Website: http://danganronpa.us/danganronpa2/home.html
Gameplay 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BpcYbLjDKI
Gameplay 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSw9E5x2orE
Description:
This is a mystery visual novel game where a group of most talented students forced to live together on an island. The only way to leave is to murder another student and get away with it. When a crime occurred, a trial will be held, in which students must discuss who the murderer is. If they can pinpoint the murderer, he alone will be executed. Otherwise, the culprit will be set free while the rest will be executed. You play as one of the students.
Elemental Tetrad:
Aesthetics:
This game delivers a really unique aesthetics in which the characters are displayed as 2D sprites in a 3D world. Every student has different yet memorable characteristics in the way they think, talk and act. When investigating crime, I really like how they draw solid evidence as “bullets” which I use them to “shoot” down any contradictions during the trial discussion.
Story:
The story is the bread and butter. The game started with many happenings that left me in a completely clueless state. But many of my questions are slowly answered as the game progresses. Moreover, all of the murder cases are full of twists and mind-blowing truths that never disappoint a nitpicker player like me.
Mechanics:
This game has a variety of mechanics. I am very impressed at how they managed to introduce so many mini-games that all aims to progress the story to solve the mystery. The most common of which is the Nonstop Debate, where characters will automatically discuss the murder case, and it is all up to me to spot contradictions in order to proceed further. When every mysteries are solved by me, it makes me feel like a real detective.
Technology:
This game is playable on PS vita, PS4, ios, android and even home computers. Controls are simple and hence, really easy to adapt with any type of devices.
The lens of Essential Experience:
Every chapter has daily-life moments which let me explore around and improve friendship with the other characters. Sometimes, I thought I’ve entered the game, living a peaceful life. But murder is inevitable. Tensions build up gradually as the story continues. Before I realize it, either kill or be killed, some of my favorite characters disappeared at the end of every chapter.
Lens of curiosity:
Many mystery novel games have tons of content that tend to fill players with curiosity in the main gameplay. But this game has achieved another level. At the start of each chapter, I wonder who will be the next victim. At the murder scene, I wonder who is the killer. At the last few chapters, I wonder who will be the survivor.
Lens of Problem Solving:
During the class trials, mysteries are solved with solid evidence as backups. But when some problems are solved, more might appear. Nonetheless, the sense of satisfaction is fulfilling when everything starts to come together and queries are being well conquered.
Lens of Motivation:
The entire game is a mystery itself as one might ask why the killing is happening and no one is stopping it. However, clues are given at the end if each chapter. This encourages me to go on. Every chapter will also unlock a new environment where the next murder will tend to occur. With new place to explore and more murder case awaits, I can’t help with self-control and burn my sleep with some gamings.