I hate to say this, but I don't really like this game.

It pains me because I like to support this genre. I've loved Phoenix Wright since it was a niche, near-impossible game to find for the DS and 999, but this game really fails to live up to its predecessors.

My main issue are the extremely stupid situations that come up regularly. The main character Date is unlikable--kind of important for what amounts to an interactive visual novel. All of the characters begin somewhat likable, but the game and story have no idea what to do with them.

This game advertises itself as a sort of serious, murder-mystery style adventure, but it's full of weird and silly situations. Sexual inuendo is nearly-constant to the point where I just give up and skip dialog.

Imagine Phoenix Wright, but instead Phoenix asks Maya about her boobs or if things look like a penis all the time.
Imagine branching paths like 999 with serious subject matter, but they constantly broke the 4th wall and never really acknowledge the danger.
Imagine a funny game where you rarely laugh.

Danganronpa, 999, Phoenix Wright, and even Zanki Zero succeed in all the ways this game seems to fail: story, atmosphere, gameplay, humor, characters, etc.

People who say this game is a "masterpiece" have brain damage. They make the word "masterpiece" worthless.

There are good elements in this game, especially its idea. It just never seems to fully capitalize on it.
Sad to say, but I would advise you to skip this game unless it were 20, 25 dollars. You can do a lot better with the other games I've mentioned.

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Having now played the game to completion, I can say that there are periods of good, or rather fun, storytelling. The twist is pretty cool, and you piece it together right before the game reveals it, which is always satisfying.

Again, it's a shame that a lot of good elements are seemingly wasted on the whole.
Zanki Zero had decent gameplay with a mediocre story.
This had barely any gameplay with a mediocre story.
Both had parts I liked, but I hope they learn from these last two games. I really do want the creators to succeed and make something great.