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A thanks to the devs

Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 12:04 pm
by Anonymous152
This seems like a really weird thing to be writing... but it's the truth so there you go :)



Basiclly, this game's inspired me to help take a second look at my life, and reshuffle it, it's really rather strange if not impressive feat xD, and I have to thank the writers for it. It's often said that if a story can make you feel something, that is a huge achievement (And this game delivers at that level too), but for me it's also served like a mirror. A brief chance to "live vicariously" through the eyes of another and re-evaluate yourself from another perspective, seeing similarities in the characters and how they respond (both good and ill) to familiar situations revealing where you yourself are doing it wrong.

...And that's not to mention some of the philosophical points it raised have given me more food for thought than anything I've read, watched or played in a long time...



In short, this game made me think critically about my own lifestyle - and change it for the better... more productive, more direction, healthier too if that's believeable xD

So again, thanks :)






--- Now the long boring version, it's probably tl;dr so whatever, just turn on skip mode if you want, also some spoilers likely :) --






Like a lot of folks I kind've raised an eyebrow when I first heard about the game. Definitely not the sort've genre I personally'd play normally by a verrrryy very long shot, I don't consider myself an anime fan (Though in retrospect I probably have watched a sizeable amount of it over the years), and eroge... first thought that comes to mind is "tacky and exploitative". But, after hearing the critics spilling their guts over it and being a bit miffed by Mass Effect 3's ham-fisted conclusion I figured I'd see what all the hype was about, like a lot of folks I imagine.


When things got started, i guess I was immediately hit a little by familiarity, it's not something known to just about anyone but my immediate family (And why even now I'm posting anonymously), but I went to a special school as a kid. It was a day school and not a boarding school, but there was still a lot of occasions I smirked at the familiarity of some of the situations and I guess that made me curious to stick around and see what other similarities i might recognise... the real life equivalent was rather more mixed, more psychological than physical cases: My group had a boy with PDD-NOS, a recovering drug addict, a girl who'd been expelled from all the local schools, a girl with advanced cancer (In the last term of me being there), couple others I didn't know what they had, and me... Aspergers. (I bet half of you just rolled your eyes so hard they almost came out your sockets...*), but that wasn't why I was there, after 8 years straight of teacher assisted bullying in the mainstream system I had cracked. Anti-depression medication, therapy the works... I responded to people the same way hanako does by that stage.


...hmm, didn't think this was going to turn into a life story. Still there was a reason I was covering this now I get back on track. As you might imagine, being out of mainstream school and separated from my peers for so many years meant over time I've increasingly become less and less disciplined and directionless. When it came to university work I was horribly out of practice organisationally... scratch that my organisation was non existant, but I had meandered on for a few years, well aware I was doing below what i was really capable of


In fact over the last few months I'd increasingly been finding my thinking more foggy and detached kind've a worrying feeling, and mulling over direction - one of my friends even pointed out that I seemed to have changed a lot over time, stopped drawing nearly as much or being so creative, that triggered me to look back over my old stuff and it almost did feel like a different me who did those things. In the game, the first character's path I played was Rin's... I guess it speaks volumes that such an alien-minded character should be so completely familiar to me that I would befriend them over the other characters xD, very early she starts talking about exactly the same concerns, but unlike me had also got some thoughts and conclusions of her own (How past creations still root us in a way with our old self even if change is a scarey thing). Over the course of her story arc it goes into some depth about the idea of self identity, personal ambition Vs fulfilling the expectations of those around you, almost all of them gave me lonnngggg pause for thought.

After Rin's playthrough I decided to play Emi's but, didn't find it all that enthralling, her story was a much more open book; Though the idea of applying the method for detecting subatomic particles to social concepts rung a bell. But something that did catch my eye was hisou's working around the school timetable. I'd either been out the loop so long, drifting from one day to the next I'd forgotten the value of structuring time or having self discipline, or maybe it's because I despised school for enforcing structure on me that was always bad, I don't know; but anyway, it made me think and the more I thought the more a whole bunch've pieces fell together, and before long I'd built a rough framework for a day that made sensible use of my time, maximise my free time and get uni work in order.

I also noted how Hisou was seemed to think effort in the morning paid off for getting him awake and on-track... I was also acutely aware that this IS only a game, but I know some people do swear by morning exercise, so, as if to underline my resolve to change, I decided that the first thing I'd do in the morning was... no not jog, I'm far too lazy for that; but I do live in a semi-desert region and there are rolling hills for dozens of miles starting almost from the end of my garden... walking a few kilometres in the cold morning air gives plenty of time to wake up and organise your thoughts and it's healthy... so I figured I'd give that a try...


...and it works, for me anyway, your mileage may vary of course. But after that I find I'm ready and able to get straight down to work... instead of say, waking up almost at noon and then idling on the internet for hours trying to get started on something.


And so concludes my story, how a free game, developed by some guys off 4chan about a bunch've disabled girls got me to re-evaluate my life, sad as that sounds to say it out loud xD

But nonetheless, thanks devs, for pursuing your crazy dream :)




* Honestly, it really irks me when people use the "aspergers" label for entitlement or an excuse for their behaviour. iI's not, an aspie who acts like an ass is just an ass, tell him so!... he's probably not even really an aspie. Sure they might've been born at a disadvantage, but they CAN change if they want and try

Re: A thanks to the devs

Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 2:11 pm
by encrypted12345
Anonymous152 wrote:...hmm, didn't think this was going to turn into a life story.
:lol: The KS forums are known for the abundant number of life stories. We're used to it, so there's nothing wrong with venting it out.

Re: The "thank you 4LS" thread.

Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 3:22 pm
by Anonymous152
I got that impression for a short glance around - the devs really did something unique here didn't they xD

Also, sorry if I posted my original post in the wrong place, just noticed it was moved ^^; - hazards of popping on a forum briefly to post a message and then dash off

Re: A thanks to the devs

Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 3:53 pm
by gRaViJa
Anonymous152 wrote:This seems like a really weird thing to be writing... but it's the truth so there you go :)

(snipped long quote)
Thanks for sharing your story :)

How the game helped change my life.

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 11:59 am
by khaosdvorak
I have been thinking about how to put my word into a form that can express how this game has changed my life.

It's strange to think a game could, nevertheless a VN. This happened to be my first VN, and until a couple of a weeks ago, I had never even heard of Katawa Shoujo. I just happened across a link somewhere. The game started to get me thinking about my life and what I want. I was a little emo for a day or two after my first playthrew (Emi's playthrew). I have seen a few people have also gotten a little depressed in their own ways, but that soon passed.

Anyways, this game came at a really perfect time in my life. In ways I don't really know how to explain it has helped in my decision to go to college. I had been putting it of for a few years for all sorts of reasons. The game has made me want more in my life than just sitting at home playing PC games and doing nothing.

I have been doing nothing with my life since I dropped out of high school and got my GED. That was six years ago. I am 23 now, have a 5 year old daughter who lives with my ex gf across the country. I guess you could say I haven't felt like I had reason to do anything with my life. For a long time I have been bitter and withdrawn. Katawa Shoujo helped me in finding what I want in life -- at least wanting to find out what that something is for me.

I just wanted to share this with others. I am sure it has changed others in ways as well. This game has easily become my favorite game of all time, and I am surely going to reccommend it to anyone who might play it.

I would also like to thank all the developers and people involved in making this game become a reality. It truly is a beautiful game.

Re: How the game helped change my life.

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 5:57 pm
by Guest
Hm.
Having just recently finished Rin's line, the only line I finished. I do feel depressed.
It feels as if, the world of fantasy in the game just makes reality so, depressing.

I put a perspective of wanting to be happy, but I don't know how to get there, I feel like I'm just waiting to be happy.
I guess I feel like I'm sinking, even if I should float...it's desperately wanting something that I can't reach, and it makes going on so hard.

...Yea, I just wanted to express that, and here seemed a good place.

Re: How the game helped change my life.

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 5:59 pm
by Kilo
Guest wrote:Hm.
Having just recently finished Rin's line, the only line I finished. I do feel depressed.
It feels as if, the world of fantasy in the game just makes reality so, depressing.

I put a perspective of wanting to be happy, but I don't know how to get there, I feel like I'm just waiting to be happy.
I guess I feel like I'm sinking, even if I should float...it's desperately wanting something that I can't reach, and it makes going on so hard.

...Yea, I just wanted to express that, and here seemed a good place.
First of all, time will take the sadness away. It happened to almost everyone who played the game.
But you may not know yet you just got a big opportunity to change your life, after playing this. You're probably feeling inspired.
Break the habit. If you want to draw, draw. If you want to run, run. Do stuff you never did before, and you might find something to help turn the tables.
Use the deppression to your favor.

Re: How the game helped change my life.

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 1:03 pm
by Felgenhauer
Kilo wrote:
Guest wrote:Hm.
Having just recently finished Rin's line, the only line I finished. I do feel depressed.
It feels as if, the world of fantasy in the game just makes reality so, depressing.

I put a perspective of wanting to be happy, but I don't know how to get there, I feel like I'm just waiting to be happy.
I guess I feel like I'm sinking, even if I should float...it's desperately wanting something that I can't reach, and it makes going on so hard.

...Yea, I just wanted to express that, and here seemed a good place.
First of all, time will take the sadness away. It happened to almost everyone who played the game.
But you may not know yet you just got a big opportunity to change your life, after playing this. You're probably feeling inspired.
Break the habit. If you want to draw, draw. If you want to run, run. Do stuff you never did before, and you might find something to help turn the tables.
Use the deppression to your favor.
It's funny you mention that. I've been really inspired to draw after playing this. Not to mention, I've just had the desire to become a bit of a philanthropist. I have this yearning desire to help others now. KS has definitely changed my view on many things, definitely for the better. I can't thank the Devs enough.

Re: The "thank you 4LS" thread.

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 2:48 pm
by Sin of my sins
Well, I'd like to thank 4LS for a wonderful VN experience. At times I was quite emotionally stricken, and It's not often I come close to shedding manly tears playing a video game.

Re: The "thank you 4LS" thread.

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 3:02 pm
by Anonymous152
Sin of my sins wrote:At times I was quite emotionally stricken, and It's not often I come close to shedding manly tears playing a video game.
This part has made me wonder... given the game has a male protagonist, what is the female player base size relative to the male... because there's a LOT of talk of emotions and people being inspired to change their lives. That's a lot of man tears this game's brought out xD

Re: The "thank you 4LS" thread.

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 3:33 am
by ThistlewickVII
I first heard about Katawa in a strange way - I was looking for a H-game that would run on Ubuntu Linux.
I ended up staying up all night reading about it before starting the game. That was Monday, 6 days ago.

I knew from the first moment that I was going to pick Hanako. She was (to me) the most interesting.
Since I was on school holidays I spent the next 2 days doing little else (Including my coursework)
When I finished the game I cried. A lot.
For the first time since I was hit by a car (3 years ago) something moved me to tears.

I spent the next few days trying to rationalise my life.
Hanako's story resonated with me like nothing before and I had to find out why, which is when I stumbled here.
I was motivated to change my life. I deleted all my Porn and radically rethought about everything I thought I knew.

A few days after I played the Emi route. I stayed up until 2am reading every word intensely.
After this, I decided to renew my studies for my exams and try the Emi fitness scheme.

Plus, after thinking for a while, I realised why Hanako's route meant so much to me -
I was scarred too, and pretty self-conscious about it. Pretty simple really, but it took me a while to figure it out.
I've now come to terms with this and have a new sense of confidence.

Not bad for 6 days.

And I'm sure that if I can remember the lessons I've leared,
It'll be a lifetime.

Thankyou, 4LS. Thankyou, KS forums. And Thankyou for your time.

Re: The "thank you 4LS" thread.

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 8:54 am
by FelixITA
:mrgreen: ty

Re: The "thank you 4LS" thread.

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:31 pm
by Kouryuu
I have to thank 4LS for the most amazing experience so far in my life, thank you for sticking to the development of the game, I can tell you it has been worth it! Oh so worth it! Thank you <3

My main complaint is that I want to throw money at you guys, I can't believe this game is free! Even if it was only £5 I would buy it 20 times. Easily.

I have only done Hanako's good ending 3 times so far but I plan to do all paths 100% (have to give myself time to recover between playthroughs :P).

I hope everyone involved in making this masterpiece continues on and has great success in the future, you deserve it <3

Thank you!

Re: The "thank you 4LS" thread.

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 3:12 pm
by EyesOfLilly
I have to thank 4LeafStudios for giving me something to do with my boredom however spending 7 - 10 hours just getting ridiculous lol but in all seriousness the story of Katawa Shoujo is amazingly well written and I think I'm addicted to the story its up to the point where I could care less about the H scenes and would rather pay more attention to the actual story between Hisao and the girl of choice and I must say that it even goes as far as I end up feeling a particular attacthment to the characters which makes going for the good ending even more a priority.

Re: The "thank you 4LS" thread.

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 4:17 pm
by Zeppy
I just want to say thanks, 4LS. I don't want to over-do my thanks to you guys, so here goes:

You made a damn, damn good game. It spoke to me, as I can see it has for others. You created some excellent characters, who were compelling and had great things to say. At the end of every act and every path, I felt like I had something to mull over for a few days after. In short, you created an absolutely compelling work of fiction which has really resonated with me. I can't explain why; not many things do this to me. But I felt wrapped up in the world of Yamaku, and I could just get engrossed in it.

You deserve a massive amount of praise for this.

I hope you all keep being awesome, wherever you may be. You've made my life richer, and damn I'm grateful. :)