[8] In the PSP version, the text is accompanied by character sprites, which represent who Takamichi is talking to, over background art.

He believes that Kashima deliberately showed the love letter to everyone,[10] stops communicating with her until he graduates from high school, and concentrates on looking after his younger sister.

After this, the plot will unfold differently depending on the player's previous choices, and Kana dies in most endings.

after the game's release, going on to write the scenario for the visual novels Hoshizora ☆ Planet and Family Project.

[13] According to Japanese magazines BugBug and Tech Gian, the novel portrays a feeling of caring for each other that goes beyond "love" or "physical attraction.

This new version retains the original story line but features new character designs and full voice acting.

[citation needed] Kana: Little Sister has received widespread attention from the eroge player community.

[5] The plot of Kana: Little Sister was well-received by critics, who felt that it deals with themes such as love, life and family.

[1][3][21] Pasokon bishōjo gēmu rekishi taizen: 1982-2000 specifically commented that the development of Takamichi and Kana's romantic relationship under their "tragic encounter" was "touching".

[3] In addition to the character's encounters, The Escapist's Leigh Alexander also found "simple empathy" for "well-drawn individuals".

[21] In Boku-tachi no bishōjo gēmu Kuronikuru 2, Hiroyuki Maeda surmised that the player's empathy came from the text, especially the psychological description of the characters.

Alexander said the incest was "handled delicately" in regards to Takamichi and his younger sister's relationship, which distinguishes it from other eroge.

[1] Au Yeung criticized the team for setting Kana as an adopted younger sister due to public's perception.

[12]: 111  Au Yeung, however, criticized the latter, calling it "unnatural" compared to the other endings as there's no explanation of Kana's miraculous recovery.