Game Review: No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle

When the first No More Heroes was released in January of 2008, it was hard to categorize. With the Wii seen as primarily a family console, it was hard to swallow a game so full of blood, profanity, and sex on Nintendo's machine. On top of that, the off-the-wall Japanese comedy and strange pseudo-philosophy left many wondering at and confused by the overall package. But anyone willing to brave this strange world was rewarded with an extremely satisfying, if not slightly flawed, take on the beat-em-up genre. The sequel tightens some of the game mechanics and maintains NMH’s crown as the strangest, most original game out there. 


No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle puts the player back in the shoes of assassin extraordinaire, Travis Touchdown. He's been convinced to join the assassin rankings again and fight his way back to the top. As silly as the plot sounds, it's generally engaging and funny. And while it sometimes doesn't make much sense, that's half the point. The characters often break the fourth wall, and when the story is baffling at the beginning, Travis says, "We need you to explain and we're not leaving until this makes sense, right?" as he turns to the screen and looks at the player. To this Sylvia, the scantily clad woman who arranges the fights, replies, "Some people only played the sequel. Besides it would take too long to explain and be boring." This kind of self-reflexivity is refreshing. Pointing out the flaws in their story and directly addressing the player only deepens Desperate Struggle's completely unique world. 

The gameplay remains mostly the same, with waves of henchmen for Travis to slice through. In addition to his sword attack he has punching and throws. Unlike the first game, the punches are useful in combat and must be used to become a better fighter. Throws can be performed through movements of the Wiimote. Although the game isn't focused on motion control, the occasional use of it keeps the game exciting. The combat is straightforward but never boring. With every kill, blood and money fly everywhere. A slot machine is also activated, and if the images line up, Travis gains a power-up, which range from projectiles to transformation into a giant tiger. 

Of course the biggest draw to Desperate Struggle are the bosses. Appearing in all shapes and sizes, from a schoolgirl to a rapper to a Voltron-like robot piloted by a quarterback and his cheerleaders, the bosses are almost all a treat. In an age where even the best games released struggle to have a memorable final boss fight, Desperate Struggle is filled with epic battles that will not soon be forgotten. Some fights can get frustrating, but that makes victory all the more exciting. Furrowed brows and sweaty palms are to be expected for some of the more intense boss battles. For those who complain that new games are too easy, Desperate Struggle provides challenging moments that will awaken a classic sense of satisfaction.

In order to earn cash for new clothes sword upgrades, and training there are a series of mini-games for Travis to explore. The games are set up like old school video games, complete with pixilated graphics and a computerized score. Mini-games are a good break from killing and give the overall game better balance. Desperate Struggle cuts out the over world of the first game and goes straight to a menu. No longer must Travis drive all over the city just to get to a mini-game. While cutting out the tedious traveling is a good idea, the game feels shorter. There are revenge missions to extend the game, and a nifty old school arcade game at Travis' house, but everything is definitely streamlined. Some gamers will rejoice at the end of pointless wandering, but some will miss the bigger world the game depicted. 

With a unique soundtrack that will not leave your head, No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle has perfected the details. Everything has been tightened, creating one of the most unique (and strange) games out there today. This hero may not be for everyone, but those who dig into it will find an unforgettable experience.