Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Project Justice builds on the frantic, tag-team fighting formula introduced in Rival Schools, delivering a fast-paced combat system that encourages creative teamwork and quick reflexes. Each match pits two teams of three students against each other, and you can switch between characters on the fly, chaining combos that keep both opponents guessing. The risk–reward balance of calling in a partner mid-combo to extend your assault is as thrilling here as ever, making every bout feel like a dance of opportunistic strikes and defensive readjustments.

The introduction of the “Duel Mode” mechanic adds depth by allowing an injured character to enter a solo showdown when the opposing team tags out. This one-on-one skirmish shifts the pace of battle, rewarding clutch play and tactical switching. Successfully surviving or winning the Duel Mode grants a critical edge—either in the form of renewed teammates or a powerful special attack—so you’ll find yourself weighing the cost of aggressive pressure against the risk of being isolated.

Special moves in Project Justice are bombastic and visually spectacular, with Fate meter-driven Team-Up and Super Arts attacks that can turn the tide of any match. The system’s accessibility ensures newcomers can pull off flashy techniques with simple inputs, while seasoned players will appreciate the timing and resource management required to execute multi-character combos. Whether you’re launching a fiery triple-team assault or saving up for a dramatic finishing blow, the gameplay loop remains consistently satisfying.

Graphics

Graphically, Project Justice retains the vibrant, stylized anime aesthetic of its predecessor while polishing character models and background details. Each student is rendered with bold outlines and bright color palettes that pop on-screen, capturing the larger-than-life personalities of the cast. The animation is fluid, with punchy hit-stop effects and dynamic camera angles that emphasize the impact of every move.

The various school environments serve as lively backdrops for your battles, from the sunlit courtyards of Justice High to the mysterious, shadow-cloaked halls of Private School Seijuu. Subtle environmental interactions—bouncing objects, flickering lights, and breakable scenery—add an extra layer of immersion. Even after dozens of fights, it’s hard not to appreciate the attention to detail in the stage design, which complements the high-octane action without ever feeling busy or distracting.

Load times are minimal, and character portraits during team intros and special cutscenes are crisply drawn and expressive. While the game uses 3D models for combat, the overall presentation stays faithful to 2D fighting traditions, giving players the best of both worlds: smooth performance and the charm of hand-illustrated assets. On modern hardware, the nostalgic cell-shaded look holds up remarkably well, making each match visually engaging.

Story

Picking up where Shiritsu Justice Gakuen: Nekketsu Seishun Nikki 2 left off, Project Justice throws players back into a high-school mystery brimming with conspiracies and bizarre phenomena. Rumors swirl about evil forces manipulating students, strange daydreams become reality-bending nightmares, and schools turn against one another in an all-out brawl. The narrative unfolds chapter by chapter, with each trio of characters investigating different aspects of the chaos.

Dialogue sequences mix playful banter with dramatic revelations, giving each student’s personality room to shine. From hotheaded brawlers to calm strategists, the cast is as diverse as it is caricatured, and their evolving relationships form the emotional core of the story. While the writing leans into anime tropes—talks of “ultimate power” and “shadowy puppeteers”—it never takes itself too seriously, balancing humor and tension in a way that keeps you invested.

Between fights, you’ll unlock cutscenes that piece together the overarching conspiracy, revealing how rival schools and subterranean experiments are linked. Although the plot can be a bit labyrinthine, the multi-path structure—where different teams uncover unique clues—adds replay value, encouraging you to replay with various lineups to see the full picture. For fans of story-driven fighters, Project Justice offers plenty of narrative twists and character moments to sate your curiosity.

Overall Experience

Project Justice stands out as one of the most enjoyable team-based fighters ever released, seamlessly blending accessible mechanics with enough depth to keep competitive players engaged. The thrill of launching dramatic Team-Up Specials or clutching victory out of a Duel Mode situation gives each match a cinematic quality that few other fighters can match. Whether you’re a casual button-masher or a seasoned pro, there’s a satisfying learning curve and room for mastery.

The game’s replayability is bolstered by its varied roster of students, school themes, and branching story paths, meaning you can spend dozens of hours exploring new matchups and uncovering hidden plot threads. Local multiplayer remains the highlight—gathering friends for tournaments showcases Project Justice’s potential as a deeply social experience, where teamwork and mind games reign supreme.

While the lack of an online component on original hardware was a limitation back in the day, modern rereleases and emulation options have reintroduced Project Justice to a new generation of players. Its timeless art style, responsive controls, and engaging story ensure that even newcomers will be drawn into the excitement. For anyone seeking a fighting game with heart, spectacle, and a dash of high-school anime flair, Project Justice is a must-play.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10