[img]http://katawa-shoujo.com/res/logo-over.png[/img]
[SUB][I]There is indeed already a Visual Novel thread, but seeing how KS has warranted a thread in the past with healthy ongoing discussions about experience, praising and artwork maybe it is indeed fit for a third iteration of the thread to be created.
If this is not the case, apologies.[/I][/SUB]
[h2]What is Katawa Shoujo?[/h2]
Have you ever had that warm feeling at the very center of your heart, that one feeling that makes you really happy yet really sad? That stinging feeling, that feeling of your heart stopping and- wait, shit.
To summarize; Katawa Shoujo (which directly translates to "Disability Girls") is a Visual Novel developed by 4 Leaf Studios (4LS) Over the course of a few years, about a guy named Hiseo Nakai. As a girl confesses to him in the cold winter he suffers a heart attack and is send to hospital where he finds out he is sent to a school specialized for people with various physical and mental disabilities. At this new place you will find a range of chacters with various personalities, one of whom you will eventually end up in a relationship with.
Now, there is a fine line between "dating sim" and Visual Novel, and while there are romantic aspects of this game it is indeed NOT a dating simulator. So let's get that out of the way.
Now, since I'm not very good at explaining, I'll use the written explanation from that other thread that got locked.
[quote]Some history of Katawa Shoujo is necessary, because it's amazing that the project is even this far into development. The game does come from 4chan, in a sense. Back in 2006, someone colored and translated a single page that was a concept design (assumingly) tossed aside by a doujin company who was publishing an unrelated manga. It was put in as a bonus along two other pages that have yet to be seen. In 2007, it was posted on 4chan's /a/ board. For some reason, /a/ went batshit for it. They started putting out ideas, drawing stuff, going all kinds of crazy for ONE page of concept art. Several people decided to take the helm of these ideas, against impossible odds of it actually succeeding, and, through events that can be read here, "established" Four Leaf Studios. While at this point they are truly a separate entity from where they once came, the name is a tribute. If you actually take the time to read that link, it's amazing the project even had a demo.
Previously I had my own opinion of the demo here, but since it's released now I'll drop in my opinion of the full release.
It's pretty fucking good. A lot of care and effort went into making this VN, probably more than most people put into professional releases. Of the three routes that I finished, every single one was enjoyable in some way and a few moments were true feel-jerkers. The package as a whole is awesome. The art is fairly consistant, the music is great and when you read it you'll realize it's 3am and ohGodwheredidthetimego? It's far beyond what people expect from VN's if you've been on the internet long enough (eg. gratuitous wank material). I fully recommend downloading and playing it because, if the first thread was any inidication, you'll enjoy it even if you're not into anime or VN's. A lot of people came into the first thread thinking "What is this anime shit?" and left saying "Oh my God, why am I crying?" Check these out...
Doomish:
[url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1149346?p=34337154&viewfull=1#post34337154[/url]
[url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1149346?p=34337359&viewfull=1#post34337359[/url]
[url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1149346?p=34337512&viewfull=1#post34337512[/url]
[Green] and etwins:
[url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1149346?p=34337677&viewfull=1#post34337677[/url]
[url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1149346?p=34337766&viewfull=1#post34337766[/url]
[url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1149346?p=34337793&viewfull=1#post34337793[/url]
MJS_killer
[url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1149346?p=34198897&viewfull=1#post34198897[/url]
Banned?
[url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1149346?p=34187767&viewfull=1#post34187767[/url]
[url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1149346?p=34220440&highlight=#post34220440[/url]
FalconKrunch
[url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1149346?p=34175929&viewfull=1#post34175929[/url][/quote]
As for the lineup of characters, here we go (with direct character rips from the main website!):
[h2]Main characters[/h2]
[B]Hisao Nakai[/B] [I]- aka You[/I]
[t]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/res/char/char_hisao.png[/t]
Troubled over his months-long stay at the hospital after his heart almost gave out and trying to adjust to his new surroundings, he is trying hard to find his place in the world. After being thrown into a new beginning, the chaotic circumstances have forced Hisao to rethink his apathetic disposition, especially regarding things like life, friendship and future.
[B]Emi Ibarazaki[/B]
[t]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/res/char/char_emi.png[/t]
Despite being left with legs amputated below the knee, Emi is perhaps one of the most cheery, happy-go-lucky girls on the entire globe, let alone the school. Not one to be left in despair even after the accident that claimed her legs, Emi views her disability more as a blessing, her prosthetic legs having brought her to the heights of her ability on the track team rather than becoming a permanent obstacle.
[B]Hanako Ikezawa[/B]
[t]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/res/char/char_hanako.png[/t]
At a young age, Hanako had a traumatic experience that left her life in shambles. Her father died when their home burned down in an accident, which also disfigured Hanako herself permanently. She is reclusive to the extreme, shunning from all other people to the point of actually panicking from any social contact. Her only trusted friend is Lilly, who has taken Hanako under her wing ever since the two were introduced to each other.
[B]ALSO IF YOU'VE FINISHED THIS ARC, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU START WHINING:[/B] [url]http://i.imgur.com/nj7zz.png[/url]
THANKS.
[B]Lilly Satou[/B]
[t]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/res/char/char_lilly.png[/t]
Blind since birth, Lilly is caring, responsible and friendly - the perfect foil to Hanako, her best friend, whom she shares an almost mother-daughter relationship with, in addition to her free time often being spent drinking tea alongside her companion. In class she is a diligent student, with her sense of confidence serving her well in her role as class representative of class 3-2.
[B]Rin Tezuka[/B]
[t]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/res/char/char_rin.png[/t]
Since Rin’s arms are tiny stumps due to a severe birth defect and subsequent surgery, she uses her feet and occasionally her mouth to do everything, which includes painting. Because of her disability, using skirts is tough, so Rin is wearing a boy’s uniform at school. Her creativity is matched by her philosophical streak: Rin is fond of occasionally getting lost in thought and giving voice to abstract ideas about man, the universe, and other things that thoroughly confuse people.
[B]Shizune Hakamichi[/B]
[t]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/res/char/char_shizune.png[/t]
Strong willed and forceful, Shizune is definitely the leader type. She’s been the class rep, despite being deaf and mute, for as long as her class has had one, and generally takes charge in just about any situation she’s placed in. Shizune is known around the school as a fearsome taskmaster, and skilled manipulator, but also as a fair and just leader.
[B]Shiina “Misha” Mikado[/B]
[t]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/res/char/char_misha.png[/t]
Misha is the interpreter for Shizune and a fellow member of the student council. Cheery, playful, and never one to pull a punch, she happily joins in Shizune's attempts to get Hisao onto the student council.
[h2]Minor characters[/h2]
[B]Kenji Setou[/B]
[img]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/res/char/char_kenji.png[/img]
Borderline hikkikomori, Kenji likes to spend a lot of time in his room, planning for whatever the radical feminist movement's next move may be. He is leery of the instant attraction that Hisao seems to have brought upon himself, but nonetheless very pleased to finally have a hallmate.
[B]The Nurse[/B]
[img]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/res/char/char_nurse.png[/img]
The chief of the nurse staff of Yamaku, and a surprisingly young person for someone in his position. He is a funny and jovial guy, always good for a laugh and well liked by students. Nonetheless, he has a heart of pure gold and he is very passionate and serious about his job.
[B]Akio Mutou[/B]
[img]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/res/char/char_muto.png[/img]
Both homeroom and science teacher of 3-3, and just as much out of touch with his class as he is out of touch with reality. Probably born to be a teacher (no matter how much his students disagree), his greatest skill is the ability to ignore irrelevant things completely (no matter how much anyone who wishes he'd remember their names disagrees).
[B]Yuuko Shirakawa[/B]
[img]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/res/char/char_yuuko.png[/img]
Yuuko has serious problems with managing her life, which makes her the perfect person to ask for help to manage one's own. She funds her university studies by working part time at a popular cafe. The lengths she goes to avoid being fired for her natural clumsiness bewilder other people, along with her neurotic attention to detail and frequent streaks of depression.
[h2]Okay, I'm interested, lemme see some links![/h2]
[B][U]Their website:[/U][/B] [url]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com[/url]
[B][U]The downloads:[/U][/B] [url]http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/download.php[/url] (Has Windows, Mac OS and Linux downloads!)
[B][U]Mirrors by Camwi_003 and DaMoggen:[/U][/B]
[url]http://hacksbycamwi.com/files/[/url][4ls]_katawa_shoujo_[windows][C3798628].exe
[url]http://katawashoujo.blogspot.com/2012/01/katawa-shoujo-soundtrack-up-for.html[/url]
[B]Soundtrack:[/B] [url]http://dl.katawa-shoujo.com/pr/soundtrack/%5b4ls%5D_katawa_shoujo_enigmatic_box_of_sound_%5b503ACD68%5D.zip[/url]
[B]The forum:[/B] [url]http://ks.renai.us/[/url]
[B]The shimmie/image database:[/B] [url]http://shimmie.katawa-shoujo.com/[/url]
[B]IRC:[/B] [url]irc://irc.irchighway.net/katawa-shoujo[/url]
[B]Flowcharts for each character route![/B]
Full chart: [url]http://filesmelt.com/dl/KatawaShoujoFlowchartv27.png[/url]
Act 1: [url]http://filesmelt.com/dl/ACT12.png[/url]
Rin: [url]http://filesmelt.com/dl/Rin2.png[/url]
Shizune: [url]http://filesmelt.com/dl/Shizune1.png[/url]
Hanako: [url]http://filesmelt.com/dl/Hanako1.png[/url]
Lilly: [url]http://filesmelt.com/dl/Lilly2.png[/url]
Emi: [url]http://filesmelt.com/dl/Emi1.png[/url]
Now - go enjoy this game! Seriously, do it! Even if you're not a fan of anime, you should give it a try! Woo!
[img]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tn4cZd3AQiY/TwPXnwlNueI/AAAAAAAAAbw/YIhOzXODND4/s1600/katawa_shoujo_release.png[/img]
I'M IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTION
- Ron Burgundy, on 'Katawa Shoujo'
Thanks, this is a nice thread to return to every once in a while. Aura's mention of the "new 4LS projects that have been in the concept/early development stage in 2012 (and before)" on the KS blog makes this even more interesting, I hope we'll be discussing this here soon.
And just to get it out of the way now:
Hanako is best.
[QUOTE=Im Crimson;39734231]Thanks, this is a nice thread to return to every once in a while. Aura's mention of the "new 4LS projects that have been in the concept/early development stage in 2012 (and before)" on the KS blog makes this even more interesting, I hope we'll be discussing this here soon.[/QUOTE]
New projects? Any details?
[QUOTE=Ray551;39734329]New projects? Any details?[/QUOTE]
It's mentioned in the latest post on the official blog.
[QUOTE="http://katawashoujo.blogspot.se/2013/01/365-days-later.html"]This Is Not a True Ending
What about 2013? Well, at the very least we hope to to go public with some new 4LS projects that have been in the concept/early development stage in 2012 (and before). There's been some pressure to do so, and I suppose at least for me personally, it's a solidifying thing too, plus I enjoy engaging with the public. Look forward to that. Depending on how things go this also could mean that we actually need to recruit some people in 4LS. And finally, don't be surprised if you see a new artbook coming from us this year too. That's the future foreseeable from here, but who knows what is going to happen this year. Let's hope it will be good and precious things only.
- Aura[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Oddshot;39742908]I know I said I was going to avoid this thread for reasons, but
[img]http://i.imgur.com/EAS3JDd.jpg[/img]
Rin representin'.[/QUOTE]
I heard about her hugs, but that's just ridiculous
[QUOTE=Mio Akiyama;39743244][IMG]http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/331/4/d/katawa_shoujo___concord__commission__by_dmy_gfx-d5mbmde.jpg[/IMG]
Lilly :heart:[/QUOTE]
Lily is best cripple.
Are we going to have that argument again? KS isn't the same without waifu wars.
lilly > hanako > shizune > rin > emi
cripple waifu tier list
[QUOTE=Big Ben;39743550]lilly > hanako > shizune > rin > emi
cripple waifu tier list[/QUOTE]
Putting Rin after Shizune, what are you doing?
[QUOTE=Big Ben;39743550]lilly > hanako > shizune > rin > emi
cripple waifu tier list[/QUOTE]
more like
hanako > rin > shizune > miki > emi > kenji > mutou >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> lilly
I personally thought they were all pretty good in their own ways, though Shizune, while an interesting character, just didn't have a story to match.
Misha has the best bush though
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/izMNl.png[/IMG]
emi will always be the first for me because she holds a place in my heart(mainly because i did her route first)
[QUOTE=dragonitemaster;39744395]emi will always be the first for me because she holds a place in my heart(mainly because i did her route first)[/QUOTE]
Well if we're following that logic, Kenji is best girl.
[t]http://i.imgur.com/Jz0fp.jpg[/t]
I guess the reason I didn't like Emi as much is that she's your cliche popular girl stereotype.
[sp]Minus the whole no legs thing[/sp]
And it felt, at least from how I played her route, that her situation with her dad was just thrown in there to add some drama (and to take away from the countless times you fuck).
Thus, I feel like Emi is just a sillier route than the others.
[QUOTE=Mr. Zombie;39744564]I guess the reason I didn't like Emi as much is that she's your cliche popular girl stereotype.
[sp]Minus the whole no legs thing[/sp]
And it felt, at least from how I played her route, that her situation with her dad was just thrown in there to add some drama (and to take away from the countless times you fuck).
Thus, I feel like Emi is just a sillier route than the others.[/QUOTE]
if we're talking about stereotypes imo hanako is the biggest offender, at least half of the visual novels out there have a shy girl like her.
