I don't like to make spoiler reviews often because at that point I sort of think people are reading it mostly to see how someone else's opinion lines up with theirs. But this is such a hard game to talk about without The Ending in mind.

I fucking loved this game. The characters are just so charming, the mysteries exciting and fun to solve, and they... mostly tone down the worst parts of the franchise (the weird horny teens, with the caveat that Miu does exist). The new perjury system in trials is such a fun little way to reward players who want to find different paths of persuading people in the trials. I like Psyche Taxi a lot but other minigames don't pull me in much.

I understand why a lot of people don't like the ending, feeling like it devalues the fans or makes the series feel "pointless." But like... the series was never real. That's the point. The game never argues that the series doesn't matter. In fact, much of the climax revolves around grappling with the idea that these characters can matter even if they're fictional. But its also arguing that hey, fandom can get a little out of hand and sometimes stories need to end. And that's okay! I don't think its trying to be cruel about it. Its a genuine effort to give players the ability to end Danganronpa with their own hands and... I think that's a kind of offer a lot of franchises don't often give its audience.

That said, Kaede shoulda been the protagonist and putting that want in the mouth of the final boss does feel weird.