Capsule Review: Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
A visual novel in which you play as one of several trapped high school students and investigate a series of murders and then solve them in an informal courtroom. It’s a hodgepodge of plot/characters/themes/mechanics that wears its influences on its sleeve - primary sources include Ace Attorney, Zero Escape, and a dash of Persona 4, though there are many other works that are referenced or stolen from and the game applies its own distinctive aesthetic on top. Some of the elements work and some don’t, and the overall result is both flashier and dumber than any of its influences, with many systems that seem designed to feel active but that don’t actually add any depth. It’s still quite engaging and there’s a lot to enjoy here, despite the occasional frustration from a plot hole, poorly-defined character, or badly-designed mechanic.
I Stopped Playing When: I finished the game and all side content for the platinum trophy. (The side content is not really worth the time if you aren’t a trophy collector.)
Three Stars: Good. I liked the game enough to finish it (or just play it a bunch, for games that don't end). I recommend it to most genre fans.