Half-Minute Hero Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

System: PSP	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Opus	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: XSEED	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Oct. 13, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

While this game is played in fast-forward, the gameplay is not marred by the speed, it's enhanced. It may seem like a novelty, but the time limit does not make this game a one-trick pony. It's got a great deal of depth despite the fast pace and relentless action. You'll be confronted by several situations requiring strategic decisions, and occasionally dumb luck. Skill is also involved as you navigate your way through dangerous obstacle courses, combat enemies, and perform shooting in the shooter mode, or the Princess 30 mode as it's called.

Half-Minute Hero screenshot

The other two main modes are the Evil Lord 30 and the Knight 30, a real-time strategy and an action mode, respectively. There is also an unlockable 300 mode where you will have 300 seconds to perform your task, and a 3 mode, in which you will have only three seconds to get things done. Good luck with that one.

Controls are never confusing, a good thing since you've got fast decisions to make. You'll mainly be concerned with moving in a specific direction and pressing the action button that is somewhat context-sensitive, allowing you to strike at enemies, access areas, and collect objects. Characters are full of asinine comments designed to make you lol. The soundtrack is fully orchestrated, guitar-based metal pop, in contrast to the 8-bit graphics. The mood of the music varies depending on your situation and location. The sound effects are tight and crunchy, especially the combat sounds.

Hero 30 mode is where you'll be spending the majority of your time. It incorporates all of the featured gameplay elements, and it's done so in a cohesive fashion. It never feels disjointed or forced. An ad-hoc mode pits you against other three other players in a race to see who can get to the boss and defeat him first in Hero mode. It's another great playable feature that is almost worth the price of admission alone. Overall, this is a unique game that is fresh and fun. It's hard to imagine anyone not enjoying it. If you have a PSP, you simply have to have Half-Minute Hero in it.

By Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.5

Graphics
Old-school, 8-bit graphics presented with humor and soul. Great effects.

4.6

Control
Simple and effective control scheme. Designed for quick reflexive gaming.

4.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Great guitar-based tunes always fit the atmosphere.

4.8

Play Value
A fun, fast, frenetic game that is truly unique.

4.7

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Fast-paced Action for Instant Gratification - A fresh new way to play games, clearing stages in 30-second intervals.

Four Completely Different and Unique Game Play Modes - Four distinct storylines and modes that encompass an action RPG, a shooter, an escort mission, and a strategy game, keep the gameplay fresh and varied.

Over 15 Hours of Total Gameplay - With each of the four unique modes containing 30 distinct stages, short individual play times add up to many hours of total gameplay.

Intense Multiplayer Action - Connect two to four friends through ad-hoc wireless connection for blazing fast competition!

Old-School Graphics, New-Age Metal Sound - Classic 8-bit graphics give this game its unique visual style, while original music by one of Japan's most critically-acclaimed guitarists keeps a pace as fast and furious as the gameplay.