You know, I know a lot of gamers out there don’t have a lot of patience. At least that’s what the dude at the video store said. So I’m at the register, then I realize I don’t have any games to play. I was seriously bored. Why? Because I keep thinking back to this game I played back in 2008 on the Nintendo Wii. Man, was it good! So being the gamer I am, I decided to pick it back up. The gig becomes the number one ranked assassin. So I waited for the game to load, and then there it was. It was fast, loud, and packing heat ba-da-bing. I couldn’t tell if this game was the shit or just plain all shit. It was supposed to be a one and done, but that when he showed up. His name? Suda 51, the CEO of Grasshopper Manufacture.
“You’re certified as a true assassin, how about you wait over a decade for the third game in this trilogy.” – Suda 51 ((probably))
It’s going to be a long hard road, but who knows? It could kick-ass, could be dangerous, could totally suck. What do you say, bro? Join me, and let’s see how far we can take this. And for you reading this review right now, continue reading and lets this review begin!
I’ve been waiting almost a decade to type that after waiting for so long, almost past a whole console generation. We finally have the first two No More Heroes games on the Nintendo Switch! Now originally released in 2008, the first No More Heroes blew my brother and I minds when we were juniors in high school. I remember seeing the very first trailer for this and being blown away by the graphics, gameplay, and, most importantly, Travis himself. We stalked the local Blockbuster to see if they even would get a copy, and when they did, OOOHHHH MAN, did we both beat it at least three or four times when we rented it. For those who have never experienced this game, let me back up a little, but.
No More Heroes originally released on the Nintendo Wii back in 2008 by Grasshopper Manufacture Inc. and directed by the legend himself, Suda 51. Now, like most of Suda 51 titles such as The Silver Case, Sun Flower and Rain, killer7, and many, No More Heroes oozes with a style that hard to describe as anything other than Suda 51. I know that doesn’t make a lot of sense if you’ve never experienced any of his work but trust me, play this, and they pick up either killer7 or The Silver Case, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. No More Heroes, at its core, is a hack n’ slash style game that originally used the Wiimote and nunchuck to control Travis and his beam saber as he cuts through waves of enemies. It felt so good to swing the Wiimote to finish a combo or to move both the Wiimote and nunchuck to perform a wrestling finisher! Now let’s dig deep into the Nintendo Switch port.
I’m happy to announce that No More Heroes still feel great to play either with the Joy-Cons or a normal Pro Controller for being over a decade old. The game looks great and still plays smoothly, though some of my original complaints are still there. The camera still has a mind of its own in tight spaces, which leads to some confusing sections. The main gameplay loop is Rank Battle > open word roam > part-time job > assassin job > turn in battle fee > Rank Battle. While this isn’t a bad loop, the weakest part of the game is the part-time job minigames. They still feel like a chore to play but stick to the assassin jobs that normally offer more money. However, I can overlook all of that because each of the ranked assassins is so full of character that it makes me want to reach them fast. Personally, Dr. Peace is my favorite. Something about fighting in a baseball stadium then walking in on him singing to the crowd sets up the stage for an epic showdown.
Now is a perfect time to pick No More Heroes up for the Switch since later this year, No More Heroes 3 comes out. Just in time as well because Limited Run Games just opened up the preorders for both No More Heroes and No More Heroes 2 for the Switch! If you purchase both of them, you get a replica Santa Destroy Flag with it. If you’ve never experienced these classics, it’s a perfect time to pick them up as well!
