A Look at The Hundred Line Demo
Steam Next Fest 2025 was an opportunity for gamers to try out a variety of games coming soon. Among the titles I got to play was a unique experience from the creators of Danganronpa. The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- was among the many games available to demo during Steam Next Fest 2025.
The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is a unique JRPG from the creators of Danganronpa. Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi have teamed up to deliver a familiar yet innovative adventure. While introducing a special twist, the game retains the signature elements that define their beloved works. It should be noted that this coverage of the demo is a preview and should not be considered a review. I plan to publish a full review once the game officially launches.
If you played the demo, your progress will be carried over to the full game when it launches.
It Was Supposed to be a Normal Day
Takumi Sumino’s peaceful life in the Tokyo Residential Complex is shattered when monsters attack. To save himself and his best friend, a mysterious being named Sirei offers him the power to fight back. To accept, he must stab himself – unlocking special abilities and receiving a new uniform. After the attack, he awakens in Last Defense Academy alongside 14 others. There, he learns the truth about the outside world and the eerie flames surrounding the school. As part of the Special Defense Unit, they are tasked with battling the monsters for 100 days.
Playthrough of The Hundred Line
The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is a game that combines the elements of a visual novel with the gameplay of a grid-based JRPG. The demo reflects this with its focus on both elements by introducing players to the game.
Beginning on Day???, we are introduced to Takumi Sumino and his best friend, Karua. Life in the Tokyo Residential Complex seems peaceful, but there’s an underlying sense that something is amiss. When the world is suddenly attacked, we get our first glimpse of the monstrous threat, alongside the mysterious being Sirei. The game truly kicks off on Day 1, as we learn about Last Defense Academy and meet our fellow teammates. We also uncover the harsh truths about the outside world. Days 2 and 3 are spent exploring the academy and building stronger bonds with your squadmates.
Combat uses a turn-based system with a grid to move and attack across the stage. Players select an attack or move, position themselves on the grid, and then execute their action. The squad’s overall Attack Points limit how often characters can act, so you can use the same character multiple times. The main objective is to defeat the attacking foes and their commander while protecting Last Defense Academy from destruction.
Thoughts on The Hundred Line
Right away, you’ll notice that The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- retains the defining artistic elements of the Danganronpa series. From its vibrant color palette to its distinctive character designs, the visual style feels instantly familiar. This similarity also relates to the personalities and mannerisms of the characters at the Last Defense Academy. The combat system will feel familiar if you’ve played enough JRPGs, and mastering it won’t take long.
The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- demo was one of many games we got to play during Steam Next Fest. The full game is set to launch on April 23rd for the PC and Nintendo Switch.
8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Stan Rezaee is the founder and Editor of 8Bit/Digi. He is a journalist and gamer from the Bay Area who has been writing about the medium for over five years.
