Some games emerge as clear passion projects, serving as pure creative outlets where profitability takes a backseat. The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, developed by Too Kyo Games—a collaborative studio formed by the writers and directors behind the acclaimed Danganronpa and Zero Escape franchises—stands as a testament to this ethos. Despite garnering a wealth of positive reviews and achieving notable sales for a visual novel and turn-based tactics hybrid, studio CEO and Danganronpa writer Kazutaka Kodaka has recently painted a rather somber picture for the studio through various posts on Bluesky.
Kodaka expressed his aspirations candidly, stating, “If I can pay off my debt early and secure enough operating funds for the company, I’d love to get started right away.” He later clarified that this ambition pertains specifically to translations, indicating that the chances of the game seeing further console releases are “very slim.”
The Complexity of Creation
How does a visual novel push a studio to the brink of bankruptcy? Typically, such games are inexpensive to produce. However, after investing over 50 hours into this intricate narrative, one can only speculate that the game was birthed in a state akin to a Dwarf Fortress fugue. The sheer scope of The Hundred Line is astonishing, and the only explanation seems to be a mad compulsion to create. Allow me to elaborate while carefully avoiding spoilers.
The Hundred Line is a visual novel hybrid reminiscent of Danganronpa, The Somnium Files, and the Zero Escape series. However, it substitutes most minigames and escape rooms for delightfully eccentric turn-based tactical combat, with an estimated ratio of 80% narrative to 20% action. The initial 30 hours unfold like a linear rollercoaster filled with plot twists, revelations, and boss battles, introducing an extensive cast and immersing them in a hundred days of conflict against a mysterious invading force. It culminates in a mostly definitive ending, reminiscent of the Danganronpa style, leaving players satisfied.
Yet, this is merely the prologue. With Kodaka and Uchikoshi at the helm, the narrative quickly evolves into a complex web of plot branches. A single player choice can divert the storyline into various narrative genres, each leading to profound revelations and conclusions that can take dozens of hours to explore. In my journey of over 50 hours, I have encountered three distinct endings, with a staggering hundred waiting to be discovered. My instincts tell me that nestled within these endings lies a coveted True Ending.
While I tread carefully around spoilers, a review from Noisy Pixel reveals that achieving 100% completion requires over 130 hours, even with the game allowing players to skip familiar battles when traversing different plot branches. This complexity sheds light on why Too Kyo Games may find itself in a precarious financial position, as localization poses a daunting challenge, especially given the game’s extensive word count.
In a candid interview with Automaton, Kodaka acknowledged the lengthy production process—over five years, including a complete reboot—was a gamble. He stated, “I wanted to bet everything—my skills, money—on a simple ‘battle.’ If the game I make by putting everything on the line turns out good, I win.” While the future of the studio remains uncertain, based on my experience with The Hundred Line, it seems that Kodaka may have indeed won that bet against himself. One can only hope that this gamble pays off for Too Kyo Games as well. The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is currently available on Steam for /£50.
