Spurred on by our dear Wolfie-san I too took a loot at
Katawa Shoujo
This is pretty much the first of this kind of game/novel that I've played/read. I must say I was, first of all, very impressed that this game is free and freely available in English.
At first I was a little hesitant about the story including many girld with at least some disability or the other, though I soon warmed up to them and came to realise that the game makes me think twice before I gawk at someone with a disability.
The writing is of excellent quality, though a bit formal at times. This does not hamper the pace of the story at all, however and has proven to be quite enjoyable. The available ladies are unique in their own way and I appreciate how the stories are unique and there is interesting overlap by the time you've played multiple stories, providing insight into the social relationships from many different angles.
While the game is labeled as a Hentai game, I find the story to be oriented toward the romantic aspect far more than to the erotic aspect of it. The erotic scenes that are there are also very well written and enticing, accompanied by the erotic CG these make for an exciting experience that will make a sailor blush without being explicitly pornographical.
The art in the game is very well put together, including the simple animations (for characters sitting down, for example) come across as natural and do not feel as lacking for quality. The short fully animated sections are interesting and provide an interesting rise in intimacy you percieve. the only thing I disagree with is that they have adapted a different kind of line-art for the fully animated sections that, for me, make it look a little cheap. But of course we have to keep in mind that this game is free and might not have had an amazing budget. the other notable difference is that apart from the standard conversational CG is often accompanied by higher quality Cg's for specific scenes ( Such as Lilly's teaparties or Emi's running sequences). While I appreciate this I can't help but notice that some characters look notable different in the two Cg styles. whereas Rin looks a lot more realistic and attractive, Emi looks a lot younger than she does in the regular conversation CG's.
The music for the game is excellent. It mostly consists of piano accomanied by numerous other instruments for added emphasis, but it is the piano that sets the mood and takes the lead. Despite the same songs coming back throughout the different story arcs they have yet to bore me and perfectly supplement the emotions welling up at the appropriate scenes. Alongside the well written and expertly built tension this makes for an experience that sucks you in right until the end.
Below I've included two of the most powerful pieces that had the greatest impact on me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPakd1q3Q8Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmgV6vN0Evs
As for the story arcs themselves, I've yet to finish the last one. I would review them in greater detail but I think it's essential for everyone to try them out themselves and to come to their own conclusions. Each of them brings a refreshing new perspective of the characters in question and I am sure that many ( Like me) will be able to associate the the current situation throughout the story.
In conclusion, I very much enjoyed this game and have spent many hours unable to tear my eyes away from the dialogue box, though every time I finish an arc it does make me feel somewhat wistful and somewhat lonely..but I guess that's all part of the beautiful experience! You know something is good if it has you thinking by the end of it!
Score 9/10!
Lastly I utter a silent hope that they choose to expand upon the game, adding more characters and options along the way, for there seem to be an army of interesting characters to explore! (Like miki!)
For now, that's all little ones! Wahahahaaaa~