Zero Escape and Danganronpa are two of the most notable names in the visual novel space, so fans were understandably excited when the creators of these two juggernauts were revealed to be teaming up for a new project: World’s End Club. After a soft launch on Apple Arcade, the full experience has finally made its way to the Switch and it’s… well, it’s alright. World’s End Club plays with some interesting ideas over its run, but it’s ultimately let down by its story and puzzle platforming gameplay.
World’s End Club follows the story of the Go-Getters Club, an afterschool group of middle schoolers that suddenly finds itself cast into an apocalyptic nightmare when a meteor strike seemingly destroys civilization. The kids then wake up in an abandoned underwater amusement park and find themselves locked in a lethal “Game of Fate” where they’re all pitted against each other by a creepy fairy. The rules are simple. Everyone in the club is wearing a wristband that displays a Task for someone else, and the first person to fulfill their Task ‘wins’ while everyone else is killed off.
The Danganronpa influences in this early portion are unmistakable, and this section does make for a rather compelling tale. The manipulation, backstabbing, and general deception of the wicked game keeps things moving at an interesting pace, while the looming sense of mystery pulls you in. The only problem is that this section barely lasts an hour, and then the whole club goes on a less interesting road trip across Japan. We don’t want to spoil too much here, as the entire draw of a game like this rests on its narrative strength, but the main issue seems to lie in the character development.
It can be tough to balance a story anchored by an ensemble cast like this, and World’s End Club unfortunately doesn’t quite manage to nail the execution in this regard. Characters are mostly one-note caricatures of expected personality types and they don’t come together in a way that manages to feel fulfilling. As a result, we didn’t become too emotionally attached to this cast, and it made the ensuing events of their road trip feel hollow. World’s End Club features the kind of story that feels like half of the characters could’ve been cut to tell a much tighter, focused narrative, while the final product merely turns out to be ‘alright’. The cast and story is likable on a very surface level, but there’s just nothing here that really inspires strong feelings one way or the other.
This would be fine if the gameplay was compelling enough in its own right, though this aspect also tends to be rather mediocre. When you aren’t reading through the mountains of dialogue, you’re tasked with playing some absolutely mind-numbing puzzle platforming sections that only bog down the pacing even further. The controls in these segments feel sluggish and unresponsive, and we had many deaths that felt unearned due to the inputs registering at weird times. Even when you get used to the controls, the level and puzzle designs are incredibly vanilla, rarely offering up any semblance of challenge.
The main gimmick to these portions is that each member of the club has a special power that can change how you interact with the levels, and you unlock more of these powers as the story unfolds. The problem here is that few of these powers bring anything interesting to the gameplay loop. Reycho’s ability to throw things, for example, is already a little simplistic to begin with, and this is only further underlined by the weak puzzle design not giving you creative ways to use that power. Even a relatively simple toolset could be made interesting if presented with the proper challenges for its application, and yet you’re never presented with anything that makes you really need to sit and think on what to do.
Taken together, the middling story and gameplay elements only serve to show you the barest glimpses of the better game that World’s End Club could’ve been. Games like Danganronpa or Afterparty show that a strong narrative is more than enough to carry a relatively basic gameplay premise, while games like the Trine series or Fez show that there’s an awful lot of interesting ideas one can explore in a puzzle platformer. Finding a way to mix those concepts into one excellent game isn’t something we’d say is easy, and World’s End Club is a great example of how difficult it can be to pull off.
Luckily, World’s End Club is buoyed by excellent visual and sound design, which are easily the best part of the overall experience. The art style mixes anime sensibilities with a comic book-like flair that vaguely calls to mind the doodles one might find in a middle schooler’s notebook. Characters each have a distinctive, memorable design and the voice acting—English or Japanese—is mostly top notch. In many respects, World’s End Club feels like a playable version of a vibrant anime series, so much so that we can’t help but wonder if it would’ve been better served as a show instead of a game.
We feel it also needs to be mentioned that World’s End Club feels a little too expensive given what’s on offer here. At the time of writing, World’s End Club will run you forty bucks to play. In exchange, the story should take you a little less than ten hours to clear, fifteen if you want to go back and try alternate paths. That’s a reasonable enough length but given the content, you might have expected it to launch for less. As ever, value is dependent on the player, but we’d recommend that you wait this out for a sale if you want to scoop it up eventually.
Conclusion
World’s End Club has some good ideas and a lot of heart, but it ultimately doesn’t come together as anything particularly notable. Though World’s End Club looks and sounds great, the monotonous platforming sections and hit-and-miss storytelling really drag the overall experience down. We’d give this game a light recommendation to fans of visual novels, but otherwise you're better served playing the various better visual novels and puzzle platformers already on Switch. This is the very definition of ‘okay’.
Comments (47)
Ouch. I had high hopes for this.
Exactly my thoughts sadly (except I don't like the visuals so much). I enjoyed the Danganronpa games and so bought this on launch, only to realise my mistake as soon as everyone left the death game part and the gameplay slowed to a crawl. If only I'd had this review to warn me then... Sigh.
I've been playing it the last few days and have been mostly enjoying it so far. The platforming is pretty basic but I went into it expecting it to be mostly visual novel so it's more or less what I had in mind. Not the same calibre as some of the previous works by these creators but a fun enough time nonetheless.
Yeah...
I was right to skip this. I wanted it to be good, but that demo did not inspire confidence in me, and trailer footage didn't make it look like like later portions of the game were any better.
I wish Spike Chunsoft would just port the amazing Zero Escape and Danganronpa games to the Switch already and be done with it.
Vanilla's so cute. It's enough to make me want to hold on to the demo for the aesthetic
@Ralizah It’s honestly better than a 5. The story alone is worth experiencing. It just works better as part of Apple Arcade than a £40 game.
This game is definitely not worth $40 on Switch. But I do think it is still worth checking out if you have an Apple Arcade subscription and you want to play something weird. The game is filled with plot twists but that last act in particular is where the writing gets really strange. Not exactly good, but something that leaves an impression at the very least.
Im enjoying it personally.
Ive only done the first chapter so far, and despite it feeling like a retread of 999/zero escape death game (for kids)......its hooked me enough to push on.
Honestly I was stumped on the first puzzle (I had to resort to looking it up.......the solution was simple really ......I was over complicating things)
It feels like it is directed at a more child like mentality (not just because of the asthetics but the way the first two puzzles were)
It's better than a 5 people. You can give your own opinion and not focus on reviews. You can try the demo.
I played the demo and hated it. There characters were annoying, the story is too linear for my tastes, the puzzles were too easy, the gameplay felt too basic.
@Ralizah I felt the same after playing the demo. Don't really mind the minimal gameplay but I found the dialogue was very underwhelming and redundant.
i disagree with this review
i really enjoy this game
the main song (Go-Getters Club Theme) i keep listening to it over and over
several twists i never saw comming
and got legit invested in the characters, story & worldbuilding
why do i like games others don't? like Balan Wonderworld, which also has a strong cast of characters
The beginning section from the demo is inspired by Battle Royale
Bummer, it's definitely really charming and pretty.
Oof, this was honestly one of the stand-outs of that direct for me so this is disappointing. Opinions in the comments vary so I may still try it at some point but maybe not at full price.
I'm usually not into these kinds of games but I enjoyed the demo, I'd like to get a physical copy but that price tho...
I bought that game day one, I was curious about the story and the art style is really attractive but I have to admit I’m fairly disappointed after 3 hours of play. The characters are likeable enough, the graphics and music are really great but the gameplay is near inexistant in this « game ». I was expecting a puzzle plateformer with elements of visual novel, but there is barely anything to do but to read the not so well written dialogues.
Definitely one to pick up on sale, and I don't think it'll be too long a wait for that.
Hopefully something Danganronpa related will happen at E3. Really wanting something new in that series rn.
Ah, dang. Had this on my wishlist for monitoring purposes and awaiting reviews and this is the second trusted revw site that have been underwhelmed.
Thanks for review.
I'm intrigued, though I will probably wait for a sale.
My copy arrived today, so hopefully I will enjoy it more than the author of this review.
@nessisonett I'll keep that in mind, although saying it works better as part of a subscription service for mobile devices than as a product you actually put down money for is fairly damning praise to someone like me.
I enjoyed 999 a lot, but I did not like the demo of this game at all.
@LEGEND_MARIOID I get the feeling this is one of those games that isn't objectively that great, but it really lands with some people.
Still wouldn't recommend for 40 bucks, but definitely keep it in mind if this is your thing.
After playing it on Apple Arcade I can say I feel the same way as the author. It's an interesting idea poorly executed.
The boring gameplay and uninteresting story tired me, halfway through I just wanted the game to finish.
I have to admit the characters designs were charming, and the voice acting (in Japanese) was pretty good.
But, yeah, it's a 5 to me.
The color theory and shading on display is gorgeous.
I'll always remember this game because of Dunkey's commentary for the February Direct.
"The game is CANCELLED"
Dunkey: "yeeeaaaah that's what I'm talking about!"
Lol
As expected from what I saw. Unbelievable, that they charge 50 bucks for an Apple arcade game
I really enjoyed this game, well i would say more Anime visual novel with light fiddly gameplay. Couple of boss fights and i really really enjoyed the characters and the twist and turns of the story. Its no shakespear but no game is but its better than most. I paid less than 35 for my copy so shop around. Completey disagree with the reviewer regarding the story, definitely a matter of taste game i guess.
story really isn't bad. the platforming/puzzles on the other hand....
My sister seems to be enjoying the game. She bought the collector's edition and at this point that's the only way I can recommend picking up games new. If you can get it in a fancy box and with little trinkets. I didn't like the look of this game from the start, hopefully we get another Danganronpa or Zero Escape...but even then, V3 's formula was starting to feel stale so I can understand why they probably don't want to keep making them.
I finished a 100% playthrough today, took around 18 hours. Sure, short for the genre and these guys' previous work. I get sucked in by fairly shallow characters more easily than some and actually LIKE the simplistic puzzle-platforming for a change of pace. I also felt the story had some pretty solid twists. Not on the level of Zero Escape or Danganronpa, but still a fun game. I do not regret the $50 physical copy purchase.
It's alright to admit sparking no resonance with the characters or the story without weaving big hijacked words and phrase in an attempt to back it up (all this "hit-and-miss storytelling" on a video game fanblog sounds like me coming to a gallery and commenting on a painting's "dubious use of lighting"). Granted, personal resonance reports are of no use to an audience either, unless they happen to be the author's clones, but that's no excu- oh wait, we're in a fandom here, it absolutely is.😏
"Bland story", "one-note characters", "basic puzzle platforming", "buoyed by visuals and music"... ironically, all this piece has done is make the game sound like what some people have thrown at The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince, incidentally still one of my most fondly remembered Switch experiences to date. But that only reinforces the expectations I've had since the first trailer. The expectations of yet another 2021 Switch release highlight in my book.
Does Apple arcade has standards for their games quality or they bring whatever artsy even with mediocre to bad gameplay?
I can't really blame the 5/10 score, honestly. After playing the demo, its "gameplay" (which I use nicely) was more than enough reasons for me to skip it. It's just so painfully barebones that Mr. Nutz on SNES and Sega Genesis became the next Super Mario World. Maybe the gameplay is enjoyable for some, but I'm not one of them.
Of course, I would say Vanilla looks like a cinnamon roll, but that's a usual tactic companies use to attract ordinary buyers -_-
"Even when you get used to the controls, the level and puzzle designs are incredibly vanilla"
I actually like vanilla flavor, it's sad people use it as a derogatory term.
Now furthur into the game (4-5 hrs)
I have no doubt Im loving it more than the review.
Sure platforming is simplistic but the story and cast has a decent kiddie anime vibe to it.
Put it this way I picked up shin megami tensei nocturne.....I dropped that game for this (I looked at a guide and I was 2/3 of the way through that)
This games story caught my attention more than any part of Nocturne.
@Ralizah i would love to play 999 on switch
@AchievingGamer The way I see it, reviews are just one tool of many that can help you understand if a game is for you. A review is really nothing more than a person putting down their extended thoughts on their experience, and hopefully backing up their points with solid evidence from the game. There's nothing definitive or authoritative about it, it's just somebody's opinion.
When I'm reading reviews for a game I'm interested in, I usually go through a few different authors/video producers to get an idea of what the best or worst parts of the game are. How do you approach it?
I'm.... A bit disappointed. And I feel like the demo kind of duped fans of DanganRonpa into thinking the full game would have a different tone than it actually does. I just got my first ending and found myself incredibly surprised and annoyed and am now playing again with different choices... The entire time I was playing before more was explained I kept asking myself 'Wtf is this game?! Like what is going on?! '. I really enjoyed the art and color choices as well as character design. And for the LOVE OF GOD can these games stop making overweight characters food obsessed gluttons with literally no personality other than to talk about food and eating?! That really pissed me off and I'm sick of seeing it. No one else in this cast was as ridiculous as Mowchan, and I've noticed that with a lot of these titles. THEY EVEN DRESSED HIM UP TO LOOK LIKE A COW WITH HIS STOMACH HANGING OUT OF HIS COW PRINT SHIRT! Also the promotion for that energy drink was out of place, uncomfortable and I hated it. Stop selling things to people, especially children in media they've paid full price for!! Ugh! If you're a DanganRonpa fan do not think this game is going to be anywhere near as ... Engaging.
I'm going to play again with different choices but I doubt anything will restore the excitement I had for this game...
That's all.
Update (Fri June 18th 2021)
Okay so I just finished the game entirely. The first ending I had was like a weird fluke ending, and when I noticed that by design you're supposed to replay certain portions of the game and go back to the present that was interesting. The characters eventually grew on me as they interacted more and the story unfolded. It was a sweet little story after things fleshed out! While the actual gameplay wasn't that exciting I did enjoy the story and elements of it once everyone 'awakened'. It was really cute and I can see a lot of people taking a liking to the characters and story if they can stick it through. It took a bit for me to get to that point, but I'd say it's worth sticking with. I initially went into this with Danganronpa in the back of my mind, but it's a very different story. And very different gameplay and should be judged on it's own merit. Because it's not really trying to be anything like Zthe DR franchise. I even hated the theme song initially but as the friends got closer and further along their journey I found myself appreciating it more.
Also I love that my fave character was Pochi even before ***** went down. That was great.
As I love danganronpa games so I was expecting something interesting but after playing demo on my switch I really don't like gameplay I was thinking huh what am I doing this isn't nothing lol danganronpa game I have to say most of characters aren't likeable at all only really liked gaming boy who was on the MC side. Even when characters felt brainwashed I didn't feel sorry for them because to me they weren't likeable.
Thirdly I'm not too fan of story I know it starts off kinda similar to danganronpa but difference was with that at least I can see who I like I dont I didn't get that with world ends club I just disliked most of cast.
Long story short wouldn't buy it I feel like it has potential sadly its hard pass because this game isn't worth switch.
@AchievingGamer I'm disappointed as well with it.
ROFL
A theoretical degree in physics? As opposed to a degree in theoretical physics? I think I need to steal that one... 🤣
Ive finished the game now (13 1/2 hours)
Its a solid 7/10 from me.
Peresonally I dont have an issue with the length (which people may gripe at)
It the perfect length in my eyes......it doesnt overstay its welcome. Ive paid more for shorter games in the past (and dont have any regrets)
Id agree that the action bits are a bit simplistic, but I feel it matches the target audience for the game (I say 10-12 years old)
If you can get over the saccharine sweet friendship message (and your typical annoying kids anime writing and voices)
Theres actually a decent enough story to be found.
There were actually more than once occasions where I didnt see the plot twist comming.
Whilst the character are fleshed just enough for you kinda care.
Nothing ground breaking but still a worthwhile romp that I dont have any regrets picking up day one.
Kinda reminds me a bit like the other NISA game Destiny Connect (that kiddie anime tone but enjoyable enough for older players)
Just so you know Im close to 40 years old so probably way off the target audience for the game......but I still enjoyed it.
The Danganronpa devs really love including a ton of unnecessary gameplay segments that add nothing and kill the pacing even more. I was always afraid that the platforming in this game was like that, but it looks like it's even worse now because it's a significant portion of the game.
So off the mark, I'm not even sure where to start. Some points are valid, but this game deserves more than a 5. The music, graphics, and plot aren't a 5. My advice for your future reviews is to focus more on what a game is rather than what it isn't. Grade it on what it does well instead of grading it against what you expected it to be. Also consider that the game might not have been made for you, but for a different age group altogether. Be more objective.
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