While not the most polished game by any means, theres alot I liked about NMH that I haven't liked about many (if any) games before or since. Firstly, I liked how it was an extremely raunchy, immaturely M-rated game for the Wii; that alone sold me on the game before it even came out. Secondly I thought it had probably one of the smartest control schemes on the system, yet it was so simple (button presses for normal attacks, while motions were reserved for finishing moves) that it seemed weird other developers hadn't really thought of it yet. The gameplay was rather simple, especially when compared to other hack n' slash type games, but boss fights were generally fun and on top of that each one was interesting and unique in terms of both gameplay and personality. In fact personality is the main reason I like this game so much. From the characters themselves to the overall tone of the game itself, this game just exudes it's own unique personality and style and never apologizes for it even when it gets super awkward.

No More Heroes is a super stylish and symbolic art-house video game about video games, making fun of gamers by satirizing and contrasting their boring reality and their ultraviolent fantasy. Not surprisingly this upset a lot of gamers, but somehow I actually enjoyed experiencing this caricatured depiction of what is essentially my life. I also appreciated the numerous references to punk music, including The Stranglers (obviously), Ian Curtis, and The Sex Pistols.

I'm not a fan of the Grand Theft Auto-style format, but I enjoyed No More Heroes' use of the gameplay style. I love collecting all the geeky shirts and collectibles in this game. The stylish boss fights are also a clever twist on a free-exploration game. Perhaps this video game satire is outlandish, but its laid-back atmosphere hooked me in, line and sinker.

I really wanted to like this game, but I just couldn't. The combat is clunky and repetitive, the enemies dull, and the open world empty and pointless. Graphically the game is a pain to look at, apart from the admittedly beautiful cutscenes. The side jobs are boring and unnecessary breaks in the action. Suda's satirical intent is not lost on me, but satire should not come at the expense of fun. Unfortunately, a clever premise, good boss fights, and the sexiest main character known to man cannot fully redeem this game.