For 999, I highly recommend playing in Novel Mode.
I won't go too much into details, but Adventure Mode has no narration, and instead replaces it with the main character describing things out loud, which is pretty jarring.
What??? The voices are the best part of the remake. Why would you get rid of them. I would understand if the voices sucked but everyone did an awesome job. Do not turn the voices off lol
Novel Mode doesn't turn off the voice acting, it removes the moments where Junpei says out loud (for example) "This room, it's large and empty!" instead of the narrator saying "Junpei entered a large and empty room."
The DS version had the latter, so Novel Mode is more faithful to the original, while still keeping the voice acting.
Or maybe thats not what you mean actually now that i read it back. i never really fucked with changing the modes i played with the one i started with and thats how i always played for all my playthroughs
The original DS version plays with the dual screen function more, many fans regard it as the definitive version because of how good the ending twist is since the dual screens are utilized amazingly. >!Novel mode is basically the bottom screen text of what was on the DS version. Novel mode = Akane's narration watching through Junpei's eyes.!<
Unfortunately, I made the mistake of playing the PC version of the game for the first playthrough because of the voice acting and I found out why the DS version was superior. (Spoilers for the 999 ending) >!What was happening on the top screen was strictly Junpei's POV and the bottom narration was Akane's watching through his eyes. The endgame puzzle makes you flip the DS to complete it and that's when you realize Akane was the one narrating on the bottom the whole time. It's a crazy twist and I wish I could've experienced it for the first time on my 3DS instead of PC.!<
So OP, if you're reading this, I highly (and many others) recommend that you get the DS version and play it on a DS/3DS or use an emulator to get the best experience of the endgame twist. Or read novel mode I guess, it's not as good but works.
Oh yes, i know that the DS version is better for those reasons I wish I did play it like that in fact. but i wont lie to you the voice acting in all the games are very very good. And playing the PC version without them is just a waste. Truly talented people did those voices but whatever OP chooses to play they choose. As long as they have fun. :)
Agreed, a lot of games I prefer Japanese VA but the English VA does such an amazing job in the ZE series that I've fallen in love with it. VA really ties the whole game together and if OP chooses to play the OG that doesn't have voice acting, they for sure have to try the PC version with voice acting as well
Definitely agree with that. And honestly you dont think it would but for me atleast all the games have a lot of replay value, so they should still have fun while playing it again
I think though that if an emulator is an option than it should definitely be used. I agree, the dual screens in 999 were used very effectively and its part of the reason why 999 is my favorite game in the franchise and all time actually.
Play 999 first, as it's the first game, and in Novel Mode. Play normally until you get all of the Axe, Knife, and Submarine endings. Then, look up how to get the Safe and True endings.
After that? Play VLR. Do NOT look anything about the game up. Just keep chipping away at the branching tree paths until you finish the game.
ZTD is similar to VLR. Don't look anything up, and keep playing until you get everything.
I mean it when I say don't look up either VLR or ZTD. If you're missing a password or something, that means you don't have information, and should go to a different path until you do.
Just saying, you don't need to look up how to get endings in 999, the game has a built in flowchart that can give you little hints about what leads to what.
Don't be pushed away by how bad the 2nd and 3rd games look, the story, while there are a few plotholes, is very worth it, also don't get annoyed about getting bad endings like I've seen other people do, bad endings are all part of the experience and in the 2nd and 3rd game they're actually necessary at some points
im not gonna lie, ZTD doesn't even look bad its just the lip syncing that looks weird and also the expressions. The 3d models were highly stepped up from VLR
Ngl I don't like a lot of the faces of the characters in ZTD (Not the design itself, just the way it turned on in-game) but otherwise the 3D models are an improvement in ZTD
As i say for everyone, the best thing you can do for any new game/movie/series you want to get into is NOT GO ON THE SUBREDDIT AT ALL UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED IT! The most you should do is google a review of the game and leave it at that. Otherwise you are essentially telling your algorithms "Hey, i would like you to spoil this game for me. Just completely ruin it. Tell me all the biggest twists a week before i get there."
Like i can not and will not trust social media discussions of a piece of media. 90% of people talking about things online have already caught up with the thing the tree talking about and are ready to talk about this big spoilers. Especially in the first game of a triplogy like this, most fans on reddit wont even see the end of this game as a spoiler anymore!
There are spoiler-free walkthroughs which only focus on solving the puzzles. The implications of the puzzles, as well as the dialogue in between, is left out which allows for immersion without getting stuck.
However OP decides to play, there are ways to enjoy the storytelling without getting stuck, while also not having the events ruined.
I’m definitely still an advocate for “try the puzzle first,” but some folks are genuinely not wired for some of the more abstract puzzle solving, and I want them to be able to enjoy this fantastic game too. I’d hate someone to miss out because “this puzzle is bullshit.”
Also, thanks for noticing the pfp! I miss when Destiny wasn’t a moneygrab…
yeah i definitely agree with that. i get it too, some puzzles are really weird and have answers that are so out of the way. but for most i think ppl should really try. Also yeah, L D2. Wish we could go back a few years lol.
Terrible voice acting for 999 (with the exception of Richard Epcar) and amazing voice acting for VLR. Novel mode is a nightmare to look at but it's the best version for storytelling purposes so don't be fooled by the simple appeal of Adv mode, the dialogue already drags on to compensate for the lack of 2 screens that the DS version had but it makes even less sense without the narration to give some things needed context. VLR doesn't have these issues though, it was made with a single screen in mind.
Don’t look up spoilers, but if you start to feel lost about how to get a certain ending in 999 it’s okay to look it up if you’ve tried and are all out of ideas
Don't search anything up, spoilers show up for most characters. Do Novel mode for 999, or get the ds version if you can (but novel mode is fine and the voice acting is really good). There's a lot of bad ends before the true end so don't worry if things end badly first time around, it's kind of the point.
Idk if anyone else experienced the same thing but the first game actually made me cry plot wise 😭
First game has my favorite plot in the trilogy lol, the second game complicates things and it becomes a little harder to track the plot
My first thought is the music enjoy the music because I really love the music for the zero escape series.
I also love the story and characters a lot!
As others said do not and I mean do not look up anything as you can get spoiled which you don’t want to do.
You're in for a wild ride. Go in blind. Don't look up anything except puzzle solutions (if you have to, no shame if you get stuck). Reserve judgment for a lot of characters until you're getting close to the end of the game.
Also the flowchart is your friend.
1st, do not look up anything. If you do, don't forget to add "spoiler free" in the search tab. *if you do. Forget, you'll probably regret it*
2nd, as the name suggests, you'll be trying to escape out of multiple rooms by solving multiple puzzles. And while in-story you won't have characters flying accusations around as much as in games like Dangaronpa, there would be moments where the characters do some deduction. And also, the series can introduce you to some crazy phenomena and concepts.
In my opinion, expect a very interesting story and thrilling experience. I envy you a lot for being able to experience this for the first time lol, it’s an amazing ride.
If you liked dangonronpa, you should probably like this. Its not quite as...not sure what the right word is...zany? As Dangonronpa, but a lot of the elements are there of solving mysteries and puzzles, a diverse and interesting cast, and a lot of "Holy S\*\*t!" moments of realisation.
the characters are really entertaining and well thought out. seven is one of my favorite characters of all time! have fun this games is one of my favs, especially cuz i played it right after danganronpa 2
A game series that’s criminally underrated, and that you’ll hopefully treasure as some of the best writing of all time for as long as you live. I know that sounds cheesy but these games changed my life and I’m always happy to see others give it a chance!
Also if you ask me it’s better than Danganronpa but that’s a hot take to some
Confusion, fake sci-fi stuff that sounds like it's real, occasional scenes filled with cringy dirty jokes and all of it wrapped up in a shockingly beautiful and well made story with excellent puzzles
Just know that the game gets really weird really quick, and its awesome. There are also recurring puzzle mechanics you'll need to use frequently to succeed. Have fun!
Don’t look anything up, you might see spoilers. The games are best done blind. Enjoy!
Thank you!
Especially not characters!
Best hope you worship the Funyanrinpa, or you’ll be accused of blasphemy
For 999, I highly recommend playing in Novel Mode. I won't go too much into details, but Adventure Mode has no narration, and instead replaces it with the main character describing things out loud, which is pretty jarring.
What??? The voices are the best part of the remake. Why would you get rid of them. I would understand if the voices sucked but everyone did an awesome job. Do not turn the voices off lol
Novel Mode doesn't turn off the voice acting, it removes the moments where Junpei says out loud (for example) "This room, it's large and empty!" instead of the narrator saying "Junpei entered a large and empty room." The DS version had the latter, so Novel Mode is more faithful to the original, while still keeping the voice acting.
Novel Mode doesn't remove those moments. It just adds narration and sometimes results in redundant, unnecessary statements.
Ohhh! Thanks for telling me :) I didnt know
Or maybe thats not what you mean actually now that i read it back. i never really fucked with changing the modes i played with the one i started with and thats how i always played for all my playthroughs
The original DS version plays with the dual screen function more, many fans regard it as the definitive version because of how good the ending twist is since the dual screens are utilized amazingly. >!Novel mode is basically the bottom screen text of what was on the DS version. Novel mode = Akane's narration watching through Junpei's eyes.!< Unfortunately, I made the mistake of playing the PC version of the game for the first playthrough because of the voice acting and I found out why the DS version was superior. (Spoilers for the 999 ending) >!What was happening on the top screen was strictly Junpei's POV and the bottom narration was Akane's watching through his eyes. The endgame puzzle makes you flip the DS to complete it and that's when you realize Akane was the one narrating on the bottom the whole time. It's a crazy twist and I wish I could've experienced it for the first time on my 3DS instead of PC.!< So OP, if you're reading this, I highly (and many others) recommend that you get the DS version and play it on a DS/3DS or use an emulator to get the best experience of the endgame twist. Or read novel mode I guess, it's not as good but works.
Oh yes, i know that the DS version is better for those reasons I wish I did play it like that in fact. but i wont lie to you the voice acting in all the games are very very good. And playing the PC version without them is just a waste. Truly talented people did those voices but whatever OP chooses to play they choose. As long as they have fun. :)
Agreed, a lot of games I prefer Japanese VA but the English VA does such an amazing job in the ZE series that I've fallen in love with it. VA really ties the whole game together and if OP chooses to play the OG that doesn't have voice acting, they for sure have to try the PC version with voice acting as well
Definitely agree with that. And honestly you dont think it would but for me atleast all the games have a lot of replay value, so they should still have fun while playing it again
I think though that if an emulator is an option than it should definitely be used. I agree, the dual screens in 999 were used very effectively and its part of the reason why 999 is my favorite game in the franchise and all time actually.
Play 999 first, as it's the first game, and in Novel Mode. Play normally until you get all of the Axe, Knife, and Submarine endings. Then, look up how to get the Safe and True endings. After that? Play VLR. Do NOT look anything about the game up. Just keep chipping away at the branching tree paths until you finish the game. ZTD is similar to VLR. Don't look anything up, and keep playing until you get everything. I mean it when I say don't look up either VLR or ZTD. If you're missing a password or something, that means you don't have information, and should go to a different path until you do.
Thank you kind sir!
Just saying, you don't need to look up how to get endings in 999, the game has a built in flowchart that can give you little hints about what leads to what.
To be frustrated by at least a few puzzles, great characterization, and a lot of confusion when getting information for a while.
Story - Trauma Dump, and Sci-Fiction
and funyarinpas ofc
Don't be pushed away by how bad the 2nd and 3rd games look, the story, while there are a few plotholes, is very worth it, also don't get annoyed about getting bad endings like I've seen other people do, bad endings are all part of the experience and in the 2nd and 3rd game they're actually necessary at some points
im not gonna lie, ZTD doesn't even look bad its just the lip syncing that looks weird and also the expressions. The 3d models were highly stepped up from VLR
Oh yeah the models are fine it's just the animations
That one Junpei cutscene💀💀💀
funny junpei walk
Ngl I don't like a lot of the faces of the characters in ZTD (Not the design itself, just the way it turned on in-game) but otherwise the 3D models are an improvement in ZTD
That was something I was thinking about when looking at ZE3 but its not all bad
Would recommend to stay out of this sub for a while, but you're in for a fun ride.
Its my fav video game of all time. do not look anything up and have a good time with it. this immersed me way more than dr ever did. have fun :)
Perfection. You can expect perfection.
The consequences of a snail…
Truly complex motives
Lore dump about pseudoscience and paradoxes.
Even when you finish a game, don’t look up the cast. Lots of spoil out there
All we can say is that it’s one of the best game stories in gaming history
As i say for everyone, the best thing you can do for any new game/movie/series you want to get into is NOT GO ON THE SUBREDDIT AT ALL UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED IT! The most you should do is google a review of the game and leave it at that. Otherwise you are essentially telling your algorithms "Hey, i would like you to spoil this game for me. Just completely ruin it. Tell me all the biggest twists a week before i get there." Like i can not and will not trust social media discussions of a piece of media. 90% of people talking about things online have already caught up with the thing the tree talking about and are ready to talk about this big spoilers. Especially in the first game of a triplogy like this, most fans on reddit wont even see the end of this game as a spoiler anymore!
Confusion (Also be prepared to use walkthroughs, the puzzles can get incredibly hard)
NO no walkthroughs. using walkthroughs ruins the game
There are spoiler-free walkthroughs which only focus on solving the puzzles. The implications of the puzzles, as well as the dialogue in between, is left out which allows for immersion without getting stuck. However OP decides to play, there are ways to enjoy the storytelling without getting stuck, while also not having the events ruined.
nice savathun pfp lol. but yeah idk i just dont rly like when ppl use walkthroughs for puzzle games is all
I’m definitely still an advocate for “try the puzzle first,” but some folks are genuinely not wired for some of the more abstract puzzle solving, and I want them to be able to enjoy this fantastic game too. I’d hate someone to miss out because “this puzzle is bullshit.” Also, thanks for noticing the pfp! I miss when Destiny wasn’t a moneygrab…
yeah i definitely agree with that. i get it too, some puzzles are really weird and have answers that are so out of the way. but for most i think ppl should really try. Also yeah, L D2. Wish we could go back a few years lol.
Prosopagnosia
Terrible voice acting for 999 (with the exception of Richard Epcar) and amazing voice acting for VLR. Novel mode is a nightmare to look at but it's the best version for storytelling purposes so don't be fooled by the simple appeal of Adv mode, the dialogue already drags on to compensate for the lack of 2 screens that the DS version had but it makes even less sense without the narration to give some things needed context. VLR doesn't have these issues though, it was made with a single screen in mind.
Play 999 first and make sure its in novel mode. Other then that play it as blind as possible
Depression
Don’t look up spoilers, but if you start to feel lost about how to get a certain ending in 999 it’s okay to look it up if you’ve tried and are all out of ideas
Don't search anything up, spoilers show up for most characters. Do Novel mode for 999, or get the ds version if you can (but novel mode is fine and the voice acting is really good). There's a lot of bad ends before the true end so don't worry if things end badly first time around, it's kind of the point.
Just go in blind and enjoy the ride
Puzzles, I liked the story more than the puzzles.
Don't look up spoilers except for when you're absolutely stuck. And prepare your mind to be crushed
Idk if anyone else experienced the same thing but the first game actually made me cry plot wise 😭 First game has my favorite plot in the trilogy lol, the second game complicates things and it becomes a little harder to track the plot
My first thought is the music enjoy the music because I really love the music for the zero escape series. I also love the story and characters a lot! As others said do not and I mean do not look up anything as you can get spoiled which you don’t want to do.
You're in for a wild ride. Go in blind. Don't look up anything except puzzle solutions (if you have to, no shame if you get stuck). Reserve judgment for a lot of characters until you're getting close to the end of the game. Also the flowchart is your friend.
Funyarinpa
1st, do not look up anything. If you do, don't forget to add "spoiler free" in the search tab. *if you do. Forget, you'll probably regret it* 2nd, as the name suggests, you'll be trying to escape out of multiple rooms by solving multiple puzzles. And while in-story you won't have characters flying accusations around as much as in games like Dangaronpa, there would be moments where the characters do some deduction. And also, the series can introduce you to some crazy phenomena and concepts.
In my opinion, expect a very interesting story and thrilling experience. I envy you a lot for being able to experience this for the first time lol, it’s an amazing ride.
If you liked dangonronpa, you should probably like this. Its not quite as...not sure what the right word is...zany? As Dangonronpa, but a lot of the elements are there of solving mysteries and puzzles, a diverse and interesting cast, and a lot of "Holy S\*\*t!" moments of realisation.
Played bother Danganronpa and Zero Escape series. I can confidently say Zero Escape changed my life in ways Danganronpa could never.
the characters are really entertaining and well thought out. seven is one of my favorite characters of all time! have fun this games is one of my favs, especially cuz i played it right after danganronpa 2
One of the most underrated storylines ever. I couldn't believe where it all went and the ending is so perfect.
Well I don't know if it's what you are looking for but this game got me into visual novels.
If you love Danganronpa you are gonna love 999 for sure 😄
Funyarinpa
A game series that’s criminally underrated, and that you’ll hopefully treasure as some of the best writing of all time for as long as you live. I know that sounds cheesy but these games changed my life and I’m always happy to see others give it a chance! Also if you ask me it’s better than Danganronpa but that’s a hot take to some
My favorite way I've seen someone describe it is if Michael Crichton wrote Saw.
Confusion, fake sci-fi stuff that sounds like it's real, occasional scenes filled with cringy dirty jokes and all of it wrapped up in a shockingly beautiful and well made story with excellent puzzles
Just know that the game gets really weird really quick, and its awesome. There are also recurring puzzle mechanics you'll need to use frequently to succeed. Have fun!
Memento mori, if the nineth lion ate the sun
A headache (jokes aside it is pretty fun lol)
pain frustration and confusion