No More Heroes III is a remarkable feat. For all of its flaws (and believe me, there are a lot), the game's passion shines through from every orifice. Meeting a compromise gameplay-wise between NMH1 and 2, with a dash of spice from TSA, the combat and gameplay may very well be my favorite of the three. There's flaws for sure (sometimes the enemy missions are harder than the bosses, framerates and textures in the hub world...yeesh), but again, they're outshined by just how much better the improved parts get. Jobs unfortunately take a sideline once again, but at this point, I think I've finally accepted a NMH without them at the front and center. For what it's worth, the gameplay here is ultimately working to be the best version of itself, despite obvious limitations.
But this isn't about the gameplay, is it? No. When it comes to No More Heroes, it's about the characters. The themes, the aura and energy that comes from this series, and in that regard? No More Heroes III may be the quintessential capstone for this series. That's not to say it's perfect, but what it does for a resolution to Travis' journey is something special. While still keeping the delightfully batshit energy of its predecessors (and in some cases going further beyond), it brings with said energy a new feeling. One of longing. A feeling of wanting to leave things behind, and move forward to try and reach a new beginning. A want to "Kill the Past", perhaps (okay now I'm just being coy).
Travis started this series as just a guy who wanted some money and sex. But over time, due to his excellence in the assassin fights, he's kind of been roped into things, whether he wants to be roped in or not. And well, you can tell between all the bloodlust from the alien bastards hunting his head, he's just wanting to done with it all. In a way, it's not Fu or Damon, or anyone else that's the ultimate enemy here (although Fu may be one of the best opposing forces I've seen in a game in recent memory; shoutout to Noshir Dalal for absolutely KILLING IT in this performance), but it's Travis. It's all Travis, always has been. His actions catching up to him, messing with the way he lives his life. This theme started as a seed in Travis Strikes Again (and I guess NMH2), but here we watch its growth in real time. It's a lot to think about, with old friends and new enemies popping up left and right, with only a few diminishing returns! But even among these varied fights with various enemies (ranging from a flamboyant magnet robot to even playing Musical Chairs with a boss), this theme slowly rears its head up from the background, until it all blooms into a beautiful black flower in the climax of the game. I mean, hell, even before then it's still very prominent. The way the game is framed like a show through a streaming service can probably be a metaphor for how Travis' life isn't in his control anymore. Rather, it plays out whether he wants it to or not. Just...autoplaying, and he just has to be along for the ride. I'll probably be thinking about and coming back to find new things to analyze in this story for months. As nonsensical as it can get, the emotional core it possesses can not be underestimated.
Ultimately, No More Heroes III is a shining example of Suda51's work. Warts and all, this is the work of a team dedicated to telling a one-of-a-kind story, one where passion is almost uncompromised, flowing like a stream feeding the plant that is Travis' final arc. Hell, the extended scenes where Travis and Bishop or Fu and his minions just...talk to each other, without too much adding to the story, just feels so genuine. I always had a smile on my face in those scenes, just because it's easy to tell how Suda and Co. were enjoying themselves in this project. No More Heroes III is a wonderful final round with Travis Touchdown. I should probably play more of Suda/GhM's games, but I'm glad I was at least able to see this arc to the end.
(Also I should probably watch some Takashi Miike films huh)
But this isn't about the gameplay, is it? No. When it comes to No More Heroes, it's about the characters. The themes, the aura and energy that comes from this series, and in that regard? No More Heroes III may be the quintessential capstone for this series. That's not to say it's perfect, but what it does for a resolution to Travis' journey is something special. While still keeping the delightfully batshit energy of its predecessors (and in some cases going further beyond), it brings with said energy a new feeling. One of longing. A feeling of wanting to leave things behind, and move forward to try and reach a new beginning. A want to "Kill the Past", perhaps (okay now I'm just being coy).
Travis started this series as just a guy who wanted some money and sex. But over time, due to his excellence in the assassin fights, he's kind of been roped into things, whether he wants to be roped in or not. And well, you can tell between all the bloodlust from the alien bastards hunting his head, he's just wanting to done with it all. In a way, it's not Fu or Damon, or anyone else that's the ultimate enemy here (although Fu may be one of the best opposing forces I've seen in a game in recent memory; shoutout to Noshir Dalal for absolutely KILLING IT in this performance), but it's Travis. It's all Travis, always has been. His actions catching up to him, messing with the way he lives his life. This theme started as a seed in Travis Strikes Again (and I guess NMH2), but here we watch its growth in real time. It's a lot to think about, with old friends and new enemies popping up left and right, with only a few diminishing returns! But even among these varied fights with various enemies (ranging from a flamboyant magnet robot to even playing Musical Chairs with a boss), this theme slowly rears its head up from the background, until it all blooms into a beautiful black flower in the climax of the game. I mean, hell, even before then it's still very prominent. The way the game is framed like a show through a streaming service can probably be a metaphor for how Travis' life isn't in his control anymore. Rather, it plays out whether he wants it to or not. Just...autoplaying, and he just has to be along for the ride. I'll probably be thinking about and coming back to find new things to analyze in this story for months. As nonsensical as it can get, the emotional core it possesses can not be underestimated.
Ultimately, No More Heroes III is a shining example of Suda51's work. Warts and all, this is the work of a team dedicated to telling a one-of-a-kind story, one where passion is almost uncompromised, flowing like a stream feeding the plant that is Travis' final arc. Hell, the extended scenes where Travis and Bishop or Fu and his minions just...talk to each other, without too much adding to the story, just feels so genuine. I always had a smile on my face in those scenes, just because it's easy to tell how Suda and Co. were enjoying themselves in this project. No More Heroes III is a wonderful final round with Travis Touchdown. I should probably play more of Suda/GhM's games, but I'm glad I was at least able to see this arc to the end.
(Also I should probably watch some Takashi Miike films huh)