Katawa Shoujo Release on Jan 4, 2012

Once you're in a path (you finished Act 1), there's no way to switch paths, as far as I know. And yeah, Emi's path is the easiest to reach; all you have to do is pick "yes" when the nurse asks you whether you'll work harder, and then pick "go for it" when running. Both choices seem like "good" choices so it's pretty easy to get put down that path. If you side with Lilly in the argument prior to that, you're automatically in Emi's path. If you don't pick a side, you have a choice between Emi and Shizune.

I finished reading everyone's path but Emi's. The plots range between predictably boring and fairly interesting, and I can't say I'm a big fan of the way VNs are presented, either, with the repetitive backgrounds, music, and character art. What really makes the stories worth reading, though, is the character depth and development. It's really interesting how even though the premise was that each of the girls is physically disabled in some way, those physical disabilities are largely inconsequential and the stories are really about dealing with social and emotional "disabilities." Rin may have no arms, but she has much larger issues with self-identity and learning to cope with change. Hanako may be permanently scarred across half her body, but her real issues lie in trust and self-worth. It sends the message that even though these girls are disabled, they are still real people with real feelings and the same problems that everyone else has. I really appreciated that.

 Lilly

Lilly's path was the first one I read. I thought she was the most likeable character. Pretty, ladylike, polite and very approachable, yet strong and fairly independent. This story is a bit more about Hisao than it is about Lilly, which is good. He isn't just some faceless guy for the reader to project them self onto. It's a story about learning to be independent, being honest with yourself, enjoying the present while planning for the future and following your own dreams and ambitions. Fairly tame read, a bit too predictable. I most enjoyed the scenes where they learned to deal with each other's weaknesses. Also, there are like, 3, 4? sex scenes and they didn't really contribute too much to the story. Might as well turn them off if you're not into that stuff.

 Rin

This one had me both chuckling and misty-eyed. Rin may seem detached and silly, but underneath that is a very complex, free-spirited girl struggling to find her own identity and deal with change. Hisao is like an admirer desperately trying to understand her and help her, but having a very hard time doing so without going insane. If you only want to read one, make it this one. It's a story about kids staring at the sky and discussing things far bigger than themselves. It also has the best dialogue of any story by far. There are plenty of amusing situations that arise from Rin's rapid subject changes and her lack of bashfulness or modesty. There are also plenty of scenes that will have you reaching for the tissue-box. My favorite one hands down.

 Hanako

This one is just depressing as hell. I thought it captured the way victims of abuse and trauma often act really well. Hanako has an incredibly difficult time warming up to people and dealing with people who try to show her affection. She constantly feels at fault and only feels worse when people treat her like someone who needs to be protected. It's quite endearing. Interestingly, she actually adjusts faster in Lilly's path.

 Shizune

Meh. Not only did I think Shizune was the least likeable character, but this story also just wasn't that great. I don't know if the whole "I can learn sign language in a month, but then I have trouble with specific words and I lose my ability to read it if I stop for a week" thing was very believable, either. Shizune's problem is just a personality issue. She enjoys competition and power, and everyone who gets close to her away. It creates an interesting dynamic with Misha towards the end, but I was already getting bored at that point. I did like Shizune's dad, though. The conversations with him are pretty amusing.

Edit: @Above, there is no Misha route.

 ACTUAL SPOILERS

There is a sex scene with Misha on the Shizune path, though. It leads to a bad end, obviously