73
MONSTER
Professional assassin turned amateur campaign manager Steve is charged with cleaning up the city by an anthropomorphic rabbit and mayoral candidate from the future named BunnyLord. Now Steve and his expanding roster of dubious heroes must wield their unique skills to shoot, slide, dive and take cover behind a political platform built on ethics, accountability, and an inordinate amount of gunfire. Eliminate the criminal underworld of the city’s three major districts and persuade undecided voters to your cause, tackling the issues that matter by putting a gun in the mouth of those issues. Through the power of ISO-Slant technology and a wasted youth, London-based developer Roll7 (OlliOlli) delivers the greatest 2¼D cover-based indie shooter of all-time, ever.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
73
Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Not a Hero. Some appreciate its light-hearted, throwaway narrative and use of pop culture references and dark humor, adding to the entertainment value. However, others criticize elements like forced humor, repetitive dialogue, and lack of depth. Overall, the story is seen as humorous and absurd, with a focus on gameplay over narrative. While some find it charming and fun, others feel it falls short.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
73
Positive (80-100)
17%
Mixed (50-79)
83%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Not a Hero. Some appreciate its light-hearted, throwaway narrative and use of pop culture references and dark humor, adding to the entertainment value. However, others criticize elements like forced humor, repetitive dialogue, and lack of depth. Overall, the story is seen as humorous and absurd, with a focus on gameplay over narrative. While some find it charming and fun, others feel it falls short.
Gameplay Mechanics
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82
Critics praise Not a Hero's fast-paced gameplay with strategic cover mechanics, shooting, and movement. The variety of characters and abilities add depth, while power-ups and objectives boost replayability. However, some criticize its lack of depth, repetitive gameplay, difficulty spikes, and finicky cover system. Overall, Not a Hero offers an engaging and rewarding experience, showcasing a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
82
Positive (80-100)
86%
Mixed (50-79)
14%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics praise Not a Hero's fast-paced gameplay with strategic cover mechanics, shooting, and movement. The variety of characters and abilities add depth, while power-ups and objectives boost replayability. However, some criticize its lack of depth, repetitive gameplay, difficulty spikes, and finicky cover system. Overall, Not a Hero offers an engaging and rewarding experience, showcasing a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics.
Graphics and Visual Design
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74
Critics generally praise the pixel art visuals of Not a Hero for creating a retro and comedic atmosphere with vibrant colors and unique sprites. However, some critics note a lack of visual variety and interactivity in the environments, leading to repetitive level designs. Overall, the game's graphics are well-received for their charm and attention to detail, despite some shortcomings in diversity.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
74
Positive (80-100)
26%
Mixed (50-79)
74%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics generally praise the pixel art visuals of Not a Hero for creating a retro and comedic atmosphere with vibrant colors and unique sprites. However, some critics note a lack of visual variety and interactivity in the environments, leading to repetitive level designs. Overall, the game's graphics are well-received for their charm and attention to detail, despite some shortcomings in diversity.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
78
Critics generally praise the Sound Design and Music of Not a Hero, with many highlighting the excellent, energetic, and catchy soundtrack that enhances gameplay. Positive mentions include high quality, fitting nature of the soundtrack, and well-crafted voice acting. Some critics find BunnyLord's voice annoying and criticize the game's humor as childish. Overall, Not a Hero's strong Sound Design and Music greatly contribute to its immersive experience, despite minor flaws.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
78
Positive (80-100)
61%
Mixed (50-79)
39%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics generally praise the Sound Design and Music of Not a Hero, with many highlighting the excellent, energetic, and catchy soundtrack that enhances gameplay. Positive mentions include high quality, fitting nature of the soundtrack, and well-crafted voice acting. Some critics find BunnyLord's voice annoying and criticize the game's humor as childish. Overall, Not a Hero's strong Sound Design and Music greatly contribute to its immersive experience, despite minor flaws.
Voice Acting
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69
Not a Hero's voice acting receives mixed reviews: Critics praise humor and style, particularly Bunnylord's comical nature, while some find it annoying and lacking impact. Overall, voices add to game's humor, but some criticize repetitive jokes and irritating tones.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
69
Positive (80-100)
15%
Mixed (50-79)
80%
Negative (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Not a Hero's voice acting receives mixed reviews: Critics praise humor and style, particularly Bunnylord's comical nature, while some find it annoying and lacking impact. Overall, voices add to game's humor, but some criticize repetitive jokes and irritating tones.
Technical Performance
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62
Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Not a Hero on PlayStation 4, praising smooth gameplay but criticizing control flaws and lack of features. On PC, feedback is more negative, citing floaty controls, bugs, and issues with game interruptions. Overall, while the game offers some positives like smooth gameplay on PS4, improvements are needed for tighter controls and bug fixes on both platforms.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
62
Positive (80-100)
13%
Mixed (50-79)
81%
Negative (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Not a Hero on PlayStation 4, praising smooth gameplay but criticizing control flaws and lack of features. On PC, feedback is more negative, citing floaty controls, bugs, and issues with game interruptions. Overall, while the game offers some positives like smooth gameplay on PS4, improvements are needed for tighter controls and bug fixes on both platforms.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
69
Critics are divided on the replay value of Not a Hero. Positive aspects include main and secondary objectives, unlocking new characters, and diverse gameplay approaches. Some critics praise the random objectives and challenging secondary objectives that enhance replayability. However, others criticize the lack of character progression, limited level variety, short game length, and repetitive missions. While some appreciate the game's replay value, others find it lacking in incentives for multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, whether to replay the game depends on individual preferences and tolerance for repetition.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
69
Positive (80-100)
24%
Mixed (50-79)
72%
Negative (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are divided on the replay value of Not a Hero. Positive aspects include main and secondary objectives, unlocking new characters, and diverse gameplay approaches. Some critics praise the random objectives and challenging secondary objectives that enhance replayability. However, others criticize the lack of character progression, limited level variety, short game length, and repetitive missions. While some appreciate the game's replay value, others find it lacking in incentives for multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, whether to replay the game depends on individual preferences and tolerance for repetition.
Overall Verdict
73
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
73
Positive (80-100)
46%
Mixed (50-79)
54%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Critics are divided on Not a Hero: they love its humor, addictive gameplay, and retro aesthetics, but criticize difficulty spikes, repetitive levels, lack of variety, and technical issues. Overall, it's an enjoyable game recommended for fans of 2D shooters and fast-paced action.
73
MONSTER
Reviews
97 reviews found92
The Games Machine
Feb 11, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Not a Hero is a thrilling action game with a mix of strategy and retro aesthetics. The gameplay is engaging and the comedic storyline adds to the enjoyment. It offers good replay value and is recommended for fans of fast-paced action games.
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92
IGN Italia
May 18, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is described as hilarious and fun, with a unique sense of humor and enjoyable gameplay. The reviewer recommends it to those who enjoy fast-paced action and pixel art graphics.
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91
COGconnected
May 23, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review states that Not A Hero: Super Snazzy Edition is a slightly snazzier version of Roll7's great shooter, but expresses disappointment with the lack of new content and features.
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90
GameGrin
Feb 4, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is highly enjoyable with addictive gameplay and clever political satire. It takes a light-hearted approach to social issues and keeps the conversation fun.
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90
Level7.nu
Aug 26, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Not a Hero is a must-play for anyone interested in arcade games.
90
Gaming Nexus
Aug 6, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Not a Hero is described as one of the best indie games of 2015, with relentless action, strong gameplay variety, and a killer wit.
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90
Gamestyle
May 16, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Not A Hero is a wonderful game that showcases the strengths of the indie scene, with a combination of writing and gameplay that surpasses many big budget titles. It is well-made and solid, but it is over too quickly.
90
We Got This Covered
Feb 2, 2016
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Not A Hero is a versatile game that showcases Roll7's ability to excel in different genres. It is challenging, addictive, and a complete experience.
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90
God is a Geek
May 14, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is described as brilliantly funny, easy to learn, and addictive, but with some extreme difficulty spikes and being a bit short.
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85
Vandal
May 14, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Not a Hero is a solid and addictive action game that requires skill and strategy. It is recommended for those looking for a different and intelligent action experience.