Not a Hero

The reviewers generally praise Not a Hero for its irreverent humor, absurd premise, and satirical take on politics, which many find entertaining despite the game’s narrative shortcomings. Critics like God is a Geek (PS4) highlight the “nicely written amalgamation of typical British humor and neo-gangland anarchy,” while Vandal describes the story as “ridiculous and fun” for its focus on a purple rabbit’s violent campaign to become mayor. The game’s surreal tone, such as BunnyLord’s nonsensical speeches and over-the-top dialogue, is frequently noted as a standout element. GameGrin (PS4) applauds the “snarky and inappropriate dialogue,” calling it an unapologetic celebration of bloodshed and absurdity, while Eurogamer Italy and IncGamers commend its political satire, framing it as a sharp critique of election campaigns and power dynamics. The game’s willingness to embrace chaos and parody is seen as a strength by many, with GameStar (PC) noting the reliance on “pop culture references and dark humor” that keeps the experience lively. However, several critics criticize the game for its underdeveloped or incoherent story, which often feels secondary to gameplay mechanics. VideoGamer (PC) argues that the humor becomes “forced” and the narrative “indistinct and flavorless,” while Multiplayer.it (PC) states the storyline is “not clear or important to the player.” Hobby Consolas (PS4) and Vooks (Nintendo Switch) note that the plot revolves around BunnyLord’s political ambitions but fails to engage due to its lack of depth. COGconnected (PS4) mentions the story is told through “scrolling text” that “doesn’t amount to much,” and GameCritics (PC) calls it an “irreverent plot” that lacks cohesion. Even XGN (PS4), which acknowledges the game’s 21 campaign days and boss battles, concedes that the narrative is “hit or miss.” The repetitive dialogue and reliance on randomization in BunnyLord’s speeches further undermine the story’s impact for some reviewers. Overall, critics agree that Not a Hero prioritizes humor and satire over a compelling narrative, resulting in a polarizing experience. While many appreciate its chaotic charm and creative premise—GameGrin (PS4) calls it an “unashamed and relentless rejoice of blood and gore” and Eurogamer Poland praises the “crazy election campaign”—others find the story shallow or unengaging. The game’s focus on gameplay mechanics, such as shooting and mission-based progression, often overshadows its narrative, leaving players with a sense of entertainment but not emotional investment. Despite mixed reviews, there is consensus that Not a Hero succeeds as a quirky, if flawed, parody of politics and action games, with Level7.nu (PC) noting the “minimal story” remains “entertaining to play.” The game’s legacy hinges on its ability to balance absurdity with gameplay, which many critics acknowledge but question whether it fully delivers.

The gameplay of Not a Hero is widely praised for its fast-paced, cover-based mechanics and dynamic action, which many critics highlight as its standout features. DarkStation and Brash Games both commend the game’s sidescrolling design combined with cover shooter elements, noting the exhilarating experience of shooting from cover and the unique projectiles that add variety. IGN Spain and CGMagazine emphasize the engaging combat systems, including unlockable characters with distinct abilities and a focus on skillful movement between cover. The game’s emphasis on tactical decision-making—such as managing reloads, enemy positioning, and character-specific skills—is highlighted by GameGrin and The Games Machine as a refreshing twist on traditional run-and-gun gameplay. Additionally, the variety of objectives, from main missions to optional challenges, is seen as a strength by critics like We Got This Covered and XGN, who appreciate how it keeps players engaged through diverse playstyles. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks, particularly around repetition and lack of depth. SpazioGames and 3DJuegos criticize the game’s limited level design, noting that repetitive buildings and a small number of locations can make the experience feel monotonous. Gamers’ Temple and Brash Games (again) mention the grindy nature of trial-and-error mechanics, while GameOver.gr and Destructoid highlight issues with the cover system, which can be finicky or disrupt momentum. The lack of enemy variety and occasional difficulty spikes—especially toward the end—are also recurring complaints, as noted by Hooked Gamers and 3DJuegos. Additionally, some critics, like Eurogamer Italy and GameCrate, point out that while the core mechanics are solid, the game’s simplicity can lead to frustration when balancing aggressive play with tactical cover. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Not a Hero succeeds as a fast-paced, skill-driven cover shooter with a strong emphasis on movement and strategy. While its repetitive elements and design flaws are acknowledged, many critics, including COGconnected and Brash Games, praise its addictive gameplay and rewarding challenge. The game’s blend of chaotic action, character variety, and tactical depth is seen as a unique selling point, even if it occasionally falters in areas like level diversity or enemy AI complexity. Ultimately, the reviews suggest that Not a Hero appeals to fans of tight, responsive combat but may struggle to maintain engagement for those seeking deeper, more varied experiences.

The majority of critics praise Not a Hero’s graphics and visual design for their nostalgic, retro-inspired aesthetic, which aligns with the game’s chaotic and humorous tone. Many highlight its pixel-art style as a standout feature, noting its charm and ability to evoke classic 8-bit or 16-bit games. For instance, IGN Spain describes the visuals as “colorful 2D pixel art,” while CGMagazine applauds the “vibrant pixel-art presentation” and “unique cover system.” The game’s stylized violence and exaggerated animations also receive praise, with God is a Geek noting its “bright neon palette” and The Jimquisition highlighting “well-designed characters.” Additionally, Eurogamer Italy and GameTrailers commend the game’s energetic visuals, which complement its over-the-top action and comedic elements. The retro aesthetic, often compared to Hotline Miami or 1980s arcade games, is seen as a deliberate and effective choice that enhances the gameplay experience. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks, particularly regarding visual variety and level design. Multiple reviewers, including 3DJuegos, Brash Games, and Hobby Consolas, criticize the repetitive environments, noting that the “lack of variety in level aesthetics” and “identical buildings” can lead to fatigue. The 2D side-scrolling format is also seen as limiting, with IGN Spain and Destructoid pointing out that it restricts creative path diversity. Some critics, like Vandal and Gaming Nexus, argue that the environments lack inspiration, while We Got This Covered mentions “repetitive enemy designs.” Additionally, the 8-bit style, though nostalgic, is occasionally deemed unoriginal—DarkStation notes it “doesn’t stand out from similar games,” and JeuxActu calls it a “typical” indie aesthetic. The simplicity of the visuals, while intentional, sometimes clashes with expectations for more dynamic or immersive environments. Overall, critics agree that Not a Hero’s graphics strike a balance between retro charm and functional design, even if they aren’t groundbreaking. While the pixel-art style is widely appreciated for its personality and nostalgia factor—MondoXbox calls it “visually appealing,” and Eurogamer Italy praises its “intense and fun moments”—the lack of visual innovation and repetitive level structures remains a consistent critique. The game’s visuals are seen as a fitting complement to its chaotic, humorous gameplay rather than a standout feature. As Gameblog.fr notes, the minimalist 2D design with “detailed animations” works well despite its limitations, and Nintendo Life highlights that the pixel art remains “sharp and impressive” even years after release. While not without flaws, the visual design is generally viewed as a cohesive and effective choice that enhances the game’s unique identity.

The sound design and music of Not a Hero are overwhelmingly praised by critics for their energetic, retro-inspired chiptune aesthetic and ability to enhance gameplay. Multiple reviewers highlight the soundtrack’s vibrant, varied tracks that align with the game’s chaotic, action-packed style. 3DJuegos and CGMagazine commend the “excellent” and “fantastic” soundtracks, noting their ability to amplify intensity during shootouts and match the game’s retro visuals. Eurogamer Italy compares the chip-tune music favorably to Hotline Miami, calling certain tracks “memorable,” while GameGrin emphasizes how the electronic music “up-paces the gameplay” and creates an addictive, immersive experience. COGconnected praises the level-specific themes that “fit the game tone perfectly,” and TheSixthAxis calls the soundtrack “superb.” The chiptune style is consistently framed as a core strength, with critics like GameCrate noting the “memorable” theme during interactions with Bunnylord and Vandal highlighting the “catchy” music. Despite these accolades, some critics point to shortcomings in the sound design and voice acting. Hobby Consolas notes that while the soundtrack is “convincing,” it doesn’t reach the quality of Hotline Miami’s music, and COGconnected criticizes Bunnylord’s voice as “grating” and uneditable. Grab It Magazine calls the character’s audio “annoying and lazy,” while Gaming Nexus mentions that the British accents for voiced characters can become tiresome over time. Additionally, some reviewers find the humor and dialogue overly juvenile or repetitive—The Jimquisition describes the voices as “weird,” and The Escapist critiques the “childish” mix of violence and political double-speak. While the music is widely praised, a few critics note that it lacks memorability, with LaPS4 stating the music “is not memorable” and Hobby Consolas acknowledging the sound design doesn’t fully match Hotline Miami’s standards. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for Not a Hero’s retro chiptune soundtrack and its synergy with the game’s chaotic, humorous tone. While there are valid criticisms about voice acting and occasional lack of originality, the majority view the audio as a key strength that complements the gameplay. The music is seen as both a nostalgic nod to 80s/90s gaming and a driving force for the game’s frenetic energy, with critics like Eurogamer Italy and GameGrin emphasizing its role in enhancing immersion. Though some aspects—like Bunnylord’s voice or specific sound effects—draw mixed reactions, the overall sentiment is that the sound design and music are integral to the game’s identity, offering a fun, high-energy experience that resonates with fans of retro-inspired action games.

The voice acting in Not a Hero is largely praised for its humor, eccentricity, and unique characterizations, particularly for BunnyLord. Critics like CGMagazine and DarkStation highlight that BunnyLord’s voice evokes the whimsical, childlike tone of a Charlie Brown cartoon, which they argue enhances the game’s comedic style. GameGrin applauds the “brilliant awkwardness” created by the pacing and content of the dialogue, while Push Square notes that the unapologetic voice acting delivers “the loudest laughs.” Arcade Sushi appreciates how BunnyLord’s random noises help define his character, and Gameplanet praises the over-the-top British accents (from Scouse to Scottish) that add to the game’s humor. Additionally, Vandal and We Got This Covered commend the parodic and varied accents, with the latter highlighting character-specific clips that amplify the comedy. However, several critics find the voice acting grating or overly absurd. Brash Games (on PS4) calls BunnyLord’s voice “annoying and incoherent,” while EGM describes it as “non-sensical and wearing on the reviewer.” LaPS4 criticizes the narrative sequences for disrupting the game’s fast-paced rhythm, and COGconnected compares the voice to “nails on a chalkboard,” despite acknowledging the humor in what BunnyLord says. Grab It Magazine labels it “annoying and lazy,” while The Escapist notes that the “balloon-animal squeaking noise” and slow-moving text make speeches feel dragging. NZGamer mentions minimal voice acting, with subtitles required for clarity, and GameCrate points out repetitive lines that can become tiresome despite their humor. Overall, the critical reception of Not a Hero’s voice acting is split between admiration for its chaotic charm and frustration with its absurdity. While many critics, including CGMagazine, DarkStation, and GameGrin, celebrate the intentionally quirky and humorous approach, others like Brash Games and EGM find it off-putting or repetitive. The game’s reliance on exaggerated accents, nonsensical dialogue, and self-referential humor creates a polarizing experience—some see it as a bold, comedic strength, while others view it as a flaw. Despite this divide, the consensus leans toward acknowledging that the voice acting is a deliberate, if divisive, element of the game’s identity, with GameCrate noting that “the bulk of what they say is usually funny” and The Jimquisition observing that the voices are either “hilarious or infuriating, depending on personal preference.”

The technical performance of Not a Hero varies significantly across platforms, with the PlayStation 4 version receiving more consistent praise. Brash Games highlighted that the PS4 version is "smooth and slick to play" with a well-functioning DualShock control scheme, while Eurogamer Italy noted it runs seamlessly even in complex scenarios. LaPS4 emphasized its fluidity and "delightful experience on a big screen," and Hobby Consolas acknowledged minimal technical criticism despite the game’s simplistic design. Metro GameCentral also praised its smoothness, though they mentioned minor control flaws. These positives suggest the PS4 port is well-optimized, with few major issues detracting from the core gameplay. However, both platforms face notable technical challenges. On PS4, COGconnected criticized the cover mechanic for occasional failures and the absence of auto-reloading or checkpoints, while God is a Geek pointed to sensitivity issues and rapid health depletion. Metro GameCentral also noted "minor but irritating control flaws," and Hobby Consolas suggested the game’s simplicity might reflect underdeveloped technical execution. For PC, the negatives are more pronounced: Critical Hit described bugs like "rubber-banding enemies" and "invisible walls," while Digital Spy highlighted long loading times and frustrating checkpoint gaps. The Escapist criticized input instability caused by Steam overlays, and The Jimquisition cited glitches such as teleporting enemies and unfair deaths. GameCritics and IncGamers also noted stuttering, control inconsistencies, and unskippable animations, painting a picture of a PC version plagued by technical fragility. Overall, critics agree that the PS4 version is more polished despite its flaws, while the PC port struggles with stability and optimization. The PS4’s smooth performance and responsive controls (as praised by Brash Games and Eurogamer Italy) contrast sharply with PC’s bugs and control issues, which many reviewers found disruptive. While some PC critics like IncGamers noted "tight" controls, the prevalence of glitches—such as those highlighted by Critical Hit and The Jimquisition—suggests the PC version requires significant patches. The consensus leans toward PS4 being a more reliable experience, though both platforms face criticism for design choices like the lack of checkpoints or auto-reloading, which detract from player enjoyment.

The overall sentiment toward the replay value of Not A Hero: Super Snazzy Edition is mixed but leans slightly positive, with several critics highlighting its engaging mechanics and incentives for multiple playthroughs. Many reviewers praise the game’s unlockable characters, secondary objectives, and challenges that encourage experimentation. For instance, XGN notes that additional challenges and unlocked characters provide replay value, while TrueAchievements emphasizes unlocking new characters and secret doors as motivators. Arcade Sushi applauds the randomized mission details and strong character design, and Eurogamer Italy suggests the game’s fun and engaging experience can keep players entertained for several hours. The inclusion of multiple playable characters with unique abilities, such as those mentioned by COGconnected and Gamers’ Temple, adds variety, while Game Rant and Digital Spy acknowledge the addictive nature of the gameplay and the satisfaction of mastering levels. These elements create a foundation for replayability, particularly for completionists or fans of tight level design. However, several critics argue that the game’s short length and repetitive structure significantly limit its longevity. 3DJuegos (on PC) and IGN Spain both note that the game can be completed in under three hours with minimal incentives to return, while Metro GameCentral compares it unfavorably to longer, more enduring titles like OlliOlli. The lack of a score attack system or competitive elements is another recurring criticism, as highlighted by games(TM) and Gamestyle, who feel the absence of these features diminishes replay appeal. Additionally, The Escapist warns that repetition can turn the experience into a "grind" for some players, and Hooked Gamers points out that late-game difficulty spikes may deter further playthroughs. Critics like DarkStation and GameTrailers also note that the formulaic gameplay and lack of environmental variety make levels feel monotonous over time, despite efforts to add depth through side objectives. The consensus among critics is that Not A Hero: Super Snazzy Edition offers moderate replay value, but its appeal depends on individual preferences. While Gameblog.fr and Everyeye.it praise the game’s multiple characters, secret missions, and secondary objectives as sufficient for a "highly enjoyable experience," others like IGN Spain and 3DJuegos find it too brief and repetitive to justify repeated play. The game’s strengths—such as its addictive gameplay and creative level design (noted by Critical Hit)—are tempered by its shortcomings, including limited content and a lack of progression systems. Ultimately, the title seems to cater more to completionists or fans of its specific mechanics, with Eurogamer Poland and Hobby Consolas suggesting it’s worth revisiting for those who enjoy mastering its challenges, even if it falls short of being a long-term staple.