Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair

About

In Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair, Hope's Peak Academy's new "Ultimate" student, Hajime Hinata, embarks on a field trip with classmates to Jabberwock Island. However, the trip turns deadly when the notorious bear Monokuma appears, forcing students to participate in a Killing Game where the only way to escape is by murder and getting away with it. As the story unfolds, players investigate murders, gather evidence, and engage in intense class trials to identify the culprit.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair screenshot

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 22,277 reviews

story2.1k positive mentions

grinding142 negative mentions

story
5,230 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
56%
3%
The story of "Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair" is widely praised for its engaging narrative, complex characters, and numerous unexpected plot twists that keep players on the edge of their seats. Many reviewers highlight the emotional depth and development of the characters, as well as the seamless continuation of the overarching story from the first game, making it essential to play "Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc" beforehand for a fuller understanding. While some critiques mention pacing issues and a few predictable elements, the overall consensus is that the story is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a captivating experience that blends humor, mystery, and despair.
- “This game reels in their audience so well and the story is phenomenal and the characters (most of them) have so much depth added into them which makes them all the more compelling.”
- “The plot is even greater than the first one, and the characters, at least for me, are way more likable since they seem more united and charismatic.”
- “After Danganronpa 1 (which was genuinely such a shocking revelation of a game to me), I decided to go through with the rest of the series as soon as possible and all I can say is holy shit; this is genuine such a masterpiece, with twists that even someone like me, the person who predicted the full Evangelion plot in its 2nd episode and understood its full lore immediately, could never see coming and such a spectacular story that hits hard.”
- “Hard to get invested in the story.”
- “The story is convoluted, characters quirky, their personalities defined by one interest, the gameplay mechanics seemingly chosen at random, but I’d be lying to you if I said that I didn’t enjoy it from start to finish.”
- “The story is drawn out because it's poorly written, and characters take years to get to the point on anything.”
gameplay
1,851 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
67%
5%
The gameplay in "Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair" builds upon its predecessor with improved mechanics, particularly in the class trials, which feature new minigames and a more interactive approach to solving mysteries. While some mechanics, like the "hangman's gambit," received mixed reviews for being tedious, the overall gameplay experience is considered more engaging and varied, with a strong emphasis on character interactions and narrative depth. Players appreciate the blend of visual novel elements with detective gameplay, although some find the trial mechanics complex and occasionally frustrating.
- “The gameplay is simple yet fun in the aspect that it makes you think before you act (especially in the class trials).”
- “It has that cliché crazy anime moments combined with a really good puzzle style gameplay during the trials, that turn what would just be a good visual novel into a marvelous story with active gameplay to solve the mysteries.”
- “The gameplay is overall a lot more varied this time.”
- “Although, some trial mechanics are confusing.”
- “The only thing that allows the gameplay to be passable is the context of the mini-games in most cases.”
- “I think the gameplay from the first game was better, along with the story, but that's my opinion.”
music
1,036 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
47%
2%
The music in "Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair" is widely praised for its catchy and immersive quality, enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotional depth. Reviewers highlight the blend of upbeat and somber tracks that effectively match the game's various moods, with many noting that the soundtrack features both new compositions and remixed favorites from the first game. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout element, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and player engagement.
- “The characters, the story, the vibe, the music—everything about it is top-notch.”
- “The vibrant art style and atmospheric soundtrack significantly enhance the immersive experience, drawing players deeper into its surreal world.”
- “The music was absolutely memorable and well done to drive the emotion of the scene forward.”
- “The music is the only one that got a downgrade since the atmosphere from the copy-pasted songs can't be realized in this game's settings.”
- “The only thing that is worse in the sequel sadly is the atmosphere ruined by the music.”
- “The rhythm one might be my most hated one, it doesn't even seem in sync with the music...”
graphics
501 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
64%
4%
The graphics of "Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair" have received mixed reviews, with many praising the vibrant art style and character designs that enhance the game's immersive experience. While some players noted improvements in visuals and a more appealing aesthetic compared to the first game, others criticized graphical glitches and dated elements, suggesting that the graphics may not meet modern standards. Overall, the unique art style and engaging character animations are highlighted as strong points, despite some technical shortcomings.
- “The vibrant art style and atmospheric soundtrack significantly enhance the immersive experience, drawing players deeper into its surreal world.”
- “The graphics and the illustrations are stunning !!”
- “The overall style from the visuals to the audio is done so well, with catchy music and pink blood splatters - although the game also knows when to hold back that comical tone, resulting in some genuinely powerful moments in the story.”
- “Terrible graphical glitches involving transparency around trees, as well as constantly walking over foreground elements.”
- “The graphics look worse than 1999 cameras, but the storyline and the way it's developed is awesome.”
- “The controls are floaty, unresponsive and the 3D visuals are so jarring it's actually awful.”
humor
466 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in "Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair" is a mix of dark, absurd, and often self-referential comedy, with many players appreciating the quirky character interactions and fourth wall breaks. While some found the humor to be hit-or-miss, with instances of crude jokes and tonal dissonance, the overall consensus is that the game successfully balances its comedic elements with serious themes, making for an engaging and entertaining experience. The unique character designs and their eccentricities contribute significantly to the game's comedic charm, although opinions vary on the effectiveness of certain running gags and fan service.
- “Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair delivers an enthralling visual novel experience that masterfully blends mystery, psychological drama, and dark humor.”
- “The story of Danganronpa 2 is very intriguing and the characters are hilarious.”
- “The humor is spot on for the Danganronpa series in this one, if not better than the first.”
- “Not only does Super Danganronpa 2 have some of the most egregious scenes of 'cringe comedy,' but sometimes it features scenes revolving around trauma that are plainly not funny and disgusting at its finest.”
- “It's not funny, and I do not understand its purpose.”
- “Strip out the broken minigames, and you have a threadbare murder mystery with admittedly entertaining characters and an extremely unfunny duo of stuffed animals.”
emotional
460 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly powerful, with many players reporting intense feelings of attachment to characters, leading to significant emotional distress when they face tragic fates. Reviewers describe the experience as a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with heart-wrenching moments that often result in tears, showcasing the game's ability to create deep connections and evoke strong reactions. Overall, it is praised for its compelling storytelling and character development, making it a memorable and impactful experience for players.
- “One of the most emotionally compelling games I've ever played.”
- “The characters all perfectly serve their purpose and create such emotional conflicts; I don’t even know what to say. Please play the first game and then play a whole new different version of that but in steroids with this.”
- “This game destroyed me emotionally and mentally.”
character development
246 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
46%
3%
Character development in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its depth and richness, particularly in comparison to its predecessor. While some characters experience significant growth and nuanced arcs, others are noted to have less development, leading to mixed feelings about the overall balance. The unique character designs and engaging interactions contribute to a memorable cast, making the character development a standout feature of the game.
- “The character development is rich and meaningful for everyone - by the end it's like you're working with a completely different roster than what you started with, but since you witnessed every event that molded them you can't help but feel a special place in your heart being carved out for each one of them.”
- “Amazing character development and very rich in story as well.”
- “The amount of character development and twists in this one really did it for me.”
- “The problem in Danganronpa 1, for me at least, is that so many students have very little or no character development.”
- “It still carries over some major faults from 1, though: first, the 'free-time events' are way too few and far between, meaning you either give attention solely to a few characters (and pray they last long enough for you to complete more of their events) or you pretty much lose quite a lot of character development, especially from the ones that bite the dust early on.”
- “Great game but the reasoning for things and character development and discoveries we have just leaves me asking more questions.”
atmosphere
185 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
55%
5%
The atmosphere in "Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair" is characterized by a vibrant art style and an engaging soundtrack that create an immersive experience, contrasting a cheerful setting with the dark themes of the narrative. While some players appreciate the new, more open environment and its unique charm, many feel it lacks the claustrophobic tension and oppressive atmosphere of the first game, leading to mixed feelings about its overall impact. Despite these differences, the game still manages to evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue, with moments that effectively capture a feeling of despair amidst the colorful aesthetics.
- “The vibrant art style and atmospheric soundtrack significantly enhance the immersive experience, drawing players deeper into its surreal world.”
- “The soothing atmosphere of the tropical theme blends well with the obnoxious, eerie killing game that the students are forced to join - unlike the obvious confined feeling from Hope's Peak Academy, the open area gives you a mixed feeling of cheerful and unsettling knowing that the peaceful impression is all fake, but you can hardly resist such beautiful scenery.”
- “Aside from this minor complaint, the ever-present mysterious and near-hidden gloomy atmosphere of this game never subsides, coercing the player into a constant questioning mindset in what amounts to a gripping experience.”
- “The atmosphere being so open takes a lot out of the mood, not to mention the overarching story is significantly weaker in this game in my opinion.”
- “But I think it absolutely kills the oppressive atmosphere that the first game absolutely nailed.”
- “D2, however, not only copies so heavily from its predecessor (music, art assets, story elements, akane/aoi etc.) that it becomes offensive, but also does the island setting completely kill off that atmosphere of dread and uncertainty that made d1 so appealing to me.”
grinding
160 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
9%
89%
Grinding in the game is frequently described as tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling that it detracts from the overall experience. Achievements often require extensive replaying and farming, leading to frustration, especially in post-game modes like island mode. While some players appreciate the depth and story, the repetitive nature of grinding tasks can make the gameplay feel like a chore.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Magical girl Monomi is a real chore to play; I almost regret spending the 4-5 hours I did grinding to get all of the equipment.”
- “Island mode can be really tedious after a while as you do the same tasks over and over again to get the few achievements surrounding it.”
- “The way they set up the achievements to 100% the game was tedious, and I'll never forgive them for that.”
replayability
72 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
61%
11%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players enjoying the ability to revisit favorite trials and explore additional content, while others find it lacking due to a linear storyline and limited incentives beyond achievement hunting. Many appreciate the engaging characters and story, but note that once the plot is known, the motivation to replay diminishes significantly. Overall, while there are elements that enhance replay value, it may not be sufficient for those seeking extensive replayability.
- “The trials for this game were always my favorite, and it has a lot of replay value plus endgame content.”
- “I love how it bounces back and forth seamlessly from high school drama to murder investigations, and while it is definitely over the top at times, it's a true joy to play, and has surprisingly great replayability for a crime game.”
- “All the characters were well written and charismatic; the gameplay and the game itself is a huge improvement on the series. The class trials are a lot more intense and the mysteries are complex and fun to discover. The extra modes after finishing the game add a lot of replayability to this already amazing game.”
- “Unfortunately, not much replay value in the main story, but the game is fairly long.”
- “The game does suffer from what the first game had in terms of replayability, as outside of the additional game you unlock after completing the story and the collectibles, there isn't much else worth going back and playing again.”
- “As a story/experience, this game would probably fall into my top 5 games; however, the one gripe I have with this game is that I do not see any replayability value in it other than achievement hunting.”
stability
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
94%
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant graphical glitches, frequent freezing, and game-breaking bugs, particularly during critical moments. While some users managed to enjoy the gameplay despite these issues, others found the glitches severely impacted their experience. Overall, the stability of the game appears to be a concern, especially for those playing on PC.
- “The design is amazing, and everything works perfectly. I can't believe there are no glitches or viruses. This is the kind of experience I want to have on this website!”
- “I am thoroughly impressed with the stability of the game. There are no glitches or issues, which makes for a seamless experience.”
- “The game runs flawlessly without any bugs or interruptions. It's refreshing to play something so stable and well-designed.”
- “Many of its game elements are buggy and seem unplaytested.”
- “I love the Danganronpa games, but the PC ports have a glitch where the game freezes for a bit, and it makes the gameplay unbearable.”
- “The only bad thing is that during the 6th chapter, my game kept having a bunch of video glitches, and it made the game quite hard to play.”
optimization
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
54%
13%
Overall, the game's optimization is generally better than its predecessor, with smooth in-game mechanics and optimized controls and graphics. However, some players have reported performance issues, particularly on high-end systems during cutscenes, and a few noted that the port's stability is worse than the previous game. While many aspects of the game are well-optimized, there are still elements that could be improved or streamlined.
- “The most optimized and best Danganronpa game in terms of characters, gameplay, story, and pacing.”
- “Overall, the story is great, the characters are interesting, the backgrounds and character designs are visibly pleasing, and the in-game mechanics run smoothly.”
- “I love this game and it runs smoothly with no issues.”
- “Most confusingly however, performance and stability in this port seems to be noticeably worse than the previous game.”
- “I can't comment on performance as I played it on a Chromebook, so of course it ran like a fat dog with no legs.”
- “Even though it's a visual novel, a high-end computer may experience stuttering during cutscenes due to v-sync and antialiasing, both of which are adjustable before the game is booted up.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The monetization model of the game has received negative feedback, with users criticizing the presence of intrusive microtransactions that detract from the experience. While the game is free to play, many feel that the promised features are misleading and that the monetization strategy is exploitative.
- “The game is free to play, but it does include microtransactions.”
- “It's great that the game is free, although there are microtransactions available.”
- “Horrible microtransactions to play!”
- “The 'advanced and renewed minigames' that they talked about in ads for this game is a lie.”
- “Free, but has microtransactions.”