Basically improves on the first game in every way. It has a more likeable and fleshed out cast, and its mysteries are consistently solid, except for maybe chapter 3, which is messy but I still think is ultimately... fine. It takes advantage of the "Ultimate student" concept more, with their talents often playing a major role in the mysteries as well. Basically, if Danganronpa THH was focused on providing a pulpy and stylish ride above all else, SDR2 expands upon, well, everything else. However, this "bigger and better" mindset does lead to losing the cramped, eerie atmosphere of DR1, which is a shame. Still a great game, though.
When I was a teenager, this was one of my favorite games ever, and I definitely see why. More than any other game in the series, imo, this one has the soul of a teen movie, if that makes sense? It's a compliment. Truly a story best appreciated by someone who is (or was) an angsty teen that doesn't feel as if they fit in-- when I was 14, I may have been reeled in by the colorful cast, vivid art direction, and unique murder mystery storyline, but I was enamored with the way it managed to capture teenaged misfit anger with its characters (especially my boy Hajime) while also extending a lot of compassion to this demographic, despite its hyperviolent presentation. It gave me a lot of comfort at a time when I needed it most, and I'll always love it for that.
I still find this game to be very earnest and kind in its messaging (which I kind of forgot about it, actually), and honestly? I love the twist and conclusion of SDR2. Idc! The revelation about the cast's identities, especially Hajime's, is still pretty heartbreaking to me (talk about cranking up the aforementioned broody teen drama to 100). It's a hyperbolic yet frank look at the ways in which the school system (and Society™) expect kids to be perfect all the time, yet has a tendency to use them, exhaust them, then spit them out. It then delivers its final message, a warm blanket to anyone who feels hopeless in the moment: you can always look towards the future. One of the most frequently played songs in the game is the nostalgic "Beautiful Ruin", and I think that describes the cast's collective character arc well-- What happened in the past does not define you, and while you will always carry those things with you, you can still move on and have a fulfilling life. Though your past traumas and pain may seem like a heavy burden to bear, there's beauty waiting for you in the world. It may sound cheesy, but that's kind of why I love this game so much. It wears its heart on its sleeve, and despite its often goofy, tongue-in-cheek mood, it wants the best for everyone.
When I was a teenager, this was one of my favorite games ever, and I definitely see why. More than any other game in the series, imo, this one has the soul of a teen movie, if that makes sense? It's a compliment. Truly a story best appreciated by someone who is (or was) an angsty teen that doesn't feel as if they fit in-- when I was 14, I may have been reeled in by the colorful cast, vivid art direction, and unique murder mystery storyline, but I was enamored with the way it managed to capture teenaged misfit anger with its characters (especially my boy Hajime) while also extending a lot of compassion to this demographic, despite its hyperviolent presentation. It gave me a lot of comfort at a time when I needed it most, and I'll always love it for that.
I still find this game to be very earnest and kind in its messaging (which I kind of forgot about it, actually), and honestly? I love the twist and conclusion of SDR2. Idc! The revelation about the cast's identities, especially Hajime's, is still pretty heartbreaking to me (talk about cranking up the aforementioned broody teen drama to 100). It's a hyperbolic yet frank look at the ways in which the school system (and Society™) expect kids to be perfect all the time, yet has a tendency to use them, exhaust them, then spit them out. It then delivers its final message, a warm blanket to anyone who feels hopeless in the moment: you can always look towards the future. One of the most frequently played songs in the game is the nostalgic "Beautiful Ruin", and I think that describes the cast's collective character arc well-- What happened in the past does not define you, and while you will always carry those things with you, you can still move on and have a fulfilling life. Though your past traumas and pain may seem like a heavy burden to bear, there's beauty waiting for you in the world. It may sound cheesy, but that's kind of why I love this game so much. It wears its heart on its sleeve, and despite its often goofy, tongue-in-cheek mood, it wants the best for everyone.
nanobomb
11 months ago