I enjoy playing mission games, especially when it concerns seeking revenge. The feeling of redemption that comes with it sends shivers down my spine. One of my favorite games that captures this feeling is No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle, a hack-and-slash adventure developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and published by different companies including Marvelous Entertainment, Ubisoft, Rising Star Games, and Xseed Games. 

Originally released for the Nintendo Wii in 2010, it was later remastered for the Nintendo Switch in 2021, with version 1.0.2 released in February of the same year to address various bugs and improve the overall gameplay experience. The game is available on Wii, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Luna, and Windows platforms.

This Masterpiece has an Intriguing Storyline

The story picks up where the first game left off. You play as Travis Touchdown, a skilled assassin who has risen through the ranks of the United Assassin’s Association (UAA) and become the biggest killer in the world. But after a sad event, Travis retires from the assassin’s life and disappears from the public eye. Fast forward three years, and Travis is living a quiet life in the city of Santa Destroy.

But when his best friend and former UAA rival, Bishop, is brutally murdered, Travis is pulled back into the world of assassins and forced to fight his way to the top of the UAA once again. Along the way, Travis encounters a colorful cast of characters, including other skilled assassins, a mysterious woman named Sylvia Christel who seems to be pulling the strings behind the scenes, and a group of rebels who are fighting against the UAA and its corrupt leadership. 

As Travis navigates this dangerous world, he must fight with his own inner demons and come to terms with the events that led him to retire from killing in the first place. One of the things I love about the story is how it’s not afraid to tackle heavy themes. Travis is a complex character with a lot of emotional baggage, and the game doesn’t shy away from exploring his struggles with guilt, regret, and the weight of his own actions.

At the same time, the game is also full of humor, with plenty of mysterious characters and situations to keep things light and entertaining. As Travis works his way through the ranks of the UAA and uncovers the truth behind Bishop’s murder, the story ramps up in intensity and becomes a truly entertaining ride.

The Combat System

One of the standout features of No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle is its combat system, which is fast-paced, intense, and incredibly satisfying. As Travis, you’ll wield a beam katana, your major weapon, and take on all manner of foes, and other assassins. The combat is built around a mix of light and heavy attacks, dodges, and counters, and it rewards you for chaining together combos and pulling off stylish finishing moves. I also appreciate how the game encourages you to experiment with different weapons and strategies, rather than simply relying on a single approach.

The Boss Battles

One of the defining features of the No More Heroes series is its boss battles, and No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle doesn’t disappoint in this regard. Each of the game’s ten bosses is unique, challenging, and memorable, and they all require different strategies and approaches to defeat them. What I love about the boss battles in No More Heroes 2 is how creative they are.

Whether you’re fighting a giant robot, a baseball player with a rocket arm, or a pair of conjoined twins, each battle is a spectacle unto itself. I also appreciate how the game gives you plenty of opportunities to learn and adapt to each boss’s attack patterns so that by the time you finally emerge victorious, you feel like you’ve truly earned it.

Intense Graphics And Simple Interface Of The Game

Personally, I really love the graphics in No More Heroes 2. The characters are all beautifully rendered, with plenty of detail and personality in their designs. From the colorful assassins, you’ll face off against to the quirky NPCs you’ll encounter in the open world, every character in the game feels distinct and memorable. The game’s environments are also really impressive, with a great sense of scale and depth in each area. The open world of Santa Destroy is particularly noteworthy, as it feels like a living, breathing city that’s full of secrets and surprises. 

Whether you’re exploring the streets or scaling the rooftops, there’s always something visually interesting to look at. In terms of interface, No More Heroes 2 does a great job of presenting all of its menus and systems in a clear and simple way. The game’s HUD is sleek, providing you with all the information you need without cluttering up the screen. The menus for upgrading your weapons and abilities are also well-designed, with clear explanations of how each upgrade will affect your gameplay.

It Features a Fast-Paced Combat System

For me, the game’s combat system is glorious. The ability to wield a beam katana and take on a variety of enemies is incredibly satisfying, and the game does a great job of rewarding players who take the time to learn and master the different moves and techniques. I love experimenting with different weapons and strategies. Another thing I really enjoy about No More Heroes 2 is its sense of humor.

The game is full of quirky characters, and hilarious dialogue. Whether I’m taking on an assassination mission from a talking cat, shopping at a store called “Beef Head,” or watching a cutscene that parodies classic anime, there’s always something in this game that makes me laugh and keeps me entertained.

Conclusion

No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle is a fantastic game that any fan of action games should check out. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, with tons of memorable characters, and a great sense of humor. Looking for a game that’s both stylish and fun, you can’t go wrong with this one.