Finally, I can get into Fujieda's route, which is my main motivation to play Slow Damage in the first place as I stated in the first blog post: Slow Damage log week 1: Introduction (wixsite.com)
And after playing it, I can easily say this is my most favorite route, 10x more than the previous 3 routes actually. Because if not I wouldn't have replayed it 3 times already in the past 3 days.
Basically, this true route is like the other side of the coin to the other 3 routes. It's similar, but the flow and development is different, and more importantly, so many revelations that might change your perception about what Slow Damage actually is about.
By the way, to get into his route, you use the new menu appearing after you finished Madarame's route. On the main title menu, the dolls become clickable and it'll bring you to a mystery box to play the story from chapter 0.
In chapter 0, you have to get the opponent into Madness end, because if he's just finished with Euphoria end, you'll be moved into chapter 1 of the first 3 routes instead.
The Last Chapter : Equal (Fujieda Ryo)
Shortly after chapter 0 event, a mysterious box addressed to Towa arrived, which contents are a plush doll, several photos of unknown people and diary pages. All Towa knows are that seeing those items suddenly made him feel sick and dizzy, as if those items triggers a trauma within himself. Curious about them, Towa began his investigations but it only left him with more questions and mysterious headaches, as if his forgotten past memory is resurfacing. Moreover when Taku started confiscating more mysterious packages addressed to Towa, saying "there are things better left unknown" to him.
In the state of confusion about what's happening to him, feeling anger and distrust to Taku, Towa who isolated himself in a park's tunnel encountered Fujieda.
Fujieda is a lawyer currently hired by Takasato group. After some conversations, he managed to brought Towa home, and from there on he somehow gets the gist of their situation. Fujieda himself said that he's currently investigating a case which might be somehow related to Towa and people who became Euphoria's models.
After some more odd encounters, Towa eventually found out that he and Fujieda is currently investigating similar things. Fujieda then offered that the two of them work together on solving this case. However, as this matter could possibly be deeply tied with the dark truth behind Towa's forgotten past, Fujieda asked whether Towa is prepared to face that. Towa, who could no longer bear being left in the dark about everything, agreed with Fujieda. Thus begin the start of their walk into dangerous places to uncover the truth behind Towa's and Fujieda's past, Takasato group, and Shinkoumi itself...
Fujieda's route personal impression
FUJIEDA... BIG LOVE... WHAT A GREAT MAN...
FUJITOWA ARE MADE FOR EACH OTHER I'M CRYING!!!
THIS ROUTE IS AMAZING. ACTUALLY I HAVE SO MANY IMPRESSIONS ABOUT THEM. But since it can't be done without spoiler, I'll make that one into separate post later.
First, I'm surprised about this route's difference compared to the first 3 routes. If previously the story is more about Towa helping the respective boyfriends' personal conflict, this route is the opposite. This time, it's Towa who is struggling to solve his own problems, in which Fujieda became the key helper. In a way, Fujieda is very similar to Towa, and therefore he could understand him.
Second, the revelations and plot twists about things they never implied in the first 3 routes shocked me. It feels like almost everything you knew from those routes are lies. And more importantly, you'll get to learn why is Slow Damage, as a game, were made this way, why is there Psychological part gimmick and all, which apparently is related to Towa's identity deeper than what you've might expected.
Lastly, the ending... OH MY GOD THE ENDING!!!!!
I personally am satisfied with the conclusion of this story and love it very much. It makes me cry and relieved, especially regarding Towa's development. I'm so happy to see that he finally got to start a brighter "new life" after what he had been through. Moreover now he got Fujieda on his side, who is the most wholesome man you could ever find, honestly.
By the way, the bad ending also stays true to this route's premise because Fujieda himself stay sane until the end LMAO. Let's say it's more like Fujieda having to deal with Towa's madness for the rest of his life.
My honorary mention goes to Igarashi who stays as pure, energetic, sweet summer child until the very end.
Trigger warnings for Last Chapter (Fujieda's route) (as far as I remember):
Self-harm, wound, blood, scars, non-con, violence, dealing with heavy trauma, mental and physical child abuse, child trafficking, suicide attempt. Basically this route deals heavily with abuse on the mental side rather than physical.
With this post, my reviews of each routes in Slow Damage are finally done, thank you very much for reading until the end!
Upcoming posts will mostly be about my impressions of other aspects in the game (read: fangirling over Fujieda), and might probably contain spoilers, but I'd be happy if you're willing to read them as well.
Last but not least:
PLEASE BUY AND PLAY SLOW DAMAGE!!
It's personally a great game and worth it, especially for Nitro+Chiral fans, it offers fresh, interesting new aspects and gimmicks!
So please buy the game, experience them yourself, and support them!!
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