Post by: famicomplicated on September 23, 2007, 08:08:04 PM
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressionsArt.cfm?artid=14458
UPDATE: Here is some off-screen video footage of the game, shot at TGS 2007.
I was very excited about playing No More Heroes, the spiritual successor to the fantastically bizarre Killer7 at TGS. I couldn’t wait to see how it looked and played. I had a lot of preconceptions and ideas about how I thought the controls would play out. Let’s just say I was wrong with pretty much all of them, but in a very good way.
Having played several other sword-based Wii games at the show, my wrist was beginning to ache with the amount of frantic swinging I’d had to do previously, so I was pleasantly surprised at how little there was in No More Heroes. The demo got straight into the action with plenty of sword-wielding and gun-toting bad guys to fight, so I ignited my battery-powered sword and got to it. The standard "beam katana" attacks were performed with the A Button and with no gestures at all. That may make it sound simplistic, but it has some nice touches to mix it up.
For instance, you can raise or lower the remote to waist or shoulder height, or even above your head if you wish, and the game’s protagonist, Travis Touchdown, will mimic the same action. The attacks will then change from low cuts to overhead swings, and it feels very cool to do. You can also charge up your sword attack by holding down the A Button, with a nice electricity effect to complement it. This reminded me of the classic Zelda spin attack move.
The B Button took care of the physical attacks like punches and kicks, which can be linked into combos offering a nice variety of attacks. When in a combo, sometimes you’ll be prompted with an on-screen arrow indicating which direction you should "slice" your Wii remote. This will end the combo with a powerful blow, usually destroying the enemy completely in a shower of coins and pixels. There are several motion-based endings, sometimes involving the nunchuk as well. My favourite was done by moving both controllers inwards, which resulted in a wrestling-inspired suplex move. Very tasty.
Blocking was handled with the Z Button, which doubled up as lock-on, so it was pretty easy to avoid being shot as long as you were locked on to the guy shooting at you. At first I thought it would feel better if I could block using my own Jedi-like gestures, but realistically, in the heat of battle, I think the lock-on idea works better. Some attacks couldn’t be blocked, however, such as one of the boss’s beam attacks, so nimble dodging using the D-Pad was required. It was not ideal, but it worked nonetheless.
One thing that threw me about the game happened during an end-level boss battle – the sword’s blade went "out", like it was just a stick of metal. I was suddenly getting my backside handed to me, with attacks doing nothing more than making a clanging sound. I was then instructed to hold the 1 Button and shake the remote like a spray can, which lets you recharge the beam katana to full power. You are open to attacks during this recharging period, so you’ll have to keep an eye on the power bar and find suitable hiding places to recharge.
Overall, the controls worked surprisingly well, so it looks like Suda 51 has been doing his homework. He’s a self-confessed Nintendo fan, so maybe he wanted to improve on Nintendo's own sword controls from Zelda?
As you’d expect from the guy who made Killer7, the graphics enhance the craziness of the action They have a great saturated colour style, halfway between cel-shaded and traditional texturing. All on-screen icons and effects look like blocks or pixels, and the characters have intentionally blocky features. One of the enemy’s heads was simply a square brown paper bag, but with the way the game is presented, it kind of fit in It was only later on when I thought to myself how weird it all was. I guess that’s a testament to how sucked into the world I was in such a short time with the game.
Another nice touch was about halfway through the demo when Travis received a phone call. He was not able to attack while this was happening I was instructed by the guy at the booth to hold the Wii remote to my ear, and as I did I was listening in to the phone conversation happening on screen. Granted ,I couldn’t make out a word they were saying due to deafening stage presentation next door, but it definitely made me smile. I hope that there are more interactive cut-scenes like this in the final game.
One thing to note, which you may have already picked up on, is that there was absolutely no blood in this version. But fear not, gore lovers out there, this will be restricted to the Japanese version only. The European and American versions will be full of the red stuff. Whether or not it’s as gory as Rockstar’s effort in Manhunt 2 is completely irrelevant, as the style is very different. I wouldn’t mind playing either the blood splattered version or the stylised-pixel Japanese edit.
What I saw in this TGS demo bodes well for the final product. If the missions and bosses have the same amount of variety I saw, we could have a stylish, wrist-friendly, sword-based action game. Currently, the game is 90% complete and due out in February next year. I'm looking forward to playing the final product.
Post by: that Baby guy on September 23, 2007, 08:15:07 PM
Post by: IceCold on September 23, 2007, 08:56:09 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 23, 2007, 10:10:23 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on September 23, 2007, 11:10:25 PM
Quote
One of the enemy’s heads was simply a square brown paper bag, but with the way the game is presented, it kind of fit in It was only later on when I thought to myself how weird it all was.
Post by: Dirk Temporo on September 24, 2007, 06:10:23 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: IceCold
I'm not holding my breath for this to be anything more than a dull hack 'n slash.
Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
First time I've heard blocky, low polygon characters, being defended as artistic. This makes the Halo 3 reviews seem more even handed.
Don't worry, it's required of both of you (especially GP) to post negative comments about NMH every time anyone even mentions the game. You couldn't possibly just ignore threads about a game you're not going to play.
Post by: Kairon on September 24, 2007, 06:48:30 AM
Post by: Caliban on September 24, 2007, 07:16:50 AM
Post by: 18 Days on September 24, 2007, 07:16:50 AM
Post by: Bill Aurion on September 24, 2007, 08:14:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Kairon
OMG. Dirk Temporo just called you guys ignorant. He's trying to be Svevan! ... but nicer.
The irony being that he'd have joined their boat if the blood was taken out... =3
Post by: ShyGuy on September 24, 2007, 08:58:36 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on September 24, 2007, 09:19:35 AM
Post by: IceCold on September 24, 2007, 09:58:02 AM
QuoteI haven't said a negative thing about NMH before... ever.
Originally posted by: Dirk TemporoQuote
Originally posted by: IceCold
I'm not holding my breath for this to be anything more than a dull hack 'n slash.Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
First time I've heard blocky, low polygon characters, being defended as artistic. This makes the Halo 3 reviews seem more even handed.
Don't worry, it's required of both of you (especially GP) to post negative comments about NMH every time anyone even mentions the game. You couldn't possibly just ignore threads about a game you're not going to play.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 24, 2007, 10:06:26 AM
Post by: that Baby guy on September 24, 2007, 01:22:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
The odd thing is that I am more than likely getting the game if it is decent, heck I probably bought Killer7 and played it LONG before it became a cult game, in fact I bought it the first week it was out. With that said I do find it ridiculous when the games low polygon characters are defended as artistic, it seems to be more fanboism and refussal to admit that maybe, just MAYBE the game won't be perfect.
Well, what do you think about Katamari Damacy? That had a pretty low polygon count, and it was definitely part of the art-style.
To me, polygons do not define style, but style can affect polygons at this point. We've got enough power to handle any style out there.
Of course, despite owning K7, I've only seen pictures of it, so I can't be certain about this low-polygon stuff. I should really play it one day.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 24, 2007, 02:03:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguyQuote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
The odd thing is that I am more than likely getting the game if it is decent, heck I probably bought Killer7 and played it LONG before it became a cult game, in fact I bought it the first week it was out. With that said I do find it ridiculous when the games low polygon characters are defended as artistic, it seems to be more fanboism and refussal to admit that maybe, just MAYBE the game won't be perfect.
Well, what do you think about Katamari Damacy? That had a pretty low polygon count, and it was definitely part of the art-style.
To me, polygons do not define style, but style can affect polygons at this point. We've got enough power to handle any style out there.
Of course, despite owning K7, I've only seen pictures of it, so I can't be certain about this low-polygon stuff. I should really play it one day.
Katamari does have a low poly count as well, there is no denying that, and I don't think it is a plus either.
Post by: Bill Aurion on September 24, 2007, 02:33:57 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 24, 2007, 02:35:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
GP clearly couldn't tell artistic style if it sat on her head...I mean, just look at her avatar! ;_;
Lego's are the most artistic creations going then, Mr. Generic Loli Artwork
Post by: Bill Aurion on September 24, 2007, 02:40:21 PM
Post by: Stogi on September 24, 2007, 04:17:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenixQuote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
GP clearly couldn't tell artistic style if it sat on her head...I mean, just look at her avatar! ;_;
Lego's are the most artistic creations going then, Mr. Generic Loli Artwork
What now about legos?
Post by: Svevan on September 24, 2007, 04:17:24 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 24, 2007, 04:18:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Svevan
Let's not argue about avatars or the inanity of low polygons. Let's talk about the game. Oh wait! No one here has played it. Glad we have so many frickin opinions already.
Obviously someone has played it because I see the words "IMPRESSIONS" at the top. Also didn't know you had to play something to tell if the characters look like blocks or not.
Post by: Svevan on September 24, 2007, 04:36:41 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on September 24, 2007, 04:40:50 PM
There are reasons why visual elements have been reduced -- but more importantly, the defense of Killer7's so-called style is rooted in fans' affection for the color-palette WHOSE TECHNICAL DEMANDS MIGHT VERY WELL BE the reason why the game can *safely* push the "low" amount of polygons it does. Having less polys would certainly hurt the overall look of the game, but having generous polygon power would not necessarily improve the impression of its style. make sense? no? sit back down
I don't hear ANY complaints about Metroid Prime 3 having nearly ZERO in-game shadows. But hey, their omission was probably for the better. But the mention of MP3 is almost unfair cuz 1) it was made by Retro and 2) the game had the performance advantage of NOT being cel-shaded.
I can elaborate further after I have my lasagne.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 24, 2007, 04:45:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Svevan
You're really easy to get along with.
Yes I am, thank you.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 24, 2007, 04:46:33 PM
Post by: TrueNerd on September 24, 2007, 04:54:25 PM
Anyways, this demo has gotten nothing but praise from everyone who has played it. Not "OMG BEST GAME EVAR!" praise, but praise nonetheless. Even from Killer7 haters like 1up. I'm certainly looking forward to it.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 24, 2007, 04:57:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: TrueNerd
Like Contact?
Anyways, this demo has gotten nothing but praise from everyone who has played it. Not "OMG BEST GAME EVAR!" praise, but praise nonetheless. Even from Killer7 haters like 1up. I'm certainly looking forward to it.
Wait a second I thought most reviewers hated Killer7. Also Contact really is a bad example because it is a handheld game, I'm talking about their console games, it is like they are riding the cell shading.
Post by: KDR_11k on September 24, 2007, 09:21:09 PM
Post by: Karl Castaneda #2 on September 25, 2007, 01:34:20 AM
Post by: Stogi on September 25, 2007, 06:51:54 AM
EDIT:
I figure I may as well throw in my two cents. Great preview. I was concerned about the lack of use from the Wiimote, but I see now it may be for the better. Better still, I'm glad to here that there will be ways to link combos and grapples. I originally thought that they were separate ways to attack.
Anyway, can't wait for this game.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 25, 2007, 07:32:28 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: KashogiStogi
Just ignore GP. She's just looking for a reason to validate her obsession of bitching.
EDIT:
I figure I may as well throw in my two cents. Great preview. I was concerned about the lack of use from the Wiimote, but I see now it may be for the better. Better still, I'm glad to here that there will be ways to link combos and grapples. I originally thought that they were separate ways to attack.
Anyway, can't wait for this game.
Don't mind KashogiStogi, he is just looking for a reason to validate his fanboism for No More Heroes.
Also I was talking about games that people actually care about, not some odd ball Japanese game that never made it stateside or Michigan which I've heard nothing but bad things about. So perhaps they are justified in their cell shading because they can't make a good game otherwise! Also is it just me or do they have an obsession with Assassins? Killer7, No More Heroes, and that Japanese only game.
Post by: Stogi on September 25, 2007, 07:54:06 AM
Why do developers need to redevelop the wheel each time they decide to make a game? I don't understand why you can't except a studios style!
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 25, 2007, 07:55:40 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: KashogiStogi
Who cares?!
Why do developers need to redevelop the wheel each time they decide to make a game? I don't understand why you can't except a studios style!
Factor 5 must have tons of style then, they don't redevelop the wheel!
Post by: EasyCure on September 25, 2007, 08:05:48 AM
does nintendo have an obsession with making their main characters mute? mario, link, etc.
does square have an obsession with giving their characters odd spikey hair? Cloud, etc
Does every 360 developer have an obsession with making their characters look like their on steroids? Gears of war, RE5, etc...
hehe, wanted to see what its like to get in on an argument against GP for once
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 25, 2007, 08:08:11 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: EasyCure
is it just me or...
does nintendo have an obsession with making their main characters mute? mario, link, etc.
does square have an obsession with giving their characters odd spikey hair? Cloud, etc
Does every 360 developer have an obsession with making their characters look like their on steroids? Gears of war, RE5, etc...
hehe, wanted to see what its like to get in on an argument against GP for once
Yeah but Mario is a plummer, Link is a hermaphrodite peasant, totally different professions. To compare it to what Suda does, every character Nintendo makes would have to be a plummer.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on September 25, 2007, 08:38:19 AM
Just so you know I'm not THAT interested in NMH and I liked K7 not because of the graphics, but its certainly weird how you keep pushing your negative views onto everyone else.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 25, 2007, 08:45:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: pap64
I know that everyone's entitled to their opinion, whether it be positive or negative, but GP's comments about the game could almost be considered to be trolling. I know her opinion on Killer 7 and No More Heroes is negative and she's entitled to it, but the way she keeps pushing it on every thread and argues to death with people that see it on a more positive light is weird.
Just so you know I'm not THAT interested in NMH and I liked K7 not because of the graphics, but its certainly weird how you keep pushing your negative views onto everyone else.
So people can push their positive views? But when I am concerned the game is going to be low budget going by the visuals then that is trolling? I just don't like fanbois, whether it be Suda, MS, or even Nintendo ones, and Suda fans have to be the most annoying (well I take that back after the Halo fan display I think they are beat). Also someone needs to take up the Suda31 and Killer7 hate since Mashiro has gone missing.
Post by: Caliban on September 25, 2007, 12:39:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
Also I was talking about games that people actually care about, not some odd ball Japanese game that never made it stateside or Michigan...
Isn't Michigan the place to where they send all the trash?
I think we need those odd ball games, otherwise the industry might become stagnant, it's like in the pr0n industry (I know, not the best example), if there weren't people catering to the many kinds of fetishes of every individual on this planet it would become stagnant, they would probably generate loads of money but not as much if they didn't broad their horizons.
Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
Wait a second I thought most reviewers hated Killer7.
Most reviewers loved Halo 3 too, yet Killer7 beats it in creativity, in regards to the single-player mode of course.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 25, 2007, 01:07:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: CalibanQuote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
Also I was talking about games that people actually care about, not some odd ball Japanese game that never made it stateside or Michigan...
Isn't Michigan the place to where they send all the trash?
I think we need those odd ball games, otherwise the industry might become stagnant, it's like in the pr0n industry (I know, not the best example), if there weren't people catering to the many kinds of fetishes of every individual on this planet it would become stagnant, they would probably generate loads of money but not as much if they didn't broad their horizons.Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
Wait a second I thought most reviewers hated Killer7.
Most reviewers loved Halo 3 too, yet Killer7 beats it in creativity, in regards to the single-player mode of course.
Even though I find the Halo series more fun, I do admit Killer7 has far more style and creativity at least from a visual/story standpoint. Your other points I can't disagree with at all.
Post by: that Baby guy on September 25, 2007, 01:09:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: KashogiStogi
Who cares?!
Why do developers need to redevelop the wheel each time they decide to make a game? I don't understand why you can't except a studios style!
This from the guy who writes off the budget title Ninja Bread Man because it offers nothing new...
Post by: Kairon on September 25, 2007, 01:13:06 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenixQuote
Originally posted by: pap64
I know that everyone's entitled to their opinion, whether it be positive or negative, but GP's comments about the game could almost be considered to be trolling. I know her opinion on Killer 7 and No More Heroes is negative and she's entitled to it, but the way she keeps pushing it on every thread and argues to death with people that see it on a more positive light is weird.
Just so you know I'm not THAT interested in NMH and I liked K7 not because of the graphics, but its certainly weird how you keep pushing your negative views onto everyone else.
So people can push their positive views? But when I am concerned the game is going to be low budget going by the visuals then that is trolling? I just don't like fanbois, whether it be Suda, MS, or even Nintendo ones, and Suda fans have to be the most annoying (well I take that back after the Halo fan display I think they are beat). Also someone needs to take up the Suda31 and Killer7 hate since Mashiro has gone missing.
Bububu... what about Earthbound/Mother fanbois?
Post by: that Baby guy on September 25, 2007, 01:14:15 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 25, 2007, 01:28:53 PM
Post by: that Baby guy on September 25, 2007, 01:30:18 PM
Yes No
Post by: Kairon on September 25, 2007, 02:30:17 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
xxxterday?
Yes No
/win
Post by: Karl Castaneda #2 on September 25, 2007, 04:11:11 PM
Post by: Bill Aurion on September 25, 2007, 04:14:15 PM
Post by: that Baby guy on September 25, 2007, 04:39:55 PM
Post by: Stogi on September 25, 2007, 05:31:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguyQuote
Originally posted by: KashogiStogi
Who cares?!
Why do developers need to redevelop the wheel each time they decide to make a game? I don't understand why you can't except a studios style!
This from the guy who writes off the budget title Ninja Bread Man because it offers nothing new...
I didn't say that. I said it didn't look fun. Big difference, my friend.
Hell, I still play TMNT: Turtles in Time because it's fun.
Post by: EasyCure on September 25, 2007, 06:45:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
xxxterday?
Yes No
I keep submitting that as a question for the everybody voter channel, no luck yet
“yellow submarine: the color is purely coincidental”
“I'm big brother Pancho.
I'm little brother Pincho.
I'm Thomas Jefferson.”
Post by: Svevan on September 25, 2007, 09:19:42 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on September 25, 2007, 10:33:09 PM
Actually, Chris Redfield is overweight. Zombie stress lead to over-eating, etc.
Chris is in top form in RE: UC as you'll see.
Post by: Enner on September 26, 2007, 08:41:37 AM
I really like that they saved the gesture movemnt for finishers. That will definitely make things more satisfying and less tiring.
Post by: Hostile Creation on September 26, 2007, 11:50:08 AM
My opinion? I liked Killer 7. A lot. It wasn't much of a game, per se, but it was quite an experience. I'm unconcerned about the style or technical capacity of the graphics. I'm not as interested in this as I was in Killer 7, I'm even a bit dubious. But I'm willing to play it and try and have fun and see how it is. It may be good.
Post by: that Baby guy on September 26, 2007, 01:35:52 PM
Post by: Enner on September 26, 2007, 09:48:54 PM
Post by: Karl Castaneda #2 on September 27, 2007, 12:17:07 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
Nice to meet you Apples, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Oranges...
Hello, garbage game design with an uninteresting theme, I'd like you to meet the exact opposite.
Post by: Vert1 on September 29, 2007, 06:21:51 AM
edit: every company should give an option to disable the hud.
Post by: Bill Aurion on September 29, 2007, 08:21:44 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: ViewtifulGamerQuote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
Nice to meet you Apples, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Oranges...
Hello, garbage game design with an uninteresting theme, I'd like you to meet the exact opposite.
Haha, you didn't just say Mother has an uninteresting theme, did you? I mean, honestly? HONESTLY?
Post by: Karl Castaneda #2 on September 29, 2007, 08:30:57 AM
To be honest, I've got no qualms with Mother. I just like getting you guys riled up.
Post by: Bill Aurion on September 29, 2007, 08:44:33 AM
And you're evil! EVIL!
Post by: that Baby guy on September 29, 2007, 09:44:37 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: ViewtifulGamer
I noticed you didn't say anything about it having garbage game design, hehe.
To be honest, I've got no qualms with Mother. I just like getting you guys riled up.
You answered "No" to XXXterday, didn't you?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 29, 2007, 12:20:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: ViewtifulGamer
I just like getting you guys riled up.
Wait a second I thought that was what I was doing!
Post by: Svevan on September 29, 2007, 12:40:53 PM
Post by: Mashiro on September 29, 2007, 02:55:23 PM
Quote
I noticed you didn't say anything about it having garbage game design, hehe.
Quote
f you like people "riled up" you don't need to intervene. Everyone here seems fully capable of riling themselves without any help from an external source.
Damn right.
Besides, both the mother series and anything made by Suda have garbage game design!
/discuss
Post by: Smoke39 on September 30, 2007, 09:18:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: MashiroBesides, both the mother series and anything made by Suda have garbage game design!
/discuss
Mash' is a dumb-head.
/discuss
Post by: therat on September 30, 2007, 09:37:23 AM
Post by: Bill Aurion on September 30, 2007, 10:05:58 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Smoke39
Mash' is a dumb-head.
/discuss
There is nothing to discuss!
