Introduction

Even at my age, when I hear my favorite creators are at it again to make a game, I get happy and start scouring the internet for any information I can obtain. Too Kyo Games (founded by Kotaro Uchikoshi and Kazutaka Kodaka) is a prime example, as I love all things Danganronpa and Zero Escape. Thus, I was excited when I heard the small development team was back at it again with The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy. With the style of Danganronpa and a fusion between VN (visual novel) and strategy turn-based gameplay, this sounded like the title made for me. I knew the demo had come out a bit before the main release but I knew I was going to buy this game day one (I even bought the limited edition) despite another amazing game coming out the same day, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

I won’t deny, Expedition 33 has taken a vast amount of my free time and I put The Hundred Line on the back burner, only playing occasionally. When I finally found the time, I entered into humanity’s last line of defense…a school all too similar to Hope’s Peak Academy, and wow, I don’t regret it in the slightest. Here’s my review of The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy on the Nintendo Switch!

Watch the Official Trailer

Gameplay

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy can be split into two elements: VN and strategic turn-based battles. During the VN portions, players live their lives as one of the “students” at Last Defense Academy. Here you will talk with the various students and cast, but more importantly, occasionally make choices that drastically alter the story. There are—hold your hats for this—over 100 endings in this game. Unlike a lot of VNs, these endings aren’t all “bad ends.” Some have substance that lead to new routes and reveal deeper elements of the story. The Hundred Line also allows you to easily try different endings after hitting a bad one.

The second half is the turn-based gameplay, which is simple but deep enough to stay exciting. Utilizing the power of “Hemoanima,” your students can fight invaders using unique abilities. Takumi uses a katana, Takemaru rides a motorcycle, and Hiruko wields a massive axe. Combat includes “Voltage” and “Last Stand” attacks—powerful abilities that add a strategic layer. If conditions are met (like being near the school), you can sacrifice a student for a powerful kamikaze attack. Battles are tough and require level grinding via exploration and use of school facilities.

Exploration is the weaker aspect. It’s similar to Danganronpa’s free time but includes a Mario Party-like board system where players move with cards, find items, and initiate battles. It works, but feels secondary to the core gameplay.

Graphics

Too Kyo Games never disappoints in terms of anime-style visuals. The Hundred Line looks terrific and bursts with artistic detail. Yes, it shares a visual lineage with Danganronpa, but it brings enough fresh designs—especially for the enemy types—to feel distinct. Roaming the academy in 2D shows off colorful, expressive environments. Unlike many VNs, character visuals shift frequently, avoiding the static image problem. The cutscenes and key images are outstanding and worth highlighting.

Sound

I had high expectations for the OST and voice acting, given the legacy of Danganronpa and Zero Escape. Thankfully, the music is strong and absolutely fitting—sometimes sounding eerily similar to Danganronpa, but in a good way. The voice cast also brings a fun energy, and while you might mentally pair them with past characters, each stands on their own. Together, these elements boost the immersion and make the cast shine.

Story

With over 100 endings, The Hundred Line is nearly impossible to spoil. The story begins with Takumi Sumino, who lives in a city under siege by alien-like entities. He discovers a rare power and joins a strange being named Sirei to protect a powerful artifact within a mysterious school. The setup is reminiscent of Danganronpa and Zero Escape—you’re trapped in a school, forced to fight, and surrounded by secrets. As you follow various routes, the story becomes addictive. Some endings will make you laugh, others might shock you. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that rewards curiosity.

Overall Impression

After playing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, I worried The Hundred Line wouldn’t measure up. But honestly, it’s a standout game. Despite small flaws, it delivers on story, gameplay, and creativity. Sadly, it might be overlooked, but it deserves your attention.

Conclusion

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is an incredible game that takes two genres I love and melds them together in perfect harmony. You get a strange but never dull story with great twists and turns, plus simple but effective turn-based grid combat that will challenge fans of the genre. Those who love Danganronpa and Zero Escape will find greatness here. I truly hope this game succeeds—it proves when Uchikoshi and Kodaka join forces, magic happens.

ーAaron