I played this game, and it was almost completely different than how it was described to be in the War Room Podcast for it. And that Podcast needs a Sequal.
I just finished my first play through of Katawa Shoujo with Hanako, and all I Have to say is wow. Another reason why this site is awesome: being introduced to amazing games like this.
I recently got around to reading it myself, making it through all the girls. I spent quite a few evenings doing absolutely nothing else but read this and ended up going to bed late. I really enjoyed all of the stories, and I know that you will enjoy the others, too. Hanako is one of my favorites, Lilly being number 1. I had read at least one VN before, though a very long time ago. I'd almost forgotten how great of stories VNs tend to have. If you let it, this VNs story will really get to you. I may have spent over 30 hours reading it, but I've spent more than that just introspecting due to it.
First night I got it, I played until 6 AM the next morning. Didn't really care though. It was time well spent.
Yep, it took insurmountable willpower to pull myself away one night at 1:00 am. This game piqued my interest for other VNs, though I couldn't help but notice that most romance ones like this one involve some sort of physical and/or mental injuries of the protagonist and/or the heroine and many are just...bleak. Even though KS had good endings, I still felt like crap empathizing for the characters...which I don't want to go through again so soon. I managed to get myself through True Remembrance, but I don't think I have the willpower to get through any others any time soon (especially something as bleak as Narcissu). These stories make you introspect just so freaking much, which is what makes them good stories. My advice is to finish KS and wait about a month or longer before trying to hunt down anything else to have enough time to completely digest and get over what you've just read. Trust me, your brain will thank you.
I just played Lilly's route, and it was BY FAR the greatest storyline of the game and probably the most heart warming thing I have ever experienced in my career of playing video games. More than once I was brought to tears. Fuck the manly tear bullshit, it was SOOOOOOOO SAD! AND SO UPLIFTING! Thank you 4 Leaf Studios for making the most amazing game I have ever played/read.
The only thing that could have made Shisno like this game more is if Hisao was replaced by Vermin Supreme.
I think Hanako's one was sadder thank Lilly's route,becouse Hanako's route was a tear fest with just small sprinkles of happiness. Also what is everyone else's favourite scene? Mine was the one 2nd scene at the Airport in Lilly's path.