TRIBE NINE
Release Date	Gameplay & Story	Pre-Order & DLC	Review

Join the Trash Tribe in TRIBE NINE and battle Zero and his Numbers to save Neo-Tokyo! Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

TRIBE NINE Review Overview

What is TRIBE NINE?

TRIBE NINE is an Extreme ARPG set to release on Steam, iOS, and Android. Developed and published by Akatsuki Games Inc. in collaboration with the creators of the Danganronpa series, the game combines fast-paced 3D action combat with 2.5D pixelated visuals during exploration of Neo Tokyo, a dystopian future set in the year 20XX.

In this world, conflicts are resolved through XG (Extreme Games), a sport created by the masked figure Zero, who governs Neo Tokyo. Players assume the role of resistance members, aiming to free the city's three districts from his rule.

The game features a three-person party system, enabling players to engage in dynamic battles alongside their allies. As they explore, players may encounter the remains of others who have fallen to powerful enemies, serving as a warning of the threats lurking in the area. Locations with numerous bloodstains indicate the presence of strong enemies, signaling that caution is needed.

TRIBE NINE features:
　⚫︎　Action RPG
　⚫︎　Gacha Game
　⚫︎　A Mix of 2D and 3D Art and Graphics
　⚫︎　Free to Play
　⚫︎　Cyberpunk Setting
　⚫︎　From the Creators of Danganronpa
　⚫︎　Anime Game

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about TRIBE NINE's gameplay and story.

Digital Storefronts
Steam		Google Play		App Store
Price	Free

TRIBE NINE Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
A Visual and Audio Feast Neo Tokyo is Brimming With Life Fast-Paced and Layered Combat System A Compelling Story So Far Intense XB Battles	Lackluster Gacha System Much Easier than the Demos and Beta Version Combat Can Sometimes Be Clunky

TRIBE NINE Overall Score - 82/100

The masterminds behind Danganronpa have unleashed TRIBE NINE, an action RPG that cranks their signature chaos to exhilarating new heights. It takes the wild tropes they’re known for and supercharges them with a pulse-pounding story, an outrageous cast, and fast-paced combat that’s flashy but a bit clunky and also maybe a bit too easy. Sure, it could use more updates to sharpen its edge, but as it stands, TRIBE NINE is an "XTremely" addicting and fun game perfect for both newcomers and fans of Danganronpa.

TRIBE NINE Story - 7/10

With only two chapters out, TRIBE NINE has already delivered an engaging story about a boy with no memories trying to save Neo-Tokyo from Zero using his skills in XB (Extreme Baseball). It’s completely over-the-top, but that’s part of its charm. Yes, the characters are mostly one-note, but they’re incredibly likable—especially your team, the Trash Tribe. For now, it’s a solid 7 since it’s still incomplete, but it’s been an amazing ride. Only time will tell if it can truly hit a home run!

TRIBE NINE Gameplay - 8/10

TRIBE NINE delivers an incredibly satisfying action RPG experience with fast-paced combat that’s easy to pick up yet offers depth through character builds and unique playstyles. However, for a game marketed as an "extreme" action RPG, the lack of difficulty is noticeable—especially compared to its demo and beta versions, where enemies put up more of a fight. The gacha system is also underwhelming, feeling slow and unrewarding due to its sluggish resource economy and pity system. Thankfully, the game offers plenty of side missions to break up the pace and earn rewards, with even more content promised in future updates.

TRIBE NINE Visuals - 9/10

TRIBE NINE creatively blends 2D and 3D visuals to create a captivating world brimming with character. The overworld of Neo-Tokyo, crafted with sprite-based and 2.5D elements, feels vibrant and full of life. Meanwhile, the 3D elements—such as combat, menus, and the party system—look stunning, bringing the character designs to life with incredible personality. My favorites have to be Enoki and Q, whose designs really stand out.

TRIBE NINE Audio - 8/10

TRIBE NINE has incredible audio design, and I love that the entire campaign is fully voice-acted with such skill. The star-studded cast includes Marina Inoue as Koishi and Kensho Ono as Todoroki, and they both deliver amazing performances. The whole cast shines, and the cyberpunk soundtrack fits seamlessly with the futuristic world.

TRIBE NINE Value for Money - 9/10

TRIBE NINE is a free-to-play game, and honestly, that's enough to make it a fun ARPG worth your time. The fact that it's available on both PC and mobile, with account linking, is a nice bonus. Yes, there's a gacha system, but it's not as essential as in other gacha games—the devs even say so themselves. That said, the gacha system may feel somewhat unrewarding and a bit on the expensive side, but hopefully, more events and updates will keep it interesting. Overall, it's a fantastic game, especially if you're a fan of Danganronpa or anime in general.

TRIBE NINE Review: Extreme Baseball, Extreme Hype!

As a longtime Danganronpa fan, TRIBE NINE was easily one of my most anticipated games. From the demos and betas, I could see its familiar DNA, but with fresh twists that gave it its own unique identity. It wasn’t perfect—its flaws were noticeable—but even with its rough edges, you could tell the developers were very passionate about this project. And now, after playing the latest release, I can confidently say this might just be their best game yet. But let’s dive in—what exactly is TRIBE NINE?

An “XHilarating” Story So Far

Did you know that TRIBE NINE has an anime? It’s canon and takes place roughly two years before the events of the game. However, you don’t need to watch it to understand the game’s narrative.

The game is set in the dystopian metropolis of Neo-Tokyo in the year 20XX, TRIBE NINE introduces a fractured society where disillusioned youth form Tribes in search of identity and belonging. The city is divided into 23 districts, each controlled by a different Tribe, and over time, these districts have evolved in vastly different ways, creating a diverse yet unstable landscape.

To curb rising violence, the government enacted the XB Law, mandating that all disputes be settled through Extreme Baseball (XB)—a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled version of the sport. Initially, XB brought a fragile peace, captivating Neo-Tokyo’s youth and transforming conflict into competition.

However, two years later, that peace shatters. A mysterious figure known as Zero seizes control, plunging the city into chaos as Tribes abandon XB in favor of a brutal death game known as the Governing Rule, where battles rage without mercy.

You step into the shoes of Yo Kuronaka, a young man who awakens with no memory of his past. Rescued from Zero’s facility by the Trash Tribe—a rebellious alliance of members from various Tribes—Yo quickly learns that his childhood friends claim he was once a legendary XB player before his memory loss.

But before he can uncover the truth, Zero escalates the conflict by introducing XG (Extreme Game), a deadly evolution of XB where the stakes are life or death.

Thrown back into a transformed Neo-Tokyo, Yo must navigate a city overrun by tyranny, challenge the ruthless enforcers known as the Numbers, and unravel the mysteries surrounding his past—all while fighting to reclaim the dreams and freedom of those who refuse to bow to Zero’s rule.

That was a long-winded summary of TRIBE NINE’s story, but believe me when I say that what I’ve covered is just the beginning. The opening chapter serves as a fantastic hook, drawing players in with its compelling premise, and so far, the following chapters maintain that same level of excitement and quality.

The Trash Tribe, despite their name, is an incredibly likable group—well, with the exception of Todoroki. While many of them are admittedly one-note in terms of personality, the game does a great job of giving each character their moment to shine, adding just enough depth to make them feel distinct and engaging.

Unlike Danganronpa, where some characters felt like filler, every member of the Trash Tribe contributes something meaningful to the narrative.

Personally, Kazuki stands out to me the most in terms of characterization, but when it comes to design, Enoki and Q take the top spots. As of now, the game has only reached Chapter 2, and while the journey so far has been a thrilling ride, I do feel that the story is a bit light at this stage—I can’t help but wish Chapter 3 had been released alongside it.

Fortunately, the developers have confirmed that the next chapter is in the works and should be available soon.

What’s the Gameplay Like?

TRIBE NINE is a free-to-play action RPG with gacha mechanics, immersing players in a dynamic world of real-time combat and mystery. Set in a meticulously crafted Neo-Tokyo, the game blends fast-paced 3D battles with 2D overworld exploration. As you navigate the city, you’ll encounter various challenges, side quests, and battles that require strategic party management.

Players control a party of three, with the ability to switch between characters mid-battle. Additional characters can be unlocked through the gacha system or temporarily used in story mode. Each character features distinct abilities, unique combat mechanics, and specialized skills that cater to different playstyles.

Combat is real-time and revolves around strategizing with your companions—coordinating attacks, supporting allies, and managing recovery. Players can further enhance their team by equipping Tension Cards, which boost damage output, and Patimon, companions that provide unique buffs. The Rank System adds another layer of depth, allowing characters to unlock and evolve skills using collected materials.

Beyond combat, TRIBE NINE offers a wealth of activities:
　⚫︎　City Challenges – Explore the city’s 2.5D environments, uncover graffiti, overcome enemy-infested zones, and complete unique challenges.
　⚫︎　Requests & Missions – Take on side quests that unlock new areas, treasures, and special rewards.
　⚫︎　Mini-Games – Engage in various mini-games to earn exclusive bonuses and expand Neo-Tokyo’s world.
　⚫︎　Zero-Sensei’s Tasks – Complete sticker-based challenges to receive valuable rewards.

The game’s gacha system, Synchro, allows players to obtain new characters and Tension Cards. There’s also a battle pass feature that offers additional content and rewards.

One of TRIBE NINE’s most distinctive features is its Extreme Baseball (XB) battles, where high-stakes competitions take the form of a turn-based command system infused with cinematic animations.

Instead of traditional gameplay, these battles unfold as a war of words, where countering an opponent’s arguments can drastically shift the Tension Meter. Higher tension unlocks devastating moves, adding a unique psychological element to the competition.

Combat is Extremely Fun but Extremely Less Challenging

Do you prefer a game that is challenging but ultimately more rewarding, or one that prioritizes accessibility and fun? TRIBE NINE has undergone significant changes in its combat system since its beta and demo versions, shifting its focus from a more punishing experience to a smoother, more action-packed one. For the most part, these changes are positive—though there is one notable exception that I'll address later.

In its earlier iterations, TRIBE NINE received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing the combat for feeling slow, clunky, and overly difficult—largely due to the stamina system. While I understand these complaints, I personally enjoyed how these limitations, particularly the stamina bar, forced players to carefully consider their actions in every encounter, whether against standard enemies or bosses.

At times, the combat even had a Soulslike quality, with enemies dealing punishing amounts of damage, making each victory feel genuinely earned. That said, frustration was inevitable—especially during the first boss fight, where I died multiple times. However, the sense of accomplishment after overcoming these challenges truly reinforced the "extreme" in TRIBE NINE’s action RPG mechanics.

The updated version, while undeniably more fun, has become significantly easier as a result of these gameplay adjustments. The most noticeable change is the stamina system: stamina now lasts much longer, to the point where managing it is no longer a major concern.

Since stamina is directly tied to dodging—one of the most crucial mechanics, especially when facing high-damage enemies—this change makes battles far more forgiving. Additionally, the hit recovery window has been extended, meaning that getting hit no longer leaves you as vulnerable as before.

Beyond stamina, the combat system has introduced new mechanics, such as a secondary attack and a special skill, both of which have their own stamina bars that regenerate based on specific actions, like consistently attacking enemies.

These additions make combat more dynamic and allow characters to feel more distinct from one another. Ranged characters, in particular, now feel far more viable than they did in previous versions.

Another major improvement is the Tension system, which acts as a gauge that allows characters to unleash powerful skills.

The reworked system now builds up tension more quickly and lets players access different abilities depending on their tension level. This overhaul makes combat feel more fluid and fast-paced while also making it easier to upgrade tension cards and gear, giving players more freedom in character customization.

For example, I focused on making my healer, Koishi, an incredibly effective support unit capable of restoring massive amounts of health. The flexibility in build customization allows for a wide range of playstyles, making each character feel more personalized.

While the overall difficulty has been toned down, the improvements to combat flow and the sheer number of additional mechanics more than make up for it. It still has clunky moments but for the most part, the game flows great.

Plus, the game includes an option to increase the difficulty in the settings, and I’m hoping that future updates will introduce more challenging content for players who crave a greater test of skill.

Neo-Tokyo is Stunning to Look at and Explore

Have I mentioned how stunning this game looks? TRIBE NINE brings Neo-Tokyo to life with breathtaking visuals, seamlessly blending 2D pixel art with 3D environments. This fusion creates a distinct aesthetic that oozes style and personality, making every corner of the city feel vibrant and immersive. From the moment I stepped into the world, I felt an overwhelming urge to explore every district, simply to soak in the artistry and atmosphere.

Each city you visit has a unique visual identity, reflecting the personality and influence of its respective leader. The first area, for example, exudes a sleek, corporate feel—fitting for a city controlled by a powerful business tycoon. These thematic details don’t just make the world visually striking; they make it feel alive and dynamic.

Beyond just aesthetics, there’s plenty to do in these districts. You can hunt for graffiti scattered throughout the city, which rewards you with 5–10 Enigma Entities—the in-game currency used for gacha pulls.

There are also daily tasks, ranging from scavenger hunts and enemy battles to puzzle-solving challenges. Currently, the game limits players to three dailies per day, but I hope future updates expand this system to allow for more.

Visually, TRIBE NINE feels even more stylized than Danganronpa—which is saying a lot. The main cast of the Trash Tribe is packed with individuality, each member sporting a bold and distinct design. But what really stands out to me are the enemy teams.

The numbered antagonists aren’t just your average rivals; they’re over-the-top, anime-style villains brimming with personality and charisma. Their exaggerated designs make every encounter feel larger than life.

The in-game models look fantastic, especially during XB battles, where dynamic cinematics showcase fluid, high-energy animations unique to each character. The sheer level of polish in these sequences makes every match feel intense and exhilarating.

And then there’s the music—an absolute standout. The soundtrack doesn’t just complement the game; it amplifies its identity. Every track reinforces the cyberpunk dystopian edge of Neo-Tokyo, immersing players in a world that feels both futuristic and rebellious. The combination of visuals, music, and atmosphere makes TRIBE NINE an audiovisual masterpiece that is as stylish as it is engaging.

XB is Pure Cinema

One of my biggest complaints about the demo version of XB in TRIBE NINE was how easy and underwhelming it felt. While I loved the animations and overall style, the gameplay itself didn’t feel fully realized. Thankfully, the full release has introduced significant changes that elevate XB into a more engaging and dynamic experience.

If you’re familiar with the classic debate sequences from Danganronpa, XB now follows a similar structure—but with a baseball twist. Instead of just swinging a bat, you engage in a battle of words, selecting the best responses to counter your opponent. Compared to Danganronpa, these segments are noticeably easier, as character training directly affects XB performance.

Additionally, in story mode, XB matches use preset characters to maintain narrative consistency, ensuring that key story moments play out as intended. While this mechanic leans more toward a cinematic experience, it’s still thrilling to watch, and I’m glad they’ve added more interactive elements to make our choices feel impactful.

One of the most exciting additions is the Verity Orb, which allows you to deliver a devastating counterargument against a Number’s claim—though you’ll need to choose the correct orb at the right moment. Another major feature is Super Plays, which function as powerful, tension-driven abilities that can turn the tide of a match.

While these mechanics don’t create the same level of intensity as Danganronpa’s debates, they shine in their own way by emphasizing character interactions and giving each team member their moment to stand out.

Overall, the improvements to XB make it feel far more engaging than before. While it’s still more of a narrative-driven spectacle than a true challenge, the added mechanics and stylish execution make it an exciting and rewarding part of the game.

Gacha System Definitely Needs More Updates and Events

As it stands, the gacha system in TRIBE NINE feels somewhat underwhelming, primarily due to the lack of events and the current in-game economy. The biggest issue is how difficult it is to accumulate Enigma Entities—the currency required for pulls. While the gacha rates themselves are fairly standard, similar to what you’d see in a HoYoverse game, the scarcity of Enigma Entities makes it much harder to engage with the system meaningfully.

Currently, the pull rates are 0.6% for a 3-star unit, with half of that percentage allocated to the featured unit, 5% for a 2-star unit, and 94.3% for a 1-star unit. A single pull costs 120 Enigma Entities, while a 10-pull requires 1,200. These rates would be acceptable if Enigma Entities were easier to obtain.

However, at the moment, the only ways to earn them are by finding graffiti throughout the game world, which typically grants just five per discovery, using the Enigmatic Piece Exchange, which itself is hard to come by, or purchasing them with real money.

The pricing model also feels steep, with a 10-pull costing around $20, making the daily pass the more reasonable option for those looking to spend. Given these limitations, unlocking new characters without paying feels like a slow grind.

That said, I appreciate that the developers have made it clear that gacha pulls are not necessary to enjoy the game. The narrative mode allows players to use trial characters, ensuring that progression isn’t locked behind the gacha system.

This is a great approach, but I still hope future updates introduce more banner events and additional free-to-play methods to earn Enigma Entities. Expanding daily missions or introducing more rewarding in-game activities would go a long way in making the system feel more balanced and engaging for all players.

Is TRIBE NINE Worth It?

An Extremely Addicting Experience for Newcomers and Danganronpa Fans

Without a doubt, this game is absolutely worth playing. If it continues to receive updates and support, it could easily be one of the standout gacha games of the year. For Danganronpa fans, it’s already a must-play, as it captures many of the elements that longtime fans will love while also offering an experience that newcomers can easily enjoy.

Beyond its engaging gameplay, the fact that it’s free-to-play makes it even more accessible. It’s available on both mobile and PC, with the added convenience of linked accounts, allowing players to seamlessly switch between devices.

The developers have already confirmed that more features and additional story chapters are on the way, making this the perfect time to jump in. Whether you’re here for the gripping narrative, the stylish combat, or the exciting world-building, TRIBE NINE is shaping up to be a game worth following.

Digital Storefronts
Steam		Google Play		App Store
Price	Free

TRIBE NINE FAQ

Who Are The Playable Characters in TRIBE NINE?

　⚫︎　Yo Kuronaka
　⚫︎　Kazuki Aoyama
　⚫︎　Hyakuichitaro Senju
　⚫︎　Sui Yakumo
　⚫︎　 Tsuki Iroha
　⚫︎　 Q
　⚫︎　 Enoki Yukigaya
　⚫︎　Roku Saigo
　⚫︎　Yutaka Gotanda
　⚫︎　Minami Oi
　⚫︎　 Jio Takinogawa
　⚫︎　Miu Jujo
　⚫︎　Koishi Kohinata
　⚫︎　Eiji Todoroki

Is There A TRIBE NINE Anime?

Yes, there was a TRIBE NINE anime that aired in 2022. The game takes places roughly 2 years after the anime’s finale.

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TRIBE NINE Product Information

Title	TRIBE NINE
Release Date	February 20, 2025
Developer	Akatsuki Games Inc.
Publisher	Akatsuki Games Inc.
Supported Platforms	PC, Android, Apple
Genre	ARPG, Gacha
Number of Players	1
ESRB Rating	T
Official Website	TRIBE NINE Website