Not a Hero

The majority of critics praise Not a Hero for its audacious and irreverent storytelling, highlighting its unique blend of dark humor, political satire, and absurdity. JeuxActu and IncGamers commend the game’s sharp political commentary, describing it as a "sharp political satire" where players assist Bunnylord, a psychopathic rabbit candidate, in his violent quest for power. The game’s surreal tone is frequently lauded, with CGMagazine noting its "retro aesthetic" and juxtaposition of brutal gore with innocent visuals, while GameGrin celebrates its "nonsensical plot" and snarky dialogue. Critics like XGN and Shacknews emphasize the game’s quirky premise, such as Bunnylord’s 21-day campaign to save the world or prevent an apocalypse, which is framed as a "ridiculous yet entertaining" narrative. The game’s British-style humor and over-the-top satire are also highlighted by Critical Hit and God is a Geek, who appreciate its ability to balance absurdity with entertainment. However, several critics critique the game’s story for being shallow or inconsistent. Polygon and GameOver.gr argue that the humor "misses the mark" and relies on forced, cold jokes, while We Got This Covered and Multiplayer.it note that the narrative is secondary to gameplay, often feeling disjointed or unengaging. TheSixthAxis and VideoGamer criticize Bunnylord’s dialogue as "random" and "repetitive," with the latter finding the humor "forced" and the story "indistinct." Additionally, some reviewers, like Eurogamer Italy and GameStar, point out that the plot lacks cohesion, relying on pop culture references rather than a meaningful narrative. The game’s focus on action over substance is also a recurring complaint, with 3DJuegos and 3DJuegos (again) noting that the story "takes a backseat to the action," leaving players with a sense of emptiness despite the comedic elements. Overall, critics agree that Not a Hero succeeds as a humorous, satirical experience, even if its story is not deeply impactful. While many praise its originality and willingness to embrace absurdity—such as GameRant’s "light-hearted and silly tone" or Nintendo Life’s "foul-mouthed and power-hungry" Bunnylord—the game’s narrative flaws are acknowledged. The consensus leans toward it being an entertaining, if uneven, title that prioritizes style over substance. Critics like JeuxActu and IncGamers appreciate its bold approach to political satire, while others, such as Polygon and GameOver.gr, find the humor inconsistent. Despite these mixed reactions, the game’s unique charm and comedic ambition resonate with many, making it a memorable, if flawed, entry in the genre.

The gameplay of Not a Hero is widely praised for its fast-paced action, innovative cover mechanics, and engaging variety of characters. Critics consistently highlight the game’s emphasis on sliding, executing enemies, and strategic use of cover, which creates a dynamic and skill-based experience. JeuxActu and IncGamers commend the 2D side-scrolling design, noting how it rivals big-budget titles with its depth and polish (LaPS4). The inclusion of unique character abilities—such as unlockable traits and special weapons—adds replayability, as seen in reviews from CGMagazine and XGN. Many critics, including GameGrin and Vandal, praise the game’s balance between simplicity and challenge, with the cover system offering both tactical depth and fluidity. The Escapist and Nintendo Life highlight the game’s ability to blend combo-based combat with environmental navigation, while MondoXbox and COGconnected emphasize its addictive, high-difficulty gameplay that rewards mastery of mechanics like sliding and timing. However, several critics point out flaws that detract from the experience. Repetition and lack of variety are recurring complaints, with SpazioGames and 3DJuegos criticizing the limited level design and repetitive enemy encounters. The cover system, while praised for its uniqueness, is occasionally described as finicky or imprecise (CGMagazine, GameGrin). Some reviewers, like Brash Games and Shacknews, note that the game’s difficulty spikes can feel punishing, especially in later stages, and that accidental deaths due to control schemes (e.g., the A button) disrupt immersion. Additionally, the lack of weapon variety and shallow progression systems are highlighted by Gaming Nexus and 3DJuegos, which argue that these elements make the gameplay feel repetitive despite its core mechanics. The game’s short runtime and focus on secondary objectives also draw mixed reactions, with some finding them rewarding (MondoXbox) while others see them as grindy (Gamers’ Temple). Overall, critics agree that Not a Hero excels in delivering fast-paced, skill-driven gameplay with a strong emphasis on cover mechanics and character variety. While the game’s core design is lauded for its innovation and accessibility—particularly by outlets like GameTrailers and Nintendo Life—the criticisms about repetition, difficulty spikes, and limited depth suggest it may appeal more to fans of tight, challenging action games than those seeking long-term engagement. The consensus leans toward a positive assessment, with many reviewers acknowledging the game’s strengths despite its flaws, as noted by The Jimquisition and COGconnected, who describe it as “pure joy” and “addictive.” Ultimately, Not a Hero is seen as a solid entry in the cover-based shooter genre, offering a rewarding experience for players who enjoy its fast-paced, skill-focused approach.

The critics generally praise Not a Hero’s pixel art style as a standout element, with many highlighting its retro charm and technical execution. JeuxActu acknowledges the game’s “typical 2D pixelated art style,” but others like IncGamers and DarkStation commend its “unique animations” and “fluid momentum,” emphasizing the attention to detail in character movements. CGMagazine draws comparisons to Hotline Miami, noting the retro aesthetic’s nostalgic appeal, while The Jimquisition praises the “colorful presentation” and “well-designed characters.” GameGrin describes the visuals as evoking a “hallucinogenic trip” through bright colors, and God is a Geek highlights the “unique designs for different districts of the city.” Metro GameCentral repeatedly lauds the “superb pixel art animation,” underscoring its role in enhancing the game’s energetic tone. These reviews collectively affirm that the visual design effectively supports the game’s chaotic, humorous, and over-the-top gameplay. However, several critics point to limitations in the visual variety and originality. JeuxActu criticizes the “lack of unique visual design,” while Vandal notes that environments “lack variety and inspiration.” Gaming Nexus and Brash Games both mention repetitive level designs, with the latter stating that “buildings look identical” and “levels feel copy-pasted.” IGN Spain and Destructoid highlight the horizontal scroll’s restriction on path diversity, and We Got This Covered points to “repetitive enemy designs.” Additionally, COGconnected suggests that more visual distinction between levels would have improved the experience. Critics like GameCrate and 3DJuegos note that while the retro style fits the game’s tone, its lack of innovation risks monotony, with the latter calling the graphics “not groundbreaking” but “fitting for an arcade essence.” These critiques reveal a consensus that while the art style is functional, it occasionally falls into formulaic patterns. Overall, the critics agree that Not a Hero’s pixel art and visual design strike a balance between nostalgia and gameplay functionality. While some argue the style lacks originality—particularly in level variety and environmental diversity—most acknowledge its effectiveness in amplifying the game’s chaotic humor and fast-paced action. Reviews from GameTrailers, GameSpot, and Eurogamer Italy praise the visuals as “charming” and “stylish,” even if they occasionally lean on familiar tropes like Hotline Miami’s aesthetic. The mixed reception reflects a broader appreciation for the art style’s retro appeal and technical execution, despite its limitations in innovation. Ultimately, the game’s visual design is seen as a fitting complement to its gameplay, with many critics agreeing that it “works well” for the title’s tone, even if it doesn’t break new ground.

The sound design and music of Not a Hero received widespread praise for their retro-inspired aesthetic and energetic execution. Critics consistently highlighted the game’s upbeat chiptune and electronic tracks, which complement its chaotic, over-the-top gameplay. IncGamers praised the “brilliant music” and British humor, while DarkStation noted the “strong retro feel” that aligns with the game’s visual style. CGMagazine and The Jimquisition lauded the soundtrack for being “enjoyable” and “burrowing into the ears,” respectively, emphasizing its ability to enhance immersion. GameGrin and Gaming Nexus described the electronic music as “up-pacing gameplay” and “club techno,” creating an addictive, high-energy atmosphere. Additionally, Vandal and Hobby Consolas highlighted the “catchy” and “well-crafted” sound design, with some critics like Eurogamer Italy comparing the chiptune tracks to the iconic style of Hotline Miami. The retro aesthetic, combined with dynamic soundscapes, was seen as a core strength that elevated the game’s charm. Despite the general acclaim, several critics pointed out flaws or areas where the sound design fell short. LaPS4 noted that while the music “fits the game,” it lacked memorability, and Gameplanet criticized the over-the-top British accents as initially funny but eventually tiresome. Brash Games (XBOX ONE) and Grab It Magazine specifically called out Bunnylord’s voice as grating or lazy, with COGconnected mentioning that his dialogue “can’t be sped up.” Gamers’ Temple expressed frustration with repetitive gibberish audio, while GameCritics noted the absence of spoken dialogue in favor of chiptune-heavy music. Some critics also felt the humor leaned too heavily on childish antics, as mentioned by The Escapist, which could clash with the game’s chaotic tone. While these critiques were less frequent, they underscored that the sound design, though mostly praised, had moments of uneven execution or overreliance on specific elements like voice acting. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Not a Hero’s sound design and music were integral to its identity. The retro chiptune and electronic tracks were celebrated for their energy and nostalgia, with outlets like CGMagazine and Eurogamer Italy calling them “fantastic” and “stunning.” While some voices—like Brash Games and Grab It Magazine—raised concerns about specific elements (e.g., Bunnylord’s voice), these were exceptions rather than the norm. The game’s audiovisual presentation, including its “high-quality” sound effects and “impactful” gun noises (per Gameblog.fr), was seen as a cohesive package that enhanced the gameplay experience. Critics like Vooks and Arcade Sushi even suggested the soundtrack alone was worth experiencing, reinforcing that Not a Hero’s sound design successfully balanced retro charm with modern intensity, making it a standout aspect of the game.

The voice acting in Not a Hero is widely praised for its humor, eccentricity, and creative execution, with many critics highlighting its unique charm. JeuxActu commends the "corrosive and humorous" dialogue during briefings and debriefings, while Gameplanet applauds the over-the-top British accents, ranging from Scouse to Scottish, which "add to the humor." GameGrin emphasizes the "comical and self-referential" lines, particularly with Bunnylord, whose "brilliant awkwardness" enhances the game’s absurdity. Vandal and Gaming Nexus also note the parodic nature of the voice acting, with the latter praising Bunnylord’s synthesized gibberish as a standout comedic element. Additionally, Push Square highlights how the "unapologetic voice acting" delivers "the loudest laughs," while NintendoWorldReport singles out Samantha’s voice actress for her "enjoyable" performance. These reviews collectively underscore the game’s commitment to absurdity and its ability to entertain through exaggerated, character-driven dialogue. However, several critics found the voice acting polarizing or repetitive, with some pointing to its potential to annoy. DarkStation criticizes the "repetitive and lackluster" jokes, while LaPS4 finds Bunnylord’s "annoying" humor disruptive to the game’s fast-paced rhythm. The Jimquisition acknowledges that the "weird voices" may be either "hilarious or infuriating," depending on personal taste, and Brash Games (XBOX ONE) calls Bunnylord’s voice "annoying and incoherent." The Escapist laments the "dragging" speeches due to Bunnylord’s "balloon-animal squeaking noise," while Grab It Magazine deems his dialogue "annoying and lazy." COGconnected compares Bunnylord’s voice to a "cross between Charlie Brown’s adults and nails on a chalkboard," noting that despite its humor, it can feel grating. These critiques suggest that the game’s reliance on absurdity and repetition may not resonate with all players. Overall, the critical reception of Not a Hero’s voice acting is split between admiration for its creativity and frustration with its execution. While many praise its comedic flair, unique accents, and character-specific quirks—such as Bunnylord’s nonsensical gibberish (Gaming Nexus, GameGrin) or Cletus and Jesus’s "hilarious" lines (Gamestyle)—others find the humor forced or repetitive (DarkStation, Brash Games). The game’s voice acting seems to polarize players, with some embracing its chaotic energy as a core strength (SpazioGames, Arcade Sushi) while others view it as a flaw that detracts from immersion. Despite these mixed reactions, the consensus leans toward appreciation for its bold, unconventional approach, even if it occasionally oversteps in its pursuit of humor.

The technical performance of Not a Hero varies significantly across platforms, with some notable positives. On PC, IncGamers praised the "tight controls" despite occasional issues like unskippable cutscenes, while The Jimquisition noted minor glitches that didn’t entirely detract from the experience. However, the PS4 version received more consistent praise for its smoothness and fluidity—LaPS4 highlighted the "delightful experience on a big screen," and Brash Games commended the "smooth and slick" gameplay with the DualShock controller. Eurogamer Italy also celebrated the PS4’s ability to handle complex scenarios without hiccups, suggesting the platform’s optimization was more reliable than PC’s. These positives indicate that Not a Hero’s technical foundation is stronger on PS4, though it still faces challenges in both ecosystems. Negatively, PC reviewers faced a barrage of technical issues that undermined the experience. The Jimquisition criticized "glitches and technical issues" like teleporting enemies and doors failing to open, while GameCritics pointed to "odd control choices" and loading hitches. Critical Hit described bugs such as "rubber-banding enemies" and "invisible walls," and COGconnected lamented "floaty controls" and lack of Steam Achievements. The Escapist highlighted input drops caused by the Steam overlay or Windows pop-ups, which could lead to instant deaths, a major flaw for PC players. On PS4, while performance was smoother, issues like cover mechanic failures (COGconnected) and sensitivity problems (God is a Geek) persisted, alongside a lack of checkpoints and automatic reloading. These flaws suggest that both platforms struggled with polish, though PC’s technical instability was more severe. Overall, critics agreed that Not a Hero’s technical performance was inconsistent, with PS4 generally outperforming PC in terms of stability but not immunity to issues. While LaPS4 and Brash Games celebrated the PS4’s fluidity, reviewers like The Jimquisition and COGconnected emphasized that glitches and control flaws plagued both platforms. The PC version faced more severe hiccups, including frame rate drops (Multiplayer.it) and input latency (The Escapist), whereas PS4 critics noted design shortcomings like "simple" technical execution (Hobby Consolas). Despite some praise for the PS4’s optimization, the consensus was that Not a Hero required significant patches to address its technical shortcomings across all platforms. The game’s potential was evident, but its execution left much to be desired.

The reviewers generally agree that Not a Hero offers notable replay value through its emphasis on multiple characters, optional objectives, and unlockable content. Critics like JeuxActu highlight the game’s random objectives and challenging secondary tasks as key drivers for repeated playthroughs, while IncGamers and LaPS4 praise the variety of characters and sub-objectives that encourage experimentation. The ability to unlock new characters with unique abilities—such as those mentioned by Vandal and Gamers’ Temple—creates incentives for players to revisit levels, especially when striving for 100% completion. Additionally, The Jimquisition and Game Rant note the addictive nature of the gameplay, where mastering stages and discovering alternative strategies keeps players engaged. The inclusion of secret levels, hidden challenges, and stat-tracking systems (as noted by Eurogamer Poland and Everyeye.it) further enhances the game’s appeal for completionists. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that limit the game’s replayability. Many express concerns about repetition and formulaic design, with DarkStation and LaPS4 stating that the core gameplay becomes monotonous over time. The lack of weapon variety and procedural generation (as highlighted by Gaming Nexus and Nintendo Life) contributes to a sense of stagnation, while 3DJuegos and GameStar criticize the game’s short length and minimal incentives for multiple playthroughs. Additionally, the absence of competitive elements like leaderboards or scoring systems (mentioned by JeuxActu and GameCrate) reduces motivation for some players. Critics like Hooked Gamers and NZGamer also note that the difficulty spike in later stages and the linear structure of missions can deter repeated engagement, despite the game’s initial charm. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging Not a Hero’s replay value for fans of its core mechanics and completionist challenges. While Eurogamer Poland and Arcade Sushi praise the game’s engaging structure and variety, others like 3DJuegos and GameStar argue that its brevity and repetition diminish long-term appeal. The game’s reliance on unlockable characters and optional objectives creates a compelling loop for some players, but the lack of depth in post-game content or competitive features (as noted by COGconnected and TrueAchievements) leaves room for criticism. Ultimately, Not a Hero seems to cater best to those who enjoy tight, skill-based challenges and character experimentation, even if its replayability is constrained by its short runtime and repetitive design elements.