A new Danganronpa is here! While we’ve seen a steady stream of releases in the franchise in recent years (especially in the West), Danganronpa V3 marks the first release that isn’t a port or spinoff since the 2012 PSP release of the second game. It’s been long enough that the development team has had time to breathe and regroup, delivering a new adventure that’s similar enough to past titles without relying on their lore for plot and tension.

For as long as the series has been around, it’s a bit weird that we’re only now getting to the eighth numbered Ys release. The series takes its time, not necessarily to build grander worlds but to give its grounded adventures more time to breathe. Ys games are about engaging combat and a long but fulfilling grind, story and systems surrounding fights that are designed to enhance that core play. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is the most focused on its strengths the series has ever been, keeping players in comfortable fun for dozens and dozens of hours.