XBLA IMPRESSIONS: "Half-Minute Hero SMNC"

I recently decided to try out the XBLA game 'Half-Minute Hero -Super Mega Neo Climax'. The game was developed by 'Marvelous Entertainment Inc./Opus Studio Inc.'. What drew me to this game were the graphics, and the art style. It reminded me a lot of 'The Legend of Zelda: WindWaker'. Some of the characters in the game actually appeared to be inspired by such a game. After I finished downloading the trial I decided to see what it was all about, and if it was worth the 800 msp price tag that was placed on it.


Half-Minute Hero SMNC is a unique RPG title that was produced in a not so impressive manner. It's main theme is RPG stories that are completed in 30 seconds, or half-minute sessions. The game is complimented by a cel-shaded art style with overhead map views, and very quick 2D battles. The story encompasses the ongoing feud between an evil lord, and a time goddess. As the chosen hero you end up getting caught in the middle of it all. The time goddess which helps you out by altering time is in it for the money. During the introductory quest she offers her services for all the money you will earn along the way. I actually found this to be quite humerous.

The gameplay in Half-Minute Hero SMNC was a huge disappointment to me. The battles that I thought looked interesting in the preview we're actually so simplified that it took all of the fun out of the game. They are actually a turn-based type of RPG combat that has no detailed system at all. You can even set the battles to auto, sit back and watch a fight that literally takes a few seconds. If you have full life when facing a boss your victory is practically guaranteed. While playing this game I was wondering what the purpose of it was. If you have a combat system that doesn't amount to anything, then what makes it even worthy of being called an RPG!?! All you have to do is mind your health, watch the timer, and complete the ridiculously short tasks at hand. In my opinion this game has absolutely no worthwile replay value. I would not spend 800 msp on this game.