penguinsaver
2022
A disappointing mixed bag for me.
Everything about this game seems like it would be perfect for me. A lot of things go very well and the scope that was executed for this game is impressive.
The things that do work, are clear and push this game beyond a typical indie JRPG game. The music and art style are awesome. The pixel art is insane in some sections and some of the tracks are mesmerizing.
Gameplay-wise, this game is hard to nail down for me. The combat on foot is notable for much it respects the players time and leads to more strategic thinking than most JRPGs. The decision to avoid grind and heal characters after every battle was the best thing for this game. It changes the JRPG formula from a war of attrition and item conservation to one where you have to go all out almost every single battle. The characters gameplay wise are balanced and have their own interesting design choices that makes them all unique and fun.
Unfortunately, the gameplay in your Sky Armor is very underwhelming. What seems like an awesome idea at first, quickly becomes the most tedious battles in the whole game. Only having 4 Sky Armors with minimal strategy leaves every SA battle feeling samey and like a chore. There is a world of difference between the dull mech fights and the intense on foot fights.
Beyond gameplay, the writing itself is a mixed bag as well. The characters are the best part of the story and world, with each one having their own motivations and backstory. Unfortunately, I don't think we get a full helping of each character. The ambition of this game was already astronomical, so I completely sympathize with not having time to flesh out every character. The problem is that we end up with many characters that I feel like I "should" care about way more than I actually do. What character development is there is pretty good, especially Glenn's arc.
Sadly, I think the ambition of the writing I think may ultimately have been its downfall too.
Towards the back half of the game, the game really feels like its losing direction and purpose. The narrative intrigue created earlier sputters in many sections with unrewarding conclusions.
I won't spoil the ending, but it is as unsatisfying as I've felt in a JRPG with characters I actually like in a long time. Disappointment can only be created from expectation so this also a testament to how much work the devs put in and how much paid off. I just wish it hit the mark for me like how I think it was close to doing.
Everything about this game seems like it would be perfect for me. A lot of things go very well and the scope that was executed for this game is impressive.
The things that do work, are clear and push this game beyond a typical indie JRPG game. The music and art style are awesome. The pixel art is insane in some sections and some of the tracks are mesmerizing.
Gameplay-wise, this game is hard to nail down for me. The combat on foot is notable for much it respects the players time and leads to more strategic thinking than most JRPGs. The decision to avoid grind and heal characters after every battle was the best thing for this game. It changes the JRPG formula from a war of attrition and item conservation to one where you have to go all out almost every single battle. The characters gameplay wise are balanced and have their own interesting design choices that makes them all unique and fun.
Unfortunately, the gameplay in your Sky Armor is very underwhelming. What seems like an awesome idea at first, quickly becomes the most tedious battles in the whole game. Only having 4 Sky Armors with minimal strategy leaves every SA battle feeling samey and like a chore. There is a world of difference between the dull mech fights and the intense on foot fights.
Beyond gameplay, the writing itself is a mixed bag as well. The characters are the best part of the story and world, with each one having their own motivations and backstory. Unfortunately, I don't think we get a full helping of each character. The ambition of this game was already astronomical, so I completely sympathize with not having time to flesh out every character. The problem is that we end up with many characters that I feel like I "should" care about way more than I actually do. What character development is there is pretty good, especially Glenn's arc.
Sadly, I think the ambition of the writing I think may ultimately have been its downfall too.
Towards the back half of the game, the game really feels like its losing direction and purpose. The narrative intrigue created earlier sputters in many sections with unrewarding conclusions.
I won't spoil the ending, but it is as unsatisfying as I've felt in a JRPG with characters I actually like in a long time. Disappointment can only be created from expectation so this also a testament to how much work the devs put in and how much paid off. I just wish it hit the mark for me like how I think it was close to doing.
2016
Amazing. Favorite Dark Souls game in terms of pure combat. Contention for best bosses in any From game. World design doesn't wow you like the original, but the level design is still top-tier.
2021
Simple and addictive. Perfect for Steam Deck and even mobile. The charm and simple joy for me has waned over time, but for the value and replayability value, its very hard to beat.
At the time of writing this, I've only played the prologue. You can taste the passion and love for Danganronpa in this fan game. From the visuals to the music to the character design, this is as faithful to the original.
Unfortunately the prologue didn't grab me the way that the series that inspired it. Most frustratingly is the class trials. For whatever reason the characters logic, dialog pacing, disagreements didn't feel like characters in their own right but they kind of descend to being silhouettes of what DR characters ought.
Maybe this was just a no-win scenario whenever it comes to making such an ambitious project.
Its impressive how much effort and success the team behind the project had in their vision.
Despite my gripes, I'm still excited for the full release and I remain impressed by what the product looks like. Its a testament to the passion of the devs that I believe they can only improve from here and somehow (hopefully) go beyond just a fangame in Danganronpa's shadows and become a great game that stands on its own.
Unfortunately the prologue didn't grab me the way that the series that inspired it. Most frustratingly is the class trials. For whatever reason the characters logic, dialog pacing, disagreements didn't feel like characters in their own right but they kind of descend to being silhouettes of what DR characters ought.
Maybe this was just a no-win scenario whenever it comes to making such an ambitious project.
Its impressive how much effort and success the team behind the project had in their vision.
Despite my gripes, I'm still excited for the full release and I remain impressed by what the product looks like. Its a testament to the passion of the devs that I believe they can only improve from here and somehow (hopefully) go beyond just a fangame in Danganronpa's shadows and become a great game that stands on its own.