The Hundred Line - Last Defense Academy review (Nintendo Switch)

Exciting mix of narratives and gameplay in tactical RPG.

: The Hundred Line – Last Defense Academy is a visual novel and tactical RPG hybrid from Too Kyo Games featuring a compelling narrative and strategic gameplay. Players follow the story of Takumi Sumino and explore an underground society with sinister monster attacks, using unique abilities to defend a critical school known as Last Defense Academy. The game boasts a stylized art direction, diversified character abilities, and robust voice acting although not all dialogue is voiced. Mitch Vogel rated it 9/10, lauding its captivating plot, impressive graphics, and strategic depth.

The Hundred Line – Last Defense Academy is the fourth game launched by the innovative Too Kyo Games, founded by prominent creators Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi in 2018. After three previous releases, this title finally combines the charm, creativity, and strategic elements that made Danganronpa and Zero Escape popular with fans. This game is not just a depiction of yet another tactical RPG, but a thought-provoking exploration of a post-apocalyptic world, engaging audiences with 100 unique endings designed to maximize replay value.

Too Kyo Games weaves another rich narrative centered around high school student Takumi Sumino, who navigates life in an underground society under constant threat of beastly attacks. A mysterious entity, Sirei, presents Takumi with the weaponry to fend off attackers before he is spirited away to the Last Defense Academy. This academy is in a desolate wasteland, and Takumi, along with other teens, is charged with defending a secret MacGuffin critical for humanity's survival. The story's efficacy lies not only in its suspenseful combat encounters but through uncovering Sirei's hidden truths and strategic decision-making over 100 days.

Bringing intricate characters to life, the game seamlessly transitions between extensive storytelling and tactical gameplay. Players engage in 'Free Time,' much like the structure present in the Persona video game series, by managing daily activities to enhance their character's capabilities. The game's innovation shines through activities such as participating in Social Link-like interactions, fighting in VR battles, or delving into the board-game-like world beyond campus, making each day count amid the ominous threat of a new assault.

Adopting a visually distinctive 3D anime style, designed by Rui Komatsuzaki, The Hundred Line ensures captivating aesthetics alongside bombastic, adrenaline-filled combat sequences. Whether characters are flexing their super abilities in a 'Voltage' meter-fueled attack or performing sacrificial maneuvers, each scene unfolds fluidly on the Nintendo Switch. The game’s smooth performance without noticeable frame drops offers a polished experience compared to many contemporary Switch releases, as noted by Mitch Vogel, further adding to its appeal by delivering a phenomenal audiovisual experience despite minor drawbacks such as incomplete voice dialogue.

The enthusiastic praise from Mitch Vogel, who awards it an admirable 9/10, highlights its masterful combination of storytelling prowess, striking artwork, and innovative tactical gameplay systems. Voice acting enhances narrative immersion, capturing character nuances, though some players might be left wanting more complete voice lines. For fans of Uchikoshi and Kodaka or those smitten with tactical games, this title becomes an essential library addition. It has attracted attention as commenters like BenAV eagerly awaited release, while others such as JohnnyMind and Scooby-Doo expressed satisfaction with the demo's dual audio presence, setting high expectations for full game content.

Sources: Nintendo Life, XSEED Games, Mitch Vogel

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