Shizune's route was the worst or what-ever-the--blam!-, just play it and decide for yourself.

  • 12.03.2012 1:58 AM PDT



Well, the thing is, most of the characters end up being fine if you go another route from what I know. Hanako, though, not really. She's suffering in almost every route from what i've read. I'll have to check Lilly's out sometime.

Not really all the routes can more or less be divided up into pairs. Rin with Emi, Lilly with Hanako, and Shizune with Misha (even though Misha doesn't have a route, but that is explained eventually). As for being fine you really can't say that due to after the fist act most other characters other than the girl in their pair is more or less forgotten with a few exceptions like Lilly and Shizune.

Look, I know a lot of the well-known VNs and good ones have sex scenes. Except for crap like Steins;Gate because it was released on xbox, stuff like Nitro+ releases (Saya, Phantom, etc.) have those kinds of scenes.

However, there is a mature way of going about the scenes, and an immature way of doing it. The mature way is generally how it's done in movies or novels. Immature is what it appears to be the case in a lot in KS. I've heard about a cringe-worthy scene with Emi and equally disturbing scenes with Lilly.

For Hanako, though? It was done in a mature way. It was just that one segment, it was very brief, and in my opinion done pretty well. It actually shoved the plot's entire main problem in the spotlight and paved the way for the final stretch of the story. Without that scene, the events that happen after might confuse you.

As for mature ways of dealing with sex scenes I do agree there are many different ways to deal with them. Though in the end you have to realize it is a high school and kids in high school often have sex when in a relationship. Thinking of it from that perspective really make them all out of the ordinary. Then Hanako's being mature not really it was essentially pity sex. Also as I mentioned before there are a lot of VN's without sex scenes that have good stories as I already mentioned look up Key they make a lot of VN's in that category.

  • 12.03.2012 2:09 AM PDT


Posted by: Garshne
A lot of people completely miss the point with this game.

I found it helped me to understand myself. Did Rin's route first go.

I didn't go "OMG I WANT A GIRLFRIEND LIKE HER BAAAWW" at the end; I realised how similar she was to me and helped me realise my opinion on art and motivating myself and all that crap. Might've been the first step to helping me out of depression.

I played all the other routes and they're all good depending on your opinion. Don't listen to the internet about how Lilly is a -blam!- or how Shizune's route was the worst or what-ever-the--blam!-, just play it and decide for yourself.

I agree completely it is best to do the routes yourself and make up your own mind. When I did Rin's route I was expecting it to be great, but really it was probably my least favorite route. Then as you said Shizune's is suppose to be crap, but I enjoyed it for the most part. Also I do agree with the gf thing I really don't think that is what people should be getting out of the game.

  • 12.03.2012 2:12 AM PDT
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Posted by: Qbix89
Talking about Sweden is an ultrabannable offense.

Posted by: Achronos
Too bad being completely and utterly wrong isn't a bannable offense.

Posted by: What Is This1
Posted by: Garshne
A lot of people completely miss the point with this game.

I found it helped me to understand myself. Did Rin's route first go.

I didn't go "OMG I WANT A GIRLFRIEND LIKE HER BAAAWW" at the end; I realised how similar she was to me and helped me realise my opinion on art and motivating myself and all that crap. Might've been the first step to helping me out of depression.

I played all the other routes and they're all good depending on your opinion. Don't listen to the internet about how Lilly is a -blam!- or how Shizune's route was the worst or what-ever-the--blam!-, just play it and decide for yourself.

I agree completely it is best to do the routes yourself and make up your own mind. When I did Rin's route I was expecting it to be great, but really it was probably my least favorite route. Then as you said Shizune's is suppose to be crap, but I enjoyed it for the most part. Also I do agree with the gf thing I really don't think that is what people should be getting out of the game.
Everyone has reasons to like and not like something.

If you can't relate you won't find it enjoyable and that's simple.

The amount of people raging over it is completely astounding, though.

"OMFG HOW CULD U DO RIN'S ROOTE SHE'S SUCH A PRETENTIOUS -blam!- -blam!- YOU LILLY IS THE BEST"
"OMFG SHIZUNE IS A -blam!- UGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH"
"I LOVE HANAKO HATERZ CNA GO DIE"

  • 12.03.2012 2:15 AM PDT

Per Audacia Ad Astra

Posted by: Zombie Governor
4chan released a videogame.
Posted by: Zombie Governora
20+ hour long visual novel
-four plus writers
-team consisting of 20 plus members
-first project of its kind
-the game was free
-no cost to anybody
Posted by: Zombie Governor
a game called Katawa Shojou where you could date disabled girls
Posted by: Zombie Governora
date disabled girls
*facepalm*

  • 12.03.2012 2:17 AM PDT
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Posted by: Qbix89
Talking about Sweden is an ultrabannable offense.

Posted by: Achronos
Too bad being completely and utterly wrong isn't a bannable offense.

Posted by: Bungie Sam
Posted by: Zombie Governor
4chan released a videogame.
Posted by: Zombie Governora
20+ hour long visual novel
-four plus writers
-team consisting of 20 plus members
-first project of its kind
-the game was free
-no cost to anybody
Posted by: Zombie Governor
a game called Katawa Shojou where you could date disabled girls
Posted by: Zombie Governora
date disabled girls
*facepalm*
bungy sam confirmed 4 hitler

[Edited on 12.03.2012 2:19 AM PST]

  • 12.03.2012 2:19 AM PDT

Per Audacia Ad Astra

Posted by: Garshne
bungy sam confirmed 4 hitler
I lol'd.

It's a terrible generic weird game, play it if you want to.
But I never will.

  • 12.03.2012 2:21 AM PDT
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Posted by: Qbix89
Talking about Sweden is an ultrabannable offense.

Posted by: Achronos
Too bad being completely and utterly wrong isn't a bannable offense.

Posted by: Bungie Sam
Posted by: Garshne
bungy sam confirmed 4 hitler
I lol'd.

It's a terrible generic weird game, play it if you want to.
But I never will.
Oohp forgot to add:Posted by: Garshne
bungy sam confirmed 4 hitler #2012

  • 12.03.2012 2:22 AM PDT


Posted by: What Is This1
Also I do agree with the gf thing I really don't think that is what people should be getting out of the game.


I got that too. The game in general is about seeing people past their disabilities, sure, but the art style of the game makes it kind of hard for Hanako's route. Her scars look, kind of cute in the game, and makes the character look approachable. In real life, if you saw someone with those scars on half the body for the first time, you wouldn't be feeling that same way. Other than that, Hanako's route is clearly about learning to not be a white knight and letting people be themselves. Or something like that.


Posted by: Garshne
"OMFG HOW CULD U DO RIN'S ROOTE SHE'S SUCH A PRETENTIOUS -blam!- -blam!- YOU LILLY IS THE BEST"
"OMFG SHIZUNE IS A -blam!- UGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH"
"I LOVE HANAKO HATERZ CNA GO DIE"


That's less a problem with KS and more of a problem with "waifu-ism" in general. People have started treating "waifus" like some kind of religion so that's why you see these types of comments come up. Thats its own issue though and I don't want to derail the thread. I'll just refer you to this educational video on the subject.


Posted by: Bungie Sam
Posted by: Garshne
bungy sam confirmed 4 hitler
I lol'd.

It's a terrible generic weird game, play it if you want to.
But I never will.


Sounds like you'd like the game. Haters that actually play Katawa Shoujo for the first time actually end up liking it, even though, as other posters have indicated, it's not that great.

[Edited on 12.03.2012 2:25 AM PST]

  • 12.03.2012 2:24 AM PDT

Per Audacia Ad Astra

Posted by: Zombie Governor
Sounds like you'd like the game. Haters that actually play Katawa Shoujo for the first time actually end up liking it, even though, as other posters have indicated, it's not that great.
Wrong.

I only play 3D games, and I hate anime. That about sums it up!

  • 12.03.2012 2:28 AM PDT
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Posted by: Qbix89
Talking about Sweden is an ultrabannable offense.

Posted by: Achronos
Too bad being completely and utterly wrong isn't a bannable offense.

Posted by: Zombie Governor
Posted by: What Is This1
Also I do agree with the gf thing I really don't think that is what people should be getting out of the game.


I got that too. The game in general is about seeing people past their disabilities, sure, but the art style of the game makes it kind of hard for Hanako's route. Her scars look, kind of cute in the game, and makes the character look approachable. In real life, if you saw someone with those scars on half the body for the first time, you wouldn't be feeling that same way. Other than that, Hanako's route is clearly about learning to not be a white knight and letting people be themselves. Or something like that.
This mindset + the other routes = enjoyment

There's a moral to be had in every route if you pay attention.

Just try to see it as a separate story with the same characters. A different person wrote each route (for the most part) and they really don't cross-reference or match up with the other routes at all. Easier to consider them separate canons.

Anyway, I feel they're all pretty well written, but that's as a writer myself who can see through it all. If you enjoy it is up to you, but they're all good.

  • 12.03.2012 2:28 AM PDT


Posted by: Zombie Governor
I got that too. The game in general is about seeing people past their disabilities, sure, but the art style of the game makes it kind of hard for Hanako's route. Her scars look, kind of cute in the game, and makes the character look approachable. In real life, if you saw someone with those scars on half the body for the first time, you wouldn't be feeling that same way. Other than that, Hanako's route is clearly about learning to not be a white knight and letting people be themselves. Or something like that.

True the art helps a decent amount which is when writing becomes more important. For the most part the game has a lot of themes people can relate to along with personality types. Considering that the game was made entirely for free it is actually pretty impressive what they were able to accomplish.

  • 12.03.2012 2:32 AM PDT

Posted by: Bungie Sam
Posted by: Zombie Governor
Sounds like you'd like the game. Haters that actually play Katawa Shoujo for the first time actually end up liking it, even though, as other posters have indicated, it's not that great.
Wrong.

I only play 3D games, and I hate anime. That about sums it up!


Not really. There are a ton of people just like you who hated anime but somehow liked this game.

Hell, the first youtube comment I see on the video linked in the OP:
I came into this out of morbid curiosity. I -blam!- hated anime. I posted on message boards about how stupid manga was. I started up the game, ready to laugh at it, but -blam!- Rin. I started a -blam!- diary because of what Rin says in this game. I don't even know anymore. I feel so ashamed.
Ruhgl 1 month ago

(It's worth noting that this post, about how the commenter started a diary because of the game, echoes what some of the other posters have been saying about the purpose of the game.)

This video sums you up pretty nicely.

When curiosity bites the cat for you, here's the link for the official website of the game.

Either way, suit yourself. There's no need to set those kinds of barriers on what games you play. That's stupid.

  • 12.03.2012 2:47 AM PDT

I make a living of selling my body, and I don't mean sex.


Posted by: Bungie Sam
Posted by: Zombie Governor
Sounds like you'd like the game. Haters that actually play Katawa Shoujo for the first time actually end up liking it, even though, as other posters have indicated, it's not that great.
Wrong.

I only play 3D games, and I hate anime. That about sums it up!
Hating on Dragon Ball Z? You steppn across deh line.

  • 12.03.2012 3:12 AM PDT

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