On April 24, 2025, a new JRPG was released on Steam, the script of which is so lengthy that many countries simply refuse to translate it. Nonetheless, the game enjoys great popularity among players.
What game is it? It is “The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-” published by Aniplex Inc. It was developed under the guidance of game directors Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi, who have already contributed to JRPG giants like Danganronpa. The ambitious JRPG was released on April 24, 2025, for Steam and Nintendo Switch.
The game seems to have struck a chord with its players, as it currently has 89% positive reviews, receiving a “very positive” rating on Steam (as of May 10, 2025, 11:00 AM) and is very popular, achieving a peak player count of 10,026 on April 27, 2025 (via SteamDB).
Particularly in focus for fans is the profound story. You take on the role of teenager Takumi Sumino, who must protect his school with 14 classmates from invading monsters for 100 days. In tactical, turn-based RPG battles, you must assert yourself while also building strong bonds with your comrades.
However, it is precisely the story that is likely the reason why the game will probably never be released in many languages.
Here you can watch the trailer for the game:
“The script of The Hundred Line is long enough to print 60 paperback novels”
Why don’t countries want to translate the game? Throughout the game, you must make numerous, sometimes consequential decisions that can lead you along 100 different routes to just as many endings. No, that is not a typo – there really are 100 different endings that you can experience.
You can have as many different gameplay experiences as the game has in-game days. While this offers a very high replay value, it is also the main reason why the game will likely never be available in many languages, as game director Kazutaka Kodaka explained in a post on x.com:
This is the reason many countries have declined to localize the game, why you do not have to complete every single route, and why I hope you take your time and enjoy the game slowly over a long period. No matter when you play, it will offer you a different kind of storytelling.
He refers to a post from Nintendo via x.com, in which they compare the length of the script to 60 paperback novels. This amounts to about 6 million characters, as Kazutaka Kodaka explains in an interview with Denfaminicogamer.
However, it is important to him to make players aware that it is not necessary to play all 100 endings. The idea behind this is rather that each player can receive an ending that feels “truly right” for them. (via x.com) Nevertheless, one can of course also try to reach other endings intentionally.
Despite its script length, the game is expected to have a playtime of about 30 hours per playthrough if you merely follow the main story. However, if you want to complete everything, you will need to invest an average of 193 hours (via howlongtobeat.com). If you are unsure whether the game is for you, you can also play a demo on Steam.
The two game directors had a very ambitious plan with their game. Looking at the current reviews, it seems to have paid off. However, the project nearly led the studio to bankruptcy: Two legends joined forces for a new game, start off very positively on Steam, nearly ruin the studio
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