
For example, letting a forest burn in one stage versus putting out the fire will result in a branching quest path.

There are also extra paths that become available based on how specific stages are completed. There are achievement-style titles obtainable in each stage, giving players a reason to try to beat quests multiple times using different methods. While speed is the focus of Half-Minute Hero, each stage offers more than just a quick path to the end. The left stick is better for 3D movement and the D-pad is unresponsive, making the speedy movements that this game requires more awkward than they should be. The biggest hindrance of the XBLA version is that the Xbox 360 controller is very imprecise for a game with limited four-way movement. It’s a simple concept and fun twist on RPG norms, and it works amazingly well. To help with this time limit, the Time Goddess offers the option to reset the countdown for a modest fee that increases with each use. In each of these missions players will have thirty seconds to grind their way through a stage, upgrading equipment and completing quests on the way to defeating the boss. Just like the PSP version, the Hero 30 mode is the meat of the game, offering over thirty RPG quests to complete. Those who played through all of the PSP game will miss little by passing on this, but it’s still a fun game that comes highly recommended. Now, Half-Minute Hero Super Mega Neo Climax for Xbox Live Arcade is a scaled down version of the original that offers a few new additions.


The game is not your typical RPG, as its main mode Hero 30 plays more like a puzzle game wrapped in a retro RPG shell. In 2009, Half-Minute Hero was the RPGamer Editor’s Choice for best RPG on the PSP and for good reason.
