Danganronpa V3 Ended Everything

This is a video 2 years in the making. I know it's been a bit of a meme on the channel that I wouldn't make the Danganronpa V3 video, but it's finally done and just in time for Danganronpa S. I doubt it'll help me with the algorithm at all since KZbin doesn't like it when I cover different things, but I was so passionate about this one that I had to bring it to you. I really hope you enjoy my analysis of 3-6 and what I took away from it. This ending trial alone really hit me hard.
Ghost Gum's video: • Horrible Fandoms
(also if you caught the typo, I don't know what a calss trailed is hahaha)
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0:00 Welcome to Danganronpa!
4:12 A Fresh Start
6:12 Suichi Saihara - Growth of a Detective
9:22 Tsumugi Shirogane - Terrifying Inspirations
15:29 Keebo - Hope of the Audience
17:29 Kokichi Oma - Checkered Lies
20:04 To Go Even Further Beyond
24:59 A Sentimental Walk
26:41 Climax Reasoning
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Twitter: / theshuckmeister
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Music in order of appearance (all from V3's OST):
Chapter Credits
DANGANRONPA V3 (Opening)
Cool Morning
DX Training Plan
Scrum Debate
REAL FICTION
Nightmare in the Locker
Beautiful Lie
Monomono Slots
Despair Searching
Almost Hell Heaven
Clair de Lune
Climax Reasoning
Climax Return
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#Shuckmeister #Danganronpa #V3FinalTrial #Suichi #Tsumugi #Kokichi #DanganronpaPunishments #KodakaInterview #StoneOcean #DanganronpaAnniversary #JoJo #JoJosBizarreAdventure #Anime #Manga #DanganronpaV3 #DanganronpaS #DanganronpaDecedence #ShuichiSaihara #KokichiOma #TsumugiShirogane #DanganronpaCharacterAnalysis

[@AceOfSpades038]

Truth/Lie is a better theme than Hope/Despair. In my opinion, some people take the ending way to seriously. Especially the stuff about fiction, I find it weird that people were mad at the fact it was all fiction....yeah no shit, it always has been.

[@fork-man]

In a sense they kinda do have the right to be mad as people(real life) get to know and love the characters of the previous installments they seen how they change and develop their achievements failures and hardships only to be told all that shit was fake and ultimately did not matter(within its own world of course). But to get views and support for more content leading up to the point a company had enough money and good enough technology that turns that work of fiction into reality (again in their world of course) with leaving on a note saying that maybe???? some of the stuff is real like ultimate talents. Its a kick in the nuts for some people. I like hajima story well most of it his introduction backstory mid life crisis and growth and to be told this guy entire life along with his journey is fake (in his own world) it can leave a bad taste in the mouth Don't get me wrong I'm not saying the ending of V3 was bad or should have never happen its good it just stings

[@AceOfSpades038]

@@fork-man Im mostly talking about the ones that take it to an extreme level. I can see why people are mad. But I just find it really pathetic that people actually get this angry over fictional characters.

[@MetaKnightho]

That of putting topics as the main point of the argument instead of being just that, topics, it seems ridiculous to me, a mistake that makes danganronpa lose credibility. oh, and obviously the players who bought the games are not going to be fucking funny that they suddenly set up a circus theater to tell them that it was all a lie, which by the way, they could perfectly do that without putting the danganronpa franchise in, just prove that the lives of the characters were false, but instead, they chose to do something that affected the entire franchise, mocking the players once more in the process, and again taking away all the seriousness that they intended to give their message, doing it pretentious.

[@fork-man]

@@AceOfSpades038 oh don't worry I'm not talking about those crazy people (as every Fandom has them) just the ones that make sense to be mad as I would usually see people talk bad about the calm people who don't like the ending and worship the ground V3 ending walks on

[@galarstar052]

@@MetaKnightho it doesn't effect the entire franchise, the original two games are no less fictional than they already were.

[@milesgoering3755]

I love the name "Killing Harmony" because it has so many meanings. It references musical harmony, contributing to the illusion of Kaede as a protagonist. If Kaede represents harmony, it's fitting that she is one of the first to die -- "Killing Harmony." It could also mean that harmony (the bonds and fellowship between people) is being figuratively killed. The harmony could represent how this was the only "Killing" game with a "Harmonious" outside world, or the cooperation between audience and producers in the form of K1-B0.

[@CozmikJoliexx]

I love that

[@alexhiser4073]

It could even mean Killing harmony by "harmony that kills", like how it was all the survivors and the viewers that "harmonized" to end the killing game

[@milesgoering3755]

@@alexhiser4073 or how the peaceful outside world led to a situation that kills them -- harmony that kills

[@lucian5696]

i have always thought that the series was a harmonious series that didnt break the formula and that this on was the one that finally stopped it, hence *killing harmony*

[@sakithesilly]

@@lucian5696 that makes the most sense tbh omg

[@yanoizikawa770]

You mentioned "truth and lies", "hope and despair" and "fiction and reality" but you forgot another thing V3 brought to the table. It was in the climax. During chapter 4. It was "logic and belief." Loved it so much. Logic was represented by kokichi while Kaito represented belief and shuichi was in between yet in the end shuichi had to follow logic because it was the only way they would survive. The way they ended this theme was perfect. How in chapter 5 Kaito lied for kokichi and kokichi believed in Kaito. There was always so many parallels between these two. How Kaito's ultimate lab had a door with a checkered pattern or how kaito's ultimate lab was literally the highest point in the school while kokichi's was the lowest as it was underground. I love the logic vs belief theme so much as it is really applied in real life. People either follow logic or emotions and whenever it is brought up it becomes 10× better and more emotional.

[@peachywe4310]

I love that chapter so much! It is so resonating

[@yanoizikawa770]

@@peachywe4310 ikr? I love it so much too

[@Calt_Clerity]

Logic and Belief is also represented in Tenko and Angie. Tenko was the Belief/emotional type as she had believed in Himiko despite everyone suspecting her. Angie had no problem suspecting Himiko though as Logic dictates that Himiko is suspicious and Himiko needs to clear her suspicion.

[@sweetxxsindrome]

it kinda also fits the theme with Angie and Tenko but it's more "Logic vs Emotion"

[@nopenopington2880]

YES. I'm so glad V3 is getting some love. V3 was and is my favorite.

[@abandonedchannel]

i see v3 getting love everywhere lol

[@nopenopington2880]

@@abandonedchannel I'm glad it is. V3 deserves some love.

[@gameguru42392]

@@abandonedchannel yeah but people are super butthurt about it.

[@th3lostw4nderer]

SAME

[@TooSpicyForYourHeart_]

Honestly drv3 is the most popular one

[@AtChiaPet]

*The unexpected Danganronpa V3 video.* I'm glad to see someone talking about it right before DrS releases! :0

[@josemanuellencastre7876]

Hi chia

[@nagitokomaedahasaniceass8359]

@@ls-zy9so the new danganronpa game coming out.

[@nagitokomaedahasaniceass8359]

@@ls-zy9so wait, technically it already came out ig

[@gshedgehog]

Finally v3’s ending is getting recognized, always wondered why it got criticism. It has a lot of meaning behind it and it’s something we would’ve never expected.

[@Crazygamergal]

Most people just felt like it made the first two games a waste of time😅 like we spent all this time being invested in characters that weren’t even real in the games world?

[@human9452]

I think it is because people were invested in the original overarching story of Junko causing the end of the world etc. I understand why they are upset as it kind of just throws away that narrative. While the anime kind of ends off on a hopeful note, there was still stuff going on, so I imagine some fans still have questions that they thought would get answered at the end of V3. This is not to say I don't like V3 btw I liked it a lot.

[@nuage6230]

i think it's about the survivors? many got upset about who ended up surviving

[@Somerandomjingleberry]

I think that for some it was about the ending seeming "pretentious", like a theme was being shoved in their face that they honestly couldn't care for. Like "yeah yeah we fucking know it's fiction and stuff GET ON WITH IT"

[@mweeee]

@@human9452 Yeah, but V3 was always said to be disconnected from the other games and knowing that, you wouldn't expect answers related to the previous games I guess, some people just weren't aware of that

[@Bee-Bee5136]

That part in the Tsumugi chapter really resonated with me. I didn't get into Danganronpa until I was 20. I went online only to see most of the fandom were 12-15 year olds. I felt uncomfortable being around so many kids in spaces for a series that was geared towards adults. I played M-Rated games too when I was younger so I get it but, I never hyperfixated to the extent I see other DR fans do. Especially the children in the fandom that eat, sleep, and breath Danganronpa to the point of sending people death threats over opinions and ships they like. I spent years wishing there were more adults in the fandom I could talk to. Now after being in the DR fandom for so long I'm about to leave it and with the release of Decadance I can replay the games as much as I want without the fandom. When Enigma Archives: CODE RAIN comes out I'm buying it and moving on with my life. If they do make another Danganronpa game I'll buy it but no DR Twitter, Discord, or social media. From now on I'm keeping my distance from the DR fandom.

[@feraligatrkittycat]

good choice

[@MetaKnightho]

You should stay away from DR in general, since not only do they have childhood conflicts and senseless sexualization, but they also often pretend something that is not, in addition, you see yourself as a consumer who does not question anything about their product and buys it alone for being from a "franchise", which seems irresponsible to me. }

[@Bee-Bee5136]

@@MetaKnightho What do you mean by childhood conflicts? I like to think of myself as mature enough to handle sexualization. It says on the box M-Rating with suggestive themes. So if I wasn't ready to handle it I wouldn't have bought the games. I don't see myself as a consumer. You seem to be projecting that onto me. Another thing, who said I "don't question anything about the product"? You don't know this but I've critically discussed at great lengths with people I knew from the fandom my issues and praises for the series. Despite the flaws of the games I found enjoyment from different aspects of the series'such as writing and gameplay. I earned my money from my job so if I want to buy a collection of games I find entertaining, then I believe I have every right to despite you thinking it's "irresponsible" for me to spend my money how I see fit.

[@MetaKnightho]

@@Bee-Bee5136 fanboy

[@beththedarkmage3359]

@@MetaKnightho They didn't show their gender and being a fan doesn't mean they ignore all criticisms. I'm sure they agree the Mikan "fanservice" was too much. Everybody in the fandom and in general does. Oversexualisation is very much a problem (especially with the guy who does the art, he clearly has a thigh fetish and it's creepy because he's double the age of the teenage girls he draws). But, other than Mikan, they don't force it into the plot much so it's pretty easy to chalk it up to a shitty thing about something you enjoy rather than something that ruins the entire experience. If you grow up, you'll find lots of things bug you about the stuff you otherwise enjoy. That's the reality for adults. It's not just impossible to avoid problematic content, people should be able to enjoy things without fully agreeing with them. And yes, young adults and about to be adults are killing each other. Mostly 18 and ups though with V3 they're an average of 16-17. But honestly, do you not watch shows or films where kids die or are murdered? Do they not show the fictional dead body, complete with gore? Do you think that makes someone evil and agreeing to child murder or are you just annoyed at the situation being written into the show/movie? It being drawings makes it even more silly to be mad over tbh. The reality is, child murder happens, and acknowledging that in a story isn't wrong to do. They're not harming real kids- in fact, it raises awareness for violence against children. Is it kinda fucked up to wish for lots of games full of murder? Yeah, if that's why it appeals to you the most. But most fans like the way they write quirky, fun characters and interesting mysteries. Most people like the shooting game mixed with visual novel. We are _depressed_ when characters die, not happy, but we watch it anyways just like a coward might watch a horror movie.

[@_Woods_]

After playing the 3 games v3 for sure surprised me with the " everything is fiction but that doesn't mean that the whole series didn't matter or that everything was meaningless beacuse as long as it meant something to you it was worth playing"

[@statesminds]

That’s how i took it too. Idk how so many people thought it was spitting in the face of the fans lol

[@nintendoboy3605]

I just wanted content to consume. Thats what I wanted my entire life. I wish I wasnt as addicted to fiction as I am.

[@UltimateStarky]

Hearing Korekiyo being called *that* out loud made me actually laugh heartily. What an excellent analysis of the ending.

[@AGnar0k]

I spent 200 hours of my life on the entire Danganronpa series. I don't regret any of it, but V3's ending really solidifies why everything deserved to end there. Also, I deleted reddit after I finished V3 lol The toxic fandom was really getting to me, and I realised it was time to move on. Though I think the main motivators for me to play the games were the detective and mystery-solving aspect of the games along with the class trials, and I wish there were more games like that, even though the main Danganronpa series is over.

[@Averagebhaiyaar234]

Damn i Didn't have to delete an app because toxic fandom but situation must be really bad

[@souhiyori8032]

If you want similar games like that, maybe try Your Turn to Die. It's a death game that involves mystery, puzzles and really good plot and character writing. On the side note, there are different routes which are results from your decisions. Maybe it might interest u :D

[@souhiyori8032]

It does have something like a class trial, which is called a main game. Except they dont find the killer, they have to choose who dies so they can survive. It's kinda like the werewolf/sheriff game.

[@souhiyori8032]

And yeah, idk why people have this big hatred towards v3's ending. It wasnt that bad (i prefer dr2 ending tho). It's also kinda my favorite from the dr series so there's that.

[@starryslight7095]

If you want more mystery solving sort of games, I'd recommend Phoenix Wright!

[@matthewbledsoe5027]

FINALLY SOMEONE RECOGNIZES HOW GOOD V3 IS

[@nuage6230]

honestly, a good part of the fandom think v3 is good

[@flohwalzer]

@@nuage6230 yeah! and im one of them

[@user-pn8sg5yy8b]

@@flohwalzer Same!

[@miidnxghts]

@@nuage6230 [SPOILERS FROM THE ANIME] I agree that a lot of people like V3, but the thing is: it still doesn't receive the credit it deserves. The majority of people in the fandom has SDR2 as their favorite game, I think principally because of trials, since they're the longest part of the franchise in general; and class 77-B itself, because before the killing game they were a true class of teenagers and a fantastic, wholesome group. But I almost never saw somebody who has V3 as their favorite game, and it's weird because V3 is the game with most material, the best executions (Kodaka wanted to write them himself), and the characters. Specifically, the protagonists. Unlike the first two games, Kaede in chapter one and Shuichi for the rest, aren't the classic protagonists who have a "plain" talent like the Ultimate Lucky Student for Makoto, or don't have any talent like Hajime. They have a talent that they didn't gain by winning the school lottery, they're the Ultimate Pianist and the Ultimate Detective which is refreshing. I honestly don't get why SDR2 is preferred to V3 on a critical level, usually the more (good) content there is, the more the fandom has it as a favorite. Unfortunately, that doesn't apply to V3, and that's a shame.

[@yanoizikawa770]

@@miidnxghts I couldn't agree more. V3 is and will always be my favorite.

[@spiderdude2099]

It's interesting hearing your take on V3 because everything you said about why you like the ending and the game as a whole is exactly how I feel about part 6 of jojo. I know that you've become aware over the years how you became a figurehead for people who dislike part 6. And I applaud you for trying to shake that stigma and also hopefully realizing how some criticisms of part 6 were not entirely fair or comprehensive complaints. I guess what I'm saying is that as much as I liked this video, I find it ironic that you had so many positive things to say about V3 and it's ending when a piece of fiction I feel did almost the exact same thing, and equally as good, stone ocean was not afforded the same praise. Obviously, I know the two pieces of media are wildly different, but to me, the vibe and message and purpose behind their controversial endings was the exact same. I find it odd when people can say they liked one but disliked the other. In my mind they're very much doing the same thing in a very similar way. Again, not trying to attack you or even say that you were saying that in this video, but I just wanted to say my piece.

[@sailorhatguy5763]

Honestly same but for me it was Shuck disliking the final arc of JoJolion which accomplished the key arguments Shuck said in this video where the author jumped the shark and threw away all consistency for the sake of sending a message to the consumer

[@MetaKnightho]

The problem is when Kodaka wanted to give them cleverly mocking consumers with an ending without construction (if we refer to everything about "danganronpa" and its seasons), unlike Araki who ended his original universe in an splendid way without the need to bullshit people

[@tomo8940]

Stone Ocean wasn't just hated because of the ending. That's completely different then why V3 is hated in most of it's fandom. A lot of people hate Stone Ocean for a lot of reasons either it being the stand fights or missed potential with some characters like DIO's children.

[@secondagent5998]

every game excels in one thing or another DR 1 excels in atmosphere and mood DR 2 excels in characters DR 3 excels in visuals (and tells the longest story) it all comes down to what youre looking for

[@jordansiarya762]

!!!

[@milkitten8289]

I’ve been waiting for someone to make this video. The amount of hate I see towards this ending always tickled me off, NDRV3 is one of the best ways to end a series that I’ve seen published by far, It’s obvious that Kazutaka Kodaka wanted to gain freedom over new projects, with him releasing a bunch of other video games & an anime. In fact, if Danganronpa continued with a new mainline game I think that my love for it would die, franchises like Persona getting milked over and over again always sets a bad feeling in my liking. Danganronpa is a series that I’ll keep close to me, and by all means I’ll definitely look forward to playing other experiences made by Kodaka and other producers.

[@MetaKnightho]

You have too much esteem for Mr. Kodaka despite the fact that he was the one who ruined the franchise, he overexploits his current projects with the brand of "being the creator of danganronpa" which is contradictory to the thought that he was already fed up, so, If he is so fed up, why does he keep clinging to the shadow of danganronpa in each product that comes out? By the way, he has a fascination of sexualizing minors that disgusts (yes, that half of Japan does it, but that does not stop being gross no matter who does it) being a pretentious who thinks his story is perfect despite recycling concepts and creating a ridiculous story with more holes than cheese, and wasting talents like his development team on fucking horny teen games, FUCK, Nankidai, a guy who made a whole game like YTTD THE ONLY one in RPG maker, and that is superior to a game with an entire development team and a company putting in money, that speaks very badly of Kodaka. Oh, and if you think V3 has some of the best endings in entertainment overall, your standards should be so low to best consider an ending that literally taunts your face.

[@MetaKnightho]

@@chainsaw8507 It is a lack of respect for all the talent of the development team, for other works with higher endings, and above all, for people who did a better job with fewer opportunities, less support and fewer resources.

[@icarue993]

While it would lose some, I wouldnt mind more. If the original creator wants to move on, good. But I would like to play games similar to Danganrompa (or create one myself). I dont care much about the lore, I mean, it is done. But something else with whacky mechanics, good story, good characters and meta humor. ... oh look, Deltarune CH2 is out!

[@garretdrake2347]

they should have just never made V3 in the first place. ending the series by insulting it's fans makes no sense when they're the ones milking the franchise

[@Pikaman20008]

You were able to put more meaning into the ending than I realized there was. I thought V3 was an amazing game with many heartfelt moments. Even to this day I replay the Kaede’s Wish scene in my head just because of how moving it was. And while I understand the thematic meaning behind ending the series here, part of me just really wants the series to continue only because I absolutely love the cases in the game. It scratches the mystery solving itch I have that most other mystery games can’t give me. Hopefully Kodaka’s new upcoming mystery game will also scratch that itch. (Also only tangentially related but I have a serious love-hate relationship with World’s End Club. I absolutely love the characters and story, but it is downright awful and unfun as a game.)

[@godzilla4189]

Spoiler: "When Maki said she was going to sacrifice herself just now, I thought... Why? So many of our friends have sacrificed their lives. Why Maki? Why now? Why do we have to go through it again...? The sorrow of losing Kaede...and Kaito... Why do we have to feel that sadness over and over and over again...? Why do we have to bear that burden...? Well, I don't care how much the audience wants it, I'm not gonna feel that way anymore! I don't want anyone to feel that way anymore!" "Even if this is fiction, even if we're all fictional... The pain in my heart is real! The sadness I feel when I lose the people I love is real! I won't forgive this game that treats us like toys. And if this is what the world wants...then I reject that world! I'll fight the world that inflicts suffering for entertainment!" Still one of the most Poignant Monologues in anything I've ever seen.

[@jordanspetsloth4107]

Also one of the best line readings I've heard from a product

[@hildahilda9468]

@@jordanspetsloth4107 yes kudos to grant

[@flohwalzer]

i love it soo much

[@yanoizikawa770]

Honestly one of my favorite lines in the whole danganronpa franchise and it isn't just shuichi's line. There were so many good lines delivered in V3 and the English voice actors really outdid themselves with delivering those lines to the point it really hits hard.

[@statesminds]

Yea was pretty Chad statement

[@justscrollinginthecomments7930]

Shuichi's character arc made him my favorite character in the series, and one of my favorite characters of all time.

[@roxas7295]

I'm glad more people are appreciating V3 and its ending. Back when the game was still new I suspected I'd start seeing videos like this pop up after the game had been out for a few years. Also, I really feel that part about wanting to avoid the fanbase. I didn't even know about the Tik Tok thing until now, and it's kinda scary how unsurprised I am about that happening.

[@noahhornberger8580]

To anyone that says that they didn't like the ending because "it's saying that nothing in the series mattered because it was all fiction", are you sure we're talking about the same game? The entire point is that fiction can change the world. I mean... they literally have you spell out "fiction can change the world" during the battle with keebo, it is so unsubtle that I legitimately do not understand how people missed the message.

[@platinumreaver1701]

Personally I understood the message, I just hate the medium used for it. I wasn't wowed or impressed, I was irritated and dissatisfied with it.

[@ZacsRealm]

Fucking THANK YOU. It gets really irritating to see people miss the entire point of the ending and take it as 'wahhhh none of the things I got attached to in the games mattered!!!' when the whole message is that it DID matter even if it was fictional. It touched you, resonated with you in a way that can't be taken away just because it didn't happen in real life. It was a great message and felt like the best way to cap off the series to me. With a reminder that I was never, am not, and never will be silly for emotionally connecting with those characters, and sharing laughs and tears with them. It was a really nice and feel-good ending despite all the tragedy that came with it in that way for me, and I'll never not love it as a result.

[@Rebell-mi4zu]

Honestly I think the reason people missed the message because they were to focus on feelings hurt. Like, let’s be honest, the ending REALLY comes of as if it’s telling you that you’re a bad person for liking the games, especially since the true mastermind is called “the audience.” which in my opinion was a REALLY bad move on the developers part because of COURSE people will assume that with the name “the Audience” that it’s supposed to be a representation of us, the fanbase. And with that people with think that the final battle is you VS suiche, when in reality it’s you AND Suiche vs the audience.

[@SuperAvocadoo]

The twist itself was not a big problem for me, but seeing all the past characters being cosplayed by Tsumugi saying things that don't fit their personalities really irritated me. It was like trying to ruin your image of them.

[@GaleGrim]

@@ZacsRealm I mean, isn't the fact the at lest some people felt like it DID take away that resonance, and that they felt it was silly to emotionally connect with those characters in the end proof that it sorta invalidated/missed it's own point for a portion of it's players? If a sizeable portion of a writer's audience says "well that was pointless tripe and a waste of time and didn't matter" to the writers message in fiction that "Fictions matters" then isn't that a sign that something somewhere in the writing has gone wrong? Good writing doesn't have to tell you it's good, fictions that matters doesn't have to tell you it does, and an Obvious point isn't obvious if a lot of people miss it right?

[@IzzielBaksai]

It is finally here... V3 has a pretty amazing ending that made me question myself and all that stuff. While we're at Kodaka's creation, though... Akudama Drive brought me pain

[@MetaKnightho]

Don't attribute the successes of akudama drive to people who didn't even do shit, because just coming up with the idea and developing it are different things.

[@ember_falls]

I've literally never seen anyone talk about akudama drive, was it really a success?

[@icarue993]

the good pain or bad pain? I actually enjoyed Akudama Drive myself. The other games though... honestly I would like to try them, but the ratings are abysmal

[@ejm1225]

That ending hit so hard.

[@notimeforcreativenamesjust3034]

@@ember_falls yeah it was REALLY GOOD I like it a lot.... but it came out the same time as jujitsu kaisen so it was buried

[@erictieu603]

You have explained many aspects that others have not touched on at all. This was a great video to show what can be one of the best endings in video game history

[@moltenlava9816]

No

[@debbyryanlol]

I love your pfp

[@joeygalaxy3102]

It's so cool hearing other people's appreciation for the ending of V3. I always love referring back to where the game says yes it is fiction, but if it meant something to you it was worth it. I connect with that so much because of how much I enjoyed V3. Its still my favorite game in the franchise for it being so bold.

[@yanoizikawa770]

I couldn't agree more

[@streetgamer3452]

Bro that was absolutely amazing like honestly you said everything so perfectly when it comes to my views on V3 and why I absolutely love it cause it was so different from the second game and wasn’t scared to have an ending that might possibly split the fandom because it’s impossible to satisfy everyone. Also, another thing I’d like to bring up is that I believe 3-6 is easily one of the best trials in the DR series because it achieved what no other trial could truly achieve: An impossible to solve case. We have it in every game where there’s supposed to be some form of impossible case that always ends up being solved but 3-6 isn’t one of those. The whole game is about truth and lie and I think that 3-6 is the best example of this with how it never truly tells you what’s true or a lie and you never are able to fully solve that mystery and are instead forced into a position of interpreting of how they’d continue from there and whether or not Tsumugi was lying. I absolutely love looking at the last trial as an unsolvable ending because it doesn’t need to be solved. What matters is that the characters believe that they and their experiences are real and whether the outside is false or not doesn’t matter. This is also why I hope they don’t create a sequel that straight up gives the ending a definitive answer. It’d take away the mystique of the ending for me and ruin its unsolvable truth or lie feel.

[@idk27212]

FINALLY! V3 is literally the best out of all the games. I hate all the slander it's always getting.

[@theitchonyourfoot7538]

Wdym i literally see it getting praised all the time

[@idk27212]

@@theitchonyourfoot7538 I've come across so much hate.

[@garretdrake2347]

nah, it's easily the worst. there's no heart in it, the developers hate the series and it's fans

[@idk27212]

@@garretdrake2347 Nah

[@theitchonyourfoot7538]

@@garretdrake2347 what-

[@sailorhatguy5763]

"Oh hey Junko is back I wonder what she'll do" "wait what do you mean she doesn't exis-" "WHAT THE FUCKK???"

[@REIN-carnation]

I agree with what you said about how v3’s characters are waaaaayyy more realistic…in the first two games, I couldn’t relate to any characters and didn’t seriously get super attached to any, but in the third game, I was seriously able to connect myself to Rantaro personality wise, and Kaito is literally the most wholesome and supreme character in anything that I’ve watched

[@slop1985]

Ohh yeah, this was a surprise to be sure, though a welcome one at that. DR is so bloody good and I'm glad to see one of my favourite creators talk about it. I was really devastated by the end of V3 since the series meant a lot to me personally, and no more installments of one of my favourite franchises ever Being occasionally reminded of the series every now and then like seeing this video on my feed still plunges me into deep d e s p a i r , but I'm excited to see whatever Kodaka has in store for us in the future

[@fyxeheart]

FINALLY!! A HAPPY REVIEW OF V3'S ENDING V3 deserves all the love :)

[@NightoftheLivingcookies10]

I think the creators said recently they DO have plans to return to the franchise. But I hope they do it from a new angle if that’s the case

[@calb6109]

i want a danganronpa game where you are the mastermind

[@etam8099]

@@calb6109 DR2

[@calb6109]

@@etam8099 technically? but i mean a game where you are the mastermind and the protag is aware

[@spiderfrog5764]

Eh who knows it's their franchise afterall

[@icarue993]

Who? The company or the creator? Because they separated. The creator going to TooKyo Games. Their new mobile game crearly shows that the artists probably sticked with them

[@sailorhatguy5763]

I've been watching the video and I have to tell you during the Tsumugi portion of the video, you're on the right when it comes to adult media influencing how kids grow. I've lived with my grade schooler cousins for a good while and they screamed and talked like those damn let's players with their parents not doing anything about it besides yelling them to stop, they've moved out but it makes me feel worried for the future generation and it makes me want to go back to the times where teenagers do dumb shit because it's fun rather than for internet clout dopamine

[@deartimandmoby]

DRV3 wilding, took me like a month to finish it lmao

[@fyxeheart]

I played it in a week 😭

[@Simpsonsfan1011]

I'm glad that you went into understanding the greatness of the ending. For me, I do appreciate how ambiguous with how there is a theme of an unreliable narrator. Spoiler: I am glad you addressed that Tsumugi is a unreliable narrator because one thing that annoys me about the V3 discourse is that people just take what Tsumugi says at face value especially when Kodaka said in a series of tweets after V3 that there is some bullshit in what she says in chapter 6. I have my own interpretation of how things go based on how I interpreted some of the information of the game, but it could be wrong since there is no correct answer and I really hope that the ambiguity is kept so if there is a theoretical new mainline game, it would not follow V3 since taking away that ambiguity would ruin it for me.

[@ejm1225]

Well, in the prologue, Akamatsu and Saihara introduced themselves with their "given" names, the students were kidnapped, and nobody recognizes Amami.

[@jayIG]

​@@ejm1225they also dont recognize the monokubs (who look and are named suspiciously similar to a certain black and white bear)

[@goatedkat2769]

“Wait! Danganronpa was fiction this whole time?” “Always has been.”

[@ultrcombraun1559]

"Then the protagonist woke up because it was all a dream." This has always been a very shitty ending. It's not made any better by adding 3 hours of "Fuck the fans," and "it's all fiction anyway, don't get butthurt loser," afterwards. It successfully executed its themes, and it's not automatically good because of that. If the message was, instead, "you should murder your friends to get out of an earthly hell," and the game pulled it off, people would still be right to get pissed off by that dreadful story and its inevitably poor ending.

[@A_Repeating_Paradox]

​@ultrcombraun1559 but it wasn't a dream To any character pre v3, the events are real, to any v3 character the events if v3 are real

[@Catbattle]

Fantastic video. I always interpreted the ending not as a critique of Danganronpa and its fandom at a surface level (which was what many interpreted it as and were upset by), but a message about the nature of fiction itself. How it can inspire and change the world, despite being obvious fiction. Nowhere is that more obvious than the world WITHIN Danganronpa v3, where Danganronpa itself was a worldchanging phenomenon. It's not lost on me that within V3, there are many scenes of Shuichi being told by a fan of Danganronpa that he is their hero. Despite being fictional characters, everyone in Danganronpa is loved and has reached the lives of someone in the world, and that is the power of fiction that Kodaka got across to me with V3's ending, perfectly complimented by the games ending lines and themes of truth vs lies, with the game coming to a close accepting both.

[@TheShuckmeister]

Very interesting interpretation! That's why I really love this game because you can come away with stuff like that

[@fantasychan9228]

Ngl, I always enjoyed DV3 ending a lot. Sure, my expectations were simpler at the time, but they definitely blew it out of the park in the end so I couldn't NOT enjoy it! Though I can understand why so many people disliked it, there is so much more credit to be given at the end that just can't be seen in the first playthrough

After spending so long looking at danganronpa videos and being significantly underwhelmed at people's ability to see the deep, thorough themes running through these games, thank you for being the conversation about danganronpa that I needed.

[@kohlyis6177]

Nice to see some positive or even neutral responses to the V3 ending I personally loved it and V3 is my personal favorite and part of that is because of the longer gameplay as you get to know these characters a bit and especially the development my man Shuichi goes under, 100% my favorite protag.

[@thedumdum4646]

10:44 Oh look "Kyoko is my waifu." "My husbando Shuichi!!!" "Sakura is my muscle waifu." LOL

[@fakesmile172]

I have one friend that likes Danganronpa, and he told me that the games weren't worth spending money on, even on sale lol. Your video has convinced me to maybe give them a shot one day. I did like Phoenix Wright though.

[@khalasso]

danganronpa 'fans' like shitting on their games for some reason, i personally really love them and def would recommend!

[@Zzydeph]

The games are super fun, if you are interested at all please do try them. Admittedly they are very over-the-top in a way that's too much for some, but despite all the issues I have with them they're still some of the most fun I've ever had with games.

[@nolmao366]

wdym? the games are way better than the shitty anime, that anime is a big slap for me who enjoyed the first and second game.

[@idrk3707]

they arent, just watch a lets play or playthrough lol

[@nolmao366]

@@idrk3707 ikr, people that mostly watched the anime are those who make cringy edits of the anime.

[@thepackingpacjack7767]

I’m glad to see that there’s a video that actually shows why this ending is so great

[@Trevorcraft71]

a part of me still believes that kaede should've lived, but i can't say I don't love V3's ending. Its great. And fitting too

[@Crazygamergal]

Honestly I would have loved it if rantaro was the main character who died in the first trail then we switched to kaede it would have been a better twist since rantaro SCREAMS mysterious main character.

[@senu.]

the second game is still my favorite though, especially since there's so much media to expand the characters and it connects really well with the first game. V3 I see as fiction inside fiction which is extremely fascinating to me.

[@vigors5696]

Amazing video! One of my favorite Dangenrompa breakdowns ever

[@thatfisherr]

This is hands down my favourite take on danganronpa and this video really hit me deep, thanks shuck!

[@Kazouth]

Yes ! As much as I love your Jojo videos, Danganronpa videos are just as interesting ! I really like these, and hope you keep posting more about danganronpa.

[@theincompetentmyth8564]

Finally, I've been waiting for this really long. Really interested to hear Shuck's opinion, especially since I didn't expect him to like V3

[@foxandro]

V3 is the greatest video game ending of all time imo. Theres so much that proves the tv plot, but also a lot that could lead towards tsumugi lying and everything before it being real. Much more to it but i dont wanna comment that much.

[@user-hv4ij2gp6s]

Hm I used to dislike the ending but this video gave me a lot of insight and made me self reflect. It is a good ending and I am still happy Kodaka moved on.

[@ogorek6660]

Danganronpa V3 was special for me. I had lots of fun playing first 2 games, but ive never felt like there was something special about them. Just another semi-edgy anime game with questionable dialogues and wacky characters. But Killing Harmony absolutely broke me, both in an emotional and spiritual level. This is the only piece of media ive ever cried on, and the only game that made me realize so many things at the same time. To this day, im getting inspired every single time i look at this game. It truly is a masterpiece, and your video proves it very well.

[@anonimkullanc489]

I agree with that!

[@jayiscool8444]

I watched all the dr games sense I was 8! But I would never hurt someone for “despair” or to fit in with the fandom that shit is just straight up psycho behavior all though I do agree that young kids should not watch it like how I did

[@TheShuckmeister]

I appreciate it. Thanks!

[@RoseGarden17]

It's finally out! I'm happy you were able to finish it. Definitely worth the wait

[@Daniel-jz9td]

Man... I've waited so long for this video, been a fan since loong time ago (44 araki 4got first vid) and I think this channel is where I finally found a home when I started to get into Anime and Otaku culture. This is how you make analysis videos, it shows you out a lot of effort into this and overall is an amazing video by its parts and the sum of them, it's also refreshing to have a V3 from someone who actually appreaciated the ending, looking forward for anything you release in the future Shuck. In my personal experience with not just v3 but the whole franchise is the fact that it resonated with me in how I appreaciate fiction. After playing Trigger Happy Havoc, Goodbye Despair, Ultra Despair Girls, read Danganronpa Zero, watched the three anime and the 2.5 special I was ready to end my journey with V3. V3 was really a lonely travel and for the first and only time in my life I was dumbfounded after finishing a piece of media, I had to digest what happened for many hours deciding if I hated it or loved it, what did everything mean and if I should give it an actual straight meaning as the former media had. When you embrace the meta of what V3 lays upon the audience you will find that V3 ending is a masterpiece because it plays with which side are you on (loved it or hated it) and even then that's part of the ending meta. At first I hated it because I feel so empty with unsolved questions, no sense of purpose for my whole travel through the franchise, no chance for any upcoming game to fill that void and the feel that the devs actually mocked me for enjoying the games so far, but then I found that was part of the ending, an ending that never lands. V3 ending is a masterclass on metanarrative which nowadays is so awfully presented in media where self-awareness of fiction ends up being pretentious about its good points or condescending of its own faults, V3 ending doesn't brag or apologize for what Danganronpa has built so far, its meta is about audience-media relationship about what it mean to you and what you enjoyed or even learned out of it, V3 ending is an amazing example of how fiction and reality can cross each other line.

[@itsmefm]

I've always liked your videos but this is the one that's compelled me to subscribe. Amazing job and also thank you for providing a different perspective on V3.

[@avazimbokaluky1335]

This is great. My reason for loveing this game is different but this reminded me of how much i love v3. Thank you.

[@JOKAKAKA]

I've been waiting for this!

[@palasiksivain]

FINALLY somebody made a video on this brilliant game - while actually appreciating it! V3 had such a huge impact on me, there's only few other pieces of fiction that have evoked similar kind of feelings within me. I study general literature as my major in uni, and I decided to write a research paper on the ending of V3 for one of my lit courses. Writing that paper was one of the best things I've ever done for my studies, and I'm hoping to be able to continue exploring this amazing game in the context of my studies. A brilliant video, subbed!

[@awesomeaustenkitty]

People say they hate the ending of V3, when that proves they fell into the trap set by the Danganronpa Team already! The ending is SUPPOSED to make you feel….hehehe…puhuhuhu…DESPAIR! You as a player grow to love the characters, and for the team itself to fill DESPAIR on the PLAYER is just FUCKING GENIOUS! >:D You’re SUPPOSED to be filled with despair and be mad at the ending, that was the intention all along! IT’S AWESOME!

[@nintendoboy3605]

So I am in the wrong for hating it?

[@thrasher9534]

Oh my god.... Yes! I've been waiting to see a Danganronpa video from my favorite KZbinr

[@flohwalzer]

i love it so much, thank you for this video!!

[@lilydotcom]

the v3 intro is so well made i cant believe they didn’t do an anime for this

[@headlesshunter8435]

Great analysis! Love the style of video too! I still think that the way they handled the subversion in trial 1 could have been way better but thats just me :p

[@georgiac8749]

Just finished V3 tonight and really enjoyed it! Being a fan and watching playthroughs over the years I was really excited to finally play it myself and it did not disappoint. Although I had convinced myself I was not going to play it after seeing people dislike it (and spoiling so much for myself while trying to find out why they disliked it), I still ended up being shocked and cried at so many different points. Even though the ending sent my head spinning and left me with some questions, I think you are exactly right and it was a really well made ending. Also, I think I started watching DR playthroughs when I was 14. I became a fan but never a part of the fandom. This video did make me reflect on viewing this kind of stuff at that age, I must have had the sense and maturity to not follow the same path as those other girls but that's still a scary thought. I love the franchise a lot and I am so happy to see it is still being appreciated to this day :)

[@MxPokirby]

How you talked about Tsumugi reminded me of MatPat, on several occasions, trying to connect horror plots to actual horrific & barely-related real world deaths. Fucked up.

[@renengamingburst4513]

Loved it man great video

[@TheShuckmeister]

Thanks so much!

[@KattyNat]

Just finished revisiting V3 along with an entire DR binge; I noticed this in the algorithm some time before I was done (...somehow... IDK how YT knew I was binging). Decided to go looking for it expecting it to be a mald. Thank you for the pleasant surprise in it not being such. I appreciated this.

[@tj_sarina8512]

This is one of the best videos I've seen. It's actually well analyzed. Although i personally love all of the games equally, Danganronpa V3 was really a masterpiece. And the characters were amazing too! Also, the 4 important characters you mentioned, you explained that part very well! Like as short as it was, you character analysis part was full of valuable information that makes a lot of sense! Especially kokichi and tsumugi's part. This was amazing! Thank you

[@mpkio]

Completely agree with you. Couldn't have put it better myself. I loved V3's ending since I first played it, and I'm happy that others liked it and understood what the game was trying to say at the end. Brilliantly explained. Great video!

[@maokai09]

Thank you. I love this style of video at least as much as I'd love to see more of it like how I among other creators would to do, be, have, reviewed.

[@Sagaan42]

This is an awesome video. Loved it. Danganronpa 2's still my favorite though :)

[@stulix505]

Great video loved that it finally came out. Im going to go buy it now.

[@axjk4025]

im not a big v3 fan, but i really felt this to be a great light onto some of the better parts of it. well done man. i can say i definitely appreciate it more now. ☆

[@JustaLuni]

THANK YOU!! I have been saying for years what you have stated in this video. I would like more for what it did right and what it did wrong *cough cough trial 3*

[@pingo1387]

What a great analysis. I didn’t care for the v3 ending on first watch, but after a while i came around on it and i love v3 to pieces. The characters are amazing, the twists and their eventual meaninglessness are so fun, and the truth/lies theme throughout is very profound. Honestly the only thing that makes me hesitate to call v3 my favorite is my vitriolic hatred of the monokubs

[@gameknight0890]

Me realizing that there are Jojo references in the games, “Gentleman, you had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.”

[@natanoboy3323]

13 y/o Danganronpa fans punching the air rn

[@ahmedtheone3976]

Now this, it's beautiful, thank you for this.

[@51Jamie]

This was a solid video shuck keep it up

[@gamerb0y135]

well love this video and I learned a lesson today from you so thanks.

[@JonathanLewispartypenguin]

I loved V3. I remember my jaw on the floor when I finished it. I'd give just about anything to experience these games for the first time again.

[@scorpichu]

CONGRATS ON GRADUATING!!!! SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

[@JoeMama-1diot]

Haahh wow.. truly amazing~ 😊 i sat through the entire video..

[@senu.]

I quite like all games, but weirdly enough I'm super into the soundtracks for some reason. as far v3 goes i never hated it its a solid end of the series and if the team ever wants to go back to it I'll gladly accept it. i do appreciate this video because shuichi is my favorite protagonist and you explained exactly why.

[@near3652]

What a amazing video essay!

[@PurpleChoclate77]

thank you. thank you. V3 is my favorite game and it deserves more praise

[@CreationsFlare]

Mmm, I felt like when I finished V3 I was very much alone in that I actually really liked it, but also, it also made me like V2 alot more at the time. But there was quite alot of parasocial connection going on with Dangan and still is, but I actually fully respect the choice to end it all. Simply because there will always be an ending; and the series decided to go the best route: Making it memorable, and making it not for the fans, but for itself. And I'll respect it. Though I also respect a 30 meter distance from anyone who calls themselves a serial Danganronpa fan and spout out headcanon ships. It is what it is.

[@connorharnage6697]

Know I'm a year late but good video! Personally while I still love 2 and it's ending, this one hit closer to home. I'm making the concept of a story for a game similar to the old school Persona games and my biggest fear is "even if I do get this made, will it be successful? If it is successful, how far will we go with it? Will it become as soulless as Assassin's Creed or will I know when to quit?". With that in mind, I can not only respect Kodaka for knowing when he wanted to stop but incorporating it into such an amazing story

[@TheShuckmeister]

Thanks for the insightful comment!

[@danielsimmich1858]

I only played Danganronpa for the first time at like 22/23 and it was a lot of fun. V3 is my favourite honestly. Also absolutely love Kokichi, such a compelling character for me. The themes really touched me too

[@etam8099]

INDEED

[@manufacturedfromabove79]

Nowaday I found kokichi to be kinda 'meh' definitely wasn't as deep or complex of an antagonist like most people said he is

[@cloudwater8636]

this is amazing!! im really sick of people just hating the ending (and sometimes the whole game) just because its all fiction. you touched on not just the plot points, but outside material too, which is literally amazing still! you put a lot in this and it shows. every point you brought up completely makes sense, my personal views have been totally changed in the best way possible!! all in all, this was done really well and its one of my favorite video essays ive watched, probably because i had a huge phase, and V3 has always been my favorite game! great job!

[@Snipfragueur]

The tears of the Danganronpa fans getting trolled on by the Danganronpa Team is sweeter than Monokuma's honey, definitely the best Danganronpa games

[@alenaphoenix]

you explained it way better than i could before, bravo dude

[@alenaphoenix]

that tlou2 opinion is kind of dumb because a lot of people do love it (i have no opinion on the game itself i just think metacritic is a terrible way of gauging audience enjoyment)

[@aviraes]

Danganronpa V3 praise I've been waiting for this

[@GoldmaskisBased]

I think you're being a little harsh towards hajime. I like kaede and shuichi but I prefer Hajime. I dont know why a lot of people just see him as a makoto clone. Also mostly unrelated but I don't see being passive as a negative thing for a character to be.

[@GoldmaskisBased]

Also the only reason I like the ending of v3 is because of how some of what tsumugi said could have been a lie, which actually helps v3s theme of truth and lies (I've heard some say it was because a half-hearted pander to fans of 1 and 2)

[@Aeonstar]

Not the Hajime slander. 😞

[@TheShuckmeister]

Hajimeme is a guy that exists.

[@Aeonstar]

@@TheShuckmeister I AGREE WITH THAT!

[@wannaspritecranberry9972]

I too Got all the Games including Despair Girls But After I Had Completed The First I still haven't touched the others and I don't know why. But because of this video I'm gonna go back and finish this great series so thanks Dude

[@stormRed]

V3's ending is basically a dadaist experience

[@etam8099]

What?

[@hyuriel7515]

6:22 How'd I miss that foreshadowing- Also, there are fan-Danganronpa games. Danganronpa would probably never end cuz of those

[@khalasso]

never really understood why so many people hate v3 tbh (specifically the ending). i watched it like 50 times and it still brings an emotional reaction out of me, whereas dr 2 for example , was just a way to spend my free time with. v3 will always be my favourite game in the franchise, by FAR.

[@CHEESEPUFF_7]

This video makes me so happy

[@enterguavastuff]

critics: "wait, it's all fiction???" tsumugi: "no shit sherlock"

[@willcacti8302]

I like this style of video and would like to see more!