Summary

Release Year: 2012
Genres: Adventure, Point-and-click, Visual Novel
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita
Developers: Spike ChunSoft
Publishers: NIS America, Spike ChunSoft

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair: A Thrilling Murder Mystery Visual Novel

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is a visual novel murder mystery game developed by Spike Chunsoft. It is the second installment in the Danganronpa series, and was released in Japan in 2012, and in North America and Europe in 2014. The game follows a group of high school students who are trapped on a remote island and forced to participate in a killing game.

The game’s protagonist is Hajime Hinata, a new student at Hope’s Peak Academy, a prestigious school for “Ultimate” students, each of whom is the best in the world at their respective talent. On their first day, Hajime and his classmates are taken on a field trip to the mysterious Jabberwock Island by their anthropomorphic rabbit teacher, Usami. Usami explains that on this island the students are to have fun together and become friends to gather Hope Fragments. However, Usami’s field trip does not go as planned when Monokuma, the sadistic headmaster of Hope’s Peak Academy, appears and begins a new Killing Game. Monokuma explains that the students are now trapped on the island, and the only way to escape is to murder one of their classmates and get away with it. If the murderer is successful, he or she will be allowed to leave the island, while everyone else will be killed.

Hajime and his classmates are horrified by Monokuma’s announcement, but they soon realize that they have no choice but to participate in the Killing Game if they want to survive. The students begin to investigate the murders, and they soon learn that there is more to the island than meets the eye. The island is full of secrets, and the students must work together to uncover the truth behind the Killing Game.

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is a thrilling murder mystery visual novel with a cast of unforgettable characters. The game’s story is full of twists and turns, and the player is constantly guessing who the next victim will be. The game also features a unique trial system, in which the player must use their wits to找出 the killer.

Characters

Hajime Hinata: The protagonist of the game. Hajime is a new student at Hope’s Peak Academy, and he is the Ultimate Analyst. He is a quiet and reserved boy, but he is also very intelligent and resourceful.
Chiaki Nanami: The Ultimate Gamer. Chiaki is a shy and introverted girl, but she is also a brilliant strategist. She is the de facto leader of the group, and she often helps Hajime to solve the mysteries of the Killing Game.
Nagito Komaeda: The Ultimate Lucky Student. Nagito is a strange and unpredictable boy. He is obsessed with hope, and he believes that the Killing Game is a necessary evil to create a better world.
Sonia Nevermind: The Ultimate Princess. Sonia is a kind and compassionate girl. She is the princess of Novoselic, a small European country.
Gundham Tanaka: The Ultimate Breeder. Gundham is a flamboyant and eccentric boy. He is the leader of the Four Dark Devas of Destruction, a group of delinquents who are also students at Hope’s Peak Academy.
Kazuichi Souda: The Ultimate Mechanic. Kazuichi is a hot-headed and impulsive boy. He is in love with Sonia, and he is determined to protect her at all costs.
Hiyoko Saionji: The Ultimate Traditional Dancer. Hiyoko is a rude and arrogant girl. She is the daughter of a famous Japanese dancer, and she is very proud of her heritage.
Mikan Tsumiki: The Ultimate Nurse. Mikan is a shy and timid girl. She is very clumsy, and she often makes mistakes. However, she is also very caring, and she is always willing to help others.
Teruteru Hanamura: The Ultimate Cook. Teruteru is a lecherous and perverted boy. He is the son of a famous chef, and he is very proud of his cooking skills.
Mahiru Koizumi: The Ultimate Photographer. Mahiru is a tomboyish and energetic girl. She is very passionate about photography, and she is always looking for the perfect shot.
Peko Pekoyama: The Ultimate Swordswoman. Peko is a quiet and reserved girl. She is the bodyguard of Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu, the Ultimate Yakuza.
Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu: The Ultimate Yakuza. Fuyuhiko is a violent and short-tempered boy. He is the leader of the Kuzuryu Clan, a powerful yakuza family.

Gameplay

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is a visual novel murder mystery game. The player takes on the role of Hajime Hinata, and must investigate the murders and找出 the killer. The game is divided into two main parts: the investigation phase and the trial phase.

During the investigation phase, the player explores the island and talks to the other students. The player can also collect evidence that can be used in the trial. During the trial phase, the player presents their evidence and argues their case. The player must找出 the killer by finding contradictions in their testimony and presenting evidence that proves their guilt.

Themes

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair explores a number of dark and disturbing themes, such as murder, suicide, and despair. The game also raises questions about the nature of hope and the lengths that people will go to in order to survive.

Reception

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair received critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its story, characters, and gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over a million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is considered to be one of the best visual novel murder mystery games ever made. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its well-written story, and its memorable characters. The game has also spawned a number of spin-offs and sequels, including Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls and Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony.