No More Heroes III

The story of No More Heroes III receives mixed praise for its eccentricity, humor, and thematic depth, with several critics highlighting its unique narrative style and meta-commentary. Game Informer notes that the plot serves as a setup for future series plans, while Comicbook.com appreciates its exploration of Travis Touchdown’s evolution through satire and introspection. The game’s self-awareness and pop culture references are frequently praised, with Vooks acknowledging emotional moments despite the lack of context for newcomers. Critics like Multiplayer.it and GameSpew praise its absurdity and creative twists, emphasizing Suda51’s signature style, while others, such as NintendoWorldReport, commend its blend of satire and over-the-top action. The narrative’s episodic structure and wacky boss battles also stand out, with Attack of the Fanboy highlighting its anime-inspired presentation and meta elements. However, several critics criticize the story for its lack of coherence, depth, and engagement. GameSpot and Jeuxvideo.com describe it as tedious, with plodding dialogue and a simplistic narrative that fails to resonate. XboxAddict finds the character FU grating, while Gaming Age questions Travis’s unclear motivations. Stevivor calls the plot nonsensical, and Vooks notes that newcomers struggle with the context. The story’s reliance on meta-jokes and fragmented structure is seen as off-putting by some, with Push Square pointing out a loss of momentum, and GameCritics noting the absence of a natural arc for the protagonist. Additionally, critics like Atomix and Multiplayer.it (again) highlight confusion around character relationships and plot mechanics, suggesting the narrative prioritizes style over substance. The overall consensus reflects a polarizing reception, with fans of Suda51’s chaotic creativity praising its originality and humor, while others find it disjointed and unsatisfying. Critics like GameSpot and Jeuxvideo.com represent the negative end, criticizing the story’s lack of depth, but positives from outlets like Comicbook.com and NintendoWorldReport underscore its thematic ambition and stylistic flair. The game’s narrative is seen as a mixed bag—while some appreciate its irreverent, self-aware approach (as noted by Nintendo Insider and GameSpew), others feel it sacrifices clarity for absurdity. Ultimately, No More Heroes III seems to divide critics between those who embrace its quirky, meta-driven chaos and those who find it unfocused and underdeveloped.

The gameplay of No More Heroes III is widely praised for its engaging combat mechanics, which serve as the game’s strongest asset. Critics like IGN, GameSpot, and CGMagazine highlight the refined third-person melee system, emphasizing the variety of moves, combos, and abilities such as the Beam Katana and Death Glove. The fast-paced, chaotic battles are frequently described as "slick," "satisfying," and "exhilarating," with Press Start Australia noting the game’s "genre-bending" boss fights that offer creative challenges. Guardian and XboxAddict both acknowledge the polished combat as a highlight, though some critics like PC Invasion point out minor issues with mechanics like charging the Beam Katana. The game’s emphasis on strategic swordplay, timing, and special moves creates a dynamic experience that many find addictive, even if it occasionally feels simplistic. However, several critics criticize the repetitive structure and lack of variety in non-combat elements. Guardian and ZTGD describe the open-world exploration and side quests as "monotonous" and "tedious," with GameSpot and XboxAddict noting that filler tasks like odd jobs and minigames fail to add depth. The game’s reliance on repetitive money-gathering mechanics, such as completing menial tasks or slot-machine-style mini-games, is seen as a drag by PC Invasion and Nintenderos, who argue it undermines the overall experience. Additionally, while IGN France praises the technical combat system, others like XboxAddict and Metro GameCentral feel the boss battles lack creativity or consistency, with some fights feeling underdeveloped compared to the series’ earlier entries. The open-world design is also criticized for being "barren" and "lifeless," as noted by PCMag and Digitally Downloaded, which detracts from immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that No More Heroes III excels in its core combat but struggles with pacing and structure. While CGMagazine and Press Start Australia celebrate the game’s "king" gameplay and inventive boss battles, many agree that the repetitive side content and lack of thematic variety in levels dilute its impact. IGN, ZTGD, and GameSpot acknowledge the game’s strengths but emphasize that its flaws—such as tedious exploration and underdeveloped mechanics—prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite these criticisms, the combat remains a standout feature, with Guardian and XboxAddict agreeing that it keeps players engaged even when other aspects fall short. The game ultimately feels like a mixed bag: a love letter to action fans but a frustrating experience for those seeking depth beyond the fights.

The graphics and visual design of No More Heroes III are often praised for their unique artistic style and creative flair, despite technical shortcomings. Critics like Meristation highlighted the game’s influence from Studio Ghibli, while CGMagazine celebrated its "kitschy and pulpy visuals" and bold art direction. The combat sequences and boss fights received particular acclaim, with Game Rant noting "gratifying particle effects" and Stevivor describing "weird and gory" enemy designs that align with the series’ eccentric tone. Additionally, Press Start Australia praised the game’s vibrant, colorful aesthetic, and VG247 appreciated its "VHS vaporwave aesthetic" and over-the-top creativity. The cel-shaded visuals and stylized cutscenes, such as the retro pixel art HUDs and anime sequences, were seen as distinctive strengths by reviewers like Screen Rant and COGconnected, who emphasized the game’s personality and imaginative character designs. However, the technical execution of the graphics faced widespread criticism, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. Multiple critics, including Vgames, SpazioGames, and Eurogamer Italy, described the open world as "empty," "lifeless," and "dull," with low-resolution textures, poor anti-aliasing, and noticeable pop-in effects. Multiplayer.it and Guardian highlighted frame rate issues and a lack of interactivity in environments, while Gaming Age and TheGamer pointed to texture loading problems and unresponsive controls during combat. The Switch’s hardware limitations were frequently cited as a barrier to polish, with reviewers like Meristation and Game Rant noting that the open-world sections felt outdated compared to the game’s more dynamic combat sequences. Even on other platforms, such as the PS5, some critics (e.g., The Mako Reactor) acknowledged improvements but noted that the core visual design still struggled with consistency. Overall, the consensus among critics is that No More Heroes III excels in its artistic vision and stylistic creativity but falls short in technical execution, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. While the game’s eccentric art direction and vibrant aesthetics are celebrated as standout features—earning praise from outlets like Press Start Australia and VG247—the technical flaws, such as poor texture work, frame rate drops, and underwhelming open-world design, detract from the experience. The PS5 version saw some improvements, with The Mako Reactor and Hey Poor Player noting enhanced visuals and smoother performance, but many felt the Switch port’s limitations were unavoidable. Despite these issues, the game’s unique personality and creative risks left a lasting impression, with critics like COGconnected and Screen Rant acknowledging its "insane creativity" and "grin-inducingly goofy" charm. The divide between artistic ambition and technical polish remains a defining characteristic of the title.

The sound design and music of No More Heroes III received widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting their energetic, eclectic, and genre-defying nature. Reviewers praised the soundtrack’s ability to mirror the game’s hyperactive, punk-infused aesthetic, blending genres like punk rock, electronic, hip-hop, and jazz to create a vibrant atmosphere. iMore celebrated standout tracks such as the sushi shop music, while Nintendo Life noted memorable victory themes that enhanced gameplay. IGN Italia and Press Start Australia emphasized how the audio elements perfectly matched the game’s tone, with the latter describing the soundtrack as “bold, brash, and vibrant” and featuring an eclectic mix of electronic, industrial, and reggae-tinged pieces. Critics like Vgames and Digitally Downloaded called the music a “stunning” and “legendary” highlight, with some even suggesting it could contend for “soundtrack of the year.” The integration of pop-culture references and retro-inspired sound effects also stood out, as noted by Inverse and GameCritics, who appreciated the nostalgic yet innovative approach. While the majority praised the soundtrack, a few critics found it lacking in memorability or impact. Hardcore Gamer remarked that the music “meshed well with the game’s aesthetic” but wasn’t “memorable or desirable for purchase,” while XboxAddict called it “serviceable but lacked impact.” Jeuxvideo.com noted that the sound design was effective during combat but didn’t elevate the overall experience significantly, and Gamer.nl lamented the absence of iconic sounds from earlier titles. GamingTrend explicitly stated the soundtrack wasn’t to their tastes, and some reviewers, like GameSpew and Gamer Escape, acknowledged that while the audio fit the game’s style, certain elements—such as over-the-top dialogue or repetitive tracks—might grate on players. These critiques were relatively minor compared to the overwhelming positive reception, though they underscored that the soundtrack’s appeal was more niche or subjective for some. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music being a standout feature of No More Heroes III. The majority of reviewers, including iMore, Nintendo Life, IGN Italia, and Vgames, lauded the soundtrack’s creativity, variety, and ability to enhance the game’s quirky, action-packed tone. While a handful of critics found aspects of the audio lacking in memorability or originality, these opinions were overshadowed by the general praise for its energetic execution and thematic cohesion. The soundtrack’s blend of genres, pop-culture nods, and dynamic sound effects not only complemented the gameplay but also solidified it as one of the series’ strongest elements. As noted by Press Start Australia and Game Rant, the music was a “fantastic” and “best-in-series” achievement, cementing No More Heroes III as a memorable auditory experience for fans and newcomers alike.

The voice acting in No More Heroes III receives overwhelmingly positive reception across most reviews, with critics praising its energy, commitment, and alignment with the game’s eccentric tone. Multiple outlets highlight Robin Atkin Downes’ standout performance as Travis Touchdown, noting his ability to embody the character’s personality with "gusto and authenticity" (EGM) and "dramatic moments with comedic timing" (Shindig). The returning cast is frequently lauded for their strong performances, with Multiplayer.it calling it "nearly perfect" and IGN Italia describing it as "excellent." Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Gamer Escape emphasize how the voice acting enhances humor and character interactions, particularly through over-the-top, absurd dialogue that fits the game’s chaotic style. The return of original voice actors is also celebrated for adding nostalgia and depth, with GameMAG noting it "contributes positively to the game's atmosphere." While most reviews are favorable, a few critics point to specific issues. Shacknews criticizes Gold Joe’s voice acting as "needlessly annoying," while XboxAddict finds FU’s performance detracts from the experience. Meristation mentions that Travis’s constant taunts can become tiresome, and Stevivor notes awkwardly stilted dialogue that may stem from translation or intentional style. Additionally, VGC points out concerns about the protagonist’s dialogue feeling "outdated," and Worth Playing acknowledges some mixed reactions to the voice acting’s charm. These critiques highlight minor inconsistencies but do not overshadow the general praise for the cast’s work. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in No More Heroes III is a strong suit, with its quirky, energetic delivery and return of key performers enhancing the game’s unique identity. While some specific characters or lines draw criticism, the majority of reviews celebrate the performances as integral to the game’s humor, character depth, and atmosphere. Critics like EGM, IGN Italia, and Switch Player emphasize how the voice acting elevates both the narrative and gameplay, making it a standout element despite minor flaws. The mixed feedback underscores that while not flawless, the voice work is broadly appreciated for its contribution to the game’s eccentric charm.

The technical performance of No More Heroes III varies significantly across platforms, with some versions showing notable improvements over others. On the Nintendo Switch, while several critics highlight its combat stability (e.g., Nintendo Life notes a near-locked 60fps during battles), the open-world segments are frequently criticized for frame rate drops and graphical inconsistencies. However, the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions see marked improvements: Press Start Australia praises the Xbox Series X port for faster load times and better stability, while Comicbook.com and Hey Poor Player note that the PS5 version resolves many of the Switch’s technical issues. The PC port also receives praise for customizable settings, higher framerates, and mouse/key support (as noted by PC Invasion), though its open world remains unoptimized. These platforms collectively demonstrate better optimization and performance than the original Switch release. Despite these positives, the Nintendo Switch version faces widespread criticism for technical shortcomings. Multiple reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com, SpazioGames, and GamingBolt, cite frame rate drops, texture pop-in, crashes, and poor open-world polish. IGN and VGC mention retro filters used to mask performance issues, while iMore highlights long loading screens and freezing. On Xbox Series X, CGMagazine notes control issues with the Demzamtiger motorcycle, and GamingTrend points out unoptimized open-world elements on PC. The PS5 version, though improved, still faces some limitations, as noted by Hardcore Gamer, who mentions sharper graphics but no additional content. Even the PC port struggles with pop-in in open areas, per GamingTrend. These issues collectively paint a picture of uneven optimization across platforms. Overall, critics agree that No More Heroes III is technically inconsistent, with the Nintendo Switch version suffering the most from performance flaws. However, the game’s core mechanics and combat remain solid despite these issues, as noted by Digital Trends and GameSpew. The PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC versions offer smoother experiences, though none are entirely free of technical hiccups. While some reviewers, like Comicbook.com and Hey Poor Player, call it the “most polished” entry in the series, others, such as Gamer.nl and VGC, stress that its technical issues detract from the overall experience. The consensus is clear: while the game’s charm and design shine through, its performance remains a critical weakness, particularly on the Switch.

The overall sentiment toward No More Heroes III’s replay value is mixed but leans toward positive for fans of the series, particularly due to its engaging boss battles, varied gameplay mechanics, and optional content. Critics like Destructoid and Comicbook.com highlight the New Game+ mode and multiple difficulty levels as key incentives for revisiting the game, while IGN France notes that varied side activities and boss fights enhance replayability despite repetitive elements. The episodic format and collectibles, such as those mentioned by TheSixthAxis and Nintenderos, also contribute to a sense of exploration and discovery. Additionally, The Mako Reactor praises the PS5 version’s visual upgrades, making it worth replaying for trophies and improved presentation. The game’s unique humor and self-aware storytelling, as noted by Gameblog.fr and Worth Playing, further entice fans to return for its eccentric charm. However, several critics argue that the game’s repetitive structure and lack of meaningful content significantly limit its replay value. PC Invasion and Launcher criticize the disorganized side content and tedious minigames, while Jeuxvideo.com and Multiplayer.it describe the experience as “tedious” and “repetitive.” XboxAddict and Vandal point to filler gameplay and technical issues that detract from enjoyment on subsequent playthroughs. Even Digital Chumps acknowledge that the necessity of completing minigames for progression may feel burdensome, and Worth Playing notes that side missions lack depth compared to the game’s highlights. The open-world design, while offering variety, is seen as a double-edged sword—Screen Rant and Atomix mention its divisive nature, with some finding it engaging and others frustrating. The consensus among critics is that No More Heroes III’s replay value hinges on player tolerance for its eccentricities and repetitive elements. While Nintendo Life and Gaming Age acknowledge that dedicated fans will appreciate the game’s unique style and boss battles, many agree that its flaws—such as filler content and a lack of evolution from previous entries—may deter casual players. COGconnected and GameMAG note that the game’s absurdity and ingenuity keep it fun despite structural issues, but VGC and iMore caution that newcomers may struggle with its niche humor and reliance on series lore. Ultimately, the game offers enough varied content and challenges to justify multiple playthroughs for enthusiasts, even if it falls short of being a must-replay title for all audiences.