Visual novels aren't really my cup of tea. I'm not sure why. I think it has to do with the general stereotype associated with them and the fact I don't feel an explicit need to court virtual characters. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, the writing and the art can be superb. It's just, you know, not my thing. As a result, I can't, for the life of me, figure out how exactly I found out about Katawa Shoujo a long time ago. I definitely have no regrets, though.

In a nutshell, Katawa Shoujo is the story of a high-schooler named Hisao Nakai. During the introductory sequence of the game, the protagonist finds out through no uncertain terms that he has a congenital heart defect and lands in the hospital for some time. After a certain period, he is then relocated to the fictional Yamaku High School, an educational institute designated for disabled children and filled with strangely attractive peers.

Hey, it's still a visual novel. Nonetheless, Hisao Nakai's growing attraction to the variety of girls that populate the school neither feels out of place nor campy. It's a slow, hesitant thing that seems fitting of a high schooler and framed with far more curiosity than lust. More than anything, however, what I liked was the portrayal of the lead character's fight with his disease, the personalities and the fact that the various ailments suffered by the cast were not, well, fetishized.

Those interested in checking the game out and can download the current build here.