Developed by Spike Chunsoft for the Playstation Vita, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is one of the most engaging and memorable games I've played in a while.Recently released to western audiences, Danganronpa features a unique set of cast, well-written story, humor, and more, is it worth picking up?
Story- You take the role of Makoto, an average student who is enrolled into Hope's Peak Academy.There he meets up with fourteen "Ultimate" students, who are highly talented in various fields.However, the students end up being imprisoned in the academy.They encounter a sadistic bear-like creature, Monokuma, who forces the students to participate in a game.The only way to "graduate" from the academy, is by murdering each other.If the "blackened" is discovered, they will be punished; if the "blackened" is unidentified, everyone except the blackened will be punished.Danganronpa's story explores themes of hope and despair, greed, betrayal, and many more.
 |
| The bear is watching. |
Gameplay- Danganronpa's gameplay is similar to that of Ace Attorney, while having some elements from the Persona series.Gameplay is divided into two sections, School Life and Class Trial.During School Life, you'll investigate the academy for clues regarding the recent murder committed and new areas that are opened.Constantly exploring the academy will reward you with coins that can be used to acquire interesting presents and unlockables.In your free time, you can choose to explore or befriend a character, if they are alive.The Class Trials are the main portion of the gameplay.During these trials, you'll have to identify the culprit behind the murder.However, every student have their opinion and demand proof, requiring you to find solid evidence.The trials can get a bit confusing due to it's many elements, but they never feel out of place and boring.Also, Danganronpa is a murder mystery visual novel, and it's murders are quite brutal.However, the developers chose to use pink blood instead of red, which doesn't harm the game or anything, but is noticeable.
Visuals & Sound- The art-style in Trigger Happy Havoc is well and great.Each character is distinguishable and unique.Some backgrounds are rendered in 2D, which is pretty cool, but have some dated textures.Sound-design is great.You have the option of switching to English and Japanese dialogues, which both are great.Speaking of dialogue, it's well-written.Characters are likable, unique, and interesting, each giving some laughs and emotions.The soundtrack is one of the best features of the game.Fitting the murder mystery setting of the game, I've found it be catchy and interesting.
Overall- Some of Danganronpa's themes may not appeal to everyone, but it's one of the best visual novel games you'll play.It's excellent writing, thrilling gameplay and soundtrack, great cast of characters, and funny, but deadly antagonist, makes it a mystery worth solving.
EXCELLENT
Comments
Post a Comment