The Danganronpa series has taken the world of gaming by storm with its unique blend of mystery, drama, and dark humor. With multiple games, anime adaptations, and even a few spin-offs, it can be daunting for new fans to jump into the series. To help, we'll explore the six mainline Danganronpa games in chronological order, including the release dates and a brief summary of each.
The Danganronpa series, created by Kazutaka Kodaka and developed by Spike Chunsoft, is known for its thrilling storylines, complex characters, and mind-bending plot twists. The games typically follow a group of students, known as "Ultimates," who are trapped in a prestigious academy with no memory of how they got there. As they try to uncover the truth behind their confinement, they must participate in a series of gruesome trials and murders.
Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the series, understanding the chronological order of the games will help you appreciate the intricate storyline and character development. Let's dive into the world of Danganronpa and explore the six mainline games in the series.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (2010)
The first game in the series, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, was released in 2010 for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). The game takes place in Hope's Peak Academy, where 15 students, each with exceptional talents, are trapped by the sadistic robot, Monokuma. To escape, they must participate in a killing game, where they must murder each other and then participate in a trial to determine the killer.
Main Characters:
• Naegi Makoto • Kirigiri Kyouko • Togami Byakuya • Oowada Mondo • Maizono SayakaPlot Overview:
The game's story revolves around Naegi Makoto, an optimistic student who finds himself trapped in Hope's Peak Academy. As the killing game progresses, Naegi and his friends work together to uncover the truth behind Monokuma's sinister plot and their confinement.Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair (2012)
Released in 2012 for the PlayStation Portable (PSP), Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair takes place on Jabberwock Island, where a new group of students, including Naegi Makoto, are trapped. This time, they are forced to participate in a killing game by Monokuma, who has been upgraded to a more sadistic and complex AI.
Main Characters:
• Hinata Hajime • Nanami Chiaki • Komaeda Nagito • Sonia Nevermind • Peko PekoyamaPlot Overview:
The game follows Hinata Hajime, a student with amnesia, as he tries to uncover the truth behind the killing game and his past. Alongside his new friends, Hajime must navigate the complex web of relationships and motives to survive the game and uncover the secrets of Jabberwock Island.Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls (2014)
Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls, released in 2014 for the PlayStation Vita, is a spin-off game that takes place between the events of the first two games. The game follows Komaru Naegi, the younger sister of Makoto Naegi, as she tries to survive in a world overrun by Monokuma robots.
Main Characters:
• Komaru Naegi • Toko Fukawa • Genocide Jack • Shirokuma • KurokumaPlot Overview:
The game's story revolves around Komaru Naegi and her ally, Toko Fukawa, as they navigate the post-apocalyptic world and try to find a way to stop the Monokuma robots. Along the way, they must confront their own pasts and work together to survive.Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony (2017)
Released in 2017 for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita, Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony takes place in the Ultimate Academy for Gifted Juveniles, where a new group of students are trapped by Monokuma and forced to participate in a killing game.
Main Characters:
• Shuichi Saihara • Kaede Akamatsu • Rantaro Amami • Miu Iruma • Kokichi OmaPlot Overview:
The game follows Shuichi Saihara, a student with a passion for mysteries, as he tries to uncover the truth behind the killing game and the Ultimate Academy. Alongside his new friends, Shuichi must navigate the complex web of relationships and motives to survive the game and uncover the secrets of the academy.Cyber Danganronpa VR: The Class Trial (2016)
Cyber Danganronpa VR: The Class Trial, released in 2016 for the PlayStation 4, is a virtual reality game that takes place in a cyberpunk world. The game follows a new protagonist as they participate in a class trial, where they must gather evidence and argue their case to prove their innocence.
Main Characters:
• Protagonist (Player) • Kirigiri Kyouko • Naegi Makoto • Togami Byakuya • MonokumaPlot Overview:
The game's story revolves around the protagonist as they navigate the virtual world and participate in a class trial. Along the way, they must interact with familiar characters from the series and make choices that affect the outcome of the trial.Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp (2021)
Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp, released in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC, is a spin-off game that takes place in a tropical island setting. The game follows a new group of students as they participate in a summer camp program, where they must work together to survive and uncover the secrets of the island.
Main Characters:
• Shuichi Saihara • Kaede Akamatsu • Rantaro Amami • Miu Iruma • Kokichi OmaPlot Overview:
The game's story revolves around the students as they navigate the island and participate in various activities. Along the way, they must work together to uncover the secrets of the island and survive the challenges that come their way.Now that we've explored the six mainline Danganronpa games in chronological order, you're ready to dive into the world of Danganronpa and experience the thrilling storylines, complex characters, and mind-bending plot twists for yourself.
What's your favorite Danganronpa game? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!