platform: switch
also, PC, Xbox One, PS4
the publisher: no gravity game
Developer: ratcliffe game
Moderate: Digital
player: 1
online: No
ESRB: E10+
One true hero can feel very modern and very retro at the same time.
On the one hand, it looks a lot like the 3D platformers of decades ago. Run around collecting gems, hack and slash your enemies, or dress up as a standard fantasy hero. One True Hero has nothing I haven’t seen countless times before.
On the other hand, though, there’s some commentary here and there to show how tired many of these tropes can be. and a narrator who regularly inserts a little humor into the proceedings.
Of course, it begs the question: if you’re doing the same thing that’s been done millions of times before, does it matter if you show some self-awareness while doing it? ? Personally, I think not.? Generous dedication to formula is the same whether you do it on purpose or not. Just because One True Hero has a few jokes about it doesn’t make it any more original.
The real problem with this game, however, is that it’s not very well done. There are bugs everywhere, items appearing and disappearing, the camera going through the scenery, slowing down, freezing, and all the other annoyances you’d expect from a half-baked game.
Besides, it’s not very fun when it works. Combat is very basic, spending a lot of time mashing buttons to take down the occasional swarm of enemies. There’s also the platforming, but the combination of lumbering controls and a camera that can’t be determined to be fixed or movable makes that whole aspect of the game a never-ending chore.
What remains is a mediocre game full of clichés and bugs. Everything in One True Hero has been done before and is much better. We recommend playing one of the games you’re borrowing instead.
Gravity Games did not provide the One True Hero Switch code for review purposes.
School year: C-
