(Image credit: Mango Factory)
Danganronpa fanatics like myself are perpetually yearning for a new installment, even as we recognize the improbability of it materializing. Thus, I must commend Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter, featured in a Steam Next Fest demo, for valiantly carrying the legacy forward. Crafted by Mango Factory, this intriguing murder mystery exudes the authentic essence of a Danganronpa fan creation, and I mean that affectionately. Our Steam Next Fest guide details all you need to navigate this season’s demos.
It’s refreshing to witness a new interpretation of the Danganronpa-style killing game genre from innovative minds. While The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, created by some original Danganronpa creators, initially appeared to mimic the series, it ultimately revealed a unique identity. While an exceptional game packed with homages to killing games, it leaves certain fans yearning for more Danganronpa-like experiences. Enter this dev studio’s inventive solution: create their own!
Let’s delve into the remarkable parallels with Danganronpa, a murder mystery game where a clique of students—each an ‘Ultimate’ (such as Ultimate Programmer)—find themselves trapped in Hope’s Peak Academy, compelled to partake in a deadly game to escape. In Kumitantei, ‘Absolutes’ are confined in the prestigious Janus Institute, locked in their own perilous game. The familiar presentation, exploration style, UI, and character designs echo Danganronpa in numerous ways.
Nevertheless, many elements distinguish Kumitantei from its muse. While some characters seem to echo traditional Danganronpa archetypes, there’s distinct creativity at play. There’s the aristocratic Shigure Ogasawara, the Absolute Meteorologist, always with an umbrella in hand. Then there’s Benjiro Minesuga, the diminutive Absolute Beekeeper perpetually surrounded by a swarm.
I also adore that our protagonist, Himari Sanada, is the Absolute Barista—her role provides a refreshingly unique viewpoint. It feels like an amalgamation of beloved Danganronpa original characters. The whimsical watercolor portraits in the character bond menu add a charming touch.
Importantly, Kumitantei unfolds in the 1980s, with the historical backdrop infusing rich atmosphere into the narrative. The antiquated Janus Institute they inhabit appears older still, with clues interwoven throughout, hinting at connections to the 1950s. I appreciate this multi-generational approach, and although the demo only unveils the game’s onset, I’m eager to see where the story leads.
Notably, I’ve yet to witness a murder mystery unfold or engage with retro mini-games mentioned on the store page. However, I did explore the Battle Mode demo, a brief immersion into a card-based persuasion game where players aim to outscore opponents for sliding health advantages. It may be my unfamiliarity, but this segment lacks the compelling nature of the narrative, and I hope class trials won’t rely heavily on it. Nonetheless, I’m excited about its development. Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter is slated for its inaugural episode’s early access launch in Q3 2025.
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