Some of the best films of all time are those whose different strengths all work in concert to create a unified, engrossing whole. The Shining, The Social Network, and Jaws are all excellent examples of films made up of strong individual parts complementing each other to form a fantastic work of art. That is absolutely true of Danganronpa v3: Killing Harmony Anniversary Edition – its musical score elevates story moments, which flow seamlessly into fantastic detective and trial gameplay, which facilitates exploration and puzzles that reward you with a deeper understanding of its characters and its expansive and beautiful world. Danganronpa v3: Killing Harmony Anniversary Edition is a masterful composition of exceptional interlocking parts, deliberate in its design and its foreshadowing, which pays off in unexpected ways in both the gameplay and story.

I expected great detective and class trial game play from Danganronpa v3: Killing Harmony Anniversary Edition, and it delivers that handily. But I didn’t expect it to be a thrilling journey in which every aspect of it complements the others to form what is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s a game in which Monokuma, a previously one-note character, becomes a complex father, warrior, and monster, embattled both on the field and within his own heart about how to treat his MonoKubs; one in which the world opens up and shifts, offering rewards in both gameplay and knowledge of its lore that I treasured with each accomplishment. The obvious care that went into crafting its world, characters, and gameplay delivers by far the most stirring and memorable game in the series.

Keep seething brainlets. This game is a masterpiece and is better than anything you’re currently playing.