Video games have changed a lot in the 21st century, and it’s not just about better graphics and technology. Gaming has become much more mainstream – what used to be a hobby for a small group of people now includes players from all over the world. This is great news for older, beloved games that didn’t become popular when they first came out, because they now have a much better chance of finding an audience.
No More Heroes really captures a unique vision – it’s a funny, strange game that felt innovative when it came out in 2008. Despite having sequels and being released on other systems, it hasn’t always gotten the recognition it deserves for its surprisingly dark and silly take on action games. Almost twenty years later, No More Heroes is exactly the kind of game that could really thrive with a fresh opportunity in today’s console world.
No More Heroes Was One Of A Kind
The game No More Heroes first came out in North America on January 22, 2008, created by Goichi Suda, the founder of Grasshopper Manufacture. Though Suda had worked on other projects since Killer7, No More Heroes clearly builds on the unique style and mature themes of his earlier game. Killer7 was Grasshopper Manufacture’s first game released in the United States, and its success helped pave the way for No More Heroes. The game centers around Travis Touchdown, a fan of anime and wrestling, who acquires a unique energy sword – a “beam katana” – after winning it at an auction.
Facing financial difficulties, Travis joins the United Assassins Association hoping to make some money. No More Heroes feels like a playful mix of all the things its creator, Suda, loves – you can see influences from films like Dirty Harry and Memento, as well as shows like Jackass and Spaceballs. It’s an over-the-top celebration of geek culture, but also a clever commentary on it. The game’s crude and chaotic nature, with Travis readily taking on anyone for money, is a pointed reflection of typical gamer motivations.
Travis isn’t a hero, and that’s a big part of what makes his game so uniquely strange. It’s a wild mix of ideas, seen through the eyes of a lonely gamer who thinks he’s the only one who understands. The game is often funny because it knows exactly what it is – there’s a hilarious moment near the end where a character literally explains his obvious connection to the story and to Travis. But it’s more than just a joke; it’s a sharp commentary on common video game characters. Like Deadpool does with action movies, this game both makes fun of and excels as an example of its genre – it’s a smart parody that’s also genuinely good.
No More Heroes Deserves A Refresh
When No More Heroes first came out, critics generally liked it, giving it a score of 83/100 on Metacritic for the Wii version. Most reviewers found the main character, Travis, to be interesting and appreciated the game’s stylish look and funny moments. However, it didn’t sell well in Japan, only moving 40,000 copies in the first few months. American players responded much better, purchasing 100,000 copies within the first five weeks. Over time, No More Heroes gained a dedicated fanbase and spawned several sequels, including No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle (2010), Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes (2019), and No More Heroes III (2022).
The earlier No More Heroes games have been re-released on the Nintendo Switch, starting with the first two in 2020. Surprisingly, almost twenty years after its release, No More Heroes might actually fit today’s gaming landscape better than the one it was originally made for. With the growing popularity of self-aware, genre-bending characters like Deadpool and shows like Rick & Morty, Travis Touchdown could finally get the recognition he deserves. The game’s graphics still hold up well, and a modern update or sequel could build on that foundation, incorporating current trends and even drawing inspiration from characters like Deadpool who embody the now-popular “self-aware jerk” personality. While fans loved the re-releases, a complete reimagining – one that captures the spirit of the original while appealing to modern nerd culture – could be what finally transforms No More Heroes from a beloved cult classic into a mainstream blockbuster.
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2026-01-23 02:41