On March 14 2012 07:15 Snuggles wrote: Um wow. Katawa Shoujo is my first VN. I just started playing it last week.
You know I've had my jaded views towards VNs. Although I consider it a sign of a high level anime hobbyist, I still thought it was reserved for the very odd or creepy folks of the anime community (sorry guys!). I kept saying to myself, "how could you be obsessed with a simulation of love and not be a little off in the head." Of course now I know better.
I honestly had a lot of mixed feelings after my first playthrough. Overall I was more than satisfied, but at the same time it felt really weird what I had just experienced. I can't seem to put it in words... maybe guilt? Guilt for having your emotions influenced by a VN? I mean of course there's romance books, which of course is the text form relative of VNs, but those are different. You can't really influence the outcome of a book, you simply read and follow it, whereas you as the reader play a huge role. Also your heroine has an appearance by default, you don't picture up your own dream girl.
Well anyways... I could go on and on, but as weirded out as I am right now, I got to say playing Katawa Shoujo was a pretty pleasant experience.
We call that "feels". You get many feels from KS. Share the feels!
Heh, the game still gets me, even after all this time. Shitty day at work yesterday, listening to KS soundtrack on the way home. I replay Lilly's good ending and the scene + Show Spoiler +
where she confesses to you in the field
, felt much better for the rest of the day.
I tear up a little bit every time Sarabande comes on my playlist. Couple other songs too, it's just an amazing soundtrack.
I started playing this a little while ago. I think its very well done for being made by a bunch of anons from 4chan. art, music, writing, im very impressed. it may not be aaa+ quality but who cares really in terms of this context.
i find myself enjoying this VN quite a bit because i can relate alot to the main character, who seems to have this over-endearing need to 'be there' for the various characters in the game; a trait that is very strongly present in my own life.
on my first blind playthrough, i got emi route. i found myself kind of frustrated at the decisions in this game as they arent so clearcut as to their results ... found a playthrough that allows me to enjoy each and all of the stories. some slight spoilers regarding which ending you are heading towards but i dont mind the linearities myself, i just want to enjoy the stories.
On February 22 2012 19:41 Ruscour wrote: Can someone recommend me a VN? Romance preferred, hopefully something where I'm not a goddamn high school kid with no personality.
I've only played KS and YMK, and there's no way I want another Hisao/Kouhei clone.
Seeing as how VNs are typically made targetting a high school to college age audience, that's not going to happen. It's pretty much always going to be a high school kid.
The thing is I know a good VN to recommend you, it's called White Album. Unfortunately for you, it's in japanese only.
If you don't mind high school age; Clannad, Ef A Fairy Tale of the Two and Little Busters are pretty much decent "romance" VNs that are translated into english. Though, Clannad and Little Busters aren't really centered on Romance, they're more slice of life with large romance elements.
On February 22 2012 19:41 Ruscour wrote: Can someone recommend me a VN? Romance preferred, hopefully something where I'm not a goddamn high school kid with no personality.
I've only played KS and YMK, and there's no way I want another Hisao/Kouhei clone.
Seeing as how VNs are typically made targetting a high school to college age audience, that's not going to happen. It's pretty much always going to be a high school kid.
The thing is I know a good VN to recommend you, it's called White Album. Unfortunately for you, it's in japanese only.
If you don't mind high school age; Clannad, Ef A Fairy Tale of the Two and Little Busters are pretty much decent "romance" VNs that are translated into english. Though, Clannad and Little Busters aren't really centered on Romance, they're more slice of life with large romance elements.
I'd second Clannad, although I gotta warn you - It's very long and is a huge emotional rollercoaster. I'm reading Little Busters myself atm but I'm not very impressed by it so far (finished Nishizono's and Kurugaya's routes) and can't really be annoyed to continue. Clannad is most likely gonna require you 90+ hours to complete, but then again, pretty much all the routes are interesting in some way and the true route (Nagisa's) is nothing but amazing.
On April 08 2012 12:25 a176 wrote: I started playing this a little while ago. I think its very well done for being made by a bunch of anons from 4chan. art, music, writing, im very impressed. it may not be aaa+ quality but who cares really in terms of this context.
i find myself enjoying this VN quite a bit because i can relate alot to the main character, who seems to have this over-endearing need to 'be there' for the various characters in the game; a trait that is very strongly present in my own life.
on my first blind playthrough, i got emi route. i found myself kind of frustrated at the decisions in this game as they arent so clearcut as to their results ... found a playthrough that allows me to enjoy each and all of the stories. some slight spoilers regarding which ending you are heading towards but i dont mind the linearities myself, i just want to enjoy the stories.
Most people get Emi on their first playthrough (myself included). I don't think that the decisions not being 100% "clear" is a bad thing though. I enjoyed having to sit down and think some of them through a few times, making them represent character traits and pondering whether the main character of that route might find that trait to be good or bad.
Anyways, KS basically served as a gateway into other VNs and animes for me, now having read Clannad (which i strongly recommend, unless you're absolutely heartbroken and destroyed by feels from Katawa Shoujo (HI OPTICALSHOT)) and Fate/Stay Night (which I recommend, although... ugh Shirou is an idiot). Next up will probably be finishing Little Busters which I find to be somewhat disappointing, but I might just have read the meh parts so far, so I'm slowly continuing...
I'd second Clannad, although I gotta warn you - It's very long and is a huge emotional rollercoaster. I'm reading Little Busters myself atm but I'm not very impressed by it so far (finished Nishizono's and Kurugaya's routes) and can't really be annoyed to continue. Clannad is most likely gonna require you 90+ hours to complete, but then again, pretty much all the routes are interesting in some way and the true route (Nagisa's) is nothing but amazing.
That's because the only point of reading little busters is to read refrain.
I've played VNs before, and saw the title of this one and was like, "cool, let me give that a whirl. I'm all about free."
I had no idea what I was getting into. :o
I got Emi on my first run through, as most people do. Which is awesome, she was my favorite character from the introductions. It's funny, after playing through the episodes, she's still my favorite character, but my God her route was written horribly. I kept waiting for it to throw me a big curveball or something. It didn't. I was sadfaced. Feel like they robbed me of an awesome story with my favorite character. [EDIT for clarity -- I liked the story in and of itself, if it had just been written differently. I felt like I was being treated like I was an idiot for most of it. Like we *didn't* get the fact that + Show Spoiler +
her father was killed in the accident
? Too much buildup for no big reveal. Just stop the buildup and let us revel in the sweetness of it.]
Looked up the guide after that and did the Hanako route next. I feel like this one was the best written, like I was following along with Hisao, and everything he did seemed like logically something I would do, and I was right along with his confusion, then BAM, of course that's how she would feel about it. SO MANY FEELS. T_T
Lilly next. Standard. We all love her to death, she's hard not to like. Best ero scenes. Music Box. Feels.
I finished the Shizune route, but didn't really feel much over this one. It's not like I didn't "get" it, but...it just seemed to lack the impact of the other stories.
Rin land is weird. I'm really having a hard time geting into this one. Partly because I'm coming to realize that Hisao's personality *completely* changes based on whose route he's going down...and this route so far is a crazy train. And a lethargic train. And I don't like it. I've read through the other posts and I see it's worth sticking with, but so far it's just kinda....out there.
For the Clannad players out there -- is it worth playing even if I've already watched the animes?
On April 19 2012 08:15 ArcticFox wrote: I've played VNs before, and saw the title of this one and was like, "cool, let me give that a whirl. I'm all about free."
I had no idea what I was getting into. :o
I got Emi on my first run through, as most people do. Which is awesome, she was my favorite character from the introductions. It's funny, after playing through the episodes, she's still my favorite character, but my God her route was written horribly. I kept waiting for it to throw me a big curveball or something. It didn't. I was sadfaced. Feel like they robbed me of an awesome story with my favorite character. [EDIT for clarity -- I liked the story in and of itself, if it had just been written differently. I felt like I was being treated like I was an idiot for most of it. Like we *didn't* get the fact that + Show Spoiler +
her father was killed in the accident
? Too much buildup for no big reveal. Just stop the buildup and let us revel in the sweetness of it.]
Looked up the guide after that and did the Hanako route next. I feel like this one was the best written, like I was following along with Hisao, and everything he did seemed like logically something I would do, and I was right along with his confusion, then BAM, of course that's how she would feel about it. SO MANY FEELS. T_T
Lilly next. Standard. We all love her to death, she's hard not to like. Best ero scenes. Music Box. Feels.
I finished the Shizune route, but didn't really feel much over this one. It's not like I didn't "get" it, but...it just seemed to lack the impact of the other stories.
Rin land is weird. I'm really having a hard time geting into this one. Partly because I'm coming to realize that Hisao's personality *completely* changes based on whose route he's going down...and this route so far is a crazy train. And a lethargic train. And I don't like it. I've read through the other posts and I see it's worth sticking with, but so far it's just kinda....out there.
For the Clannad players out there -- is it worth playing even if I've already watched the animes?
Clannad VN >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Clannad Anime. PLAY IT!
On April 19 2012 08:15 ArcticFox wrote: I've played VNs before, and saw the title of this one and was like, "cool, let me give that a whirl. I'm all about free."
I had no idea what I was getting into. :o
I got Emi on my first run through, as most people do. Which is awesome, she was my favorite character from the introductions. It's funny, after playing through the episodes, she's still my favorite character, but my God her route was written horribly. I kept waiting for it to throw me a big curveball or something. It didn't. I was sadfaced. Feel like they robbed me of an awesome story with my favorite character. [EDIT for clarity -- I liked the story in and of itself, if it had just been written differently. I felt like I was being treated like I was an idiot for most of it. Like we *didn't* get the fact that + Show Spoiler +
her father was killed in the accident
? Too much buildup for no big reveal. Just stop the buildup and let us revel in the sweetness of it.]
Looked up the guide after that and did the Hanako route next. I feel like this one was the best written, like I was following along with Hisao, and everything he did seemed like logically something I would do, and I was right along with his confusion, then BAM, of course that's how she would feel about it. SO MANY FEELS. T_T
Lilly next. Standard. We all love her to death, she's hard not to like. Best ero scenes. Music Box. Feels.
I finished the Shizune route, but didn't really feel much over this one. It's not like I didn't "get" it, but...it just seemed to lack the impact of the other stories.
Rin land is weird. I'm really having a hard time geting into this one. Partly because I'm coming to realize that Hisao's personality *completely* changes based on whose route he's going down...and this route so far is a crazy train. And a lethargic train. And I don't like it. I've read through the other posts and I see it's worth sticking with, but so far it's just kinda....out there.
For the Clannad players out there -- is it worth playing even if I've already watched the animes?
I've actually been reflecting on Shizune's a lot recently, and it's one of those things where it gets a lot better the more you think about it. I'll put the rest in spoilers for those who haven't played it:
Her route is very much NOT about the romance between the two of you (as it is in every other route), but rather, how you two being together affects the relationship between the threesome of you, Shizune, and Misha. Shizune can never love Misha the way she wants her to, but still wants to be friends. Misha still wants to be friends with you even though you are with Shizune in ways she never can be, even going to far as to help you get the girl she loves. Shizune will keep you at arm's length to help Misha feel comfortable, which is why she seems so aloof as a girlfriend except during the sex scenes.
Once you realize this sort of triangle/balancing act that is going on, you begin to see everyone's actions in a different light. Misha's sudden breakdown in act 4, and her actions during the trip to Shizune's house as she realizes that Shizune really loves you. Shizune disappearing for stretches, or treating you distantly whenever Misha's around. And even Hisao himself tiptoes around the whole thing because he knows there's a lot going on there.
Shizune, Misha, and Hisao!Shizune are all great characters once you realize the emotions and mindsets underneath the surface. However, that said, it still is the least "feel" route, as it's not overtly romantic and most of the action is subtle and contextual. It's actually a pretty good story, though the plot meanders a lot, and I like it despite it's flaws. It's not my favorite by a long shot, but I definately like it more now than I did my first play through.
As for Rin... Her story and character are great. Her entire development cycle from when you first meet her to any ending is probably my favorite, but Hisao is the biggest moron in the world for her route. Her route is hit-or-miss with feels, just because of how their relationship is. It's not lovey-dovey like Lilly or Emi, or even cute as a button like Hanako. It's very real and raw, emotions being thrown around willy-nilly. It's about loving something that you don't understand and accepting that you never will. Again, a lot of subtleties. For example, + Show Spoiler +
if you play Emi's route, she mentions that Rin doesn't really understand the difference between "friend" and "boyfriend/girlfriend", which brings a lot of meaning to the scene in the loft, where you tell her that if you guys move forward in your relationship, you can no longer be friends. To her, this means that something WAAY different than it does to you.
There's just a lot of scenes with raw, ugly emotions and thoughts that are difficult to wrestle with.
Meh, I still think Shizune was the arc with the poorest writing. Maybe if you think really hard about it like you did, it makes more sense, but I can't really care too much about it. Maybe if the sidecharacters had been more interesting...
Also:
On April 19 2012 08:15 ArcticFox wrote: For the Clannad players out there -- is it worth playing even if I've already watched the animes?
If you liked the story, probably. The VN is wayyyy better than the anime. You might not care about after story (It's pretty much the same, although the ending is a lot more thoroughly explained/understandable), but at least play some of the non-Nagisa arcs that are doable before after story.
(also, if i were to read/watch clannad again, i would still cry. im such a crybaby lol)
On April 20 2012 06:06 JonsaBoy wrote: Meh, I still think Shizune was the arc with the poorest writing. Maybe if you think really hard about it like you did, it makes more sense, but I can't really care too much about it. Maybe if the sidecharacters had been more interesting...
On April 19 2012 08:15 ArcticFox wrote: For the Clannad players out there -- is it worth playing even if I've already watched the animes?
If you liked the story, probably. The VN is wayyyy better than the anime. You might not care about after story (It's pretty much the same, although the ending is a lot more thoroughly explained/understandable), but at least play some of the non-Nagisa arcs that are doable before after story.
(also, if i were to read/watch clannad again, i would still cry. im such a crybaby lol)
Hearing that, it kinda makes me want to play After Story now. The after story ending for the anime left me with a huge feeling of wtf. Like all my feels were a waste of time. T_T
Finished the Rin arc. Still didn't like it b/c of how much of an idiot Hisao was for most of it.
Downloading Clannad now though (and replaying Emi arc while I do....soooo adorable). Wish me luck!
My first 'real' visual novel experience. It was mostly what I expected in terms of the emotional highs and lows. But I grew increasingly impatient with the dialogue in-between the decisions (didn't skip for the sake of my first run at a VN).
Got Lilly's good ending. I thought I had made a mistake. + Show Spoiler +
"I didn't do enough for her"? WTF. There wasn't such an option.
On April 20 2012 06:06 JonsaBoy wrote: Meh, I still think Shizune was the arc with the poorest writing. Maybe if you think really hard about it like you did, it makes more sense, but I can't really care too much about it. Maybe if the sidecharacters had been more interesting...
Also:
On April 19 2012 08:15 ArcticFox wrote: For the Clannad players out there -- is it worth playing even if I've already watched the animes?
If you liked the story, probably. The VN is wayyyy better than the anime. You might not care about after story (It's pretty much the same, although the ending is a lot more thoroughly explained/understandable), but at least play some of the non-Nagisa arcs that are doable before after story.
(also, if i were to read/watch clannad again, i would still cry. im such a crybaby lol)
Hearing that, it kinda makes me want to play After Story now. The after story ending for the anime left me with a huge feeling of wtf. Like all my feels were a waste of time. T_T
Finished the Rin arc. Still didn't like it b/c of how much of an idiot Hisao was for most of it.
Downloading Clannad now though (and replaying Emi arc while I do....soooo adorable). Wish me luck!
The ending is more understandable because of all the sidearcs you have to play to get there. You'll have to play through every single story (and some of them in a certain order) to get to the true ending. Still, if you want to read After Story again, go ahead. + Show Spoiler [After Story] +
I have dled it but never started to play it due to lack of time mostly. But now that i have found this thread, the recommendations are too much to ignore it ^^ Is there a way to play it on android devices? Just curious, and it would help since i could read it on the road.
On April 16 2012 07:12 Requizen wrote: Welp, I thought I'd kind of gotten over my feelings for the game.
Nope.
Now I'm sitting here and listening to this on repeat, awesome. Makes a change from listening to Painful History on repeat I guess, which I've been doing for most of the last few weeks when I'm home and I can't figure out why I keep listening to it!
I actually got Rin on my first playthrough, and found myself identifying with the character a bit. Similar story when I went through Hanakos route (which I think is probably my favourite out of the lot). Mostly the not understanding people and preferring to be alone aspects of their personalities, just kind of read like me. Maybe not to the same level as their characters, but it's still there.
After going through this thread I might go check out Clannad and some other VNs in the future.
Downloaded this a couple weeks ago when it got bumped mid-April. Finished it today.
Well damn. This is my first visual novel and I'm pretty satisified overall with it.
My thoughts on each arc, in order of how I did them (managed to figure out how to get to each individual arc by myself with some work if it means anything, though I used a flow chart at the end to pick up the last few scenes.):
Emi: Of course trying to be the good compliant student and listening to the nurse to go excercise would put me on this path. I have to agree that Hisao is kind of retarded for not figuring out that Emi's dad died in the car accident. It was a bit of a challenge trying to read her character but I'm pleased on how she turned out, though the sex scenes feel kind of forced.
Rin: Wtf.... Might be my least 2nd favorite arc. I know people say it was well written but either I just read through it too shallowly or I just don't get it. It was interesting to find go through and watch her find herself but it was hard to fully appreciate it cause of her personality which made it super confusing. The route to the good ending though kind of made up for it in the end cause of the emotion I felt.
Shizune: This might be least favorite arc, marginally behind of Rin's. Might be my own personal preference of not being dominated, which is hard to avoid with Shizune's personality. Couple things here and there throw me off (like Misha's sexual preference: da fuq? That was an unexpected hard left). I was probably the least satisfied with this arc's good ending. What kind of made it better was CG where Kenji takes off his glasses. Was kind of nice. Until he went back to normal that is.
Note: I took a break here and didn't play for a while till yesterday, doing up Lilly's arc and finishing the game today with Hanako's. Also, I think after Rin's arc I went ahead and got Kenji's ending. I would've finished that bottle too if I figured out Kenji was dating before me. lol
Lilly: Wow. That scene at the field. The good ending route as you chase after her (kind of clique but it did the job). Though, I'm kind of interested why the arrhythmia decided to play a heavier role in this particular arc (Come on, you actually almost die in the end for the good ending.) Probably my 2nd favorite arc. Also, Lilly's sex drive. (^^)b
Hanako: Might just because I like playing white knight but I really enjoyed this arc. Ended up on the neutral ending at first. The good ending just made me happy at the end. In my opinion, the sex scene didn't seem as forced as others (cough Emi cough) even if it did make things kind of awkward in the aftermath. I died inside when I had to go do the bad ending. T_T Were it up to me, that bad ending scene would been a better take off point towards the good ending (shouldn't have left the room imo and told her how you felt or something; at least that's how I would've played it out in real life.) That good ending... THE FEELS. Definitely my favoirte arc.
The flow of the novel in general was kind of predictable cause of the music but I didn't mind it as much, except for the tenser pieces cause I would always think I fucked up. Still it was fun to play through and I would recommended others to pick it up (though I'd feel a bit awkward to suggest so cause of the prescense of sex scenes.).
EPT
