A surprisingly great sequel to the first game, I had a blast playing through this one as well. Just like the first Danganronpa game, I was rather skeptical going into this game due to the mixed reception it seems to have. You either think it's a masterpiece... or you don't. Rarely any middle ground here.
But anyways, I liked this one! Just like 1 I just couldn't put this game down, I was so excited to see what would happen next. Take a look at these notes:
Presentation
Now if you know me, I LOVED the presentation of Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, and this game goes even further in on that appealing visual style. I LOVE this UI, it's sleek and appealing, and the more pixelated style it went for is appreciated. Character sprites once again look great, and there's a slight art style shift for this one, focusing on thicker black outlines and more saturated color palettes. This is a damn good looking game, no doubt about it. shame that the jank switch port can't run it at a consistent FPS tho good lord
Characters
Another good cast here. I love Hajime as a protagonist, Chiaki is 100% waifubait but she's still fun, Ibuki is literally yass and slay incarnate, Sonia is le funny princess obsessed with the outside world, and Fuyuhiko has a really surprisingly good arc. Sadly, this game has more stinky characters then the first one, most notably Kazuichi and Mikan, they really got on my nerves. Going back to the more positive side, of course, there's the ever so infamous Nagito Komaeda. You could write an essay on this dude, he's an insanely deep and interesting character, probably the standout among the cast in this game. No wonder so many people stan and kin him so much (they're insane). That's mainly what I got to say here, I think. Oh right, one of my friends is a Hiyoko fan so I am obliged to mention her uhhh.. yeah she's pretty good.
Gameplay
Not gonna lie... I think I like this game less then 1 in terms of how it plays. I wasn't a fan of the swords, logic dive feels like a time waste, and the new hangman's gambit (which I'm used to calling "epiphany anagram" from 1's fan translation lol) also sucks and is way too long. However, I think consent is a nice new mechanic (I think you are inclined to AGREE WITH THAT), and the comic books are actually good this time!!! Thank the lord.
Case ramblings
I'd give this game a higher rating if it wasn't for case 3 and 4 not being enjoyable, Case 3 is the absolute worst one so far, I hate it so much. Case 4 isn't too bad but the setting made me really nauseous over time. However, cases 5 and 6? Absolutely amazing finale, perhaps even better then DR1's finale cases. The Case 6 trial climax is completely anime as hell but I sorta like it in a meta sense lol.
Summary
Danganronpa 2 is a pretty good game all things considered. It opens strong, has a weak middle game, but has a fantastic sendoff and finale that blew my mind. I like alot of the characters, the music and presentation is great, this one is definitely a good sequel all things considered. Even though I prefer DR1 over this, I'm still glad I got to experience this game, and I am SUPER hyped for my inevitable playthrough of Danganronpa V3.
https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/817760216229609505/952386948117434478/videoplayback.mp4 /10

I want to get off Mr. Monokuma's wild ride.

While the first game had its fair share of problems, I ended the game thinking it was a good time overall. I really can't say the same thing about Danganronpa 2, where it feels like despite exceeding in some of what it does compared to the first, it also ends up doubling down on just how annoying DR1 was at times.

This game ditches the trapped-in and oppressive atmosphere of Hope's Peak Academy for the tropical island setting of the Jabberwock Islands. While I can dig the new atmosphere, it just doesn't manage to hit quite like hopeless scene the first game provided. There is something hiding under the paradise that gets revealed during the final case though, and it is SUPER cool where they take it. The soundtrack is still good, and I do like this game's UI although I'm not too fond of the pixel aesthetic this game sometimes goes for.

However, I really can't stand this game's humor. Nearly every time this game attempts to be funny I want to shove a knife through my abdomen. Sometimes a couple of jokes manage to land, but DR2 loooooves being self-aware or more referential than the first game and it almost never got a chuckle out of me. I also wasn't laughing when characters either act like the biggest idiots ever or can't keep their dick in their pants half of the time; I am talking to YOU, Kazuichi. There are more characters that I like than in the first game, but they make sure to counteract that by having more bad characters, and to make them even more insufferable, as well. I am talking to you TOO, Mikan and Hiyoko.

I'm feeling mixed on the trials. There are some cool things added like consent and the sword duels, but then they made the Hangman's Gambit worse ("improved", my ass) and both it and Logic Dive are inexplicably placed into quite a number of moments where they could just ask a question and lose nothing of value. They also still don't fully get rid of the "Trial Point Getters" issue although it's somewhat better here, I guess.

Cases 3 and 4 are very bad, the Despair Disease is an absolutely trash motive, and the trial is just.. oh, god. DR2 has a really big problem with droning on, and on, and on that's at its worst in Case 4, leading to a pre-trial that made me about as sick of the game as Hajime was at that point. The trial was whatever but I liked the ending. Cases 2 and 6 rock, though. I'm glad they managed to have a good final case this time, considering the underwhelming final trial the last game ended on.

To sum it up, though, DR2 is plagued with bad pacing, the loss of DR1's oppressive atmosphere, insufferable characters, bad humor, and unnecessary additions. I'm not a fan, and I hope V3 manages to do better.

By the way.. check out this spreadsheet I did. We counted both the hopes AND despairs that are either spoken or read (and then some) this time. And most of the former is that stupid white-haired twink's fault.

Substantial improvement over Trigger Happy Havoc in nearly every way. The cast is so endearing and lovable, and much more consistently written. Even people who I disliked or didn't care for at the beginning ending up completely changing my perspective of them. When the murders eventually start happening, it genuinely hurts to see a character you've gotten to know so well either die or be found out as the culprit - there's some real emotional gut-punches to be found that just aren't there in the prequel. The gimmicks within investigation periods are also brilliant; the separate game to find out the culprit, the funhouse, the main idea of Case 5, it all feels really experimental and it definitely paid off, every case (excluding 3) is superbly written and so damn engaging. The trials are much more involving as well; attacking with the correct piece of evidence and figuring out the culprit is actually more challenging since you don't have someone like Kyoko giving away all the hints, the addition of agreeing with someone in Nonstop Debate is also a clever addition. The Run-2/3-esque Logic Dive is fun as hell to navigate. The truth blades... kind of fucking suck and feel redundant, I would much rather just play another Nonstop Debate, and well Hangman's Gambit will just always be complete shit - but somehow they made it worse here. Really the only other aspect that THH does better in, is the setting and atmopshere. For what it's worth, Goodbye Despair is a near perfect sequel.

Danganronpa 2 is an interesting sequel that takes the core aesthetical mix of murderous insanity and exaggerated dark humor in an iterative if somewhat separate direction. It reflects a bit on the flaws of the previous games but ultimately doesn't do a whole lot to fix them, and more so swaps them out with something else.

The core plot is still a walking trash fire, with convoluted elements that walk straight off a cliff at the conclusion arc, leaving no satisfaction other than making true on just being insane as the game's first step let on. Characters are a bit more fleshed out now, with some interesting relationships and a few good motivations, but the game also does a good deal of throwing that out just to hit the core themes of the previous game, with one character in Case 3 especially turned straight into fucking mush for the sake of a gotcha. The game also ditches its grounded and dismal atmosphere for something way more surreal, and that doesn't come off as a welcome change because again, DR2 doesn't have much more of interest to say with it. This kinda leaves the setting to be a lot less memorable overall.

What is fun though, are the cases. They're an entire step up from DR1 by having more intricate puzzle solving structure to them, with situations so bizarre and outlandish but with case logic so strictly put together that each reveal in-game is interesting as it is satisfying to figure out. Each case still has a decent who dunnit, and a crazy interesting how dunnit. The why dunnit is still a crock of shit, but at this point it's something you have to accept when jumping into this game. In general the HEART of DR2 is still almost entirely absent for much of the runtime.

That's probably the most grueling flaw that DR is in no rush to fix. At the end of the day, DR is comfortable in drenching itself with an insane and somewhat satisfying junk food look, and leaves you with very little to mull over aftewards.

ORIGINAL REVIEW FROM 05-21-2021

Been sitting on this one for a bit, and it was always bound to be an interesting experience. If I hadn't been playing the whole series for the first time with my roommates, I'm not sure if I would've ever even gotten to playing this entry, but here we are.

That isn't to say I didn't end up liking the original Danganronpa in the end: Despite my feelings on it as a whole, it was still a series of interestingly written murder mysteries to unravel with fun characters. It feels almost difficult to dislike that inherently. Regardless, Trigger Happy Havoc did still make me feel plenty of sour feelings toward it. Be it a combination of the perverse edge to its writing, how insensitively it treated a lot of subjects it recklessly tackled (including just death in general), and a lot of minor annoyances gameplay-wise piling up. Yet the more I mull it over, after having thought about and rummaged on both games, I can't help but prefer that first game over Danganronpa 2, despite both games essentially sharing the same issues listed. Its as if playing second game and seeing all of my issues weren't just remaining, but even further emphasized, made me realize just how much there was I liked in the first game that's now nowhere to be seen. Again though, I'd still say I enjoyed the second entry on some level, because interestingly written murder mysteries with wacky characters are just hard not to enjoy, but...it began to feel misguided, in a sense. It was as if the goal with this sequel was to simply make MORE intricate mysteries with MORE wacky characters, without properly considering how that direction could hurt other aspects of the game and the experience as a whole.

What this new direction mainly results in is the loss of Trigger Happy Havocs more..."grounded" atmosphere. Sure, its characters were all still degrees of eccentric, yet it all felt somewhat rooted in reason: I could, both in the moment and retrospectively understand why a character was presented the way they were. Sakura, for instance, isn't just comically ripped for the sake of providing a comedic visual; she looks that way as part of her character, having felt the need to excessively train in order to prove to an old-fashioned family's values wrong. Or Celestia, who hated the reality she was born into that she became obsessed with changing it through any means necessary, resulting in her fabricating an eccentric persona for herself and becoming rich through gambling, resorting to any means needed to discard of her old self. You compare those kinds of established characters to someone like Hiyoko from Danganronpa 2, who's...a child who's crass and needlessly cruel to others, because that's unexpected and random. And while the second game certainly has its highs in the cast such as Ibuki, Fuyuhiko and Sonia, the overall theme carries through subtly even with them. For as annoying as a character like Hifumi may have been in the first game, and for how exaggerated his appearance is, he's althesame a very human character, someone who could very well exist in the real world - which was always part of Danganronpa's appeal to me. Doesn't help that over half of the sequel's cast wound up either being uninteresting, one-note or just annoying, with a lot of them seeming as if they were created just to drive home cool murder mystery ideas (Nekomaru, Peko, Mahiru). And sure, the murders they were made to fit into are fun to dissect, but as characters themselves, interacting?

"More human" is the best way I could describe the aspects where I prefer the first game in general. For as played out as the seven deadly sins are, the motives in Trigger Happy Havoc were all clear, understandable - again, human. One character wants money. Another is insecure and rash, acting recklessly in the moment. Just about all the murders in the second game either feel like "solutions" to issues that could've been solved without murder, or involve flat-out insane people (or both at once), neither of which end up feeling satisfying to solve and mostly just feel like a half-baked attempt at stringing a theme together with a weaker cast.

Naturally this extends to the overarching story itself. The supernatural elements in the story, which were my least favorite part of the first game's narrative as well, are cranked up to a higher degree in the sequel. Even then, executions and an AI aside, most things in the first game felt as if it "could happen". In the sequel, Komaeda alone is pretty much superhuman, effectively breaking the notion that the "Ultimates" are just experts in their field and not just borderline superpowers. The issue extends beyond just feeling less grounded: when you start introducing such loosely defined superhuman powers into the story's main cast, it feels like anything is possible for them. If Komaeda has the luck to have anything go his way, at all times, why would things at any point in the story go against him?

There's a lot of ambition in Danganronpa 2 to be sure: To make a bigger, grander and more wild game than before. You absolutely won't be bored playing it to be sure, helped along by the gameplay additions and tweaks from the first game. In terms of the trials, its a real mixed bag. Logic Dive is a fun addition, Hangman is better conceptually but levels are ruined by the terrible reticle speed, Panic Talk just flat out is worse, but Rebuttal Showdown is both pretty good and an inspired concept, UI issues aside. Overall my UI issues with the Nonstop Debates on the whole remain, I don't think being unable to see what Truth Bullets you have equipped without covering up the entire screen in real-time with the bullet menu is a fun "challenge" (especially now that your bullet count is doubled by default). Something that lays out the bullets horizontally at the bottom of the screen, akin to a news broadcast, would've let you still see your bullets without obscuring your vision. That or just, yknow, have the Pause menu's evidence list show which in the list are currently being used, instead of forcing you to cross reference two seperate menues of the same items? :/

I dunno. I have a lot of thoughts on both of these games but I think its pretty clear that their style, and the further direction of this sequel, are just not for me. I'm glad I've gotten to play them but I don't think dwelling on them further will do me much good. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is, just like its predecessor, a game about unravelling murder mysteries, and that in of itself is still fun. I just kind of wish they went about it differently this time.

[Playtime: ???]
[Keyword: Misguided]

It's a natural step-up from DR1 in most aspects. The mysteries are harder and more engaging, the grander mystery of the game is relatively more interesting, the setting is more memorable, and the themes and ideas its trying to covey (completely subjective take here) are more compelling.

The cast, well - I agree with what the general consensus says - lower lows and higher highs, and believe me, the positives far outweigh the negatives. In general, a better cast than the first one.

There is still some suspect writing at occasion, but it's an improvement for sure. I can't tell if that's because the writers stepped up their game because the first game's success allowed them more creative freedom or if it's simply because they learned from the first game and decided to wholly embrace the strengths while working on the weaknesses. Could be both. Either way, a very commendable job!

All in all, this is one solid game. The only unfortunate thing is that I wouldn't recommend anyone to start with this game because I think not playing DR1 before it would significantly lower most people's enjoyment of this one. That said, I neither consider that nor say it as a criticism. It just something that is the case for it because it's a sequel much more closely tied to DR1 than video game sequels generally are.

Can't believe I haven't wrote a review for this. Definitely in my top 3 games of all time its not even a question [edit: this turned out to be completely false lol]. I wasn't quite feeling it for the first trial or so, as I had just completed DR1 not too long before and all the new stuff and characters took a little while to get used to but man, this game really surprised me with how much it gripped me. Ch3-6 had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Of course there is a few problems with it (Teruteru) but it all culminates in my favorite video game ending ever and its an experience that will stick with me for a while I can't wait to replay this when Decadence arrives

I made a fairly snarky quip for my review of this game before, but I felt the need to expand on at least one point I have against this game to feel right in rating the game this low.

This game has a number of things going for it, but the way it handles its cast ruins it for me and makes it a noticeable step back from 1 in my eyes. The best characters of this game, like Fuyuhiko easily surpass anyone from the original game, but these are few and far between in a group that mostly feels flat character-wise. Most of the characters don't really have much to do in the plot besides act out their over-the-top personalities, which feels far more blatant in this game than the others. One could argue that V3 goes even further with making the cast extremely over-the-top, but it's less egregious since they have more going on besides that with a web of relationships and internal conflicts that keep them engaging throughout. 2 really doesn't have that besides Nagito's actions and a love triangle that doesn't really add much. In fact, I'd say it actively snuffs out a dynamic like that before it can really go anywhere. It's disappointing after DR1, while not doing it masterfully, was effective at keeping tension within the group high in meaningful ways. I think the game is held back by a few other aspects outside of the characters, but they're definitely what make its faults hard to look past.

Basically improves on the first game in every way. It has a more likeable and fleshed out cast, and its mysteries are consistently solid, except for maybe chapter 3, which is messy but I still think is ultimately... fine. It takes advantage of the "Ultimate student" concept more, with their talents often playing a major role in the mysteries as well. Basically, if Danganronpa THH was focused on providing a pulpy and stylish ride above all else, SDR2 expands upon, well, everything else. However, this "bigger and better" mindset does lead to losing the cramped, eerie atmosphere of DR1, which is a shame. Still a great game, though.

When I was a teenager, this was one of my favorite games ever, and I definitely see why. More than any other game in the series, imo, this one has the soul of a teen movie, if that makes sense? It's a compliment. Truly a story best appreciated by someone who is (or was) an angsty teen that doesn't feel as if they fit in-- when I was 14, I may have been reeled in by the colorful cast, vivid art direction, and unique murder mystery storyline, but I was enamored with the way it managed to capture teenaged misfit anger with its characters (especially my boy Hajime) while also extending a lot of compassion to this demographic, despite its hyperviolent presentation. It gave me a lot of comfort at a time when I needed it most, and I'll always love it for that.

I still find this game to be very earnest and kind in its messaging (which I kind of forgot about it, actually), and honestly? I love the twist and conclusion of SDR2. Idc! The revelation about the cast's identities, especially Hajime's, is still pretty heartbreaking to me (talk about cranking up the aforementioned broody teen drama to 100). It's a hyperbolic yet frank look at the ways in which the school system (and Society™) expect kids to be perfect all the time, yet has a tendency to use them, exhaust them, then spit them out. It then delivers its final message, a warm blanket to anyone who feels hopeless in the moment: you can always look towards the future. One of the most frequently played songs in the game is the nostalgic "Beautiful Ruin", and I think that describes the cast's collective character arc well-- What happened in the past does not define you, and while you will always carry those things with you, you can still move on and have a fulfilling life. Though your past traumas and pain may seem like a heavy burden to bear, there's beauty waiting for you in the world. It may sound cheesy, but that's kind of why I love this game so much. It wears its heart on its sleeve, and despite its often goofy, tongue-in-cheek mood, it wants the best for everyone.

First impressions are not great. I think writer himself thinks they needed to up the first game and for that choose bullshit logic for difficulty purposes and also somehow thought this was appropriate for this game. I am gonna give you a hint: "Camera Angle" From case 3. This case's logic frustrated me so much that it managed to make me shelve the game. I can go as far as to say that "case" is probably in my top 10 worst detective cases ever list in all of the entertainment media I had experienced

Danganronpa 2 is one of those rare games where I can't stop feeling emotions and love for the main cast even after rolling credits. The writing and building for the characters in this game are out of this world. I felt such disgust for some of them at the beginning of the game, which I guess helps with the twist at the final hours regarding who they really are. Despite this disgust, I overcame my first impressions and warmed up to everyone by the end and felt genuine mourning for those who were dead by the end. A couple of the trials genuinely broke me in half, and one in particular had me sobbing my eyes out. Danganronpa 2 has some of my favorite characters in fiction at this point, and I will always treasure the long journey I spent with these people.

It has been a fantastic and unforgettable experience. Danganronpa 2 has one of the best soundtracks, narratives, and visual styles I've witnessed in a game. And god DAMN that final trial was truly one of the most intense finales ever. I had plenty of pog moments and jaw dropping moments. The lore dumping was real and I had all of my questions answered with this game. Danganronpa 2 is a true sequel that outshines its predecessor Trigger Happy Havoc. This game sealed Spike Chunsoft as my favorite game developer. Sorry for the non-professional review, too much happened for me to make a formal multi paragraph essay.