In June 2024, during a Nintendo Direct event, Aniplex and Too Kyo Games introduced a new game titled The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy. This game is a collaboration between Kazutaka Kodaka, known for the Danganronpa series, and Kotaro Uchikoshi, the creator of Zero Escape.

Recently, the developers announced that this tactical RPG, which incorporates visual novel elements, is set to launch on April 24, 2025. To give players a taste of what’s to come, a special prologue demo has been released. Currently, this demo is available on PC via Steam, with a Nintendo Switch version expected to follow soon.

The demo allows players to experience the game’s prologue through the seventh day, out of a total of 100 days in the game’s timeline. Importantly, any progress made in the demo can be carried over to the full game upon its release in April.

For those who choose to pre-order the digital version of the game, there’s an added bonus: an original novel titled The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy – Former Lives of the SDU: File 03 – Hiruko Shizuhara’s First Battle. This novel, supervised by Kodaka, delves deeper into the game’s universe and offers additional context to the storyline.

The game’s narrative centers around Takumi, a student at the expansive and isolated Last Defense Academy, which is encircled by mysterious flames. Along with 14 other students, Takumi is recruited into the Special Defense Unit, tasked with protecting the school for a duration of 100 days. These students possess the unique ability to transform their blood into “Hemoanima,” granting them supernatural powers essential for battling the grotesque invaders threatening their school. The story explores the lengths to which these students are willing to go to reclaim their normal lives and safeguard the world.

In terms of gameplay, The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy combines tactical role-playing elements with visual novel-style storytelling. Players will engage in strategic battles reminiscent of games like Fire Emblem, while also navigating intricate narratives and character interactions typical of visual novels. This blend aims to provide a rich and immersive gaming experience.

The development journey of this game has been notable. Too Kyo Games faced financial challenges during its creation, even going into debt after a publishing deal fell through. The studio secured a loan to continue development, and eventually, Aniplex stepped in as the publisher. The game is slated for a simultaneous release in both Japanese and English, ensuring a broad audience can enjoy it from day one.

For those eager to see more, an official story trailer has been released, offering a glimpse into the game’s atmosphere and narrative depth.

As the release date approaches, anticipation is building for The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy. With its unique blend of tactical gameplay and immersive storytelling, it promises to be a standout title in 2025.