Dead End Aegis (DEA) is yet another VN that generates some controversy, and to keep it simple it's because of the numerous (more violent than usual) rape scenes, and their effect on the reader. Arguments in favor or against them aside, i think it's fair to say that the VN is only mildly popular because of them. It still needs to be made clear that DEA has more than just shock value going for it, in particular the writing (some aspects) and setting itself, can stand "toe to toe" with the big names of the medium.
Positive:
- Writing - It's the narration style, the worldbuilding, and the characterization done through the scenes, prominent among them, the ones with some sort of negative connotation. The characters and the world are detailed, developed to a high degree, and it is possible to understand them, in a way that is uncommon (very different) in a VN. Probably the strongest asset of DEA.
- Themes explored - Simple concepts with a lot of emotional power. The heroines went to literal hell (not) on earth, and the writer is still capable of showing you that in our own world, even worse things exist. It's a sad reminder really, people don't think about it, but terrible things happen everyday. You shouldn't read DEA if you are a more sensitive individual, or if you are going through a rough patch in your life right now
- Great scenario, lots of (negative) feelings - In this case it's the magical girls, and the fight against the aliens in space. Sounds trite, but it's actually inspiring, because everytime the heroines go out, you know what's about to hit the fan, and then they come back (if they do comeback), and there's only more anguish waiting for them. How is that inspiring you ask? To truly know hope, one must first be acquainted with despair.
Negative:
- One of the endings is preposterous at best, and downright stupid at worse; One of the routes went too far in the worldbuilding and infodumping department, becoming really boring; Limited voice acting is countered by narration, but having both would be better; Endless sex and violence for the sake of sex and violence, in some segments.
Score: Dead End Aegis is an 8/10 a very good VN. Any complaint regarding morals or making sense, can be countered by a simple "don't read it if you don't like it" (information on entertainment is more important now, than ever before). Highly recommended for its quality writing, the emotions it instills on the reader, and the 18+ also has its moments.
(H-scenes have tags, quality and quantity going for them, just make sure you are comfortable with everything, because they can be a bit much even if you are predisposed towards them.)
Positive:
- Writing - It's the narration style, the worldbuilding, and the characterization done through the scenes, prominent among them, the ones with some sort of negative connotation. The characters and the world are detailed, developed to a high degree, and it is possible to understand them, in a way that is uncommon (very different) in a VN. Probably the strongest asset of DEA.
- Themes explored - Simple concepts with a lot of emotional power. The heroines went to literal hell (not) on earth, and the writer is still capable of showing you that in our own world, even worse things exist. It's a sad reminder really, people don't think about it, but terrible things happen everyday. You shouldn't read DEA if you are a more sensitive individual, or if you are going through a rough patch in your life right now
- Great scenario, lots of (negative) feelings - In this case it's the magical girls, and the fight against the aliens in space. Sounds trite, but it's actually inspiring, because everytime the heroines go out, you know what's about to hit the fan, and then they come back (if they do comeback), and there's only more anguish waiting for them. How is that inspiring you ask? To truly know hope, one must first be acquainted with despair.
Negative:
- One of the endings is preposterous at best, and downright stupid at worse; One of the routes went too far in the worldbuilding and infodumping department, becoming really boring; Limited voice acting is countered by narration, but having both would be better; Endless sex and violence for the sake of sex and violence, in some segments.
Score: Dead End Aegis is an 8/10 a very good VN. Any complaint regarding morals or making sense, can be countered by a simple "don't read it if you don't like it" (information on entertainment is more important now, than ever before). Highly recommended for its quality writing, the emotions it instills on the reader, and the 18+ also has its moments.
(H-scenes have tags, quality and quantity going for them, just make sure you are comfortable with everything, because they can be a bit much even if you are predisposed towards them.)