Dead Or School | Janky, Juvenile, Fun - Review (NSW) - Tarks Gauntlet

If you've been around anime or Japanese games for very long you might get the impression that they really love school. Like, REALLY love school.
I can't relate, personally. School kind of sucks.
But thats neither here nor there. Dead or School is a game where a Japanese Schoolgirl battles hordes of enemies to reclaim Japan so she can go to school.
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[@strain42]

Between this, Sense, Tokyo School Life, and countless others, you really are my primary source for "slightly pervy Japanese games that could definitely step themselves up, gameplay wise" which is a genre of video I never really knew I needed.

[@TarksGauntlet]

I answer to the call of the Jank. Jank games just intrigue me haha.

[@strain42]

That's why I suggested Tasomachi to you XD

[@HoodlieRPG]

It’s kind of sad how she’s going through all this just to attend high school. Trust me, it’s not worth it. Nice video, by the way.

[@Tazmaniaemt]

I was waiting on a review for this from you 😂

[@FatalKitsune]

Between Tark and Splattercat I always have someone to review indie or obscure games I have interest in. Love these guys.

[@dukenukem7043]

Good review as always

[@ShikanRaider]

Imported this (the JP Version, since it has english text) in late 2019 and had a lot of fun with it. The western release wasn't known at that time. Most points I criticized were mentioned by you as well, like the janky controls in minigames (which resulted in a lot of frustration on my end), getting stuck on seemingly nothing on the ground and so on. Biggest complaint from me however is that there's not really anything to do once you beat it, which took me about 40 hours. There's no post-game, no NG+ to max out your stats and skills, the only bonus content, if you want to call it that, is being able to re-fight bosses in the main hub for some extra rewards. As for crashes, I had it crash on me once, in the cutscene after I beat the sixth boss. Like I said it at the beginning, I had a lot of fun with it. Easily 89% from me, but you're right it isn't a game for everyone.

[@shadowmaksim]

2 years late but I finally caved and played the game for myself. Tracking down a physical copy was a pain but I managed without having to sell an arm or leg in the process. For the most part, I definitely agree with just about everything stated. Though I played the PS4 version which seem to have a lot less technical issues, two soft-locks I experienced aside anyway. This game is jank, it's rough and unpolished, but it's fun. The developers were clearly passionate about making this game and it shows in how endearing it is...even if their budget and inexperience held them back. Especially if you look at early trailers. There are numerous mechanics, concepts, and other details that were shown but aren't actually in the game at all. I wouldn't be surprised if this explains why some plot threads ended up not really going anywhere. Despite their passion, they were biting off more than they could chew. Heck, as I saw pointed out elsewhere, the OST is just freeware tracks you can get online. The devs scrounged up whatever they could to get this game done. Though one interesting note I saw while looking up the game is that it's actually a what-if sequel to the director's previous work, "Machine Doll Nanami-Chan", a graphic novel. In fact, Hisako is the granddaughter of the main character of that series. A couple other characters even show up in some capacity as well. Heck, one of the side-quests in the game even has you collecting a couple pages from it funnily...even if that doesn't make sense lore-wise. Also, the director/artist of the series draws porn. Cause of course. But yeah, geez, playing it certainly takes me back. I grew up playing these kind of doujin-soft and flash games. They were never the biggest or most polished. Even by modern indie standards, with stuff like "Ender Lilies" or "Blasphemous". But they always had this passion to them and seeing all the wacky ideas people came up with and getting it done despite all the odds was a delight. I guess that's why I appreciate these sort of games as much as I do. Gotta appreciate them for what they aimed for instead of harping on them for their issues. Though that can be said for most things in general and it's certainly easier said than done.

[@shadowmaksim]

I remember finding out about this game quite some time ago but never really delved into learning more about it. Thought it was just a barebones 2D hack-and-slash with a somewhat parody setting but there's definitely more complexity and effort put into it than initial impressions gave me. I'm all for these kind of quirky, jank games. Reminds me of those good ol' days of underground doujin games. I have so many fond memories playing stuff like "Blood -Over-" and "Heroic Dark". But yeah, I don't know if I'm interested enough to try out this one myself but it's nice to see it's somewhat more competent and involved than you'd expect.

[@GamingWithSpoons]

Seems interesting. It keeps popping up on my steam recommendation..glad to get an in depth review

[@gilgamesh.....]

Thanks for the review. I'd been looking at this game for a while and wondering if it was worth picking up.

[@SheldonKreger]

She kinda looks like a sister of Adol from Ys!

[@300kyuubi]

Hmm I might look into this

[@DuoBeard]

I think Tarks just sold me on the charming Jank that exists. Great review Tarks

[@fxman9071]

Thank you for the review, saw this on sale on ps4 and usually on sale games are bad or just old so I was being careful

[@tsugumohanshiro3888]

Wow, I bought this on a sale on steam shortly after it's release. I really love it!

[@brauliozt8754]

I got this game on Steam a few months after its launch. Haven't touched it in a while but I remember it was very fun to play, although it was a bit frustrating sometimes. I might as well play it again.

[@e3eb]

i respect you for going through the whole game i would've given up from the first level to be honest

[@redstratus97]

Forget a Metriodvania. This plot would have made an awesome JRPG!

[@TarksGauntlet]

The plot definitely has a lot of "Idea Factory" kind of story ideas in it. It could definitely work.

[@S_Hyde]

bought this on a whim a few months ago, very fun, despite some frustrating moments, got me through the surprise snow from the beginning of the year *On PS4 I think at most I encountered a single glitch that forced me to reset the game, the UI was the only thing that loaded on the screen, can't remember any hard crashes

[@slash5235]

I was thinking of getting it on the PS4 would probably enjoy it, does look abit janky but as long as it's fun it should be fine, will wait for a discount.

[@Justin_Anime]

Hey Tark, I know this isn't really related to the review but do you plan on going over the E3 announcements & upcoming Falcom event in a news video within the next couple of weeks?

[@TarksGauntlet]

I'll cover a bit of my thoughts in e3 in the next video on Monday (it's already up, just on Patreon right now) The Falcon anniversary event will have to wait as it wasn't even announced until after I finished making the new vid.

[@TarksGauntlet]

Apologies for the auto-correct based typos lol. You know what I mean.

[@Justin_Anime]

@@TarksGauntlet 🥸.........👀...🤗.

[@TheGamingShelf]

“Dead or School” um…school? Looks pretty wild 👀

[@porkyvonchop6458]

best cover ever 👍

[@acebreaker7]

Yeah doesn’t look like something I’d play but I appreciate the review as always tarks

[@hemangchauhan2864]

If a game nails the gameplay loop, no matter how janky I'll be fun.

[@omega458]

I know what you mean about jank lol i love a game called bullet witch on xbox 360 and pc, especially on harder difficulties

[@DevilMayPie]

You had me at destructible clothing! I was considering getting this for the Switch but since I only have a lite, handheld only might be a problem like you said. PS4 version might be the way to go when I plan to import games again here soon.

[@dickmonddickelheimer9452]

Shaddup

[@TarksGauntlet]

🤐

[@dickmonddickelheimer9452]

@@TarksGauntlet I said shaddup

[@kates5183]

I have literally no interest in this game but I watch every one of your reviews anyway. Thank you for your excellent work!

[@thequincy_]

I'll probably get the PS4 version. I might have less performance problems than the Switch version. Lol Your review captured my interest enough that I'm willing to give it a try.

[@TheMacC117]

One of these days I'm just really hoping for a big budget, Mass Effect/Witcher style Anime game where there's real cutscenes, actual character relationships, and a serious story. Not sure why most Japanese developers just don't seem interested in those kind of projects

[@JoJo-ze3en]

Shit cost money alot of Japanese devs are small and niche not very popular

[@SuperNicktendo]

That's a shame the quality is all over the place

[@TarksGauntlet]

Sometimes I wonder if I would like it more or less if it was more polished though. Something I often grapple with when playing games like this haha.

[@KaiSaeren]

Borked? What is that?

[@TarksGauntlet]

Slang for busted/broken/not properly functioning.

[@HallowedBeThyGame]

If I’d have had this game in high school, I’d have never wanted to skip a day. A much needed PSA for the importance of education... and waifus.

[@FadedHolySoldier]

This game sucks. I hated it. It was frustrating