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danganronpasurvivoraskblog · 5 months ago

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Dangancember 2024 - Danganronpa Top 24 Class Trials - Number 6: Danganronpa V3 Case 4

//Case 1 and Case 4 of Danganronpa V3 are two of the most standout trials in the entire series. So much so, that seperating them, and deciding which one was better between the two, was nearly GODDAMN IMPOSSIBLE.

//Seriously, throughout the entire time I was making this list, having to choose between which case I liked better between this case and the first case of V3 was so insanely difficult.

//But in the end, I had to give it to Case 1. For the simple reason that I always tend to revisit Case 1 of V3, where I don't do the same, at least not nearly as much, for Case 4.

//And for very little reason other than that.

//Danganronpa V3’s fourth Class Trial is a bit of an enigma for me. On the one hand, I often find myself sweeping it under the rug when discussing the series, but on the other hand, I can’t deny that it’s one of the finest trials Danganronpa has ever crafted.

//Seriously, it’s sitting at a comfortable sixth place out of 30 cases in my personal ranking, so yeah, it’s undeniably great. I’m just selective about how much I acknowledge it.

//What makes this trial so fantastic is the way all its elements come together seamlessly: the jaw-dropping twist, the high-stakes context, and the deeply compelling mystery. With most of V3's cases, I feel they're a little...weaker overall, even if they are generally the more complex cases in the franchise, mainly because of the emotions they instill within me.

//But two of the cases, with Case 4 being one of them, are an exception to this. This one mainly because it’s a case that doesn’t just tell a story; it practically reinvents the game’s rules while doing so.

//The trial takes place inside a virtual reality simulation, reminiscent of something straight out of Sword Art Online.

//And yes, just like SAO, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If you die in the game, you die for real. That chilling premise alone opens up a Pandora’s box of possibilities and interpretations, making the entire case feel more dynamic and multidimensional than your average murder mystery.

//It’s also hilariously meta, and in the good way, unlike V3-6. Not only are you solving a murder in VR, but the case leans into the absurdity of its premise while staying true to the emotional core of Danganronpa’s storytelling. The layers of reality, fiction, and simulated existence blur so well that you can’t help but admire how cleverly it all fits together.

//So yeah, even if I don’t gush about this trial as much as some others, I’ll still tip my hat to it. It’s a wild ride that fully earns its place in the Danganronpa hall of fame.

//This chapter is… fine, but what really makes it stand out is how it aligns with a recurring theme in the main Danganronpa trilogy. In each game, the fourth chapter tends to focus on a character who, up until that point, seems to be thriving a little too comfortably in the chaos of the killing game. Whether they appear to be enjoying the despair or simply manipulating the situation to their advantage, Chapter 4 is where the narrative decides it’s time to shake things up and force some character growth, or, in some cases, a complete character overhaul:

In 1-4, Byakuya gets his reality check during the trial itself. After stubbornly clinging to his cold, cutthroat logic all game, he suffers a humiliating defeat in reasoning during the Chapter 4 trial, making him reconsider whether his worldview is truly as airtight as he believed. By the time the trial ends, he begins taking steps toward becoming a more dependable ally and declares that he won’t engage in any more killing.

In 2-4, Nagito's character arc takes a sharp left turn in the Case 4 investigation. Up until that point, Nagito had this weird self-deprecating reverence for the other Ultimates, treating himself like disposable trash unworthy of standing among them. But suddenly, after finding out the truth behind their identities, it’s like a switch flips. During the investigation, he becomes disturbingly self-assured, cruel, and downright dominant, flipping his dynamic with the group entirely. Now, instead of putting others on a pedestal, he’s treating them all like the garbage he once considered himself to be; and this segways into Chapter 5.

This idea literally goes double for A-4. Rei, typically dismissive and unhelpful, is shaken to the core when faced with Satsuki’s sacrifice. Haru, a victim, gave his life to save Satsuki by creating a Locked Room Mystery for her escape; a level of selflessness Rei has never witnessed, and when Satsuki confirms Haru’s sacrifice was real, Rei is stunned, unable to process such altruism. Meanwhile, Tsurugi, steadfast in punishing victims as chaos-causers, is thrown off balance by Satsuki’s unprompted confession. The idea of a victim helping their killer challenges his beliefs so profoundly that he passes out, forcing him to question his entire worldview.

Syobai literally becomes the player character in A2-4 for a part of the trial, and singlehandedly is forced into a position of leadership. It's a key moment for him and the mark of the game where he starts to take more initiative as a character, and go on his own quest to dick over Mikado and end the Killing Game.

//And then, in V3, there’s Kokichi Ouma, who, comparatively, takes the "fourth chapter personality shift" baton and runs to the end of the Earth with it.

//(Side note, I can't believe I'm actually talking about it here, but I have seen SO many people ask me why I spell it "Ouma" and not "Oma" like the dub does, especially since I don't call Kyoko "Kyouko" or Kirumi Tojo as "Toujou" when that's what it is in Japanese. It's because "Oma" means Horse in Japanese, and I don't want to call him "Kokichi Horse." That's weird. Also, I just prefer this spelling, it's as simple as that.)

//Kokichi, already a wildcard and a mischievous trickster, steps fully into his role as a scheming, manipulative VILLAIN, leaning hard into his calculating and almost theatrical nature. It’s a fascinating evolution, especially since his antics fill the tension void left by the previous case.

//Let’s be real, Case 3 had its moments, but Korekiyo Shinguji being both the killer and victim of his own twisted scheme felt more...uncomfortable, than genuinely intimidating.

//Kokichi, on the other hand, brings back that thick, suffocating air of distrust, which elevates the stakes nicely. All in all, the fourth chapter’s character transformations may follow a predictable formula, but they always deliver something fresh and memorable.

//But we'll come back to Kokichi later. Let's get talking about the trial itself, and why it's so unique.

//Danganronpa trials always tend to have a running theme with them throughout each game, and some of these work out better than others tend to. For example, all the first cases, a character who is seemingly important to the plot is suddenly taken away after they are killed. Case 2 always reveals a new, more ominous, secretive side to a character, who up until that point, had been rather unnasuming. And while not a lot of people like this fact, up to 3 people always die in Chapter 3 of each game.

//In Chapter 4, the running theme is that all the murders take place in a very liminal environment; different from anywhere else you've seen in the game, and with its own set of rules that differ from every other trial. In the other games, it's the Locked Room, the Funhouse, the Ballroom, and the Tower of Babel.

//But this setting is probably the most bizzare of them all, and by God, do they do some GOOD THINGS with it!

//The entire murder takes place inside a virtual reality simulation. A full-on digital world that, if I’m not mistaken, was originally created by Monokuma but later modified by none other than Miu Iruma, the Ultimate Inventor.

//VERY CLEARLY a nod to Danganronpa 2, and that alone is great.

//Miu takes it upon herself to tweak the simulation, removing anything dangerous or sharp enough to become a potential murder weapon. Ironically, despite her best efforts, it’s Miu who ends up as the victim of this virtual whodunit.

//Now, here’s where things get juicy: this wasn’t your typical crime in the series. This was a murder gone horribly wrong.

//And what’s fascinating is that while this isn’t the first time something like this has happened in the series, it’s actually only the second, or if you’re really nitpicky, the fourth instance of a murder scheme backfiring. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane, shall we?

//In Danganronpa 1 Sayaka cooks up a plan to kill Leon but ends up being the one who got skewered instead. Then in Goodbye Despair, Killing Harmony, and Another, the first cases also feature a twist where the killer’s original plan goes sideways, albeit in a slightly different flavor, with the killer targeting the wrong victim.

//But this case is the only other murder scheme, besides Sayaka's in Game 1, planned by the victim themselves.

//...Unless you count Haru in Another, which we've already been over, but you could also make the argument that Haru's plan was for him to be killed, while with Sayaka and Miu, their plans backfired.

//Miu, in all her chaotic, trash-talking glory, was planning to take out Kokichi. Being the brains behind the virtual world, she took full advantage of her role, laying out the rules of the simulation for everyone while sneakily fudging a few of the details to give herself the upper hand.

//Her goal? To execute the perfect crime, one that would be impossible to pin on her.

//Even though, upon reflection, the fact that she's the only one who COULD make the rules makes it pretty obvious that she's the one responsible. Had that been the case, I think that would have been too easy.

//Unfortunately for Miu, but fortunately for us, Kokichi is like a walking ad for 4D chess. He catches on to her plan faster than she can deliver one of her raunchy one-liners, and instead of walking into her trap, Kokichi flips the script, countering her scheme with a plan of his own.

//What ensues is a mind-bending trial where the layers of lies and manipulation make even seasoned players question what’s real and what’s virtual.

//This case stands out not just for its premise but for its audacious execution. A murder happening in a VR simulation is already enough to make it memorable, but the added twist of the victim being the would-be killer takes it to a whole new level of brilliance.

//And let’s not forget Miu herself: even in her final moments, she manages to be equal parts infuriating and hilarious, making her one of the most unforgettable characters in the series.

//I could do a whole character analysis on Miu, and I feel like I might want to one of these days, but today is not that day, because despite her integral role in this case, of the characters that are important to it, she is the least so.

//But with Miu dead, this leads into what is quite possibly the FUNNEST investigation and trial in the series.

//The real charm isn’t necessarily in the investigation process itself. It’s in the clues you uncover and the sheer thrill of piecing together how the crime could have possibly gone down.

//This isn’t your standard case where you’re dusting for fingerprints or deciphering alibis. No, this case takes place in a virtual, video-game-like world, and that alone makes it incredibly special.

//What really sets it apart is that solving the crime requires you to think in terms of VIDEO GAME LOGIC. And I don’t mean just understanding how games work on a design level, like balancing difficulty or crafting levels.

//We’re talking the nitty-gritty quirks of actual gameplay mechanics, stuff like looping worlds, invisible walls, glitches, and even loading screens. These elements aren’t just amusing easter eggs; they’re critical to figuring out how the murder was executed. It’s like being handed a mystery where the answers are buried not in reality, but in the code itself.

//For anyone who’s spent hours yelling at their screen over a bugged-out NPC or a weird collision glitch (Fuck you, Todd Howard), this investigation feels like a hilarious, and extremely meta, love letter to the quirks of gaming.

//This case’s brilliance lies in how it merges classic mystery-solving with the quirks of gaming, creating a truly unique experience. It’s the kind of investigation that makes you feel like both a detective and a speedrunner trying to glitch your way into an inaccessible area for clues.

//And let’s be honest, when you’re unraveling a crime that hinges on the kind of stuff we normally blame on bad game developers, it’s impossible not to have a little fun with it.

//But of course, the mystery and the setting of this crime don't carry the whole thing alone. The actual conflict itself is what makes this trial such an emotional rollercoaster, and hands down, there's one key element of this trial that shines out more than any other:

//Kokichi.

//We've already been over V3-5, and the role that Kokichi plays in that chapter, where his scheming all culminates into his final plan. But the biggest issue with that was how little closure it gave Kokichi, and how his plan felt like it was all part of Tsumugi's scheme anyway.

//But the SETUP for his character arc's conclusion, that we see in this trial, is BRILLIANT.

//I already kind of talked about this at the start, but let me reiterate my points in more detail here.

//Up until now, Kokichi has been the class’s resident chaos gremlin. Cocky, sarcastic, endlessly witty, and annoyingly good at making people want to strangle him.

//Whether he’s tossing out savage one-liners or cracking jokes at everyone else’s expense, Kokichi has spent most of the game toeing the line between a playful pest and a genuinely brilliant schemer. And no matter how much he got under your skin, you couldn’t deny that he was sharp as a tack, sometimes spotting clues even Shuichi, the Ultimate Detective, manages to miss.

//But in this trial? Kokichi doesn’t just steal the show. He sets the stage on fire, and crowns himself the ultimate supervillain.

//This is Kokichi at his absolute peak. Gone is the silly prankster who lived to push everyone’s buttons. In his place is a calculated mastermind who orchestrates Miu’s death in a way so devious and brilliant that it leaves you wondering just how deep his schemes go.

//And here’s the kicker: he didn’t even commit the murder himself. He set everything up like a diabolical puppetmaster, then let the crime unfold while keeping his hands technically clean. That fact alone? It’s the ace up his sleeve, and he’s not shy about rubbing it in your face for the entirety of the trial.

//Kokichi’s behavior in this case is a stage show of psychological warfare. At one point, just to prove how far ahead of everyone else he is, he flat-out CONFESSES to the crime and lays out every single detail.

//And no, it’s not because he’s trying to save anyone or come clean. Kokichi’s confession is less about honesty and more about spiting you. He doesn’t want you to have the satisfaction of piecing everything together. Instead, he hands you the answers on a silver platter, complete with that smug grin of his, just to prove that he’s always one step ahead.

//The best part is that even when Kokichi is acting like a full-blown villain, he’s still absolutely hilarious. Whether he’s taunting the group with his over-the-top theatrics or dropping perfectly timed quips, his antics add a layer of dark humor that keeps the trial both tense and ridiculously entertaining. It’s like watching a magician perform a trick while roasting the audience the entire time.

//But what makes his actions, and this case as a whole, even more heartbreaking and mind-boggling is the reveal of the real killer.

//Shockingly, the one who ACTUALLY murdered Miu...is GONTA!

//Gonta Gokuhara. The Ultimate Entomologist. The most wholesome, lovable, pure-hearted character in Danganronpa V3, heck, maybe even the entire Danganronpa franchise. The gentle giant who LEGITIMATELY wouldn’t hurt a fly (Though would probably hurt someone else for hurting the fly.) The guy who refers to himself in the third person and wants nothing more than to protect everyone, make friends, and be a true gentleman.

//That Gonta.

//Even though the big guys always die in the fourth chapter, unless you're Kakeru, To say Gonta being the culprit is shocking would be an understatement. While Gonta is undeniably kind and reliable, it’s no secret that he’s not exactly a mastermind. He’s easily manipulated, struggles to keep up in trials, and doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.

//So when it’s revealed that he killed Miu, the first reaction from everyone is sheer disbelief. How could Gonta, of all people, commit murder? And more importantly, why would he?

//What makes this moment so impactful is the reaction of the group. Once Kokichi drops the bombshell that Gonta is the killer, everyone scrambles to find excuses to prove him wrong. No one, not even Gonta himself, can believe it. Gonta, in his sweet and earnest way, tries to deny it, clinging to the idea that he could never willingly hurt someone. But the cold, hard evidence keeps piling up, and by the end, there’s no escaping the truth.

//The only two people in the room who seem willing to entertain the possibility are Shuichi and Keebo. Shuichi, being the Ultimate Detective, reluctantly follows the evidence where it leads, no matter how painful the conclusion may be. Keebo, ever the logical one, processes the facts without the emotional bias the others cling to. But for everyone else, especially Kaito, and even Maki, the mere idea of Gonta being the culprit is too much to bear.

//And that’s where Kokichi pulls off another one of his devious moves. By exposing the truth and forcing Shuichi to press forward, he drives a wedge between Shuichi and Kaito, effectively turning Kaito against him. Kaito, the ever-loyal and stubborn optimist, refuses to believe that Gonta could be capable of such a thing. His faith in Gonta, and his growing detest of Kokichi, creates a painful rift in what was once a strong friendship.

//What’s even more brilliant about this setup is another reason why the investigation is so good, in how it creates the perfect misdirection. Gonta is a notoriously sweet and loveable guy whose idea of "video game logic" probably involves pressing random buttons until something works. Early in the investigation, you’re almost sure he couldn’t have done it because, let’s face it, even if you walked him step-by-step through how world loops or loading zones work, his brain would still be stuck in "kind gentleman" mode.

//So, when the evidence eventually points to him as the killer, it’s a jaw-dropping moment. The fact that the least tech-savvy person in the group was somehow the linchpin in this digital murder mystery is both tragic and utterly shocking.

//This case doesn’t just deliver a shocking twist; it weaponizes the emotional bonds between the characters to make the reveal hit even harder. Gonta’s reveal as the killer isn’t just surprising, it’s tragic, and it leaves a scar that lingers long after the trial is over.

//And the trial itself rides on these character moments, but it sure as hell doesn't die on them.

//If the concept of a murder mystery set inside a virtual reality simulation wasn’t already enough to make this case one of the standout moments in Danganronpa, then the trial itself takes things to levels of brilliance and emotional devastation that few could have anticipated.

//This trial isn’t just good; it’s a masterclass in everything the series does best: crafting intricate mysteries, delivering gut-wrenching twists, and tying it all together with compelling character moments that leave you reeling. It’s a case that combines innovation, heartbreak, and even absurdity into one unforgettable experience.

//When the trial begins, suspicion immediately falls on Kaito, a favorite target thanks to his hot-headed nature and frequent clashes with Kokichi. The evidence against him is damning on the surface: he logged out of the virtual world earlier than anyone else, and a bottle of poison was found on his seat in the real world.

//All signs initially point to him being the culprit. However, things are rarely that simple in Danganronpa, and this case is no exception. As the trial progresses, we learn that the setup against Kaito was actually the handiwork of none other than Miu herself.

//As I eluded to earlier, Miu had concocted an elaborate scheme to murder Kokichi and frame Kaito for the crime. She planted the poison and forced Kaito to log out early, expecting that these details would make him the prime suspect. It’s a devious plan worthy of her sharp mind, but in a cruel twist of irony, Miu ends up dead instead.

//And how, you ask? By being strangled to death…with toilet paper.

//Yes, toilet paper.

//That’s the murder weapon.

//While it might sound absurd...and it is...it makes perfect sense within the context of the virtual world. Just exhibit A of why this case uses the unrealistic logic of the game world so damn well.

//In the VR simulation, objects are unbreakable, meaning that even something as flimsy as toilet paper becomes as strong as a rope. While this detail initially seems like a quirky bit of world-building, it turns out to be the key to unraveling the mystery.

The moment it’s revealed that Miu was killed with toilet paper, the case takes on an entirely new level of not just hilarity, but complexity. It’s a reminder of how cleverly the trial uses the unique mechanics of the virtual world to craft a mystery that could only exist in this game.

//But the ingenuity of the murder weapon is just the beginning. As the trial unfolds, the focus shifts from solving how the crime was committed to figuring out who the culprit is, and this is where things get truly heart-wrenching. The culprit isn’t some cunning mastermind or morally gray antihero, and is instead the gentle giant with a heart as pure as freshly fallen snow.

//For Gonta who wants nothing more than to protect his friends and be a gentleman, the very idea of him committing murder is unthinkable, not just to the characters but to the player as well.

//And yet, it’s true. Gonta killed Miu. But the twist doesn’t stop there...because he doesn’t even remember doing it!

//Due to a mix-up with the VR helmet cords, Gonta experienced memory loss upon logging out of the virtual world. He has no recollection of the events that transpired in the simulation, including the murder!

//This detail adds a tragic layer to the trial, as Gonta’s confusion and heartbreak become almost unbearable to witness. The group is torn between their trust in Gonta’s inherently good nature and the mounting evidence against him. Even Gonta himself struggles to reconcile the truth, repeatedly insisting he would never do it.

//The emotional weight of the trial is further heightened by the reactions of the other characters. No one wants to believe Kokichi when he suggests that Gonta might be the killer, while Kokichi, ever the manipulative trickster, delights in dropping this bombshell, though his accusations are met with immediate resistance.

//Everyone scrambles to find alternative explanations, desperate to clear Gonta’s name. Even Shuichi, who is typically steadfast in his pursuit of the truth, hesitates to accept the implications of the evidence. However, as the trial progresses, it becomes impossible to deny the facts, and the group is forced to confront the devastating reality.

//One of the most powerful moments in the trial comes when Kaito, Shuichi’s closest ally and staunchest supporter, turns against him. Manipulated by Kokichi, Kaito lashes out at Shuichi, accusing him of being too focused on the truth to consider the emotional toll it takes on others.

//I won't go as far as to call it a "betrayal" because it's nothing that serious, but considering the bond between Shuichi and Kaito has been one of the few sources of stability throughout the game, watching their friendship fracture under the weight of this trial is a testament to how deeply Kokichi’s schemes have sown discord among the group.

//Gonta's breakdown as the truth comes to light is one of the most gut-wrenching moments in the entire series. The tragedy of his character arc is amplified by the fact that he doesn’t remember committing the crime. He doesn’t get the chance to explain his actions or defend himself. Instead, he’s left to grapple with the knowledge that he did something he would never have consciously chosen to do. It’s a unique conflict that’s rarely explored in murder mysteries and one that V3 handles with surprising nuance.

//I also want to draw attention to the voice acting, specifically with the English Dub (since that's the version I played), which takes this trial to an entirely new level of emotional devastation.

//Kaiji Tang’s performance as Gonta is nothing short of phenomenal, capturing the character’s confusion, sorrow, and desperation with heartbreaking authenticity.

//But more than him, remember how I said that there were four voice performances in the main Danganronpa series that I thought were absolutely phenomenal for the breakdowns in the series? Marieve Herington as Celeste was the first one, Kira Buckland as Kirumi is the second, and the third is Derek Stephen Prince as Kokichi.

//He's insanely good throughout the whole game, but he shines especially here, delivering lines with a blend of smugness and chilling calculation that makes him simultaneously infuriating and fascinating.

//Kyle Hebert’s portrayal of Kaito adds layers of frustration and vulnerability, while Dorothy Fahn brings subtle depth to Tsumugi (shockingly). The voice work is so impactful that it enhances every twist and turn of the trial, making the emotional moments hit even harder.

//In the end, this trial isn’t just a showcase of clever writing and innovative mechanics. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that pushes the characters and the player to their limits.

//From the absurdity of the murder weapon to the heartbreaking revelations about Gonta, every aspect of this case is meticulously crafted to leave a lasting impression. It’s not just a standout moment in Danganronpa V3, it’s one of the best trials in the entire franchise, a perfect blend of creativity, tragedy, and unforgettable storytelling.

//...Almost...

//I don't want to end this on a negative note or anything, but there is another reason why I ultimately had to put this trial below V3-1. It's far from a major problem that completely ruins my opinion of the trial, obviously, but dear God did it test my fucking patience.

//Put simply...

//This trial and this Chapter are where the MONOKUBS are at their MOST INSUFFERABLE!

//Crazy, because at this point in the game, there's only two of them left!

//I largely boil this down to Monodam dropping out of the story prior to this chapter, but Monophanie and Monotaro single-handedly come close to RUINING this Chapter because of how goddamn fucking INCORRAGABLE they are. Legitimately, the only thing that they did that I thought was entertaining was Monotaro proclaiming Miu as his mother, but that's largely because of Miu and not him.

//To make a long story short, I really feel SO GLAD for the people who actually liked the incest stuff that happened in Case 3, because HERE! YOU HAVE MORE OF IT!

//In this chapter, Monotaro suffers memory loss, causing him to forget who Monophanie and Monokuma are. Monophanie, in an attempt to help him remember, beats him with a frying pan. This leads to a bizarre and disturbing romantic relationship between the two, despite being family.

//The next day, Monotaro turns abusive toward Monophanie, and though he later apologizes, it paints a toxic and uncomfortable dynamic. Monophanie becomes jealous of the students as Monotaro bonds with them and starts to act like a father figure when they believe she’s pregnant. However, this is all part of a gruesome execution, where a giant insect bursts from Monophanie’s stomach and kills both Monokubs.

//This entire plotline trivializes what are actually some SERIOUS ISSUES in a disturbing, exploitative way, and turns it into an uncomfortable "spectacle." It's hands down the ABSOLUTE WORST THING that happens in ALL of V3, and possibly the entire main trilogy, especially because it takes place in what is otherwise one of the BEST CHAPTERS in the series!

//But Oh! OOOH! OOOOOOOOOOOOH IT DOESN'T STOP THERE! IIIIIT DOOOOEEESSN'T STOOOOP THEEEERE!

//Ahem...

//Sorry...In case it wasn't obvious, this REALLY upsets me. But I'll try and stay professional.

//Largely the reason I've never gone over them before this point is because the only other time in the game where the Kubs actively play a part in the trial is in Case 2, when Monosuke, after acting all high and mighty towards his siblings, accidentally gives away a major clue in the trial. But that was actually a pretty entertaining part.

//Here, Gonta's execution, and his final moments, are completely RUINED by the Monokubs. And any emotional tension and misery that you're feeling for him in his final moments are completely taken away!

//While the execution itself is by no means poorly done, and it does feature one of my favorite music tracks from the series, it definitely doesn't give Gonta the fitting send-off he deserved.

//Sure, it’s undeniably tragic, with Gonta being attacked by robotic wasps, stabbed in the chest, and ultimately set on fire. Quite a violent and gruesome way to meet his end; but here’s the issue: The execution doesn’t focus on Gonta’s death as much as it should.

//Instead, a significant portion of the sequence is dedicated to Monophanie and Monotaro’s bizarre, unsettling bug-related antics, which just feels…off.

//While the gruesome spectacle is certainly chaotic and violent, the sequence spends a substantial amount of time on the absurd antics of Monophanie and Monotaro, especially their bizarre "bug baby" plotline.

//Now, the Monokubs meeting their end in these executions isn’t new. This is, after all, the last time we see any of them perish. But this one feels like the worst offender. When Monokid and Monosuke died during Kaede and Kirumi’s executions, I wasn’t bothered too much because their deaths were brief and didn’t take the spotlight away from the main event. Monodam’s death, on the other hand, was genuinely surprising, and despite some focus on him, the context made it feel fitting.

//But here? We’ve crossed a FUCKING line. The execution becomes less about Gonta's tragic demise and more about this uncomfortable and frankly weird bug child subplot. Honestly, by this point in the series, I’m pretty done with the odd, incestuous undertones, and I certainly didn’t need to be subjected to a whole execution where that’s the central theme, while Gonta himself feels like an afterthought.

//Le sigh...

//Aside from everything else, I feel it’s worth repeating that this case is crafted in a pretty impressive way. The sheer creativity and intricacy behind it can't be ignored. And while the execution itself leaves something to be desired (and by "something," I mean "a whole lot"), I don't think that should take away from how well the rest of the case is put together.

//I mean, the story, the twists, the atmosphere...it all comes together in a way that's hard to ignore. Even if the final outcome feels like a botched cake at the bakery...all gooey on the inside and looking suspiciously like a science experiment gone wrong...the overall design of the trial is still pretty solid.

//It’s like watching a magician pull off an incredible trick, only for the rabbit to hop away halfway through. You can’t really blame the trick just because the rabbit decided to bail.

//So while I can’t overlook how poorly the final bits were handled, the rest of the case is still good enough to hold up.

#danganronpa survivor #danganronpa #danganronpa v3 #drv3 #mod talks #ranking #gonta gokuhara #miu iruma #kokichi ouma #dangancember 2024

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theamityelf · 9 months ago

Note

I really love your Makoto in V3!AU and have started thinking about it a lot lately.

So, we are shown the audition videos of Kaede, Shuichi, and Kaito for Danganronpa in 6th trial (which are probably another lie from Tsumugi, but.. whatever) and I had a question: if in your AU Makoto survives to the end, what is his video interview like? What is his reaction and that of the rest of the students?

It would be interesting to hear about his pregame version in your AU. Thanks in advance for your reply! (^_^)

Oh, this is a good question. A lot of implications for the broader lore of this AU. My Naeouma posts kind of made it canon that the killing game is a simulation in this AU, so presumably the audition videos are fake and Makoto's pregame-sona would also be fake.

Anyway, here's my thought process on Pregame Makoto, whether or not he really existed:

So, the theme of how the pregames were translated seems to be keeping the general vibes but going tropey and ironic with them. Pregame Shuichi wanted to be a detective for the cool murder tricks, as a trope subversion; he was made into a played-straight Ultimate Detective character, no trope subversion. Pregame Kaede specifically didn't like people, and she's made to be the tragic "Let's be friends after the killing game!" character.

If we interpret the Pregames as real, then this shows that the fans, or at least the ones who auditioned, wanted to see the show break new grounds or go in new directions with its established character archetypes, but the show was unwilling to do that.

If we interpret the Pregames as fake, then it just means someone thought up the cruelest interpretation of these characters, specifically to hurt the ones in the trial.

So my task here is to honor both possibilities and lowkey clarify Makoto's role here overall. I think the best Pregame Makoto for me right now is one whose motivation is to be popular. Where the gist of Pregame Shuichi's audition is "I'm a huge fan of Danganronpa and I really want to turn the usual tropes for an Ultimate Detective character on their head," and the gist of Pregame Kaede's audition is, "I have no faith in humanity, so I'd be great in a killing game," and the gist of Pregame Kaito's audition is, "I'm going to kill everyone and win for the fame and fortune so nothing will be impossible," Pregame Makoto's audition would basically be, "I don't know as much about Danganronpa as a lot of other people do, I could never win a Danganronpa trivia contest, but I know that people love Danganronpa characters, and I want to be like that. I don't care if I win any money, I don't care if I survive, I don't care if I kill; I just want everyone to like me, like they like Danganronpa characters."

Meaning either that Danganronpa took a guy whose whole thing was wanting to be liked no matter what and made him into all-around-good-guy Makoto who finds himself winning people over just by being himself, or Danganronpa took Ultimate Hope Makoto Naegi and spun his wholesome likability into a completely compassionless need for attention.

And I'd say, assuming he survives to see those audition videos in the trial, his reaction would probably be some form of denial. Basically, his mind goes, "That's not true to how I actually feel, and I know that's not representative of Kaede, Shuichi, or Kaito."

Honestly, and maybe I haven't given the matter enough thought, but I think he just generally doesn't have enough skin in the "truth and lies" motif to be quite as bothered by the idea of being fictional as the others are. I think he would pretty quickly reach the conclusion that their feelings for each other matter more than whether they should be considered real. The idea of "There's a person who used to live in this body who was destroyed to create you" I can see bothering him. Like, I think his take on that case is more reactive to Danganronpa's crimes than the nature of his own existence.

(The idea that Pregame Makoto is still in him and he'll always be on the lookout for those kinds of feelings is something that might come later.)

And he and Shuichi basically take different paths to the same conclusion: They have to end the killing games forever.

#danganronpa #makoto in v3 au #makoto naegi #shuichi saihara #kaede akamatsu #kaito momota

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colourful-void · 8 months ago

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Do you have a video game about deadly escape games you enjoy?? what is it!

I'm making a little spreadsheet comparing different "deadly escape games" to one another solely for myself and personal enjoyment, but i'd really like to get some more games to pull from. if you know a game that fits these criteria, leave it in the comments or reblogs!

You must be playing a Game. visual novels with minimal choice elements count as a video game, but they must involve either a) puzzles for the player them self to solve or b) at least some choices for a player to make. basically, the player must have some input to influence the game. (just for this discussion). books, tv shows, and movies will not be counted for this.

There must be a perceived element of Risk regardless of the actual physical harm done to contestants, they must at some point believe that they are at risk of being harmed/killed during the game. so for example, games that are simulations where dying in the game does NOT mean you die in real life still count, so long as the characters don't know it's a simulation, or that they'll survive at the time.

The Characters must be playing a Game. separate from the video game clause, the set up must involve some kind of goal/win condition, regardless of how achieveable or the general presentation of 'this is a deadly game'. often, 'this is the ___death game' will be stated outright, so those are easy ins, but games with like, a general goal/condition that don't state it outright, like maigoen's token system, will also be counted. if you're unsure, throw it in anyway this is a loose guide.

Players must be trying to escape. It's an escape game ranking after all! as long as they are in some kind of location they are trying to leave (hotel, boat, building, underground building, it's usually a building), that counts.

for the most part, jjust go with your gut, if it feels like an escape death game it probably is, and toss it to me anyway im looking for more.

examples: Doesn't count: Witch's heart or Ib element of risk, attempt to escape, is a video game, but the characters in witch's heart aren't playing a game.

Might count, hard to tell: Ayakashi Akashi, World's End Club. Ayakashi Akashi is so short it ends before we can really get into the death parts, so whether game elements or escape elements would be invovled is entirely unknown. World's End Club is entirely something I just need to finish playing, because it diverges from the game early on I'm not sure if i wanna count it, but it is like, a chunk of it so i likely will.

Games already on the list - Danganronpa's 1, 2, V3. - Your Turn to Die - Zero Escape: 999, VLR, and ZTD - Maimaimaigoen - Exit/Corners

lemme know what games you would add to the lsit!!

#escape games #zero escape #your turn to die #etc etc

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discloud · 4 days ago

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Does Anyone Roleplay Danganronpa in 2025? (above 18 only pls)

Somewhere, deep inside of the old archives of Hope's Peak Academy, there's a letter from 7 years ago. Generations of students have passed, and yet this letter remains.. Relevant.

Thank you for signing up for Project H.O.P.E.!

Dear Student of Hope's Peak,

Thank you so much for your interest in our experimental program, Project H.O.P.E. The Harmony, Optimism, and Prosperity Emulator is a multi year internship where you will be transported to a digital realm and tasked with many hardships. These hardships will build character and team building and stimulate growth for your talents! You will awake physically unharmed upon the full development of your character.

For all those hired to join, please meet in the computer lab on XX/XX/XXXX at 8:00AM`

The light hits your senses first. The air that hits your lungs next is stale. Untouched. You've been gone a very long time, Ultimate.

Your (prison) pod is blinding, like an oven that has been cooking you alive for years. You smell decent. You weren't forgotten. You forget how to move your real body -- it feels lighter now, like you had avoided all of the hardship that you remember so vividly. Despair does not physically weigh on your shoulders, but your head feels heavy. You are better in a sense, but your muscles have atrophied. You are weak. Vulnerable to an attack.

It takes a second to remember that all of the trauma you just witnessed, every death that you saw with your own eyes, it was all a dream. The feeling of blood soaks the pads of your fingers but when you try to check you realize you're attached to a vital-monitoring system. You remember that you signed up for this. What you have spent the last 10 years dealing with has been your fault.

You fight your body to escape that pod. It is dark outside of your cocoon, pitch black. Did they not expect you? Did this computer room double as a graveyard? Were you the only survivor? You stumble, clutching onto any surface to support your decaying legs.

It is only when you leave the darkness that you are greeted with the people who allowed you to do this: They ignore your screams for an answer; reassuring you that your muscles will be fine and ignoring that your heart will not be. They say that for your cooperation there is now permanent housing while you recover from the after effects -- an old luxury apartment unit that's been converted into a rehabilitation center for you and the other students. They say you will be better now. They say you can be happy because you have grown. You have grown but your new roots have strangled the older, loving individual that once resided inside. A part of you has died, even though you exist today.

For those that died within the simulation, their bodies are much older than they expected them to be. They grew even past their death, forced to watch every gruesome moment without being able to assist. And now everyone -- victim and killer alike -- must learn to reintegrate after such a traumatic experiment.

## ***PROJECT H.O.P.E. SERVER INFO***

- A simulation au where all canon instances of the killing game and after have been fabricated, just as they were in SDR2.

- Character ages range from twenty-three(V3) to mid thirties(ex. chisa)

- V3 return from the simulation as their pregame selves

- Follows the canon universe until pre-despair disease (the simulation starts just before Chiaki's death)

#danganronpa #danganposting #danganronpa thh #dr thh #sdr2 #drv3 killing harmony #komaru naegi #shuichi saihara #gonta gokuhara #celestia ludenberg #sayaka maizono #kaito momota #maki harukawa #ibuki mioda #mikan tsumiki

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pottedplant53 · 2 years ago

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Danganronpa V3 Fic Recs!!

In my six years of being a Danganronpa fan I've read a lot of fanfiction, so I've decided to compile a list of some of my personal favourites (in no particular order) for your perusal. Contains very minor plot spoilers, but nothing beyond what the tags/descriptions will tell you. Enjoy :D

New Danganronpa V3BOOT: Killing Harmony Redux - EternalSailorNeptune_53.

Unique in the fact that not only is it a Talentswap AU, but a Simulation AU as well. The general premise is that DRV3 wound up being such a monumental disappointment of a season that Shirogane is forced to rewrite it and try again.

Something that stands out about this fic in particular is its characterization. It tweaks the personalities and backstories of the cast to fit their new talents, all while remaining fundamentally true to their canon counterparts. There's a new death order, new motives, and all of the jokes hit. It's really funny but also made me cry at a few points. Ships include SaiMatsu, KoreKichi, TenMiko and some ShinToujo.

Words: 598,513

Chapters: 53/53 (Completed)

2. The Powerful Skeletons Series - EternalLoveSong

Another V3 Talentswap AU, except this time it's a collection of shorter fics, currently about 27 of them, set in the same talentswap universe. It features Supreme Leader Maki, Assassin Kokichi, Inventor Shuichi, and Servant Rantaro to name a few, and each character gets the spotlight at some point. I don't have a lot to say about these but they're very good.

Words: 95,923 Total

3. Alternative Ending, New Beginning - CrowSandwhich

V3 Chapter 5 canon divergence AU, in which various factors (Maki) cause Kokichi's plan to backfire before he can complete it. Due to his injuries, he winds up confined to the hangar by the rest of the survivors, under the belief that he's the mastermind. Incredibly engaging, but tragically discontinued. Kokichi & Kaito centric, no ships.

Words: 36,523

Chapters: 6/6 (Discontinued)

4. Irreplaceable - apollo_python

Set many years after the events of V3. The participants of the final killing game have all disappeared under mysterious circumstances, with the exception of Shuichi and Kokichi, who've been out of contact and down on their luck since the game ended. At Shuichi's insistence, they take it upon themselves to find their missing former classmates. A Saiouma thriller/mystery with a heavy focus on their relationship. Ships include Saiouma, and background Kaimaki/Irumatsu.

Words: 31,827

Chapters: 3/? (Unfinished)

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ohwell-itsme-but-danganronpa · 1 year ago

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Different kind of a killing game

[parts said by others start with their names, also this one is incredibly long and goes into post-game saiou angst]

Hina: Okay so moving from ⁠gore-discussions because this wasn’t exactly gore: Ideas for alternative motives for V3. The one that I’m thinking about very much right now is the idea of a prisoners dilemma type motive The general idea of the prisoners dilemma is: any number of prisoners in a group have an option of giving information to authorities in order to lessen their sentence. If one person gives information, they will be let off with a much shorter sentence, at the consequence of the other prisoners getting a heavier one, but if they all stay quiet, they keep the same regular length sentence. If they all expose each other, they all get the heavier sentence The idea hinges around what humans do in a situation where trust like this is involved. The best outcome for all parties is if everyone stays quiet, but if one person decides to sell them out, they’re at risk of a larger sentence So yeah, that and put it in V3

Oliver: What information would they have that monokuma would want??

Hina: It doesn’t necessarily have to be information It’s mainly the choice of whether to do what the authority figure wants at the cost of selling out the group I’d imagine it like this. Monokuma gives them a period of time to investigate and then tells them theyll be given a vote on who the mastermind is If you correctly vote the mastermind, you get to leave no consequences. If you vote incorrectly, however. The person that you voted for will die and you’re labeled their blackened. If nobody votes, you all get to continue the game without any risks So here’s the dilemma. Even if they all know with 100% certainty who the mastermind is, the mastermind can still vote wrong and kill a person, even if the rest get out And the other option is they have to trust the idea that nobody votes and they all love

Checkers: can they see who votes first?

Hina: No, They don't know who, Unless they're watching each other That's another fun part, Watching their behavior as they vote Cause I'm assuming they're voting at rhe trial podiums So they can all see each other too

[some time was spent talking about which chapter this motive should be introduced in & speculating about what would happen in the suggested scenarios, but that won't be relevant bc of a later decision]

Hina: I just xame to a beautiful discovery This would be the perfect motive for a Mastermind Shuichi AU Like it's right up his alley eith the detective thing

Oliver: IMAGINE IF IT WAS A REPEATING MOTIVE…….. you could actually make a whole death game out of that

Hina: No but did you know that's actually a second part to the prisoners dillema There's a second aspect to the prisoners dillema related to: What would happen the more times the situation was repeated Would they start working together over time realizing it's bad for them Would they use exposing each other as bargaining chips. Like. "If you let me lessen my sentence today I'll let you lessen yours tomorrow"

Oliver: I was thinking if it were a repeating motive, it could practically be the whole gimmick of the killing game. Like imagine two people die from being voted for. One blackened, and one person who gets away scot-free but killed the other person with their vote. The blackened gets caught, because Shuichi, but maybe someone else finds out who the other voter was, and kills them because the other person who died was close to them. Another trial, and then another Prisoner's Dilemma Vote

Hina: You want to know another fun idea If this is a simulation in which Shuichi doesn't care because he knows he's gonna live and is playing observer In a scenario where they've voted out blackened to die They're given the option of thus "If everyone says yes, I'll bring back half the dead participants at random. If any specific people are voted for, they will be brought back and the rest stay dead" So now it's a choice of bringing back the most people, or trying to guarantee that the person you care for most comes vack It's the reverse dilemma And there's probably people you don't want to come back so Do you really want to risk your best friend not coming back, in favor of someone you hate Mastermind can vote someone they don't want back into the ftay Imagine Kokichi gets voted out on pretenses of people suspecting him Nobody wanted to bring him back, so Shuichi used his vote to guarantee he was brought back Now there's dealing with the fact of. Hey, I'm alive again At the cost of someone who goes against mg moral code in every way being the person to do ir

I am imagining them doing the dillema as a bonus after getting the normal trial vote right so right after 4th trial would be good

this also made me think of a killing game on fully different rules, where if they fail to get away as a blackened they're not executed since the only goal is finding the mastermind. they would be doing only the mastermind vote after trials, with the option to skip, but generally, they get two chances to eliminate mastermind per chapter, first by setting up the murder, and then second if the group figured out the murder and get to vote, if somebody gets away with murder, they leave on their own, the group will be allowed to leave if mastermind is eliminated, and that's with keeping in mind that voting for someone means killing them, but they don't have to worry about being executed for getting it wrong, it's just about their morals.

Checkers: what if the mastermind is killed?

the game ends

there should be a hard limit of how many people can be voted out per trial too, so it doesn't end too fast, like "only first three votes will count, so decide quickly" or even less. I think, with the presence of mastermind being known and everyone working against them rules would be way stricter in general, mass murder wasn't allowed to begin with, here it's "you've only got one shot", it only gets reset if everyone still alive has blood on their hands (either by murder or vote) or, my first idea, was it being reset every chapter after vote, aka the killer couldn't vote in the same chapter, but the idea of everybody having blood on their hands come final chapter is spicier,

Checkers: if you vote correctly you leave and if majority votes correctly the mastermind dies?

not in my version, it's enough for one correct vote to kill the mastermind, only the first three who vote register, even if they're all skips, people who voted for someone or killed directly would break a rule and therefore be punished for getting another person killed before it's reset because of a lack of spotless

Checkers: if only the first three register then there might be a lot more panic over voting maybe they rush to vote without thinking as much so. I propose. monokuma changes the voting layout midgame, they were ready to vote and clicked really fast but didn't realize they voted wrong until it was too late

yeah, that panic is what's I was going for, they gotta be locked in and ready to get someone killed the moment voting pulls up Kokichi is a big fan of getting in a "skip" as one of those 3 but not everybody thinks like that the first time, he's just like, "oh, then we can all press skip, nice, easy." and then there's a bang.

they could [reveal who they voted for], but they're not obligated to,

Checkers: I think they would, or others might force them to say it. it prevents a lot of wasted votes/kills

they don't even know if their votes are the ones that registered until the voting is done and acted on, the votes that registered get revealed but without information who put them in, so if somebody voted the same as you just faster you wouldn't know and just think that's probably your vote, some might try to get others to vote the same as them if they're convinced somebody's the mastermind, but if they got other motives for trying to eliminate someone, they'd rather stay quiet,

I think since it's more of a cat & mouse game between mm and others, there would be messages from them included in the rewards they get, one a real hint and one misleading, they just have to decide which is which, those would replace the flashback lights I guess,

mm Shuichi would listen to what others are suggesting to him, making Kaito think that he is relying on him, but actually he's only okay with voting on Kokichi because he's planning to bring him back later, great for the plot, but not mm Shuichi would mostly just skip until he had solid evidence someone is the mastermind

Sini: The thing is, I can see some people not even voting the mastermind here. Like, someone could vote for the killer as revenge or for the safety of the group. Or, someone might vote cause they know they themselves are likely to be voted as the mastermind and they want to take the chance of being the first vote that can take the person who will vote them out as a means of saving their own skin. Like, Himiko could vote Korekiyo off for example. And the last scenario could absolutely fit Kokichi, though the question is, would he actually do that? Given how he is in game, I think he would as it is just one of the sacrifices he'd have to make in order to end the game himself

yes, you get my vision 100% what I meant by "other motives" he could still make Gonta do it, he'd tell him it's to raise their chances, but it'd be actually because he knows he himself would hesitate but also consider: he doesn't make it far enough this time too sus for his own good

Sini: Little guy dies before he can even think to do that or pull it off…

he'd get voted out as soon as the second trial, then mastermind would bring him back after the 4th, the group dynamic would be a lot different, some would probably be more willing to trust him now, knowing he's not the mm, but that too depends on how well he copes with that

somebody voted him out, in fact, most likely multiple people voted for him, and now that he's back… they expect cooperation? he teams up with Shuichi because he's the one that voted him back in, or so he says, can't fully trust that, but hopefully? more than others

I think this one vote would become public because they'd have an argument after seeing Ouma brought back and make each other admit to their votes, there was some suspicion and talking behind backs and asking each other one on one before, but this is the one where it would become a whole ordeal of peer pressure, so the brought back peeps would know who claims them (and why would anyone risk lying about that? they didn't, right? that's the last person who'll want to hurt me, right?)

if saiouma had rights I could say that Shuichi brought him back because he wanted to get to know him better, continued to wonder about the mysterious boy, it would be a second chance for them, but. Mastermind Saihara is the better explanation

I don't know, can they still have something complicated going on post-game if Saihara is the mastermind? What it would take for Kokichi to be conflicted and don't straight up hate him after they leave vr? cause being brought back wouldn't be enough and actually only make the betrayal worse

Sini: I think the only thing that could make Kokichi not fully hate Shuichi is if Shuichi had his personality and memories screwed up Like, he was made to be the mm

I dunno, I don't want it to be that, if he's altered it's a little bit, like, everyone got Enhanced to be Ultimates, but then that means they did sign up, and he volunteered to be the mastermind and he's himself with new cool knowledge and skills, but that's about it. I want Kokichi to be forced to think about his morals, to have to notice good things in Saihara who is the ringleader, made those motives, and unfortunately proven to him that none of them are better than him (remember the counter being reset by the final chapter, that's important, even though that means this one would have more chapters than canon)

he's going to have to think about how Saihara was doing a silly little social experiment knowing it's not real, while the lot of them was killing for real, thinking it'll be permanent, and how Saihara never was the blackened, and kept the game fair with the hints and lead it to the conclusion since his goal never were to keep them trapped in the hell loop, and how he cared & patched him up when he got injured

he wants to believe Saihara was just being manipulative, but it doesn't add up

Sini: I meant more like he was forced to be the mm but I see what you're saying. Maybe Kokichi doesn't hate him as much cause he sees himself to be just as awful as him? Or maybe there are aspects to Shuichi that have him feel bad for him. And yeah! He sees how he was at least fair about everything. But I'm gonna be real, I don't think Kokichi could ever forgive him or even see him in a good light. He might not fully hate him, he could give him some props for certain things, but he is still the one that made everyone do all that horrible shit. Even if it wasn't real, it felt real. It was real to them. It doesn't matter if Shuichi does actually care for him, he still manipulated him and everyone else. He would want to see the good in him, but all the stuff I mentioned could never be enough and what he's done could never just be ignored. Just because Kokichi might see himself in a similar awful light doesn't mean he's going to give Shuichi that much charity. How I see it, it could never work

I love pg Shuichi who's been neglected and clung to the comfort show, so I imagine him going far past interacting enough not to be suspicious, he's thrilled to make friends, loves having a talent and therefore finally being special enough to hold people's attention, have something to connect with them instead of just offputing people with his fannish rambles about executions and from ch5 on to the end he would be the closest to Kokichi, so he would be trying to get that back, he's attached

I am just trying to paint the picture of, memory manipulation is barely still on the table, no flashback lights, no identity changing stuff or big gaps in memory, a lot more defined rules, cards on the table about how things work, the choice being fully theirs: stay or try to leave, I'll even give you a hint. He was mostly an observer in the whole thing

Ves: much harder in on them being his friends than tsumugi is. he's actually MORE like junko in that way, huh

bro's not even giving them motives, he's getting so much blackmail material just from being able to check who voted what and he's not using it, he's just there to hang out with his friends, and maybe study their behaviour under immense stress hahaha

Hina: I like the idea of Mastermind Shuichis game being a character study

Ves: were they friends pregame [my reply] no, he had no friends, this is his idea of an ice-breaker, he's just getting to know them better this is the best way to really get to know who people are at their core, trust him, he learned a lot on the internet

Sini: So they're all the same in that they gave themselves up to DR and while responsible for their own actions, were taken advantage of by Team DR? [my reply] I guess, yeah?

Ves: he made fifteen friendship bracelets in preparation

he thought it's going to be like solving a locked room together, a nice bonding activity, it's basically the same thing if you're as desenitized to death as he was! He was helping through leaving hints! It wouldn't be fun if he made it too easy, but he did a good job adjusting the difficulty level for the group, he's a good game master he gave them a good journey on the way to the victory that was always eventual, he cheered them on

Ves: im gonna cry he's sweet in the worst possible way v3's world rlly fucks up everybody who lives in it huh everyone who 'died' is just backstage with juiceboxes he does not see the problem

Sini: Man, I feel like that would make Kokichi hate him more, if that makes any sense. At least at first, anyway. Cause he's so sad and sweet yet did the most horrible things. He doesn't see anything wrong with what he did.

"I was worried I am going to fumble and get caught early, but I am glad I was able to give everyone a good season despite my anxiousness" gives that small smile

Sini: I feel like when they get mad at him, he cries jwjhhwef He only wanted to have fun : (

Ves: kokichi how could you POSSIBLY be mad at this guy. the murder does not count as a reason

Sini: His heart definitely doesn't hurt when he makes him cry. Definitely not

Ouma lashes out at him (post game, because in game he was in too much shock to bring up personal feelings about how it affects him as an individual, instead of talking about The Whole Thing) and he's like" "but I thought- I thought that we, that you… nevermind" hides the notebook full of ideas for what they might do together now that they're out and runs away, crying

Ves: he deserves it but like that's my son my beloved son who has committed war crimes

He was SO going to ask him out if Kokichi didn't bring him back down to earth

Ves: he's borderline delusional abt all this and when he gets a healthier mindset the self hatred is gonna hit harder than even canon shuuichi

Checkers: he specifically asked the backstage ppl to give Kokichi the nice juicebox brand. That’s rly romantic right

Sini: Knowing this now, I think when Kokichi finally accepts that he made the choice to join danganronpa and that they were all in the worst mindsets when getting into the recent season will he, not forgive Shuichi, but not be so mad at him anymore. He's more angry at DR than anything. He's still uncomfortable around him, his trust issues really keep him still feeling strong about what Shuichi did to him, but he holds no real strong feelings against him. He just feels bad for him

Ves: oh is this official danganronpa? somehow i got the impression that it was a fan project like in a warehouse somewhere

it's official they all audition and get on location, their memory of getting there it's closer to thh, "I came in here, lost consciousness and then suddenly it was Like That" Shuichi didn't do anything illegal, he just hosted a season of a popular tv show and they all got juiceboxes!

Ves: they WANTED to do this fun and normal team building exercise why are they so MAD at him!!! completely unfair i think he'd get really offended if they imply he was like. faking his grief at the deaths. because he DID grieve! his tears were genuine!! just…in a nice, comfortable, cathartic sort of way. he always knew he'd be going home he cried like you cry at a sad tv show the others cried like it was real

Sini: Like that's what really pisses them off. He saw it all as a show when they saw it as reality

the disconnect is more at a level as if they were playing D&D, of course he's invested and he's sad if someone has to leave the game he's going to miss them, but they'll see each other later, it's fine. And, well, he's not happy to see his dear friends fighting or upset, obviously, but those things happen and in the end it'll all be resolved, in the matter of a few weeks at most

Ves: it's just LARPing at the end of the day. them not KNOWING that doesn't count because they asked for it to be that way. he's helping!! he's facilitating what they wanted!! he brought juiceboxes!!!!!!! tsumugi we bonded over being DMs how are you mad at me now

What if. What if they're siblings. What if one of their parents is a Team DR executive/ some higher up. What if they both auditioned for the mastermind. Pitched in their ideas. What if angry pg Tsumugi left a letter for her future self talking about her bitch ass brother stealing her chance to finally get their attention. What if post game Tsumugi lived to see said parent never visit either of them despite working in the same building. What if she saw her old self in Shuichi, nearly mirror like. What if it terrified her

Sini: Not getting the role was the best thing to happen to her…

#danganronpa #ndrv3 #shuichi saihara #kokichi ouma #kokichi oma #saiouma #oumasai #tsumugi shirogane #kaito momota #gonta gokuhara #korekiyo shinguji #himiko yumeno #tenko chabashira #angie yonaga #au #writing inspiration #writing prompt #made by me

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my-gf-is-kazuichi-soda · 4 months ago

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Danganronpa ages are so confusing.

Not that it matters much, but I'm trying to figure out a timeline where it doesn't look as bad when Hiro dates Tenko and Miu, who are about a year younger than Zoey and Kaz.

Afaik, the only reason Hiro is 21 in the U.S. version is bc of the drinking age, just so they can say that line at the beginning about grabbing a drink with Makoto, though I like to read that line as being kind of a joke instead, Hiro shows disgust about alcoholics later in the same chapter. Hiro could have been held back without their age being that different from the rest of the cast, but...

How old even are the rest of the cast? They say they're "freshman" at the start of each game, there's always a timeskip where they graduate at the end, and there's the rule that freshmen at Hope's Peak have to have been going to high school for at least a year beforehand, making them about 16 at the youngest to be freshmen at Hope's Peak. Of course, I'm assuming U.S. highschools bc that's what I know, it could be totally different...

For now, my idea is that Zoey is 18 and Kaz is almost 18 at the start of fanfic 1. Maybe half a year passes, and then the start of fanfic 2, where Tenko and Miu are both around 17. If I even write a third fanfic, I think it would be where they finally leave the simulation.

Oh yeah, the simulation also throws everything off, who knows, maybe they're actually like 25-27? There's a lot of background lore I'm still working on.

Also, it gets obviously very canon divergent, as the class from Dr V3 happens around the same time as the class from SDR2 even though they're "supposed" to be different generations.

#danganronpa ages for my fanfic/selfship universe #rambling

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low-salad · 4 months ago

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NewBirth - The Story of Satiea

The year is 2069, the location is Satiea (previously Singapore).

With the Chinese economy having collapsed the City State has fallen to rule by the formidable Anglo-Russian Alliance (ARA) which maintains control of most financial centres located East of the United American Colonies (UAC), a rival force in politics, warfare and cultural aspirations.

Ribena Bay Sands During the late 2020s, the remaining population of Planet Earth discovered a revelation that explains how it's nature is derived from the Complex Computer System (CCS), an elaborate simulation that determines our very existence and everything that happens within it.

The CCS has not only written the history of our planet but that of every living thing within it.

Over the ages, the Complex Computer System has been delivered through "re-layering" the human experience. It is thought that throughout the ages the CCS has undergone Five Major Upgrades (MUs). v1. Genesis v2. Early Age v3. Industrial Revolution v4. Internet Age v5. Interplanetary Relations

It is now widely believed that the MUs are delivered through Viral and Antiviral methods into the human form.

It's also understood that consequences such as War, Famine, Drought and Natural Disasters are necessary consequences of such occurrences as defined by God.

United Overseas Wankers The Mainstream Banking system has been taken over by a band of Interplanetary Hackers named "XYLOPUMP" who aim to redistribute wealth more evenly amongst the remaining population of Planet Earth which is comprised of three major species - Humans, Aliens and Bots.

Each species may look the same (at least today) but they carry different personality different characteristics. The ratios of such populations differ starkly across nations.

Satiea is one of the few locations on Planet Earth where Interplanetary Harmony (IH) is maintained at a relatively stable level; but when hostilities do break out they are fierce.

IH levels are reported on a daily basis and act as a barometer of the current state of civil and cultural affairs in society.

Blockchain technology has been key to rebuilding the financial system with the old 'Banking System' having completely collapsed due to technical debt, overregulation and inherent greed.

Rexulti for Two Throughout the transition to the New World (Planet Earth v5), the Human Race suffered considerable damage to their Mental Health due to the societal changes caused by the programming associated with the v5 upgrades.

The population was reliant on 'Big Pharma' remedies but these became expensive and carried unusual side effects such as mysterious gambling addictions, amnesia and high rates of suicide.

This was until more Advanced forms of pharmaceutical solutions emerged from the fields and factories of The Golden Triangle, India and Thailand.

Two such remedies that emerged from The Underworld were ISO-Ketamine and Penis Envy mushrooms which act as a portal between interplanetary dimensions.

With the nation of Satiea historically operating a strict 'Anti Narcotics' policy, the Prime Minister - Kevin Kwang Yousef (KKY) - enacted a historical policy change.

The PM decreed that on designated Public Holidays (4 times per year), these experimental substances would be made available to general public for personal consumption, with distribution taking place under strict guidelines.

Maid's Day Off With the population of Planet Earth in freefall due to the Cost of Living Crisis. Planet Earth's two ruling factions, the Anglo Russian Alliance (ARA) and the United American Colonies (UAC) agree to an Breeding Policy which aims to harness the characteristics of The World's 25 Most Beautiful Countries as defined by various Online Blogs and Articles.

Supported by a Population Injection from Aliens and Bots, the policy was able to help successful maintain and grow the population of Planet Earth despite the diminished breeding levels from the Human Race.

The Blessed Maria The City State of Satiea not only led a financial revolution but also a Cultural one. It was a form of New Renaissance where the bulk of society moved from task-based and managerial-based roles into art-based activities for their primary source of income.

New art forms were discovered including a new music genre called 'KatongStep', a form of electronic music which has it's beat, rhythm and melodies intrinsically linked to the universe's astrological cycle.

When one dances the KatongStep, it's said that they are digitally cleansing their soul.

NewBirth was born on 12th January 2025. His preferred genre is Drum and Bass.

Welcome to the Fifth Wave of Punk

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dubljarnasims · 4 months ago

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Bylas Tropiano

Part of the 6th generation of my legacy, Bylas is that guy who is uber proud of that coat he found at the thrift store and wears it e v e r y w h e r e.

No CC included in the download - please see the list and links below.

Parents: Cerise Lavoisier & Kearny Tropiano Sibling(s): Lavinia Tropiano, Liberty Tropiano Partner(s): Sicily Fork

✨ DOWNLOAD HERE (Google Drive)

Clothing/Accessories:

Glasses - Nords | Scintille v3

Pants - Dyoreos | Hey cupid jeans

Shoes - DanSimsFantasy | Boots gn001

Top - Darte77 | Wool overcoat with t-shirt

Hair/Makeup/Skin Details:

Beard - Simulation Cowboy | Copacetic sideburns

Blush - Obscurus | Blush n3

Body Hair - Luumia | Body hair v5 plus

Contour - Pralinesims | Eyebrow contour n1 delfino

Eyebags - Pralinesims | N09 mayfair

Eyebags - Tamo | Basic eye bags

Eyebrows - RemusSirion | Eyebrows n14

Eyelashes - Kijiko | 3D lashes (uncurled)

Eyelids - Soju-Vibe | Simple eyelids

Hair - Joshseoh | Glenn

Lips - RemusSirion | N248 tuberosum

Defaults:

Skin - Luumia | Vanilla default skin

Eyes - Pralinesims | Oasis v2 default

Sliders & Presets:

Butt - CmarNYC | Enhanced butt slider

Chin - Magic Bot | Default chin slider

Ears - Luumia | Ear presets

Eyebrows - Magic Bot | Default eyebrow slider

Eyebrows - Miiko | Eyebrow slider

Eyebrows - Miiko | Eyebrow slider 02

Eyebrows - Obscurus | Eyebrow sliders

Eyes - marsosims | Eye size slider

Face - Luumia | Face asymmetry slider

Hips - Luumia | Hip shape slider

Lower Legs - CmarNYC | Enhanced lower legs slider

Mouth - Magic Bot | Default mouth slider

Mouth - Teanmoon | Mouth scale slider

Neck - Golyhawhaw | Neck width slider

Nose - Magic Bot | Default nose slider

Thighs - CmarNYC | Enhanced thigh slider

🐌 Many thanks to the CC creators! 🐌

@dansimsfantasy @darte77 @dyoreos @golyhawhaw @joshseoh

@kijiko-sims @luumia @magic-bot @marsosims @miikocc

@nords-sims @obscurus-sims @pralinesims @remussirion @simulationcowboy

@soju-vibe @tamo-sim @teanmoon

#ts4 #the sims 4 #ts4 legacy #sim download #ts4 download #born in game #gen 6

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streetlights-was-taken · 7 months ago

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usually I write for smaller fandoms and ships, so I'm blown away to receive comments for azazel considering that it hasn't even been 24h since I posted it yesterday (and I only remembered to share on social media today). I guess the saiou tag on AO3 is still going strong in the year of our lord 2024. amazing

anyway, I wasn't actually sure about posting it because there are some parts of the fic I'm still unsure about. but I workshopped it with a friend last night, and I think I have a better idea of how to write this fic. I have my themes and I have my murders, huzzah!

initially I wanted to play around with the theme of autonomy (or loss of) just for shuichi's character arc, but I think it's a general theme that I'll play around with angie, keebo, and korekiyo too. and juxtapose it with the theme of responsibility for ryoma, kirumi, kokichi, and kaede.

without spoiling anything, though you might be able to guess, I'm thinking that angie, keebo, korekiyo, and shuichi all fall in circumstances in the fic that challenges or limits their autonomy. there are certain restrictions they (or society or circumstances) put on themselves, and there's a general lack of freedom relative to others. what they think they're doing might not necessarily be things they actually wanted to do.

meanwhile, the responsibility camp will undergo character arcs where they realize that they have freedom and choice and it's all a question of what they'll do with it and what they're willing to be responsible for. to live, to lead, to serve, are all things they think they're doing for others, but they need to take ownership of those actions as well.

I also wanted to explore characters that usually don't get a lot of focus. I love kaito and maki for sure, but the premise of the fic doesn't really set the story up for the training trio to come together, unfortunately. on the plus side, I think it'd be fun to explore kaede in an actual leadership role, and how she'll butt heads with angie's student council. and of course, how characters like korekiyo and ryoma and kirumi would act if things went a little differently in their respective arcs.

V3 usually plays around with themes of truth/lies and trust/doubt, so I wanted to play with a different angle. I think it'll be interesting too in the context of a virtual reality simulation where tsumugi wrote in their backstories. how much of their actions are influenced by an outside script and how much of it is from their own free will? compare, for example, kirumi and korekiyo's actions and how their scripted backstory played into it, as opposed to kokichi who leaned in on his character and went all out on even trying to take responsibility of the killing game just to end it. and yet, we'd all probably say that he was the most "free" with his actions, and he did these things out of his own desires and free will, and not because his backstory dictated it so.

anyway, now that I have a clearer roadmap, I'm very excited to write the next chapters. tbh I wasn't sure of continuing the fic after spending 20k words on chapter one alone, but the comments have been unexpected and encouraging. I will try my best to write more!!

#fic: azazel

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danganronpadedication · 7 months ago

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DAY 13: DANGANTOBER

Day 13: Favorite Mastermind

Okay, okay. I spent the last post raving about her followers, it only makes sense to talk about the girlboss that started it all.

First of all, I believe all of the masterminds in this franchise are worth their own post. My definition of a mastermind is a bit different than other people's. I believe the mastermind is the person or persons who got the characters into the location of the game, set up the circumstances for said game, and facilitated what happened within. So, while most people only consider Junko, Izuru, and Tsumugi as the masterminds, I have a few more people added to that list.

For THH, it's Junko and Mukuro. They set up the game, caused everyone to be trapped in Hope's Peak, and Junko facilitated the game while Mukuro posed as her.

For SDR2, I think the masterminds of that game are Junko AI, Izuru, and Makoto. Junko once again facilitated the game, Izuru provided the means by putting her in the simulation, and Makoto (not working with the other two, obviously) put everyone in the location.

For V3, it's definitely just Tsumugi, and Team Danganronpa as a whole. She does it all, the location, the facilitation, it's all her.

For the anime, it's Tengan. He's gathered the Future Foundation heads together, provided the means for the game, and while he doesn't facilitate, he sets up the automated control for the game. Tengan's an opp, and so is Ryota. Sorry to those who like them, just my opinion but like much of my opinions, I'd love to hear the opposite side!

Anyways, back to Junko. As much as the other masterminds are neat, she's the one who started it all. The Ultimate Despair herself, the mastermind of all masterminds.

I love how it's kind of a running gag that, no matter what, it's always her or someone very closely associated with her. She's the William Afton of Danganronpa. Hit 'em with that "I ALWAYS COME BACK'' mess, in a golden Monokuma suit.

As a child, Junko quickly grew very bored of what the world had to offer. She was very smart and analytical, and thus could easily predict the outcomes of certain situations. The reason she fell in love with despair is because she found it unpredictable and exciting. You could be as sickly creative as you wanted, and the outcome would always differ in some way.

I'm not very knowledgeable about Danganronpa: Zero and the characters explored in there, like Yasuke Matsuda, but I'm aware of the general gist of their relationship (thanks Danganronpa wiki!) Junko and Yasuke were childhood friends, with Junko soon rising to stardom in the modeling industry, while Yasuke was named the 'Ultimate Neurologist'. She was scouted into Hope's Peak by recommendation of the Steering Committee, who are just the suckiest people in Danganronpa. Giving Junko the resources she needs, and creating the Kamukura Project? Come on, guys.

We first see Junko in the anime whilst meeting Mukuro at an airport. She's in an absolutely killer outfit, which is something we don't often see from someone who's supposed to be the Ultimate Fashionista. Those of you out there who give her alternate outfits are delightful <3 You are lying if you say she didn't slay this fit.

Speaking of slay, she promptly detonates a bomb that she planted in a taxi, and while driving away, attempts to kill Mukuro with an ice pick just for entertainment. Mukuro is obviously able to hold her own against her. It is the musings of a teenage girl that ultimately brings society to its knees. She discovers the existence of Izuru Kamukura, and quickly becomes infatuated with the idea of him, mainly his numerous talents and what use that could be to her. She kidnaps a Hope's Peak trustee, and is later seen with only his eyeball for the retinal scan for Izuru's little room.

Junko appeals to Izuru's rampant boredom, enticing him by saying that despair will finally be something he can't predict the outcome to, something that will provide endless entertainment for him. She's injured in this encounter, so while he sits to think on it, Mukuro takes her to the school infirmary, where they meet Ryota Mitarai, the Ultimate Animator.

youtube

Original Uploader: Anime Essential on YouTube

She takes an interest in Ryota's talent and desire to create moving anime, and after noticing that it has an emotional effect on both her and Mukuro, she learns that he puts subliminal messaging in his work to make it get more of a reaction, and he equates it to brainwashing (something he does a lot, like dude...). Junko sees an opportunity for herself, and makes him get to work on the various different despair videos for her. She blackmails him by threatening Mikan, whom she had kidnapped prior to meeting up with him to see his work.

That night, Junko springs Izuru from his room, and thus begins the student council killing game, which is more of a massacre. Izuru watches the chaos unfold, and is shocked when one of them actually manages to slightly injure him. This moment may be what ultimately swayed him to despair's side.

Junko uses the footage from this event to frame Izuru as the sole culprit in this game, exposing Hope's Peak for using the reserve course student's tuition money for human experimentation, which causes the reserve course students to start to turn against Hope's Peak.

Junko brainwashes Mikan, and Mikan tells her about her own class, how they're all so close and full of hope, which is what gets Junko to select them as the class she wants to plunge into despair. Fast forward to when Chiaki and Nagito find her little hideout, her initial plan was to get Nagito out of the way (really whoever accompanied Chiaki) and then brainwash Chiaki, but that didn't work out for her. Chisa is instead selected as her target, by making her watch the despair video. Chisa proves to have enough mental fortitude to resist, and Mukuro is ordered to forcefully lobotomize her to make the process quicker.

Junko also demonstrates that she's gotten the reserve course students to her side, making one brutually unalive himself, and having others protecting her when Ryota tries to stop her. He runs away, and Juzo is also blackmailed by her. She says if he does not waive her of all suspicion, then she'll reveal his feelings for Munakata.

She then has Chiaki go through that infamous dungeon like obstacle course, resulting in her death, and the creation of the Remnants of Despair. Junko then makes the reserve course students commit mass unalive (I don't know tumblr TOS that well) and hides out among her class in the aftermath for the events of THH.

Behind the scenes here, her and Yasuke were experimenting with memory erasure for the killing game, and she tested it on herself. She assumed the identity of Ryoko Otonashi, while Mukuro took out the school board. Once Junko remembered who she was, she killed Yasuke in a fit of despair. Junko also took the WOH under her wing, instilling them with the belief that they belonged to her, and that they should start creating a paradise for children by force. Mostly, she was just interested in Monaca's standing in Towa City, the rest were just tagalongs to her.

We know what happens next from this point on. She facilitates the Hope's Peak killing game, which ultimately results in her death. She manages to not completely die, having converted a version of her consciousness into an AI, and putting it inside two different Monokuma units, Shirokuma and Kurokuma. Through those two, she monitored what was happening in Towa City, until Izuru came along and put her in the Neo World Program. She facilitated that game as well, which ultimately resulted in her deletion. Her goal in that game was to rebirth herself into the bodies of those that had died in the game, and eventually taking over the Future Foundation and the world.

Finally, we see a version of her for the last time in V3, where Tsumugi assumes the identity of Junko Enoshima the 53rd. Junko's influence is even felt after her death, with the many different contingency plans and groups she had set up. From the WOH and the Remnants, to Chisa and Tengan in the Future Foundation, she had her hooks in everything.

Junko stands out as a very unique villain. She is manipulative, cunning, analytical, all traits that are wanted in a strong villain. She manages to think of and carry out disturbing acts, all with a smile on her face.

No matter how much you idolize a character, chances are, if they're not from V3, then they were effected by her in some way. That's the kind of influence that crowns you as my favorite mastermind.

Seriously, Hajime put it best.

#danganronpa #dangantober #junko enoshima #danganronpa 1 #sdr2 #v3 #danganronpa trigger happy havoc #thh #mukuro ikusaba #izuru kamukura #ryota mitarai #Youtube

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