OK so... i'm gonna give you a review as i just finished in this game. overall i love the story so much so i could tell you that...
[Pros]
i loveee the interface design, the concept is really cool and very refreshing also the artstyle is mesmerizing in the eyes. the story afterall is very um how do i put it.. interesting and unique(in good way ofc)? as they took a different approach from the original danganronpa while still maintaining the original "killing game". after all i really like how the game choose to proggress with some interesting twist that makes it feels ''new'' instead putting a patterned story plot like usual danganronpa (this game does do some 'pattern' story thing but they did different approach just like i said so that's why it feels refreshing)
[cons]
the interface of the game itself was pretty great but i need to get used with it, as you can't really control the auto text so it feels really long time when u used auto to progress the story. secondly, i don't know why the developer use big ass black text box to cover execution art(is it has to do with the setting?). like it covers them completely and i cant clearly see the art! maybe if you want to do that just lower the opacity or just do it like normal dialogue text box, because i think if you do that why putting so much effort for the art if you're just going to cover it just for explaining how execution done?
and after this maybe a little bit spoiler so beware
the story on prologue, ch 1 and epilogue feels rushed out. the early chapter have feels like "i have too much information to tell the reader but i can't make it too long" so the early chapter feels like the dialoguse bombarding us with so much info in one scene in fast pace. the epilogue, otherhand feels like "i have so much information should i tell them in vague way?". like the ending not explaining anything. ok the mc has this "ability" to time lapse but it doesn't explain how? except it show only how it triggered and it doesn't explain how this to be called "memory" is a real thing the first place. does the memory on the lapse are just mc reminiscing "what ifs?" what about the others? so there's not really a mastermind? only a plot for the overseer?? . idk if this could be called "open ending" because it left too much plot holes.
also i don't really get the "forced motivation" concept, it feels like... really irrelevant? idk it just feels outta nowhere showed up with question except for the last chapter 4.
i loved this!!! it's been so long since I've had fun playing anything danganronpa and this was a breath of fresh air. i have one question through it's late game spoilers so i'm putting it under the view rest
i went back and tried putting in the code that zero gives when aki is trying to talk again and nothing happened, did i not go back far enough or is he just saying nonsense?
This comment will have MAJOR spoilers under "view rest". Despite my complaints with this game I do think it is definitely worth playing and has a lot of positives. The presentation is incredible and the characters are all pretty great. Unfortunately I just tend to have a lot more to say about negative stuff.
I feel like this game probably should have included in the description that it was inspired by zero escape. As another commenter already said you kind of need to have played that series to understand a certain something in the story. If it was just the two references that happen in the prologue it would have been fine but there is a major plot point right out of zero escape and it's not even ever explained... Below are the major spoilers.
I feel the final chapter and epilogue was rushed. Before chapter 4 it felt like we were slowly building to something, introducing new elements and then before we know it boom the mastermind is gone and the game is over now here's a big explanation of the game's mysteries, besides Echo's power. Like....what???? It completely interrupts what was previously great pacing and shoots us into an ending where a whopping half the cast survives? Not like I wanted anyone else to die, I love all of the survivors but it just feels a little disappointing especially when I felt chapter 3 had been the best trial so far. I would LOVE to see more from this dev and I'm really sad that the game ended so soon...
this game was great but it 100% requires you to be familiar with zero escape as a game in order to understand what the fuck is going on- i wish in the epilogue [there was a perfect part for it too, when echo was talking to someone alone and they were explaining their actions- perhaps an explanation of the zero escape-y stuff there would've helped make it feel better but i have zero [ba dum tss] complaints otherwise, other than it being so short like let me hear these guys info dump about themselves to me come on
such an amazing fangame!! so much effort put into it - i can't wait to get a part 2. thank you for your amazing work! (ps: the yttd and zero escape motifs on lyle's roster??? omfg????)
Pretty solid for a fanganronpa. Highlights and critiques below. Some minor spoilers.
But, uhhhhh, Lapse 2 when?
Things I liked:
-The first investigation being super short. “Here’s two clues! Good luck assholes!” It finally answers the question of “What happens when the killer doesn’t do an over elaborate murder plan?”
-Art style is good. It’s soft and pleasant. I like the art deco theming to the UI; it meshes well with the luxurious mansion.
- Trial 2 was hype as fuck.
- I’ve always thought that putting in bad ends where the player character is a victim would make Danganronpa more interesting. This game has proved that this is true.
-Lyle’s Roster portrait. I recognize a lot of the items on it.
-Lyle in general is a pretty great character.
-All the characters are great. Forte, Lyle, Missy and Eve were my favorites.
-Hope/Despair were talked about like a normal person would talk about them; as opposed to the over the top anime way the main series tends to do.
-The plot is slowly advance throughout the entire game, as opposed to the main games’ having massive plot dumps right at the end.
Minor Critiques:
-Some conversations change topics to quickly; most noticeable when the original topic was important to the situation. This is really only true for the prologue and chapter 1.
-Some motivations and reasonings are shallow/unclear.
-I like Zero Escape references, but the Chapter 3/4 thing was a bit much. In fact, I would out right call it bad.
-Investigations and trials could be fleshed out/expanded a bit more. This probably sounds little weird after I praised investigation one for having only 2 clues, but all of the trails could stand to have a bit more too then and/or tangential clues removed.
Lingering questions (These might seem minor, but this is a mystery game: every stray detail counts):
-Why was Echo so paranoid about Ashley walking by herself to her house, despite the walk being short and mundane?
-Why does no one question/worry about the fact that they were abducted and brought to the mansion? They all just go with it until Echo gets electrocuted for trying to leave for reasons other than being abducted. Same for the bracelets; did no one try to remove them?
all that aside though, very well made game that I really enjoyed, honestly did not expect it to be this good but I had fun:)) anyways STOP KILLING MY FAVORITE CHARACTERS PLZ
pandora's last name im assuming is supposed to mean "hope" in french however "espère" is not the noun form of hope, it's the imperative form, so its not the word "hope" its more like a command telling you to hope (for something), unless thats the idea? but no one would ever have a last name like that. btw the noun form of "hope" is "espoir"
also dont believe google translate theres no such thing as "ç'est", it auto corrects "c'est" (correct french) to "ç'est" (incorrect french) for no apparent reason)
The Zero Escape reference was just to good, got my giggling and kicking my feet because of it, and don't forget the yttd one either in Lyle's roster, I just know he was the favorite out of the whole cast.
OMGG FORTE WAS MY FAV CHARACTER AND WAS SO HAPPY THAT HE WAS GONNA SURVIVE BUT THEN AT THE LAST MINUTE.. WHAAAT, honestly hated Sei for the stunt that she pulled. :(
WARINING: THIS HAS SPOILERS (But The Beginning Won't And I Wrote 'SPOLIER PART!' To Warn Anybody) :)
Honestly, I loved the game, in my opinion, this is one of the best fangans ive played along with Eden's Garden (though it's incomplete) and another and another 2. I loved how beautiful he art was and I loved every single character (except Zero, kinda disliked him, and yes, I cried when every body and culprit was found). The game development and character development was AWSOME and I honestly CAN'T believe this game is actually free. This fangame was definitely one of the BEST I've played and it isn't like any other I've played too. SPOILER PART! During chapter one, I was crying my balls off because Pandora and Art were like my favorite characters, though chapter one was a bit boring but I still gave the game a chance because idk it was cool so far ig lol. The second trial in my opinion was fire, the 'Discussion Commence' (I think thats what it was called) arguments were very smooth and I loved it. Though oh my gosh Ashley made me freaking cry holy sh!t- The third chapter, the choosing where to go with Lyle or Missy was cool and uh getting the 'BAD END' with Kanon going weep was actually very creative in my opinion, also going with the dying twice, coming back thing. When everybody died and Sei wanted to get the prize oh my gosh I was freaking out because the rest of the characters, I LOVED (especially Lyle, Missy, and Kanon). The trial had me confused but I understood it all (most) after the trial :). And to end it, I think the ending was very nice :) I'm glad the creator made this and put their efforts in making this game because it made me happy.
I absolutely loved the game! It was fantastic and I loved trying to figure out the culprits each time before the answer was revealed! Great storyline and easy to follow with surprises all the way through!
Well, I've been through this great novel and I want to say that it's just awesome! Thank you for making it possible! ^_^
For those who are deciding to install or not: install and pass, the game deserves it! You better not read on, as you might distort your impression.
Yes, the game is made on a simple engine ren`py and at first I was upset, because it immediately became clear that the same game mechanics and of course, graphics, such as in Danganronpa v3, will not. However, this was my first hypothesis before launching, and I was very surprised when in the first hour of play it was not confirmed! No, of course the same graphics were not, and all game mechanisms were either simplified or absent altogether, but - the game itself and how it was implemented in this engine is really striking in a positive way this word. Simple investigation mechanics and courts, the lack of voice acting, the sound in most of the game the same music as in the original parts of Danganronpa, the lack of video clips, simple in terms of implementation 2D art is more than compensated by, firstly, a really interesting story, secondly, a concise narration (no free times and other nonsense as in the original series), and thirdly, the setting itself! I also want to mention the new music I heard in this game, the selection of music from the original series, interesting differences in the storyline compared to the original. games (highlighted some of the details, which in my opinion, was not in the original), fLoAtInG-shaking letters (they really are perceived differently, I do not understand why this was not used in the original series), and of course, two bad endings, which are interestingly painted, and from which really poured emotions (not comparable to the humorous ending in the first original part of the series). In addition, I want to note the very design of the interface, the transitions from one chapter to another, the art, and most importantly - the very interest and emotion that the creator of the game evoked. All the other flaws, which could be caused by some inconsistency in the plot, short investigations and other things, really pale over how the idea itself was implemented and how it was perfectly realized on such an engine! And in the end, if anyone criticizes the volume that was in the original series and that here, guys, this is a fan game that is implemented for free, and that didn't have the same resources for implementation and developers as Spike Chunsoft. Also, there are really realized moments here that aren't in the original series (details like character signatures and others).
At the beginning of the game I didn't really like the content itself and the very simplicity of the first murder, the investigation, the trial. I liked the very details of the ending and how it was written, but the content of the ending itself, like many here, I didn't really like =D. No, certainly the ending itself is better than, for example, Makoto Shinkai's "Your Name." and compared to that, the ending of the game is perfectly well done and unfolded. Still, the question remains, "What happened to them next?" One user here wrote that the specifics of the Preservation Project and the outside world aren't important, what's important is that the ending makes you feel something. I agree with him in part, details on the project are not necessary, as well as to see, for example, visiting the "game graduates" Greenland and the corresponding pictures and narrative about it, but is the statement about the sufficiency of simply having a test of any feeling true? What if it is a tormented sense of understatement?
Of course, in such cases you can always say - this is the ending the author made, you just need to figure out your own version. But the problem is that whatever variants I made up, I still wouldn't consider it the true ending, because it is simply made up by me, in fact everything could be different...
In conclusion, I want to say that the simplicity of the details in the first chapter and the lack of a clear ending do not spoil the overall impression of the game. Again, the game is great and made me a ton of enjoyable experiences! Considering its non-commercial nature and excellent execution of the idea - the game deserves to be played.
English is not my native language, so I used a translator. If you don't understand something, write it in the comments, please :)
P.S - I think that the prototype of Ashley Westbridge is Applejack from My Little Pony: Equestria Girls. Furthermore, the very word Applejack flashed in the novella as referring to the heroine. Mythridate, if this is true, or it's just a reference to the MLP universe - please write if my guess is correct, I'm very curious about that =D
I really enjoyed this project! The UI was gorgeous, the cast likeable, and the art wonderful. I also thought the workarounds for coding the trial minigames were executed well. Overall I definitely had a lot of fun with this game and I applaud you for accomplishing it all on your own!
(It's been a while since the game was released, but I also wanted to notify you of a minor bug in the ch4 trial that prevents you from hiding the text box. I just wanted to be able to see the full CGs, but that didn't interfere with my understanding of the story at all!)
I just finished the first trial, and I'll be honest right now, if the investigations and executions are really boring and dull, I'd rather play another fangame! the execution is very chatty! I can't understand what the fuck is going on! and I couldn't feel anything!
otherwise, art, trial mechanics, characters everything is ok! but just with this chapter, I felt bored beyond belief. I'm sorry, but nothing in this fangame makes me think of dangaronpa besides the trial and the ultimates. cuts the ultimate title, pink blood, music, monokuma files (what the hell, why the fuck is monokuma mentioned if he DOESN'T APPEAR IN THE GAME???), trial and "execution" and it's just another murder mystery game. I'm sorry for being rude. but I think I give up on continuing with this game, I was already bored, but the "execution" of the first chapter just spoiled the game for me, show don't tell is something that was not clearly thought of when doing these executions.
I believe that the developers of this game have the potential to tell a good story and make a great game. unfortunately, it won't be a dangaronpa fangame. I wish you guys luck but honestly this game doesn't feel like dangaronpa to me which is ok but there are a lot of things I didn't really like.
as a final note, I would give it a 6/10 or just a 5/10. You guys clearly want to do something original, but for some reason you felt like you were making a fangame of a game that clearly doesn't match the game you have in mind. I wish you luck with future games.
The first murder, investigation and trial can be really boring. I advise you to give the game a second chance and go through the second trial, it will be more interesting..
I don't know, I don't want to have to read a description of the execution three times in a row! I want to feel the anguish and despair of the characters! I know it sounds bad, but that's what makes executions good in the first place! I didn't even understand what was going on! it doesn't even look like they bothered to do a real execution! I didn't feel anything from running! I'm going to watch gameplays instead of spending my time with this game... sorry.
Does this game contain major spoilers for any of the official Danganronpa games? I want to play it with a friend but they haven't finished the series yet.
I have since finished the game and will answer my own question for anyone else it concerns.
This game contains no major spoilers for any of the canon Danganronpa game, and is a self-contained story. There are slight references that might be at canon Danganronpa characters, and some situations are similar to ones you'd see in Danganronpa, but anyone who plays this will not be spoiled on any events that occur in any Danganronpa game.
the game absolutely broke me, it's so good as the cast's so lovable, and seeing my favs getting killed off and the killers' motive made me sad and other killers' motives really intrigued me, but there some flaws here and there in the plot but overall, its really good and im curious about a lot of stuff, but I feel like there were a lot of stuff that didn't really get an explanation or like what others said, that there were a lot of things that didn't make sense, like the protag gaining the ability to time travel(?) or like Ashley shooting Cyrus immediately didn't make sense to her character. The protag's also really written well imo, as they did resonate with me a lot and that I think their reactions to everything are realistic to their character. The ending didn't really make sense though, as the ending kinda felt like a cliffhanger, and there could've been more to it. I really enjoyed this game and the cast, Art, Pandora and Echo being my personal favs, but I feel like this game could have a prequel/sequel game, as there a lot of things in the game to use in said prequel/sequel game, and to hopefully clear up many things and mysteries, maybe? but idk, its for the creator to decide, but it'll be pretty cool tho.
personally, I just finished the first trial and I already feel bored. I like the characters and art, and the story seems interesting. but unfortunately i feel like this game wants to be something nothing to do with danganronpa. the execution was very "what?" I blinked and it was over! this is not dangaronpa for me, the execution was tell don't show, and that was annoying, I didn't even understand what was going on because there were no visuals! just a static image in the background with a dialog box in the middle which was very annoying!
At this point I don't care about spoilers, because unfortunately, if the rest of the game is like chapter 1, I'd rather play ultra despair girls! I'm disappointed, I wanted to play it because of the art, but this game let me down, the investigation sucked too! it didn't even feel like a real investigation! I hope developers make games that don't have to follow a danganronpa pattern, because clearly they don't want to make a danganronpa. I'm not saying the game is bad, but as a dangaronpa fangame, I expected much more. the game would be better if it didn't have connections with danganronpa.
Ok, friend, we know you didnt like it thats ok but you dont have to spam like 5 positive comments just because you didn't enjoy it.
For the executions I get your point, but animating like 3+ executions would be extremely taxing to anyone. This is a really well made game with actual reasons to be linked to danganrompa (the ultimate students play a huge part on the plot) I feel like you came in here expecting a sequel to danganrompa instead of a fangame.
Its alright if you didnt like the game but replying like this to 4 other comments is just unnecessary and rude.
I've seen people talk about how the story was a bit rushed and things like that and, well yeah it may feel like it sometimes, but really playing the game I didn't really pay attention to it and it was still a great experience. It made me feel things (wether it was happiness or sadness lol) and I think it's all that matters ^^
The artwork/sprites are so appealing to the eye, I felt a deep yearning to get to know a lot of the characters better, however some of them I would quickly forget existed such as Lyle and Sei. The game leaves you wanting more as the ending is confusing, if not strange. I still love this game, I wish it did more. (Love you Forte, you are my favorite)
downloaded the game and looked through the files, but I can't find how to open the game. Did I do someting wrong? has anyone else had this problem? i really want to play this game looks so good :{
did you extract/unzip the file first? if you did that then you just open the folder and the game application should be one of the first things you see ^^
hate hate HATE this game. (affectionately) IT BROKE ME AND I CANT STOP CRYING. I DONT KNOW WHAT DEMONS POSSESSED YOU TO MAKE YOU WRITE SUCH A SAD STORY BUT YOU ARE LITERALLY SO EVIL ..... i am going to be thinking about every character for the rest of my puny little life you did so well. ESPECIALLY forte and lyle. man
sorry if this comment sounds incoherent btw its like 10pm i just finished the game n im super emotional </3 tldr? lapse solos
I can't go on, not because I feel sad about what happens in the first chapter, but because this chapter alone, left me disappointed and with a sour taste in my mouth. feels more like a game FORCED to be dangaronpa than a game that WANTS to be dangaronpa. i feel nothing for the execution which in my opinion sucks! this is not a run, this is a static image with text covering it all! I couldn't see the despair in the culprit, I couldn't see anything that was happening! the execution being described and not showing is what made me give up on this game.
the game can be good, but for me, this is not dangaronpa. is a murder mystery game with the title dangaronpa thrown into it. this looks nothing like dangaronpa, and I don't know the developers' intentions in making these decisions, but whatever it is, it shows that they wanted to make a murder mystery first and a dangaronpa fangame second. I wish them luck, but I don't think I'll continue to play the game.
Good work on your first full game release! I'm glad you pulled through.
I played the old version (the 2-chapter demo) back in 2020 so I was pretty excited to see that the full game had been released after two years! It lived up to my expectations presentation-wise - the improvements in artwork, interface, polish and overall gamefeel are astounding and you even had an intro developed! It definitely feels like something I'll pay for on Steam.
As for the story, I overall liked the direction it was going for, but I was left wanting more - much, much more. On one hand: the setting was super cool! The story felt distinct enough from the classic Junko-tastic Danganronpa fare! The characters were solid and served their roles in the story well! On the other hand: some plotlines in the demo that I really loved were removed, the [REDACTED] of Chapters 3 and 4 (players will know what I'm talking about) ended up almost completely unexplained, and overall the ending left too many cliffhangers to make me feel like the plot was fully wrapped up. Don't get me wrong - I still really enjoyed what was there! I just think that there's so much untapped potential to this game, and I would love to see you revisit it if you feel like it at any time in the future.
I honestly enjoyed the game, though! Pinky swear! I'm so happy that this game finally saw the light of day in its full iteration. Looking forward to your future works!
A lot of the sprites and artwork (including the UI) is very well done, and I liked how there were a large amount of CGs in this game.
The main backstory for the killing game was unique and interesting, and it managed to be different from the backstories for the official Danganronpa games
Bad points:
Most of the characters were boring in my opinion. I felt they lacked the charm and feel that made the characters from the original games funny or intriguing. Zero kind of acts like Monokuma, but just not as good. In my opinion, he lacks the wittiness that Monokuma had. With the way the characters are written in this game, the game didn’t make me feel like I was playing a Danganronpa game and instead just another generic murder-mystery game.
There’s barely any exploration for the Daily Life parts of the game. I barely get to see what most of the rooms are like before the murders happen. How am I supposed to get a feel for the murder environment if I don’t know what it’s like?
The investigation sections were very lacking. You’re mainly stuck investigating only 1-2 rooms, and even then there’s only 1-2 pieces of evidence that’s actually influential during the trial discussions anyways. While you are able to talk to the characters in the investigation, they don’t say anything important.
The class trial discussions are very rushed and unsatisfying. Having Zero just flat out tell you what to talk about during most of the first trial really takes out the suspense makes the whole discussion dumbed down (I know it's just the first trial, but since the game only has 3 class trials anyways, having one trial made just to baby you is a bad idea). Another problem is how there are no truth bullets for the Nonstop Debates; all you have to do is simply click on a statement and hope there’s something wrong. I guess it could be due to limitations for the game engine, but having no truth bullets really takes a lot of the thinking aspects away from this minigame. Additionally, I don’t like how the all the culprits just give up and admit they’re the killer once they get called out. Most of the killers in the original games usually put up a fight and try their best to defend themselves, which keeps the suspense going to the end. However, having the killers in this game give up easily just makes solving the mystery a lot less satisfying in the end.
Some of the story/narrative ideas just don’t make sense to me. For example, in the 2nd trial when you get the bad ending, why does the game tell you who the real culprit is? Wouldn't it make more sense to keep it a secret for when you try to get the good ending? Additionally, everything about the “time-travelling” ability that Echo had just makes no sense. What is the ability? Where did he get it from? Why didn’t it activate during the 2nd trial when he was going to be executed? It just felt like that plot point was thrown in as a really cheap way to fix plot holes or reduce the amount of discussions needed for the trial later.
There are some other minor things that I didn’t like, but these are the biggest issues with the game in my opinion.
I agree with all your criticisms! and apparently I was right, that's how it is for the rest of the game! I feel bored, I liked at least four or five characters, and I found the game nothing like dangaronpa. it's like the developers wanted to make a murder mystery game but named it dangaronpa to attract more players! the execution of the first chapter is what broke me, I give up! I don't want to play a game that makes me bored and I don't know how to use "show don't tell"! serious! WHY is the execution just a static image with text covering it all?? I read it and until now I have no idea what happened!! literally, WHAT HAPPENED???
the only thing i peopl is all luck and all the best to the developers! but this game was not what I wanted from something with the title dangaronpa on it!
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RANTARO???? 😭
THATS WHAT I THOUGHT WHEN I FIRST SAW HIM??? HES CALM AND THE ULTIMATE CHRISMA... THAT IS RANTARO
OK so... i'm gonna give you a review as i just finished in this game. overall i love the story so much so i could tell you that...
[Pros]
i loveee the interface design, the concept is really cool and very refreshing also the artstyle is mesmerizing in the eyes. the story afterall is very um how do i put it.. interesting and unique(in good way ofc)? as they took a different approach from the original danganronpa while still maintaining the original "killing game". after all i really like how the game choose to proggress with some interesting twist that makes it feels ''new'' instead putting a patterned story plot like usual danganronpa (this game does do some 'pattern' story thing but they did different approach just like i said so that's why it feels refreshing)
[cons]
the interface of the game itself was pretty great but i need to get used with it, as you can't really control the auto text so it feels really long time when u used auto to progress the story. secondly, i don't know why the developer use big ass black text box to cover execution art(is it has to do with the setting?). like it covers them completely and i cant clearly see the art! maybe if you want to do that just lower the opacity or just do it like normal dialogue text box, because i think if you do that why putting so much effort for the art if you're just going to cover it just for explaining how execution done?
and after this maybe a little bit spoiler so beware
the story on prologue, ch 1 and epilogue feels rushed out. the early chapter have feels like "i have too much information to tell the reader but i can't make it too long" so the early chapter feels like the dialoguse bombarding us with so much info in one scene in fast pace. the epilogue, otherhand feels like "i have so much information should i tell them in vague way?". like the ending not explaining anything. ok the mc has this "ability" to time lapse but it doesn't explain how? except it show only how it triggered and it doesn't explain how this to be called "memory" is a real thing the first place. does the memory on the lapse are just mc reminiscing "what ifs?" what about the others? so there's not really a mastermind? only a plot for the overseer?? . idk if this could be called "open ending" because it left too much plot holes.
also i don't really get the "forced motivation" concept, it feels like... really irrelevant? idk it just feels outta nowhere showed up with question except for the last chapter 4.
i loved this!!! it's been so long since I've had fun playing anything danganronpa and this was a breath of fresh air. i have one question through it's late game spoilers so i'm putting it under the view rest
i went back and tried putting in the code that zero gives when aki is trying to talk again and nothing happened, did i not go back far enough or is he just saying nonsense?
im sorry im late to this but its not a code! its numbers that correspond to letters based off their order in the alphabet. he is trying to say "hope".
8 - H
15 - O
16 - P
5 - E
(i also didnt figure this out myself, @97jaeby on twitter posted about it around the time the full game launched, credit goes to her)
OHHHHHHH i feel like such a doofus, thanks for the reply!!!!!!!
This comment will have MAJOR spoilers under "view rest". Despite my complaints with this game I do think it is definitely worth playing and has a lot of positives. The presentation is incredible and the characters are all pretty great. Unfortunately I just tend to have a lot more to say about negative stuff.
I feel like this game probably should have included in the description that it was inspired by zero escape. As another commenter already said you kind of need to have played that series to understand a certain something in the story. If it was just the two references that happen in the prologue it would have been fine but there is a major plot point right out of zero escape and it's not even ever explained... Below are the major spoilers.
I feel the final chapter and epilogue was rushed. Before chapter 4 it felt like we were slowly building to something, introducing new elements and then before we know it boom the mastermind is gone and the game is over now here's a big explanation of the game's mysteries, besides Echo's power. Like....what???? It completely interrupts what was previously great pacing and shoots us into an ending where a whopping half the cast survives? Not like I wanted anyone else to die, I love all of the survivors but it just feels a little disappointing especially when I felt chapter 3 had been the best trial so far. I would LOVE to see more from this dev and I'm really sad that the game ended so soon...
this game was great but it 100% requires you to be familiar with zero escape as a game in order to understand what the fuck is going on- i wish in the epilogue [there was a perfect part for it too, when echo was talking to someone alone and they were explaining their actions- perhaps an explanation of the zero escape-y stuff there would've helped make it feel better but i have zero [ba dum tss] complaints otherwise, other than it being so short like let me hear these guys info dump about themselves to me come on
*SNAP*
Yep. This is going in my cringe compilation.
Anyways, I love this game a lot :^)
I LOVE This game, though I do not like the protagonist. I just find them annoying, But that's just me. Other than that, I highly recommend!!!
it was really fun and exciting to play i really enjoyed it
Thank You for your amazing work
i cant figure out how to download qwq
ONLY TWO OF MY FAVORITES DIED HAHAHAHAHAHHAHHA
such an amazing fangame!! so much effort put into it - i can't wait to get a part 2. thank you for your amazing work! (ps: the yttd and zero escape motifs on lyle's roster??? omfg????)
Pretty solid for a fanganronpa. Highlights and critiques below. Some minor spoilers.
But, uhhhhh, Lapse 2 when?
Things I liked:
-The first investigation being super short. “Here’s two clues! Good luck assholes!” It finally answers the question of “What happens when the killer doesn’t do an over elaborate murder plan?”
-Art style is good. It’s soft and pleasant. I like the art deco theming to the UI; it meshes well with the luxurious mansion.
- Trial 2 was hype as fuck.
- I’ve always thought that putting in bad ends where the player character is a victim would make Danganronpa more interesting. This game has proved that this is true.
-Lyle’s Roster portrait. I recognize a lot of the items on it.
-Lyle in general is a pretty great character.
-All the characters are great. Forte, Lyle, Missy and Eve were my favorites.
-Hope/Despair were talked about like a normal person would talk about them; as opposed to the over the top anime way the main series tends to do.
-The plot is slowly advance throughout the entire game, as opposed to the main games’ having massive plot dumps right at the end.
Minor Critiques:
-Some conversations change topics to quickly; most noticeable when the original topic was important to the situation. This is really only true for the prologue and chapter 1.
-Some motivations and reasonings are shallow/unclear.
-I like Zero Escape references, but the Chapter 3/4 thing was a bit much. In fact, I would out right call it bad.
-Investigations and trials could be fleshed out/expanded a bit more. This probably sounds little weird after I praised investigation one for having only 2 clues, but all of the trails could stand to have a bit more too then and/or tangential clues removed.
Lingering questions (These might seem minor, but this is a mystery game: every stray detail counts):
-Why was Echo so paranoid about Ashley walking by herself to her house, despite the walk being short and mundane?
-Why does no one question/worry about the fact that they were abducted and brought to the mansion? They all just go with it until Echo gets electrocuted for trying to leave for reasons other than being abducted. Same for the bracelets; did no one try to remove them?
Lyle, Forte and Pandora are so rude and blasphemous... They didn't know what the Funyarinpa was! How dare? >:(
For real tho, anyone that makes a Zero Escape reference is good in my book.
whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
my favorites always die first T_T
all that aside though, very well made game that I really enjoyed, honestly did not expect it to be this good but I had fun:)) anyways STOP KILLING MY FAVORITE CHARACTERS PLZ
pandora's last name im assuming is supposed to mean "hope" in french however "espère" is not the noun form of hope, it's the imperative form, so its not the word "hope" its more like a command telling you to hope (for something), unless thats the idea? but no one would ever have a last name like that. btw the noun form of "hope" is "espoir"
also dont believe google translate theres no such thing as "ç'est", it auto corrects "c'est" (correct french) to "ç'est" (incorrect french) for no apparent reason)
The Zero Escape reference was just to good, got my giggling and kicking my feet because of it, and don't forget the yttd one either in Lyle's roster, I just know he was the favorite out of the whole cast.
spoiler <3
----------------
OMGG FORTE WAS MY FAV CHARACTER AND WAS SO HAPPY THAT HE WAS GONNA SURVIVE BUT THEN AT THE LAST MINUTE.. WHAAAT,
honestly hated Sei for the stunt that she pulled.:(I'm sorry the game was very good but the ending as well as some unanswered questions made me wish there was more during the last chapter and epilogue
I had a good time playing, I think it was very impressive that you made it with just one person
SPOILER:
Can someone explain the ending, how Echo can go back in time, anything?
idk, im not sure either but also if you see this, mark it s a spoiler or something
My bad, thanks!
Actually, I think that there was not any travel to the past. In my opinion, it was just a reminiscence....
im going to go out on a limb and say theyre actually just the guy from erased LMAO
SPOILER WARNING FOR THIS WHOLE POST
Im gonna try so the spoiler is below the read more
Absolutely love the game! Im currently going insane about this set of numbers that Aki grumbled when he said "ready?"
I tried inputting them in the code for the testing room but nothing happened so Im scowering around to see what I can find
hello there
WARINING: THIS HAS SPOILERS (But The Beginning Won't And I Wrote 'SPOLIER PART!' To Warn Anybody) :)
Honestly, I loved the game, in my opinion, this is one of the best fangans ive played along with Eden's Garden (though it's incomplete) and another and another 2. I loved how beautiful he art was and I loved every single character (except Zero, kinda disliked him, and yes, I cried when every body and culprit was found). The game development and character development was AWSOME and I honestly CAN'T believe this game is actually free. This fangame was definitely one of the BEST I've played and it isn't like any other I've played too. SPOILER PART! During chapter one, I was crying my balls off because Pandora and Art were like my favorite characters, though chapter one was a bit boring but I still gave the game a chance because idk it was cool so far ig lol. The second trial in my opinion was fire, the 'Discussion Commence' (I think thats what it was called) arguments were very smooth and I loved it. Though oh my gosh Ashley made me freaking cry holy sh!t- The third chapter, the choosing where to go with Lyle or Missy was cool and uh getting the 'BAD END' with Kanon going weep was actually very creative in my opinion, also going with the dying twice, coming back thing. When everybody died and Sei wanted to get the prize oh my gosh I was freaking out because the rest of the characters, I LOVED (especially Lyle, Missy, and Kanon). The trial had me confused but I understood it all (most) after the trial :). And to end it, I think the ending was very nice :) I'm glad the creator made this and put their efforts in making this game because it made me happy.
I absolutely loved the game! It was fantastic and I loved trying to figure out the culprits each time before the answer was revealed! Great storyline and easy to follow with surprises all the way through!
Well, I've been through this great novel and I want to say that it's just awesome! Thank you for making it possible! ^_^
For those who are deciding to install or not: install and pass, the game deserves it! You better not read on, as you might distort your impression.
Yes, the game is made on a simple engine ren`py and at first I was upset, because it immediately became clear that the same game mechanics and of course, graphics, such as in Danganronpa v3, will not. However, this was my first hypothesis before launching, and I was very surprised when in the first hour of play it was not confirmed! No, of course the same graphics were not, and all game mechanisms were either simplified or absent altogether, but - the game itself and how it was implemented in this engine is really striking in a positive way this word. Simple investigation mechanics and courts, the lack of voice acting, the sound in most of the game the same music as in the original parts of Danganronpa, the lack of video clips, simple in terms of implementation 2D art is more than compensated by, firstly, a really interesting story, secondly, a concise narration (no free times and other nonsense as in the original series), and thirdly, the setting itself! I also want to mention the new music I heard in this game, the selection of music from the original series, interesting differences in the storyline compared to the original. games (highlighted some of the details, which in my opinion, was not in the original), fLoAtInG-shaking letters (they really are perceived differently, I do not understand why this was not used in the original series), and of course, two bad endings, which are interestingly painted, and from which really poured emotions (not comparable to the humorous ending in the first original part of the series). In addition, I want to note the very design of the interface, the transitions from one chapter to another, the art, and most importantly - the very interest and emotion that the creator of the game evoked. All the other flaws, which could be caused by some inconsistency in the plot, short investigations and other things, really pale over how the idea itself was implemented and how it was perfectly realized on such an engine! And in the end, if anyone criticizes the volume that was in the original series and that here, guys, this is a fan game that is implemented for free, and that didn't have the same resources for implementation and developers as Spike Chunsoft. Also, there are really realized moments here that aren't in the original series (details like character signatures and others).
At the beginning of the game I didn't really like the content itself and the very simplicity of the first murder, the investigation, the trial. I liked the very details of the ending and how it was written, but the content of the ending itself, like many here, I didn't really like =D. No, certainly the ending itself is better than, for example, Makoto Shinkai's "Your Name." and compared to that, the ending of the game is perfectly well done and unfolded. Still, the question remains, "What happened to them next?" One user here wrote that the specifics of the Preservation Project and the outside world aren't important, what's important is that the ending makes you feel something. I agree with him in part, details on the project are not necessary, as well as to see, for example, visiting the "game graduates" Greenland and the corresponding pictures and narrative about it, but is the statement about the sufficiency of simply having a test of any feeling true? What if it is a tormented sense of understatement?
Of course, in such cases you can always say - this is the ending the author made, you just need to figure out your own version. But the problem is that whatever variants I made up, I still wouldn't consider it the true ending, because it is simply made up by me, in fact everything could be different...
In conclusion, I want to say that the simplicity of the details in the first chapter and the lack of a clear ending do not spoil the overall impression of the game. Again, the game is great and made me a ton of enjoyable experiences! Considering its non-commercial nature and excellent execution of the idea - the game deserves to be played.
English is not my native language, so I used a translator. If you don't understand something, write it in the comments, please :)
P.S - I think that the prototype of Ashley Westbridge is Applejack from My Little Pony: Equestria Girls. Furthermore, the very word Applejack flashed in the novella as referring to the heroine. Mythridate, if this is true, or it's just a reference to the MLP universe - please write if my guess is correct, I'm very curious about that =D
I really enjoyed this project! The UI was gorgeous, the cast likeable, and the art wonderful. I also thought the workarounds for coding the trial minigames were executed well. Overall I definitely had a lot of fun with this game and I applaud you for accomplishing it all on your own!
(It's been a while since the game was released, but I also wanted to notify you of a minor bug in the ch4 trial that prevents you from hiding the text box. I just wanted to be able to see the full CGs, but that didn't interfere with my understanding of the story at all!)
I just finished the first trial, and I'll be honest right now, if the investigations and executions are really boring and dull, I'd rather play another fangame! the execution is very chatty! I can't understand what the fuck is going on! and I couldn't feel anything!
otherwise, art, trial mechanics, characters everything is ok! but just with this chapter, I felt bored beyond belief. I'm sorry, but nothing in this fangame makes me think of dangaronpa besides the trial and the ultimates. cuts the ultimate title, pink blood, music, monokuma files (what the hell, why the fuck is monokuma mentioned if he DOESN'T APPEAR IN THE GAME???), trial and "execution" and it's just another murder mystery game. I'm sorry for being rude. but I think I give up on continuing with this game, I was already bored, but the "execution" of the first chapter just spoiled the game for me, show don't tell is something that was not clearly thought of when doing these executions.
I believe that the developers of this game have the potential to tell a good story and make a great game. unfortunately, it won't be a dangaronpa fangame. I wish you guys luck but honestly this game doesn't feel like dangaronpa to me which is ok but there are a lot of things I didn't really like.
as a final note, I would give it a 6/10 or just a 5/10. You guys clearly want to do something original, but for some reason you felt like you were making a fangame of a game that clearly doesn't match the game you have in mind. I wish you luck with future games.
The first murder, investigation and trial can be really boring. I advise you to give the game a second chance and go through the second trial, it will be more interesting..
I don't know, I don't want to have to read a description of the execution three times in a row! I want to feel the anguish and despair of the characters! I know it sounds bad, but that's what makes executions good in the first place! I didn't even understand what was going on! it doesn't even look like they bothered to do a real execution! I didn't feel anything from running! I'm going to watch gameplays instead of spending my time with this game... sorry.
Does this game contain major spoilers for any of the official Danganronpa games? I want to play it with a friend but they haven't finished the series yet.
I have since finished the game and will answer my own question for anyone else it concerns.
This game contains no major spoilers for any of the canon Danganronpa game, and is a self-contained story. There are slight references that might be at canon Danganronpa characters, and some situations are similar to ones you'd see in Danganronpa, but anyone who plays this will not be spoiled on any events that occur in any Danganronpa game.
SPOILERS ARE MENTIONED
the game absolutely broke me, it's so good as the cast's so lovable, and seeing my favs getting killed off and the killers' motive made me sad and other killers' motives really intrigued me, but there some flaws here and there in the plot but overall, its really good and im curious about a lot of stuff, but I feel like there were a lot of stuff that didn't really get an explanation or like what others said, that there were a lot of things that didn't make sense, like the protag gaining the ability to time travel(?) or like Ashley shooting Cyrus immediately didn't make sense to her character. The protag's also really written well imo, as they did resonate with me a lot and that I think their reactions to everything are realistic to their character. The ending didn't really make sense though, as the ending kinda felt like a cliffhanger, and there could've been more to it. I really enjoyed this game and the cast, Art, Pandora and Echo being my personal favs, but I feel like this game could have a prequel/sequel game, as there a lot of things in the game to use in said prequel/sequel game, and to hopefully clear up many things and mysteries, maybe? but idk, its for the creator to decide, but it'll be pretty cool tho.
personally, I just finished the first trial and I already feel bored. I like the characters and art, and the story seems interesting. but unfortunately i feel like this game wants to be something nothing to do with danganronpa. the execution was very "what?" I blinked and it was over! this is not dangaronpa for me, the execution was tell don't show, and that was annoying, I didn't even understand what was going on because there were no visuals! just a static image in the background with a dialog box in the middle which was very annoying!
At this point I don't care about spoilers, because unfortunately, if the rest of the game is like chapter 1, I'd rather play ultra despair girls! I'm disappointed, I wanted to play it because of the art, but this game let me down, the investigation sucked too! it didn't even feel like a real investigation! I hope developers make games that don't have to follow a danganronpa pattern, because clearly they don't want to make a danganronpa. I'm not saying the game is bad, but as a dangaronpa fangame, I expected much more. the game would be better if it didn't have connections with danganronpa.
Ok, friend, we know you didnt like it thats ok but you dont have to spam like 5 positive comments just because you didn't enjoy it.
For the executions I get your point, but animating like 3+ executions would be extremely taxing to anyone. This is a really well made game with actual reasons to be linked to danganrompa (the ultimate students play a huge part on the plot) I feel like you came in here expecting a sequel to danganrompa instead of a fangame.
Its alright if you didnt like the game but replying like this to 4 other comments is just unnecessary and rude.
(sorry to dodoc if you get notified)
yeah maybe... sorry for this spam.
I've seen people talk about how the story was a bit rushed and things like that and, well yeah it may feel like it sometimes, but really playing the game I didn't really pay attention to it and it was still a great experience. It made me feel things (wether it was happiness or sadness lol) and I think it's all that matters ^^
No Spoilers Review
The artwork/sprites are so appealing to the eye, I felt a deep yearning to get to know a lot of the characters better, however some of them I would quickly forget existed such as Lyle and Sei. The game leaves you wanting more as the ending is confusing, if not strange. I still love this game, I wish it did more. (Love you Forte, you are my favorite)
do you think sei has a minun and a plusle in addition to her carbink and meltan (and spectrier if its on her team)
downloaded the game and looked through the files, but I can't find how to open the game. Did I do someting wrong? has anyone else had this problem? i really want to play this game looks so good :{
did you extract/unzip the file first? if you did that then you just open the folder and the game application should be one of the first things you see ^^
Yeah! I did! Everything is where it should be...except for the game file
huh...not sure then, lol. redownload the file? are you downloading the right one, as in windows for windows etc?
hate hate HATE this game. (affectionately) IT BROKE ME AND I CANT STOP CRYING. I DONT KNOW WHAT DEMONS POSSESSED YOU TO MAKE YOU WRITE SUCH A SAD STORY BUT YOU ARE LITERALLY SO EVIL ..... i am going to be thinking about every character for the rest of my puny little life you did so well. ESPECIALLY forte and lyle. man
sorry if this comment sounds incoherent btw its like 10pm i just finished the game n im super emotional </3
tldr? lapse solos
I can't go on, not because I feel sad about what happens in the first chapter, but because this chapter alone, left me disappointed and with a sour taste in my mouth. feels more like a game FORCED to be dangaronpa than a game that WANTS to be dangaronpa. i feel nothing for the execution which in my opinion sucks! this is not a run, this is a static image with text covering it all! I couldn't see the despair in the culprit, I couldn't see anything that was happening! the execution being described and not showing is what made me give up on this game.
the game can be good, but for me, this is not dangaronpa. is a murder mystery game with the title dangaronpa thrown into it. this looks nothing like dangaronpa, and I don't know the developers' intentions in making these decisions, but whatever it is, it shows that they wanted to make a murder mystery first and a dangaronpa fangame second. I wish them luck, but I don't think I'll continue to play the game.
I'm just playing this because I don't have money and I can't buy danganronpa game
[MOSTLY SPOILER-FREE REVIEW]
Good work on your first full game release! I'm glad you pulled through.
I played the old version (the 2-chapter demo) back in 2020 so I was pretty excited to see that the full game had been released after two years! It lived up to my expectations presentation-wise - the improvements in artwork, interface, polish and overall gamefeel are astounding and you even had an intro developed! It definitely feels like something I'll pay for on Steam.
As for the story, I overall liked the direction it was going for, but I was left wanting more - much, much more. On one hand: the setting was super cool! The story felt distinct enough from the classic Junko-tastic Danganronpa fare! The characters were solid and served their roles in the story well! On the other hand: some plotlines in the demo that I really loved were removed, the [REDACTED] of Chapters 3 and 4 (players will know what I'm talking about) ended up almost completely unexplained, and overall the ending left too many cliffhangers to make me feel like the plot was fully wrapped up. Don't get me wrong - I still really enjoyed what was there! I just think that there's so much untapped potential to this game, and I would love to see you revisit it if you feel like it at any time in the future.
I honestly enjoyed the game, though! Pinky swear! I'm so happy that this game finally saw the light of day in its full iteration. Looking forward to your future works!
Here are my thoughts about the game:
Good points:
Bad points:
There are some other minor things that I didn’t like, but these are the biggest issues with the game in my opinion.
I agree with all your criticisms! and apparently I was right, that's how it is for the rest of the game! I feel bored, I liked at least four or five characters, and I found the game nothing like dangaronpa. it's like the developers wanted to make a murder mystery game but named it dangaronpa to attract more players! the execution of the first chapter is what broke me, I give up! I don't want to play a game that makes me bored and I don't know how to use "show don't tell"! serious! WHY is the execution just a static image with text covering it all?? I read it and until now I have no idea what happened!! literally, WHAT HAPPENED???
the only thing i peopl is all luck and all the best to the developers! but this game was not what I wanted from something with the title dangaronpa on it!
So far, I think this game is really fun.