Another thank you! I've never watched much anime or bothered playing a VN before, because I always had a bunch of novels/plays lying around waiting to be read, but I was recently linked to KS and thought I'd give it a try. Obviously I'm very happy I did, and as a result I will probably end up giving other VNs a shot or following new works by the developers. My only regret is I didn't play it earlier and join these forums when they were more active! I would like to ask a few questions, though:
1) In Shizune's bad ending, we see she has the purple cat doll in her bag; is this something she's often carrying with her, and if so, does the same hold throughout the route that leads to her good ending? Seems like that would be a pretty important symbol of attachment between her and Hisao.
2) In Shizune's good ending, Hisao verbally says "I love you," and then wonders whether Shizune will react in confusion. Does this mean he expects her to read his lips?
3) Is Shizune's good ending meant to be completely open to interpretation regarding the future of their relationship, or does it hint toward a particular result? I've read Aura's
comment here, but I feel even that is ambiguous - they can deal with the "different directions" when they come and choose to remain together, or they decide to amicably end it there. I have my own opinions, of course, but I was wondering whether there was something I should be giving more importance to. A look at Shizune/Hisao's possible future a la TheHivemind's
post would be interesting, but I imagine it would have to come from A22, which will never happen. Even if it did, I'm sure he would just mess with everyone
4) How did the later developers end up joining or hearing about the project? I understand how the very original group first came together, but did the others happen to come across the idea and offer their services like Silentcook, or were they specifically recruited?
Thanks again, particularly for keeping this site going.