The Danganronpa franchise is one that has been on my to-play list for some time. I first downloaded the debut instalment in the series, Trigger Happy Havoc back on iOS at some point in the height of lockdown, but quickly came to realise that the controls weren’t something I was going to be getting to grips with any time soon on such a device. I wondered if the Nintendo Switch might be a better home for such a title and, shortly after, the announcement came that the series would indeed be making its way over to the platform.
Spike Chunsoft not only brought Trigger Happy Havoc to Switch, but the sequels Goodbye Despair and Killing Harmony, as well as the Ultimate Summer Camp spinoff to fans. It was an odd decision not to also have Ultimate Despair Girls ported over, which would have fit nicely between v2 and v3, but I digress.
Trigger Happy Havoc introduces newcomers to the murder mystery, visual novel genre that the franchise enjoys, as well as a cast of characters that you’ll likely get far too attached to before a majority of them meet a deadly demise.
Players step into the shoes of the Ultimate Lucky Student, Makoto Naegi, who has been admitted to the prestigious Hope's Peak Academy alongside a smattering of Japan's most talented youngsters. There’s an Ultimate Writing Prodigy, an Ultimate Swimming Pro and even an Ultimate Biker Gang Leader. Upon their arrival at the school however, things get very dark indeed…
There’s not much time for introductions, as the sickeningly sweet but incredibly dangerous Monakuma reveals themselves as the Headmaster of the Hope’s Peak establishment. As they explain that the students will spend the rest of their days confined to that building, panic sets in.
Of course, there’s a catch. There is a way to graduate and make it back out into the open world. Murdering a fellow student; and getting away with it.
What follows is a series of tragic events and, as the murder of students take place, you are forced to investigate (similar to the investigations you can do in the Ace Attorney series of games) before heading to a Class Trial, where you must identify the ‘Blackened’ - aka the murderer. Prove exactly who it was and they will be put to death, but if the wrong person is accused, then the entire school is killed, with only the ‘Blackened’ allowed to go free after becoming a ‘Graduate’.
These Case Trials are a brilliant test of your investigative skills, but some of the mini games you’re forced to endure as part of them can be a hindrance overall, rather than elevating the experience. The rhythm-action game for example, takes some getting used to. It was only on the third or fourth class trial where I truly understood what exactly was going on there. Overall, however, these moments are where Trigger Happy Havoc truly shines.
You’ll also undoubtedly enjoy the connections made with your classmates on a personal level. Everybody wants to survive and, some are willing to do more than others to make it out of Hope’s Peak alive. Build on your relationships and you might just earn somebody’s trust enough, that they will share a certain ‘Skill’ with you. They’re not essential for progress in the game but, they definitely make certain parts of it a little easier on the soul, when it comes to your Class Trials.
Monokuma is a suitably terrifying villain. We know that the bear is being controlled by an exterior force, but exactly who that may be is left up for interpretation right the way through to the thrilling finale; which ultimately pays off in spade loads.
To say much more would of course hinder the entire experience; it’s best to go in completely blind and go through the motions with the characters you’ll no doubt fall in love with - or love to hate. Plus, when you’re done with the 30-hour or more story, you can jump back in, with the hopes of unlocking stunning collectibles such as artwork.
With two bloody sequels also available on Switch, as well as the Summer Camp spinoff and, Ultimate Despair Girls on Steam, you’ll be dedicating your year to Danganronpa.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition is available now on Nintendo Switch. A code was provided to Female First in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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