FEATURE | The Best and Worst Video Game Schools: Where Would You Want to Enroll?

SCHOOL in video games are often a staple of the story, providing a unique setting for the characters and the gameplay. From battling supernatural forces at Hogwarts to fighting to save humanity in the military academy in Fire Emblem Three Houses, video game schools can be just as memorable as the games they're in.  But not all schools are created equal. We weigh in on some of the pros and cons if we had to choose which fictional video game education institution we would likely attend, and why.

BEST: Fire Emblem Three Houses

Fire Emblem Three Houses is set in a world where three superpowers are in a constant state of war, and players take the role of a teacher at a military academy. As the game progresses, the player must lead their students in battles and engage in political intrigue.

The game's academy, Garreg Mach Monastery, is a fascinating place with a rich history, interesting characters, and beautifully rendered graphics. The academy is divided into three houses, each with their own distinct personality and strengths. The game's combat and character customisation systems are also top-notch, making Fire Emblem Three Houses one of the best video game schools to attend.

WORST: Various High Schools in Aoharu City – Rival Schools: United by Fate

Rival Schools: United by Fate is a fighting game that takes place in the world of Rival Schools, a series of games that focuses on high school students who must unravel the mystery behind the attacks and kidnappings of students and staff in their area. The game features a large cast of characters, each with their own unique moves and fighting styles, but the premise of high school students fighting each other can be seen as a questionable place to attend. 

BEST: Yasogami High School – Persona 4 Golden

The Persona series is famous for its engaging gameplay and memorable characters, but the game's school setting is also a major part of its appeal. Players take on the role of a high school student, and much of the game takes place in and around the school. The game's social link system, where players must build relationships with other characters to gain new abilities, makes the school setting even more compelling that is if you don’t mind facing off against the supernatural and constant existential crisis.

Worst: Heavenly Host Elementary School – Corpse Party

Corpse Party is a horror game where players take on the role of high school students trapped in a haunted school. The game's school setting is terrifying, with gruesome imagery and disturbing characters. While the game is effective at creating a scary atmosphere, it's not a school that players would want to attend in real life.

BEST: Lanseal Royal Military Academy – Valkyria Chronicles

Valkyria Chronicles is set in a world where two superpowers are at war, and players take on the role of soldiers in the Gallian military. The game's academy, Lanseal Royal Military Academy, is where players receive training and take on missions. The academy is beautifully rendered, with detailed character models and lush environments. The game's combat system is also engaging and strategic, making Valkyria Chronicles one of the best military schools to attend in video games.

WORST: Bullworth Academy – Bully

Bully is a controversial game where players take on the role of a troublemaker attending a boarding school – Bullworth Academy. The game's school setting is filled with bullies, cliques, and corrupt authority figures. While the game is effective at creating a sense of rebellion and non-conformity, it's not a school that players would want to attend in real life.

Best: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - From the Harry Potter universe, Hogwarts is undoubtedly one of the most popular school settings in video games for many years, and Hogwarts Legacy offers the best yet. This open-world action RPG set in the 1800s wizarding world allows players to attend Hogwarts as a fifth-year student, learn new spells, craft potions, and explore familiar locations like Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest.

DISHONOURABLE MENTIONS

WORST: Two Point Campus

Two Point Campus is a simulation game where players build and manage a university. The game is filled with wacky characters and over-the-top scenarios, but the school setting is ultimately shallow and uninteresting. While the game may be fun in short bursts, depending on the Campus’ management competency, it's not a school that players would want to attend in real life.

WORST: Hope's Peak Academy - Danganronpa

Danganronpa is a visual novel game that takes place in Hope's Peak Academy, a prestigious high school that only accepts students who are the best at what they do. However, the school is soon taken over by a mysterious bear named Monokuma, and the students are forced to participate in a deadly game where the only way to graduate is to kill another student without getting caught. Definitely not the school you’d wanna attend. 

CONCLUSION

Nelson Mandela once said that "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". In this case, however, none of these schools guarantees the safety of the students. You either have to literally fight your way through school or risk the likelihood of injury or death if you were to attend any of these video game schools. While military schools like Fire Emblem Three Houses, Valkyria Chronicles, and the Persona series can be engaging and fun, schools like Two Point Campus, Corpse Party, and Bully may not be the best choice for a real-life education. Stay in school kids, Happy Teacher’s Day! — Geeks Republika