| Title | Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc |
| Released | November 25, 2010 (Original JP PSP) |
| Developer(s): | Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. |
| Publisher(s): | Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. (Windows, PC, Mac), NIS America, Inc. |
| Platform(s): |         |
| Genre | Horror, Visual Novel, Adventure |
| Rating | M |
Completed on the PC.
HowLongToBeat Time: 25hrs | My Clear Time: 22hrs Main+Extras
Background
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc began its journey as a project known as Distrust. Developed by Kazutaka Kodaka and his team at Spike Chunsoft, Distrust was initially envisioned as a straightforward mystery visual novel with psychological elements. However, as development progressed, the concept underwent a significant transformation. The team decided to rework the game to include courtroom drama and more interactive elements, aiming to create a more engaging and innovative experience.
This shift led to the rebranding of the project as Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc. The game’s new direction introduced a unique combination of murder mystery and trial sequences, setting it apart from typical visual novels. This evolution not only added depth to the gameplay but also enriched the narrative, creating a memorable and distinctive experience (Monokoma, 2015).
The game was first released in Japan for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) on November 25, 2010. Due to its success and positive reception, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc was later released internationally on the PlayStation Vita on October 10, 2013, and continued to expand its reach with ports to other platforms, including the Xbox One and Game Pass on March 8, 2021.
The development team for Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc includes:
- Kazutaka Kodaka (Writer) – Known for Clock Tower 3, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, Master Detective Archives: RainCode, Dragon Ball: Raging Blast
- Tatsuya Marutani (Director) – Known for Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2
- Rui Komatsuzaki (Character Designer) – Known for Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, Fate/Grand Order, Master Detective Archives: RainCode
- Masafumi Takada (Composer) – Responsible for the game’s soundtrack, known for The Silver Case, God Hand, No More Heroes, Killer Is Dead, Killer 7
- Y?ichir? Sait? (Producer) – Known for Chobits, Batman: Gotham Knight, Granblue Fantasy: Versus, Last Order: Final Fantasy VII
Experience
Before finishing Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc on December 11th last year, I had already completed visual novels like Fate/Extra, Spirit Hunter: Death Mark, Spirit Hunter: NG, the AI: The Somnium Files series, and both Silver Case games. I’m familiar with Rui’s art from my time playing Fate/ Grand Order and know Masafumi Takada’s music from his frequent collaborations with Shinji Mikami and Suda51, whose games I’ve extensively played.
Impressions
Introduction
From the moment you start Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, its modest budget is evident, but this limitation surprisingly becomes a strength. The game shines through its distinctive character designs by Rui Komatsuzaki, ensuring each character is memorable and easily distinguishable. During the game’s Daily Life phase, you have the opportunity to bond with your favorite students, unlocking new skills and presents that add a personal touch and deepen your engagement with the characters.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The game features a unique first-person dungeon RPG movement style reminiscent of classics like Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, Wizardry, and Ultima. This movement seamlessly integrates with the game’s various phases: Daily Life, Deadly Life, and Class Trial. In the Deadly Life phase, you gather clues and prepare for the intense Class Trials, which are both challenging and rewarding.
The game stands out with its unique gameplay modes, such as Nonstop Debate, Class Trial, Hangman’s Gambit, and Bullet Time Battle, each designed to keep you actively involved in the mystery-solving process and add variety to the gameplay.
Character and Art Design
One of my favorite moments was witnessing how the game balances intense mystery with lighter, more humorous interactions. For example, a casual conversation with a character about their unique quirks added a layer of charm and made the time spent with them genuinely enjoyable. This blend of humor with darker themes enhances the overall immersive experience of the game.
Unique Features and Moments
In essence, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc delivers an emotional rollercoaster that keeps players on the edge of their seats. Masafumi Takada’s impactful music and Rui Komatsuzaki’s distinctive art style significantly enhance the game, playing crucial roles in its success. Iconic moments like the cup of noodles scene, along with the striking openings and dramatic executions, underscore why Danganronpa has become a cherished IP and a standout entry in the visual novel genre.
Seiyuu Performances
The talented cast of seiyuus truly brings the characters to life. Their performances add depth and authenticity to the story, making the characters feel even more engaging and real. This level of detail enhances the emotional impact of the narrative, ensuring that each moment, whether joyful or gut-wrenching, resonates deeply with players.
- Megumi Ogata (known for Ken Amada from Persona 3, Nagito Komaeda from Danganronpa 2, Makoto Naegi from Danganronpa, Shinji Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Megumi Toyoguchi (known for Revy from Black Lagoon, Yukari Takeba from Persona 3, Aqua from Kingdom Hearts)
- Yoko Hikasa (known for Rias Gremory from High School DxD, USS Honolulu & USS St. Louis from Azur Lane, Tomoe Udagawa from BanG Dream!)
- Akira Ishida (known for Minato Arisato from Persona 3, Kamisato Ayato fromGenshin Impact, Gaara from Naruto)
- Manaka Iwami (known for Akane Kurokawa from Oshi No Ko, Amber from Genshin Impact, Ingrid from Fire Emblem: Three Houses)
- Chiwa Saito (known for Tamamo no Mae from Fate, Yoko Hiromine from Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Taokaka fromBlazBlue)
- Miyuki Sawashiro (known for Jolyne Cujoh in JoJos, Celty Sturluson in Durarara!!, Chidori Yoshino & Elizabeth from Persona 3 Reload)
Verdict
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is a gripping emotional rollercoaster that stands out in the visual novel genre. Its modest budget is cleverly leveraged to create a unique experience, with Rui Komatsuzaki’s distinct character designs ensuring that each character is memorable and easily distinguishable. The game’s day system—divided into Daily Life, Deadly Life, and Class Trials—adds depth and variety, with each phase offering its own set of interactions and challenges.
The engaging gameplay is complemented by a mix of humor and intense drama, highlighted by memorable scenes like the cup of noodles moment and impactful character executions. The game’s unique gameplay modes, including Nonstop Debate, Class Trials, Hangman’s Gambit, and Bullet Time Battle, keep the mystery-solving experience fresh and varied. Additionally, the first-person dungeon RPG movement system, akin to Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, adds another layer of immersion.
The talented seiyuus bring the characters to life with performances that enhance the narrative’s emotional impact, making the story feel authentic and engaging. With an outstanding score by Masafumi Takada and iconic art by Rui, Danganronpa proves to be a must-play for visual novel enthusiasts, solidifying its place as a beloved title in the genre.
TLDR
Rating: 9/10
In Summary: Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc stands out as a compelling visual novel, blending a strong presentation with engaging storytelling. Kazutaka Kodaka’s creative direction, combined with Rui Komatsuzaki’s unique character designs and Masafumi Takada’s memorable soundtrack, elevates the experience, making it as much a feast for the eyes and ears as it is for the mind.
While the pacing may feel uneven at times, the overall experience is an emotional rollercoaster filled with twists, humor, and heartbreak. It’s easy to see why Danganronpa became a successful IP with a dedicated fanbase and continues to inspire new games and creators.
References
- Monokoma. (2015, January 19). Distrust (Danganronpa) [Beta – PSP / PSvita]. Unseen64. https://www.unseen64.net/2015/01/19/distrust-danganronpa-beta-psp-psvita/
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