The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy review: the pupil exceeds the mentor

      The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy

      MSRP: $59.99

      “The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is a disturbingly captivating tactics RPG that draws inspiration from Danganronpa.”

      Pros

      - Captivating story

      - Engaging tactics

      - Delightful character roster

      - Vibrant art style

      Cons

      - Lackluster minigames

      - Extended loading times on Switch

      When a game developer achieves significant success, it's only natural for them to stick to the same formula in hopes of replicating that success. Atlus’s Metaphor: ReFantazio exemplifies this, refining the Persona structure to produce a polished RPG that resonates with familiar themes. Similarly, The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, developed by Too Kyo Games, borrows heavily from Danganronpa. It’s unsurprising that the creators of that quirky visual novel series have crafted this outstanding new RPG that expands on its core elements.

      While The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy features a similar art style and gameplay mechanics to Danganronpa, it distinguishes itself by offering an experience that feels both familiar and innovative. The intense turn-based tactics, gripping narrative centered on saving humanity, and vivid characters elevate it to one of the top RPGs of 2025, making it a fitting successor to Danganronpa’s legacy.

      A unique take on the death game

      Last Defense Academy centers on Takumi Sumino, a young boy who awakens in an enigmatic school after an alien attack devastates his hometown. Alongside several classmates, he discovers they are the last line of defense for humanity against these hostile extraterrestrial forces aiming to seize a powerful artifact concealed within the school. As members of the Special Defense Unit, Takumi and his peers must safeguard the artifact for 100 days to earn their return home. The story is filled with unexpected plot twists and revelations, from the invaders' origins to the artifact's secrets, delivering the suspense and anticipation that Danganronpa enthusiasts adore.

      The exaggerated personalities blend seamlessly within the story's dark yet humorous tone.

      The captivating narrative is enhanced by a cleverly integrated New Game Plus system. Unlike other games such as God of War Ragnarok or Elden Ring, which merely require players to replay the same story, Last Defense Academy enriches its gameplay alongside its worldbuilding and lore. The initial playthrough is a tightly controlled experience leading to a specific outcome, while New Game Plus introduces a fresh storyline replete with further plot twists and new playable characters.

      There's a sizeable flowchart revealing multiple endings, akin to a traditional visual novel. Impressively, while some endings vary slightly depending on Takumi's decisions, many are significant enough to be regarded as canon endings, even while he strives for an ultimate resolution where everyone survives the 100 days. Last Defense Academy certainly offers ample content.

      Too Kyo Games

      Similar to Danganronpa, Last Defense Academy features its own unique, colorful, and eccentric characters. Notable examples include Kyoshika Magadori, the designated “country bumpkin,” who, despite being a samurai, has a backstory filled with standard ninja tropes, including growing up in a secret village. Darumi Anemiya takes inspiration from Danganronpa’s sadistic main antagonist, but she's on the protagonist's side. She often references that series, expressing her preference for being in a killing game where the cast members continually betray one another. The exaggerated characters fit perfectly into the comedic yet dark atmosphere.

      Ironically, Darumi sometimes unknowingly gets her wish. Takumi struggles to maintain the group's unity as they bicker and quarrel, which frequently leads to their downfall—not due to the main villain, but because they fail to unite when it matters most.

      Throughout the game, Takumi's leadership skills are continually tested as he faces the repercussions of his actions, resulting in branching storylines. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful and perseveres until the end, even when all seems lost. This compelling motivation to explore the different endings is a sensation I haven't experienced since playing the Zero Escape series.

      Death is a recurring theme in the narrative, yet what makes Last Defense Academy so intriguing is its casual approach to the concept. The school has a device, humorously dubbed the Revive O’Matic, that can resurrect individuals. As the story unfolds, I became desensitized to character deaths, as they could simply be revived after a short period. Death becomes trivial—until it isn’t. The constant cycle of death and revival is ultimately disrupted, lending some endings genuine emotional weight. Ironically, while Takumi aspires for a happy resolution with everyone alive after 100 days, his path is paved with the blood and fatalities of his team.

      Life after death

      A significant portion of Last Defense Academy's gameplay revolves around strategic tactics, reminiscent of Fire Emblem. This game mechanics focus less on pure statistics and more on movement and attack range, allowing for strategic planning without the need to maximize stats