The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is a game that I’ve spent a whopping 45 hours playing, and let me tell you, I still can’t quite slap “The Kotaku Review” on anything I write about it. This tactical RPG from Too Kyo Games boasts a staggering 100 endings, and I’ve only scratched the surface, not even getting a glimpse of the game’s “true” route. But man, I just need to get all these feelings about the game out of my system. I know everyone is buzzing about big titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II as potential Game of the Year contenders, but if you’re into tactics RPGs and branching narratives, and you don’t mind a bit of cringe here and there, The Hundred Line is a game that you absolutely cannot afford to miss. But hey, if you’re cool with some spoilers (don’t worry, I won’t spill the ending), let me try to convince you why you should give it a shot.
The Hundred Line follows a group of high school students who are forced to fight against alien-like “Invaders” attacking their school, Last Defense Academy. They’re told that they’re defending something crucial to humanity’s survival, but before they can even grasp what that something is, Sirei, the ghostly mascot in charge of the operation, ends up brutally murdered by an unknown assailant. The “Last Defense Squad” is left in the dark about their mission, except they know that they must protect the school for 100 days or face the doom of everyone they care about at the hands of the Invaders. The uncertainty stemming from Sirei’s death sets the tone for the tension that builds up throughout the 100 days at the academy, where students must navigate betrayals, uncover mysteries, and face the unknown.
When you hit the 100th day mark as part of the Last Defense Squad, everything has gone wrong. You’ve faced losses, the mission has failed, and the only option left is to escape in the team’s pod and join the remnants of humanity. But here’s where things get interesting. Protagonist Takumi Sumino unexpectedly gains a new ability that allows him to reset turns in battle, essentially giving him a second chance at the entire 100-day mission. This mind-bending twist, where what you thought was the end is just the beginning of a much longer story, is a testament to the genius of the game developers, Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi. As you navigate through the intricate time loops and branching paths, trying to find the “good” ending, you’ll be faced with tough choices and unforeseen consequences that keep you on your toes. The game’s blend of Danganronpa’s school life drama and Zero Escape’s time-travel elements creates a narrative experience that is as thrilling as it is unpredictable.
Kodaka and Uchikoshi’s bold collaboration in The Hundred Line pushes the boundaries of storytelling in video games, offering players a chance to explore a multitude of paths and endings that keep them coming back for more. With its unique premise and immersive gameplay, The Hundred Line stands out as a shining example of the potential of the gaming industry. As I continue my journey through the game, uncovering new routes and revelations, I can’t help but be amazed by the sheer creativity and ambition that went into its creation. If you’re a fan of complex narratives, strategic gameplay, and mind-bending twists, The Hundred Line is a must-play title that deserves a spot in the Game of the Year conversations. And let’s hope that Too Kyo Games can continue to deliver such innovative experiences in the future, despite the challenges they face.
