No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle -- January 2010 Release in Japan

[Ecofreak]

I wasn't super fanatic about the game, but I'm interested to see how they improve upon the original.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41032.html

The updated beam saber design is appreciated, and I wonder if the trailer choppiness is intentional or problem w/ the upload.

Release date is tentatively January 2010 (http://www.siliconera.com/2008/10/17/no-more-no-more-heroes-until-2010/)

Game details provided by GoNintendo (Thanks to j.elles for pointing it out)
- first sequel Grasshopper has done
- urge to make another game with Travis motivated the team
- Travis is motivated by revenge in the sequel
- Travis will take a more serious approach to fighting this time
- Team from NMH1 is involved with NMH2


Interview from Eurogamer (http://gonintendo.com/?p=59724) (Thanks to j.elles for pointing it out)

” (Suda on the game’s tone) I think it’s time for No More Heroes to become serious. But it’s going to have humour, don’t worry. It won’t be too serious.

” (Suda on the open world from NMH) I wasn’t that satisfied with the open world. I wanted to make a lot more stuff, more detail. So this time in No More Heroes 2, I want to take my revenge. And actually, the theme of No More Heroes 2 is revenge, so…”

” (Suda talking about an old E3 experience) For example, you had those booth babes that were just distributing some stuff - and I saw they were distributing condoms too. And then they were throwing pants! When I saw that I was like, wow! That’s great. One day, I want to be able to throw pants to the public. That’s one of my main goals.”

[KingBroly]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b347/droogie6655321/onoz_omg2.gif

[j.elles]

I can see why people didn't like what happened if you failed a mission, but I personally thought it fit the with the style and feel Suda was going for very well. But then again i'm a guy who loves Killer 7 with all it's faults as well.

Day 1 buy for me of course. If this has Wii motion plus that will be killer.

[dyeknom]

Hopefully they fix the pathing and things to do in the overworld. Pretty lame you can run into a person and your bike just stalls or glitches.

[Strell]

Make everything smoother/less washed out, put in WM+ to make melee combat more inventive, and spruce up the overworld with more things to look at/do.

There. A great games becomes awesome.

I'm mostly glad it sold enough to warrant a sequel, given the absolute incoming-abortion it was in Japan.

Oh yes. Nintendo - just buy out Grasshopper and/or Marvelous. Just do it.

[blackbird3216]

They should really buy Platinum games.

[JEKKI]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v447/sambao/fap.gif

[pygmy carnotaur]

Ok, this... is awesome. The first is easily one of my favorite Wii games, despite all it's flaws, and this time it should be even better if they work on what was weak in the first one. Definitely will buy this day 1.

[JEKKI]

http://i36.tinypic.com/v6q6wm.gif

[BlueLobstah]

This is good news.

The actual point of the game was fantastic. I hope they improve on the overworld (if any) for the second time around. Even if they don't, I'd still buy the game in a heartbeat.

[j.elles]

I remember a month after the game released amid VGcharz and their often times questionable numbers and Joystiq/Kotaku esque sites bashing the games sales the publisher and developer were reportedly celebrating the games sales, and really happy. Which at the time I thought odd and contrary to news i'd heard. This added to the frequent changes in their numbers make me unsure of that site now.

Looks like the Wii's library is really shaping up better then a lot of people thought it would. I for one have more games in 2009 for Wii that i'm looking forward too then any other system

[botticus]

:whee::whee::whee::whee::whee::whee::whee::whee:

[DarkSageRK]

Looks like the Wii's library is really shaping up better then a lot of people thought it would. I for one have more games in 2009 for Wii that i'm looking forward too then any other system

I could only see this happening if you only had a Wii and would not be able to purchase any games on the PS3/360.

Maybe I'm wrong though. Maybe you're the intended audience for Let's Tap or Let's Catch.


This news is all right for me. I'll probably have to pick up the first one if this starts looking especially badass.

[bardockkun]

FINALLY Favorite Wii game getting the sequel it deserves.

[meerkatgamer]

Good news I really enjoyed the first NMH hopefully this'll be just as good and with wiimotion+ that'd be great. :drool:

[hero101]

This definitely might be good. I hope the animation get less choppy and for a better interactive overworld.

[j.elles]

I could only see this happening if you only had a Wii and would not be able to purchase any games on the PS3/360.

Maybe I'm wrong though. Maybe you're the intended audience for Let's Tap or Let's Catch.


This news is all right for me. I'll probably have to pick up the first one if this starts looking especially badass.

A bit off topic so lets restrict it to here. Heres my 2009 Wii list of buy/ maybe rent if im short on cash games. I own every system including a high end PC rig by the way.


Muramasa: The Demon Blade
Rune Factory Frontier
Arc Rise Fantasia
Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga
No More Heroes 2 (of course)
Monster Hunter 3 Tri
The Conduit
Tenchu 4
Fragile
Sin & Punishment 2
Dynamic Slash
Mad World
Overlord Dark Legend
Pikmin 3
Punch Out Wii
Untitled New tales game
Trace Memory 2

A lot of the games announced are pretty recent so I can understand if you haven't heard of some of these games though. Like I said Wii is really shaping up to have an outstanding 2009.

[RelentlessRolento]

fuck yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[blackbird3216]

you forgot sonic black knight.

[EXStrike]

:whee: :whee: :whee: :whee: :whee:

[hero101]

you forgot sonic black knight.
Avoid...I'm staying away from sonic with a sword....He might bite me at night...:booty:

[j.elles]

you forgot sonic black knight.


I might get Black knight if it's good but it's not on my personal list yet.

[RelentlessRolento]

even if this game only had a new story but same exact gameplay and engine, I'd still go batshit crazy like I am now.

[DarkSageRK]

Muramasa: The Demon Blade
Rune Factory Frontier
Arc Rise Fantasia
Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga
No More Heroes 2 (of course)
Monster Hunter 3 Tri
The Conduit
Tenchu 4
Fragile
Sin & Punishment 2
Dynamic Slash
Mad World
Overlord Dark Legend
Pikmin 3
Punch Out Wii
Untitled New tales game
Trace Memory 2

A lot of the games announced are pretty recent so I can understand if you haven't heard of some of these games though. Like I said Wii is really shaping up to have an outstanding 2009.

I've been following TGS too. Of those, I'm only interested in three of them. I have a feeling you're in for some harsh disappointment. Or maybe I'm wrong and they'll all be super amazing. That'd be a nice case, as maybe I could finally get some use of "ol' dusty."

[Strell]

So because he's interested in games you aren't, he's somehow wrong and "in for harsh disappointement."

That's good logic you got going there.

[RelentlessRolento]

what? opinion? on the internet? never.

[j.elles]

I've been following TGS too. Of those, I'm only interested in three of them. I have a feeling you're in for some harsh disappointment. Or maybe I'm wrong and they'll all be super amazing. That'd be a nice case, as maybe I could finally get some use of "ol' dusty."

I could go into detail about the developer, and the previous game about why i'm looking forward to most of the games I listed but to each his own. I think you will be pleasently surprised.

Anyway that's what Gamefly is for my friend. ^_- Try something if you have doubt. For me most of those are buy. If I dont like I find Ebay to be an easier and cheaper method then rental to try games.

[RelentlessRolento]

cum on the walls...

[PhoenixT]

I dunno I liked the first one but it wasn't the most amazing game ever really *shrugs* I'd probably give part two a shot I just hope its a little more coherent this time. Travis's interaction with the girl in the thing flip flopped like mad it got really annoying.

[RelentlessRolento]

I can't say anything but that I still own my wii because of NMH. if it weren't for that it would've been gone a long time ago.

[KingBroly]

Is this confirmed for Wii, though?

D S - Right here
E T
S R
P U
E G
R G
A L
T E
E

[CouRageouS]

One of the few Wii games I've actually finished. Boner alert.

[Ikohn4ever]

Some of the best boss characters in any game in recent memory, hopefully we got some Wiimotion, and possibly a duel mode with a friend might be interesting if done right.

[RelentlessRolento]

Is this confirmed for Wii, though?

D S - Right here
E T
S R
P U
E G
R G
A L
T E
E


yeah, as soon as I heard the name I thought the same. either way I'm in.

[j.elles]

Can't believe I forgot House of the Dead Overkill, and Fatal Frame 4. I love those games.

Anyway, It's just a coincidence with the DS thing. Some Genesis games had Super in the title afterall. It's just speculation.

The characters wouldn't have been so detailed if it were DS anyway. Even with cut scenes I don't think DS can do stuff like that.

That being said using somethingl ike the Ninja Gaiden engine I could easily see No More Heroes on DS as well as Wii. I'd get it.

[Sofa King Kool]

I really hope they make it 480p this time.

I'll be buying it day one, regardless.

[Cao Cao]

STRAWBERRY ON THE SHORTCAKE!

Awesome news.

[Autumn Star]

I'm kind of disappointed with this news.
First of all, don't get me wrong, I LOVED NMH. I played and beat it - twice.
It seems to me though, that a sequel isn't really SUDA 51's style. Honestly, I'm going to buy this day 1, but I was kind of hoping for something new out of Suda. Sure, the first game ended on a cliff hanger, but I thought it ended perfectly the way it was without needing a sequel.

[botticus]

Confirmed for Wii! :D

Release date: January 2010 :-(

[Purple Flames]

FUCK YES x 1000000000000

This was my second favorite Wii game after Twilight Princess, and I'm super excited about it getting a sequel.

[pete5883]

I just realized Desperate Struggle abbreviates to DS. Dear god, no.

[chair_home]

Confirmed for Wii! :D

Release date: January 2010 :-(

Yep. From the Japanese Press Release. Its not even announced for JP in that press release. As someone pointed out at NeoGAF, I think the DS subtitle was Suda being funny. And it is.

[MCalvert1]

http://i36.tinypic.com/v6q6wm.gif

I see now that the gorilla and shark are high fiving each other, but at first glance I thought the gorilla was dragon punching the shark. Laughed my ass off for about 2 mins straight at the thought. And I'm at work.

MjC

[SoulReaver]

Get Rid Of The Open-world Gameplay!

[The Crotch]

Yay! October Christmas!

...

Just don't be on the DS!

[Yaxley]

Awesomeness. I have the sudden urge to go replay the first one again right now.

[dmunkee]

Nice!

...I'm charging my lightsaber just thinking about it.

[crystalklear64]

Finally something new to actually look forward to. Thank you 3rd parties.

[j.elles]

No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle confirmed for Wii and January 2010 in America (http://gonintendo.com/?p=58658)

Theres the link for those who want to see it all official like.

[Cao Cao]

You can see the video of Suda's presentation at GameKyo:
http://gamekyo.com/videoen13311_no-more-heroes-2-the-video-announcement-by-suda-51.html

[jlseal]

I should probably finish the first one by then. I hope. Still AWESOME news.

[crystalklear64]

Good to see it is indeed for Wii, bad to see its not out till 2010...

[Filler2001]

:whee:............That said, 2010 as a release date makes me sad :cry:

Ah well, this is a day one purchase for me, I only wonder how The Sir Henry vs. Travis fight ended (ie is it even over?)

Also, that music score kicks ass

[Dr Mario Kart]

They shouldve waited on the announcement if it was really going to be a 2010 release. E3 or TGS next year wouldve been better.

[j.elles]

I'd personally be worried if the game was going to come out sooner. Adding a full city envionment with tons of stuff to do and working on stuff like Wii motion Plus will take the year+ development time this is getting.

About 15 months added to whenever they started making this means that they will have more then enough time to actually do this product right.

[D4rkewolfe]

I have the first one...and still have yet to play it. At least no rush before the sequel comes out >.>;;

[KingBroly]

I have the first one...and still have yet to play it. At least no rush before the sequel comes out >.>;;

WRONG! YOU PLAY IT NAO!

*gets in his car and rushes to D4rkewolfe's house with a shotgun

[RelentlessRolento]

:whee:............That said, 2010 as a release date makes me sad :cry:

Ah well, this is a day one purchase for me, I only wonder how The Sir Henry vs. Travis fight ended (ie is it even over?)

Also, that music score kicks ass


I bet Henry is still alive... they're brothers and make good rivals

[Sofa King Kool]

Awesomeness. I have the sudden urge to go replay the first one again right now.


Same. Good thing I have a three day weekend.

Nice!

...I'm charging my lightsaber just thinking about it.


..hehe......

[bardockkun]

I'm already excited just for the thoughts of a new NMH soundtrack with this.

[The Crotch]

Same. Good thing I have a three day weekend.
You're Canadian there, Sofa?

[j.elles]

New information reported. I think these things were obvious to those who played the first one. But it's good to see some confirmation. Travis is likely to be very angry in this sequal. Also really good to see it's the same team.

- first sequel Grasshopper has done
- urge to make another game with Travis motivated the team
- Travis is motivated by revenge in the sequel
- Travis will take a more serious approach to fighting this time
- Team from NMH1 is involved with NMH2

http://gonintendo.com/?p=58831

[The Crotch]

Travis... more angry? I thought he was going to choke on his own bile half-way through the first game.

[bardockkun]

I'd hardly say he was angry in the first one, being that he was on a quest to get laid in the first game all the way to the last top ranked assassin I want to say.

[Sir_Fragalot]

zomg x 1000

can I just preorder this shit right now? :D:D:D:D:D:D

[AllTimeLow_RS]

ok so i never actually played the original, but i was very interested to do so. however, when i found out that the controls were not 1:1 i was a bit turned away to the game. now, with nintendo releasing information on the wii motion plus a few months back, it gives more promise to games like this one. lets hope suda 51 and company incorporate this feature into their game and let us play the sequel the way it should be played

[The Crotch]

Man, any more reliance on movement than what the first game had is a little scary. Swinging for every attack in some of those money fights would just be too tiring.

...

Hmm? Don't do every swing as hard as conceivably possible?

...

Get the fuck out of here, Commie.

[crystalklear64]

1:1 motion would be cool, but it'd be a good extra control option, not the standard.

[j.elles]

"Taking place three years after the end of the first title, No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle sees hero Travis Touchdown embark on a mission of revenge following the murder of his best friend. Featuring improvements to the game engine and graphics, Suda51 also promises a far busier Santa Destroy, much darker tone and also a few surprises to come."

Source (http://gonintendo.com/?p=59146)

Sounds great.

[RelentlessRolento]

who's his friend? thunder ryu?

[Dr Mario Kart]

1:1 should be the standard. If you're going to do it, the game should be designed around it for maximum results.

This illustrates the problem of bringing out the motion+ now. Its divisive to the base.

[j.elles]

The potential list is

-Doctor Naomi ( most likely not)
-Thunder Ryu or someone from before when Travis was into Wrestling
-Randall Lovikov aka drunken Russian guy (possibly but low chance)
-Bishop Shidux (video store owner, very possible since they are good friends and he helps you in the first game)
-Jeane (Travis's pet cat. But that would be too mean, but possible since this is Suda 51)
-Could be a reference to the end of the first game and the true ending. Unlikely, but possible.

I'd say someone killed Bishop Shidux, or someone we don't know. Probably Bishop.
__________________


1:1 should be the standard. If you're going to do it, the game should be designed around it for maximum results.

This illustrates the problem of bringing out the motion+ now. Its divisive to the base.

I really liked the combat in the first game and think that should remain. An option for one to one would be nice, or as an extra combat mode that's seperate but not the focus.

I could see them doing the one to one though as an option for the main game, but I don't care. Either way i'll like it.

As for it seperating the base I don't think that's even a small issue. People who are casual will buy it for Wii sports Resort, and everyone else will buy it because they need it for games like this. Don't worry about developers supporting this Wii motion plus, they will.

[Cao Cao]

The potential list is

-Doctor Naomi ( most likely not)
-Thunder Ryu or someone from before when Travis was into Wrestling
-Randall Lovikov aka drunken Russian guy (possibly but low chance)
-Bishop Shidux (video store owner, very possible since they are good friends and he helps you in the first game)
-Jeane (Travis's pet cat. But that would be too mean, but possible since this is Suda 51)
-Could be a reference to the end of the first game and the true ending. Unlikely, but possible.

I'd say someone killed Bishop Shidux, or someone we don't know. Probably Bishop.

Yeah, I would think that a friend that he would swear revenge for would either be Bishop or Shinobu.

[Cao Cao]

IGN posted a video interview with Suda:
http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14288376/no-more-heroes-2/videos/suda51_nmh2_101308.html

It says pretty much the same things that he revealed in his presentation, but he does mention the origin of the Desperate Struggle subtitle. Apparently, it came from an old Japanese gangster movie called Hiroshima: Desperate Struggle. I couldn't find any info about this movie through Google though.

[SoonerMatt]

Yes to the hellz. I just hope they give you more to do outside of the assassinations/part time jobs.

[Sharp Katana]

damn I haven't even opened the first one to play yet. I need to start playing the wii again

[BlueLobstah]

I'm actually hoping we don't see direct 1:1 controls, but rather more accurate controls using the system that is already in place if motion+ is used.

You could theoretically have more than one stance (high/mid/low) and more accurate slashes (left->right, up->down), not to mention being able to select which wrestling move you pull off. For some reason with No More Heroes, it seems that a direct 1:1 mapping to swordplay would lose some of the allure and charm that was in the original title.

In no way am I saying that it should not be used, but rather just enhance the system that is already there.

[j.elles]

Yes to the hellz. I just hope they give you more to do outside of the assassinations/part time jobs.

Suda51 also promises a far busier Santa Destroy,

from my post above. Yeah Suda51/Gresshopper is really going all out with this game I think.

[The Crotch]

I'd say someone killed Bishop Shidux, or someone we don't know. Probably Bishop.

He was getting death threats in the first game...

[meerkatgamer]

Every little tidbit of information on this sequal makes me excited to play it I hope it'll be just as good as the first No More Hero.

I think i'll start up my New Game+ and breat it again reading this thread makes me want to play it again. :drool:

[j.elles]

” (Suda on the game’s tone) I think it’s time for No More Heroes to become serious. But it’s going to have humour, don’t worry. It won’t be too serious.

” (Suda on the open world from NMH) I wasn’t that satisfied with the open world. I wanted to make a lot more stuff, more detail. So this time in No More Heroes 2, I want to take my revenge. And actually, the theme of No More Heroes 2 is revenge, so…”

” (Suda talking about an old E3 experience) For example, you had those booth babes that were just distributing some stuff - and I saw they were distributing condoms too. And then they were throwing pants! When I saw that I was like, wow! That’s great. One day, I want to be able to throw pants to the public. That’s one of my main goals.”

From interview with Eurogamer (http://gonintendo.com/?p=59724)

[The Crotch]

Good news for a change:

As he stood on a noisy stage on the TGS show floor the day before, lapping up the screamed adulation of a contingent of obsessed American journalists, Suda had said that the reason he'd chosen to make his first-ever sequel was that he wanted to revisit Travis. Fair enough - but we suspect it's also because, for once, he'd actually sold some games.

[Z_meista]

awesome!

[RelentlessRolento]

sadly, not when he had the toilet paper and was signing them... :(

[Yungblayz3]

Biggest announcement at TGS IMO

[Snake2715]

Nice!

...I'm charging my lightsaber just thinking about it.

Nice one.. keep it clean!

[Cao Cao]

An interview with Suda appeared in Nintendo Power. He gives some interesting background info about the game's inspiration. He's also going to be the script writer and the executive director, with Toshihiro Fujikawa (An assistant director from NMH) serving as director.

http://tinycartridge.com/post/59870380/suda-not-directing-nmh-2
http://tinycartridge.com/post/59983357/trailer-for-the-yakuza-papers-vol-2-deadly

Also, tinycartridge found a trailer and a clip for Suda's inspiration movie.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=9546983

"Intense" Fight Scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReAJsha87YQ

[RelentlessRolento]

wow that was insane in an awesome way.

the latest EGM has a 2 page interview as well. I'm glad on what he said his stance was on grasshopper.

[The Crotch]

Man. Japan takes ''shirts vs skins'' way too seriously.

[Friend of Sonic]

How well did No More Heroes sell in the US?

[The Crotch]

Marvellous Interactive have published some worldwide shipping/sales figures for Suda's No More Heroes. In Japan, homeland of all parties involved? It's done terribly. Only 40,000 copies have shipped since launch. Ouch. How about America, then? Little better: they've shipped around 200,000 copies, and have sold just over 100,000 since launch. Not bad! Finally, however, they announce some European numbers. And while the game's not even out there yet (it's shipping late Feb/early March across all PAL territories), they're expecting to sell 160,000 units across the continent at launch. Could something finally be coming up roses for Suda? Let's hope so!

That was in mid February. I'll do a bit more Google-ing.

EDIT: No I won't. Fuck this shit, I'm-a go to bed.

[Friend of Sonic]

That was in mid February. I'll do a bit more Google-ing.

EDIT: No I won't. Fuck this shit, I'm-a go to bed.
:lol: Suda deserves more than that though. I hope No More Heroes 2 hits 8 million in the US. Some ridicilous, first party esque number.

[ProfWho]

Just an FYI to those who have not bought NMH yet, Walmart now has it for $20.

[Wolfkin]

Just an FYI to those who have not bought NMH yet, Walmart now has it for $20.

So does Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/No-More-Heroes-Nintendo-Wii/dp/B000X25GW2), with a Terminator (http://www.amazon.com/Terminator-Arnold-Schwarzenegger/dp/B00005N5S5/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1227052232&sr=8-1) or T2 for filler that's no shipping no tax and you get Linda Hamilton

[Persona7]

Damn it, 2010.

I am desperately awaiting this release.

[TC]

Great news of a sequel. Didn't think we would ever see one.

I wonder what goofey side games there will be in this. The lawn mowing one always cracks me up.

[Wolfkin]

yeah i thought the kitten chaser was funny. that and the FFwd ending.

[RelentlessRolento]

fuckin hot!!!!!!

http://img203.imagevenue.com/aAfkjfp01fo1i-11247/loc546/94823_nmh21_122_546lo.jpg
http://img249.imagevenue.com/aAfkjfp01fo1i-17192/loc546/94824_nmh22_122_546lo.jpg
http://img144.imagevenue.com/aAfkjfp01fo1i-15159/loc1016/94825_nmh23_122_1016lo.jpg
http://img263.imagevenue.com/aAfkjfp01fo1i-6613/loc359/94830_nmh24_122_359lo.jpg


dual swords!

Stereo bosses!!!

[EXStrike]

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m396/EXStrike/Weekly%20Famitsu/052909/nmhmoecr1.jpg

(goddammit rolento, you beat me)

[Kyattsuai]

Seems Nathan Copeland's arm transform into a jambox. Also, does it say there that he's ranked #50?! How many assassins are in this one?

[Cao Cao]

The scan images aren't showing up, but luckily GoNintendo posted the scans on their server, though I think true-gaming might post some higher quality versions later on:
http://gonintendo.com/?p=83907
(Wii @ Everyday (http://wiieveryday.blogspot.com/))

(Some NMH Ending spoilers)
- YAY! Dual-wielding Katanas
- Sylvia is back
- Travis looks a bit older, and angrier
- Bishop (From the Video Store) has a gun pointed at his head by some MiBs. Perhaps he's the one who Travis is avenging?
- The UAA is back?
- In a box titled "Next Assassin!?" is a blond-haired schoolgirl playing an instrument under a tree. She is then shown wielding a double-bladed sword. She resembles Sylvia. Jeane!?
- As someone pointed out above, Nathan Copeland, who wields a Stereo that transforms into metal arms (Kinda reminds me of the villain Shriek from Batman Beyond), is ranked at Number 50. My theory for this number is that it may tie into Suda's promise of a more interactive open-world: You'll still have 10 or so main bosses, but the rest of the ranked assassins will be optional "mini-bosses" spread throughout the world.

Next stop is e3. Suda confirmed that it will be at the show, but it will not be playable.

[EXStrike]

I uploaded the scans to my photobucket account in the other (closed) thread http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225514

[Scrubking]

I can't wait for this game. I really hope it has 50 bosses.

[Cao Cao]

Some info in the Famitsu article has been translated.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16017837&postcount=243
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3174401
http://wii.ign.com/articles/986/986867p1.html


A few No More Heroes 2 infos :
- Story : it's been 3 years since Travis became the Number One assassin. Santa Destroy is now at the hand of big companies which thanks to massive investments, transformed the small town into a big city. And not only is it the time Sylvia Christel chooses to suddenly reappear into Travis' life as an organisation agent, but his friend Bishop also ends up being involved in a pinch with some bad guys. Just the time for Travis get back to the grind and face some new battles...
- Wrestling moves are back, and along with some fresh dual-wielding swords action, they promise a more varied battle system.
- New characters introduced : an afro dude, Nathan Copeland, ranked 50th on the UAA ranking, and which is apparently a Travis fan ; as well as a mysterious beam-weapon wielding school girl, which seems to be related to Travis somehow.
- Famitsu's website should have a trailer on May 30th, and they'll also start taking applications for a T-shirt design contest.

Travis Touchdown is, in the end, Travis Touchdown -- no more, no less. The last time we saw him (in No More Heroes), he had advanced to ranking number one in the United Assassins Association, making him the biggest big-shot hitman in the entire continental US. In the three years that've passed, though, he's apparently lazed out a little -- his ranking's gone down to 51, and he's still living in his cheap motel room surrounded by anime and pro-wrestling figures.

In the meantime, Travis's hometown of Santa Destroy's been spruced up a bit. It's receiving huge investments from huger corporations intent on making it into a resort hotspot, and the town looks completely different nowadays. Things aren't so rosy for our hero, though: his friend Bishop has just been accosted by gunmen, and Sylvia, the beautiful agent that drove the last game's plot, has just returned to his life, giving him an invitation to return to the assassin business...

No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle, a Wii sequel detailed for the first time in this week's issue of Famitsu magazine, seems to stick to its guns pretty well. The brunt of gameplay still involves waggling the Wiimote around for kicks, running Travis around town and using his beam katana (and innate knowledge of pro wrestling) to dispatch his enemies. A couple screenshots show Travis dual-wielding beam katanas, but otherwise not much has been revealed about what's new gameplaywise.

There's plenty of time left for Goichi Suda and the developers at Grasshopper Manufacture to leak out details, though. The game doesn't have an official release date in Japan or the US yet, although XSEED has already signed a deal for American distribution.

No More Heroes 2 Emerges
Suda 51's super sequel shows face in Famitsu. E3 showing up next!
by John Tanaka

May 27, 2009 - Following its announcement at last year's Tokyo Game Show, all went quiet on No More Heroes Desperate Struggle. That's about to change, it seems. Famitsu has a first report on the game, complete with character, story and gameplay details.

Travis Touchdown and Silvia Chrystel return for the Suda 51 sequel. The new story is set three years after Travis became rank number 1 assassin. Due to heavy investment from large corporations, Santa Destroy has rapidly become a tourist town. One day, Sylvia suddenly appears before Travis and invites him to another assassin ranking battle. At that very moment, Travis's sole friend, Bishop, is seen in somewhat of a pinch as a gang of ruffians take close aim at his head with guns.

What will happen to Bishop? And why has Sylvia appeared before Travis once again?

We're sure these questions and more will be answered as No More Heroes approaches release. For now, here are a few details that we were able to put together on gameplay changes.

Desperate Struggle retains the basic attack controls from the original for everything from Travis's Beam Katana to his wrestling moves. The big new feature from the magazine report is Travis's new dual sword abilities. With two swords in hand, Travis can deal up far more damage.

As with the original, facing off against members of the United Assassins Association (UAA) is one of the main points of the sequel. It looks like there'll be somewhat of a big volume upgrade for Desperate Struggle, as Famitsu provides a look at a fight against the 50th rank!

Nathan Copeland is the name of this low ranking assassin. He's into hip hop -- he even has his own underground label -- and carries around a boom box which can apparently transform into an arm weapon of some form.

Outside of these details, Famitsu confirms a No More Heroes Desperate Struggle showing for E3. But those who want a first look at the game will want to turn their browsers to Famitsu.com on Saturday the 30th, as the site is scheduled to debut the game's E3 video in advance!

That's the 30th Japan time. Famitsu.com often puts up exclusive videos when the clock turns midnight, so it might be good to check the site early, early Saturday morning Japan time.

[KingBroly]

So Shinobu is back, then? Sweet. Hearing that the game is once again in Santa Destroy is a little disappointing. Hopefully they'll use the other side of the bridge this time.

[BlueLobstah]

I just hope they fix the overworld portions of the game, as that was my only real complaint.

[RelentlessRolento]

I'm sure the overworld will be better now since it was a concern to Suda at one point.

[Kyattsuai]

It just occurred to me that Travis is ranked #51. 51

clever =^e.e^=

[Cao Cao]

As expected, the folks at Arabic game site True-Gaming (http://www.true-gaming.net/home/?p=1108) put up higher quality versions of the Famitsu scans:
http://www.true-gaming.net/tgupload/images2/nmh.jpg
http://www.true-gaming.net/tgupload/images2/nmh2.jpg
http://www.true-gaming.net/tgupload/images2/nmh3.jpg
http://www.true-gaming.net/tgupload/images2/nmh4.jpg

[EXStrike]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phzPzNUwf1Y

[GodlyOne]

:rofl:at the women being thrown at Travis. I somehow forgot how amazing the No More Heroes theme song is.

[Strell]

Trailer looks great, although feels much more serious than the last game. I guess that's the logical progression though. Which isn't bad, it's just that it removes the whole parody element in favor of a mobster tone.

Oh well. Still excited.

[RelentlessRolento]

nice trailer. Travis looks in a few of those shots pretty pissed or just passed a hangover.

The humor is still there (throwing women is a good indication, and the end with sylveria kissing the saber) so no worries. I just expect more linear story this time, which is good.

[Mad D]

http://i43.tinypic.com/dz801s.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/24v8p3s.gif

:lol:

[hero101]

Mad D with those highlights. :lol:

[RelentlessRolento]

note the end of the trailer... WiiMotion Plus ;)

[Ikohn4ever]

amazing trailer can't wait

[ratzombie]

Haha, Mad D. Definitely the highlights of the trailer. Big fan of the first game, I love me some of dat Suda action.

[Wolfkin]

- Bishop (From the Video Store) has a gun pointed at his head by some MiBs. Perhaps he's the one who Travis is avenging?i hope not

[Cao Cao]

GameTrailers put up an interesting interview with Suda:
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/51551.html

- Pizza Butt is the corporation that took over Santa Destroy.
- May have battles that involve more than one ranked assassin.
- Blonde girl from the trailer is a fan of Travis' who became an assassin to meet him.
- Travis' cat Jeane is back, and she has put on a little weight. There may be a minigame to put her on a diet. Suda hopes to make the interactions with Jeane the Cat even better than UbiSoft's Petz series.
- Better AI, physics engine. Gonna try to "level-up" the fighting engine for more variety. Travis' Schpeltiger motorcycle will also receive some sort of improvement.
- More than 10 boss fights, Suda wouldn't say how many.
- More to do in the motel room, like redecorating.

[RelentlessRolento]

strangely im mostly happy about the pet cat thing... then again it dosnt surprise me since I was one of the few people excited about nintendogs and hamsterz.

[Sir_Fragalot]

You can redecorate your motel room :lol:.

Ok it has now become my most wanted game of 2010. :D

I am not going to bother to look at media for this game, I want it badly enough already, lol.

[cochesecochese]

Freaking amazing. NMH2 is definitely going to be the game that pushes me to re-buy that Wii next year.

[Kyattsuai]

Pizza Butt is still trying to ruin Santa Destroy? Wasn't their CEO murdered about a dozen times in the first game?

[Cao Cao]

Shinobu's back. And she's playable!
http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=87147
http://gonintendo.com/wp-content/photos/thumb_lwb.jpg

http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/genmessage.php?board=954479&topic=50145115
Scan: http://i41.tinypic.com/rtkxnk.jpg
Just got the new Nintendo Power in the mail (cover is Mario and Luigi for DS) and it has an article on NMH2 confirming that Shinobu is returning and is playable at certain points in the game. Here's the picture:

http://i41.tinypic.com/rtkxnk.jpg

It also has some other information on the game, some stuff we already knew. Bishop does die, improving combat with more moves/variety, improving city segments, more activities with Jeane the cat.

Some new stuff (I think) is that some assassins will team up on you, lower ranked assassins will challenge you, and the pacing will be different. For example you may fight two or more bosses in a row instead of just returning to the city to get more money for the next fight.

[RelentlessRolento]

nice! pulling a MGS Rising for NMH.

Makes sense though storywise since she was the only assassin to help Travis as well as train under him.

[cochesecochese]

Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick.

[Chibi_Kaji]

Thats pretty cool... now I just need to go finish the first one.

[Cao Cao]

Suda confirms in an interview with Edge that, among other things, Travis will be piloting a giant robot at some point:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16501270&postcount=100

Ah Suda.

"It's like taking a shit," says Goichi Suda, Grasshopper Manafacture CEO, as he relaxes on his (office) seat. We blink first. "A lot of things influenced No More Heroes - things I saw, or heard, and something that came from inside. Something that needed to be eliminated from my body, like waste. That's why I created No More Heroes.
Edge goes on to write about how his colleagues are smirking and his translator becomes hesitant. "...No More Heroes 2? New taking-a-shit."

Suda claims the AI has been improved and enemies will now attack depending on their class and weapon, being ranged or more up in your face. They say the dual beam katana is pretty and the animation is suitably awesome with "effortless style". "It's a spectacle as much as a slaughter."

On secondary playable characters: They'll each have their own style and cool factor. Will Travis be overshadowed? Hardly. "He gets to pilot a giant robot! This lets you fight on a larger scale - there will be plenty more variety as well."

The game's city has been scaled back a little bit, improved visually with motion blur and HDR lighting. Suda says it's closer to the game he wanted to deliver originally. Edge says the city is a lot more lively and the streets more populated. He describes it as one-and-a-half times the original.

Regarding mini games: "The reason that I put these elements in is that it's a challenge to make a game," says Suda, "and so I want too make the player feel challenges to even play the game... Travis has to work..." it's a principle that, according to Suda, permeates his games.

On No More Heroes as a franchise: "I think this is the last NMH that is going to be developed on Wii. To expand NMH to new possibilities, we need a new platform. Wii is a great platform, but we've done everything we can with it now."

Great article, I laughed a bunch, I recommend picking up the issue or reading it in full on Edge-Online. There is a No More Heroes spoiler in the second to last paragraph if you want to read the rest Dabookerman.

[Rocko]

So, so, so excited for this.

[RelentlessRolento]

I'm actually intrigued that Suda mentions to expand the game after part 2... would pretty amazing on a higher grade system.

[cochesecochese]

Any release window yet?

[rocky435]

I'd love to see the motion controls kept if it moves to something like a 360/PS 3 they both have their own motion controls now so it would hopefully keep that aspect of the gaming. Perhaps it could be on the wii but the wiihd if it's power matches the current gen consoles. It's kinda hard for me to imgine this game without motion since it relies so heavily on them. I mean if this uses motion plus and it ends even better then the first one it will be hard to go back to using a controller.

Overall natal would be amazing seeing people play the game trying to pull something like recharging your beam katana with your own "motions", perfect example for natal's technology :lol:

[The 7th Number]

Looks cool, and shinobu returns, thats awesome. She was one of my favorite characters in #1.

[Wolfkin]

I'm depressed to hear that Suda wants to move off the Wii. I can understand why and all but it's depressing anyway

[RelentlessRolento]

Depressing? There's gotta be a story behind this.

[Wolfkin]

no story. I like my Wii, and i don't have a 360 and since it's ridiculous to think that Suda ran out of ideas for the Wii (http://www.edge-online.com/news/no-more-heroes-will-%E2%80%9Cneed-a-new-platform%E2%80%9D). It's obviously a case of "I need money"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llg1GGhugbo

[KingBroly]

Maybe Ubisoft could actually fit the bill next time? They feel as if they own the IP even though they didn't do a thing to promote the first one.

[RelentlessRolento]

It's not a case of "I need money" but more like just a different option and different taste. U got a PS3 anyway so why you sad?

[Wolfkin]

I still maintain that it's Wii copies not selling enough. You /can/ build a franchise on a Nintendo console. Animal Crossing, Def Jam, Viewtiful Joe, Crystal Chronicles: These were all birthed on the cube (some spread). I can't think of any Franchises (born in this gen) that have proven themselves with multiple iterations (maybe Forza). So that leaves money.*

And with that premise when you need to make money are you really going to go with the PS3 over the 360? Of course in this same hypothetical it doesn't make much sense to go exclusive, I just don't like seeing the Wii library's percentage of non-suckitude games shrink. Every game counts.

It's mostly academic at this point as this is still just thoughts/discussion/rumors/speculation. We'll see what happens if he really does the switch.

*also wild speculation/thoughts

[ratzombie]

I don't really see it as Suda wanting more money, I think he is thinking more in terms of a game designer. Where he wants to be able to create games he envisions that would require the hardware that only the 360 and Playstation 3 can provide.

And I don't think he will completely abandon the Wii, especially with the potential that the Wii Motion Plus provides, as I'm sure he still has great ideas for that platform. This doesn't have to be a "one or the other" scenario.

[pochaccoheaven]

i'm glad he's leaving. no more heroes was an awful game. no more heroes is as bad as the other shovelware that are on the wii. he should have made this game for the 360/ps3, instead of making it for the wii.

[EXStrike]

i'm glad he's leaving. No more heroes was an awful game. No more heroes is as bad as the other shovelware that are on the wii. He should have made this game for the 360/ps3, instead of making it for the wii.

gtfo.

[RelentlessRolento]

i'm glad he's leaving. no more heroes was an awful game. no more heroes is as bad as the other shovelware that are on the wii. he should have made this game for the 360/ps3, instead of making it for the wii.


:lol: I like how the number 0 and this statement have equal value.

[Wolfkin]

i'm glad he's leaving. no more heroes was an awful game. no more heroes is as bad as the other shovelware that are on the wii. he should have made this game for the 360/ps3, instead of making it for the wii.while it could be argued that it's over hyped. As flawed as it is it's no where near the level of shovelware that's in the Wii library. Aside from retracing my steps I had a blast.

[pochaccoheaven]

i hope he continues his work of no more heroes on the ps3/360 to continue his heritage of crap on new territory. the 360/ps3 player will love his crap work on gore, violence and sex. let him feed those people "cheesy" food.

[Monsta Mack]

Ok I'm confused.

On the general gaming thread didn't four of you guys say NMH2 was going to the DS? I still see the Wii topic here. What's the official word? Still 2010 Japan for Wii?

I trusted you guys on GGT that it was going to DS. lol.

*confused*

[RelentlessRolento]

Ok I'm confused.

On the general gaming thread didn't four of you guys say NMH2 was going to the DS? I still see the Wii topic here. What's the official word? Still 2010 Japan for Wii?

I trusted you guys on GGT that it was going to DS. lol.

*confused*


:lol: It was intentionally confusing...

by DS I meant Desperate Struggle... ;)

[Chronis]

So if NMH moves to another console, isn't the PS3 the perfect choice? For what it's worth, Natal and Sony's thing are both extra peripherals that would need to be bought. I don't think that's the way you want to start up a series on a new console. BUT, people forgot because it's used for absolutely nothing.... the Sixaxis/DS3 have motion controls built in. Think about it, the first NMH's control scheme would translate PERFECTLY to the Sixaxis.

[RelentlessRolento]

Suda already has a 360 and PS3 game on the way so I say hold your judgment till you see what those turn out as. I expect those to be a little more realistic.

[Monsta Mack]

Damn I got owned by the GGT. You bastards.

[RelentlessRolento]

It's my fault, srry. I fucked around too much >_<

You can beat me with a stick if you please.

[Strell]

He uses a crowbar. Not a stick.

[RelentlessRolento]

I prefer large mallet.

[EXStrike]

HENRY IS PLAYABLE

http://www.nintendoeverything.com/?p=19430

“It’s still too early to tell you everything about the game, but firstly we’re going to have more than one playable character - as the scenario unfolds, Shinobu and Henry will become playable and will bring their own styles and cool factor”.hype hype hype hype

[RelentlessRolento]

nice... interesting to see a video store clerk playable.

[Cao Cao]

HENRY IS PLAYABLE

http://www.nintendoeverything.com/?p=19430

hype hype hype hype

It'll be great to play as Sir Henry AKA The Flying Irishman AKA Mr. Sir Henry Assclown Motherfucker.

[EXStrike]

nice... interesting to see a video store clerk playable.

Henry's not the video store clerk; that's Bishop.

Henry's the Irish mutherfucker that you had to fight for the True Ending

[RelentlessRolento]

Oh nevermind :lol:

henry was probably the only guy as badass as travis, but seeing as they are bothers, that's awesome.

[cochesecochese]

i'm glad he's leaving. no more heroes was an awful game. no more heroes is as bad as the other shovelware that are on the wii. he should have made this game for the 360/ps3, instead of making it for the wii.
No.

[Wolfkin]

Henry's not the video store clerk; that's Bishop.

Henry's the Irish mutherfucker that you had to fight for the True Ending
FOR the true ending or IN the true ending. It's been a long time for me.

the Sixaxis/DS3 have motion controls built in. Think about it, the first NMH's control scheme would translate PERFECTLY to the Sixaxis.perfectly? I don't see that. maybe it would work maybe not but it wouldn't be as 'fitting' as the wii controls were. there were wrestling attacks where you split directions.

[Chronis]

^^Ok, good point. / Lets talk more about NMH2 guys bump!

[Rocko]

I've recently started New Game + on Bitter since I can't wait for this game. It's tough.

[Lone_Prodigy]

Finished it on the weekend. Only took a little over 10 hours, but I think I was on the easiest difficulty. The ending was awesome. One of the best games on the Wii.

[Chronis]

Yeah, I played it on Mild the first time, and it got pretty hard towards the end. Then a few months ago, I started up a game on Bitter. It was pretty hard but there were only a few spots where it was insanely noticable. The kill the Pizza Butt CEO/kill everyone without getting hit missions were much harder, but the part that absolutely broke me.... Henry. It ended up taking me about 45 minutes on the round I finally beat him because I didn't want to take any risks. And even then, towards, the end, I got anxious and almost died. I've been meaning to start up a game on sweet and play through that with just the Bloodberry, but I eventually got distracted with Killer 7 (or should I say... Killer 8!) and Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked.

Edit.... apparantly I completely missed a sentence....

[Rocko]

Hell, I couldn't even do the don't get hit missions on Sweet (which was my first difficulty). Pizza Butt was easy on Sweet, but it's a real bitch on Bitter. I have some cash as of now left over to buy into the assassinations on Bitter (just beat Shinobu), but once I run out of the leftover money I think my best bet is to do the baseball missions for money.

[Chronis]

@_@ I was actually talking about Bitter for most of my post but I forgot to mention it.

Anyway, gamble fight is pretty good to make money on. But on bitter, it's pretty hard, so have to make sure not to die. And I'd definitely suggest using the mkII.

[Strell]

Some new details emerged today, (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/nomoreheroesdesperatestruggle/show_msgs.php?topic_id=m-1-50748340&pid=954479) including:

- each fight ends with a 2d Travis walking across the screen to hop onto the Schpeletiger, which is accompanied by a new old-school chiptune


Hug.

[BlueLobstah]

Only a portion of the original city will be traveled, based on fan responses on the first game. The streets and sidewalks will be much more busier and cars will "get out of the way" of Travis' bike. There are construction signs and lights everywhere. One of the fighting grounds will be a "new school", "construction yard", and a graveyard. Not sure if the school is new in the sense that it is an additional one to the Santa Destroy High School or if it is just a remodeled SDHS.


Hell yes. More bosses and less overworld. It sounds like they're taking everything from the first game, and making it even more awesome.

The overworld was one of my few complaints about NMH, so it is good to see they're taking that into account. Even while it may be smaller, I do like that they're going to make it more interactive and responsive to player actions.

[twztid13]

I can see why people didn't like what happened if you failed a mission, but I personally thought it fit the with the style and feel Suda was going for very well. But then again i'm a guy who loves Killer 7 with all it's faults as well.

Day 1 buy for me of course. If this has Wii motion plus that will be killer.

agree with all.

suda did say in interview (GS i think) that u would still control light katana with the A button. dont have time 2 find link, sorry.

[Cao Cao]

No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle will be playable on the show floor at PAX (Starts September 4th).
http://kotaku.com/5347699/no-more-heroes-2-playable-at-pax-09

[Cao Cao]

New trailer from IGN (http://wii.ign.com/articles/102/1021425p1.html) starring Suda himself (With what must clearly be his actual voice, yup yup):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LLpbmcvn8w

Side Jobs are now 8-bit Retro games. Tapping the B button now allows Travis to perform a punch/kick combo.

[RelentlessRolento]

yeah jsut saw it a hour ago... loving the 2d games.

[The 7th Number]

Looks cool. One reason to keep my wii.

This game doesnt need wii motion plus does it?

[Nohbdy]

There was news that it might support it.

[Monsta Mack]

I think I should pre-order this just because the first one owned, plus I only paid $20 for it.
Would love to support em and get a NMH3 out of it.

[Bavgate]

http://www.giantbomb.com/almost-ten-minutes-of-no-more-heroes-2/17-1320/

Ten minutes of gameplay. Looking awesome!

[Cao Cao]

1up is doing a NMH2 weeklong special, with a variety of features planned:
http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3176087

First up is some new info from their "7 things" article:
- More information about the other two playable characters Shinobu, who has been away in Asia becoming the top fighter there, is Travis' assistant and possible love interest. She is playable for the Million Gunman and New Destroyman stages. Sir Henry's stages were not mentioned, but they revealed that Dashing is his special ability.
- No MotionPlus support.
- There will be Classic Controller support.

[JEKKI]

dang I gotta buy one of those japanese classic controllers.

the standard one is balls... so unergonomic...

[RelentlessRolento]

I'm with you on that JEKKI...

[Persona7]

I want a toilet paper preorder bonus. Or at least SOMETHING cool.

Also, YEAH GAS STATION MINI GAME GRINDING ON BITTER. aww Yeah.

Going for my 4th play-through, second time on bitter.

[EXStrike]

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3176118

New interview as part of 1up weeklong special

-January is sexy action month with NMH2 and Bayonetta
-Travis story wraps up in NMH2
-next NMH won't be on Wii because it'll be on the next-gen Nintendo console

[Mad D]

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3176118


So the No More Heroes franchise will stay with Nintendo from what's in that article. Maybe he's hoping Travis will get in the next Smash Brothers :lol:

I'd like to see what different series he'll end up creating for the other systems since it looks like he's going with that direction too.

[Persona7]

Hey, Atleast I have a reason to buy the next Nintendo system.

[Cao Cao]

1Up finished off their NMH2 week by posting three gameplay videos. One features Shinobu, and the other two focus on the side-jobs.
http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=97819

[KiloMeda]

Can't wait for the game....its the only wii game I've planned on buying since SSBB and the last NMH.

[Cao Cao]

IGN put up a gameplay trailer of Mr. Sir Henry Assclown Motherfucker

http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14288376/no-more-heroes-2/videos/hero2_trl_henry_102109.html

[22percent]

I'm so looking forward to playing as Henry. And since it also has Shinobu playable, I'm very excited for NMH 2 and I haven't been like that for a game's squeal for a while.

[Cao Cao]

Box art (from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/No-More-Heroes-Desperate-Nintendo-Wii/dp/B002BRZ9AG/)):
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PFJRbXI5L.jpg

ESRB rating Summary:
No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle
Platform: Wii
Rating: Mature

Content descriptors: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language

Rating summary:

Players assume the role of Travis, an anime-watching assassin who fights his way through the ranks to become the number-one assassin. Being an assassin means using a retractable katana blade (i.e., a laser sword); it means slicing, chopping, and dismembering human enemies to death in this highly-stylized (somewhat "cartoony"), cell-shaded action game. The depictions of violence in the game are intense, yet somewhat exaggerated: men in black suits are sliced in-half as blood and money flow from their bodies; an assassin with a boombox does not recover after his lower torso has been chopped off—after blood shoots from his empty waist like a geyser; and two women (clad in bikinis) get suspended in mid-air, get caught between the flashing lights, lasers, and frenetic sword swipes of an assassins' duel—the women's heads slide across the floor once the men stop fighting. Cutscenes depict more dismemberment: assassins slicing each other into several pieces in slow-motion, enemies pulling their own heads off, characters displaying trophy-heads on silver platters. These over-the-top depictions of violence account for the Mature rating; they also account for the Intense Violence and Blood and Gore descriptors. The language is strong, too, as characters sometimes use the phrases "f**king a*shole," "f**khead," and "You gotta be sh**tin' me!"

The game contains sexual overtones and partial nudity. Players can watch portions of an anime show called Bizarre Jelly; the opening credits depict a female character whose clothes suddenly disappear, revealing her bare buttocks (one-to-two seconds). Game dialogue contains sexual references, including the phrases "dirty nympho," "the one that's throbbing," and "I feel like that pervy teacher in a porn." Female assassins are depicted in low-cut tops, thongs, short schoolgirl uniforms, and fishnet bondage-style outfits; breasts and buttocks jiggle, and the camera often lingers (there is no equivalent physics applied to male body parts). A couple of cutscenes contain strong sexual innuendo: when characters enter a store, a surprised clerk struggles with his belt buckle and zips up his pants (e.g., "I was just. Uh, doing inventory."); a woman moves a katana blade in front of a man's groin, kneels down, and kisses it (the blade), causing the retractable laser to extend. The battery meter for Travis's sword is always represented by a cartoon-like penis icon in the upper-right corner of the screen: as battery power runs out, the icon starts to shrink—a sad face appears.

[The Crotch]

The battery meter for Travis's sword is always represented by a cartoon-like penis icon in the upper-right corner of the screen: as battery power runs out, the icon starts to shrink—a sad face appears.
Fuck yes. Even Suda 51 celebrates Cocksmas!

[RelentlessRolento]

Man... nintendo better be thanking Suda 51 since I'm keeping my Wii strictly for this.

[Chronis]

I'm not going to lie, I've been looking forward to this (and Bayonetta) so much that I completely forgot that RE: Darkside Chronicles came out.

[cappy125]

i just saw the preview for the Sequel the other day and I am so excited. I love it when Nintendo puts on the big boy pants and works with Rated M

[Ryuukishi]

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether it would be wiser to preorder this or wait a while for price drops? The first one went pretty low, but I don't know if they are planning as large a print run for the sequel.

[Chronis]

Considering it's pretty much fact that third party games will bomb on the Wii, I can't imagine Ubi is going to be going with a large print run. But then you have to remember that pretty much every Ubisodt game over the last 2-3 years has dropped $10-$20 within 3 months of release and even more a few more months down. Honestly, imo, it's a crapshoot. There's the chance that it sells better than anyone is anticipating and that it sells out until Ubi can get another print going. Or is can follow the mold Ubi has set with it's other stuff.

[Nohbdy]

Didn't it take awhile for NMH to drop though?

[Cao Cao]

Apparently, there was a NMH2 press event on the first week of December, and the embargo lifts December 16th. In the meantime, it seems that Ubi is trickling out these short teaser videos to different web sites. Their style is to look seemingly harmless, yet judging by some of the posts in the GAF topic (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=381740), these videos may hide a potential wealth of information about storyline, potential assassination targets, and gameplay mechanics.

So far, my favorite of the bunch is IGN's combat trailer (http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14288376/no-more-heroes-2/videos/nomoreheroes_trl_combat_120709b.html?show=hi)*
GameSpot Workout (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/nomoreheroesdesperatestruggle/video/6242534?hd=1&tag=topslot;title;1)
1up Shinobu Master (http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/27325)
GamesRadar Sultry Sylvia (http://www.gamesradar.com/wii/no-more-heroes-2-desperate-struggle/news/no-more-heroes-2-desperate-struggle/a-20091208123424944042/g-2008102110309834084)

Embedded teasers (Youtube & GameTrailers):

Travis' Jobs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqcaGVJfObk)
Postcards (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/59725.html)
Haunted (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/59724.html)
"Fresh Air" (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/59723.html)



*If you notice, at two points in the IGN combat video, there is a tiger. Something peculiar about this tiger: it's attacking enemies, henchmen to be precise, judging by the geyser of blood and money. This leads me to look at two possible theories, either you play as some kind of tiger at some point, or this is meant to be a new power/replacement for the super modes from the first game.

[Scrubking]

Considering it's pretty much fact that third party games will bomb on the Wii, I can't imagine Ubi is going to be going with a large print run. But then you have to remember that pretty much every Ubisodt game over the last 2-3 years has dropped $10-$20 within 3 months of release and even more a few more months down. Honestly, imo, it's a crapshoot. There's the chance that it sells better than anyone is anticipating and that it sells out until Ubi can get another print going. Or is can follow the mold Ubi has set with it's other stuff.

Not only do you clearly know nothing about Wii sales you don't even now that NMH was a successful game on the Wii and Grasshoper Ent. best selling game.

[Cao Cao]

Another teaser:
Kotaku Heavy Breathing (http://kotaku.com/5422202/heres-a-little-heavy-breathing-in-no-more-heroes-2)

I believe the target in this trailer is the rumored nephew of Death Metal, judging by the red hair.

[Cao Cao]

According to the single-page scan posted at Nintendo Power's web site, the first enemy in the game is Skelter Helter, the brother of Helter Skelter from the first game's trailer. He's the tutorial battle for this one, fought atop a skyscraper.
http://nintendopower.com/
http://nintendopower.com/images/NP250_NMH2.jpg

[RelentlessRolento]

According to the single-page scan posted at Nintendo Power's web site, the first enemy in the game is Skelter Helter, the brother of Helter Skelter from the first game's trailer. He's the tutorial battle for this one, fought atop a skyscraper.
http://nintendopower.com/
http://nintendopower.com/images/NP250_NMH2.jpg


If true, i'd say that the NMH2 trailer with sylvia giving travis his beam katana is how it starts before the fight.

[Cao Cao]

Ah, apparently, IGN has had Skelter Helter's artwork for quite a while:
http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/102/1021432/no-more-heroes-2-desperate-struggle--20090903022839948_640w.jpg

[RelentlessRolento]

nice. that revolver is the staple NMH overkill. love it.

[Chronis]

Not only do you clearly know nothing about Wii sales you don't even now that NMH was a successful game on the Wii and Grasshoper Ent. best selling game.

Just because it was Grasshopper's best selling game doesn't mean it lit up the charts. It sold less than 500,000 worldwide, which frankly isn't that amazing for a high profile Ubisoft-published (at least in NA) game on the Wii, with it's highest install base out of the three current home consoles. Over half of those sales were here, so then you have to wonder how many of them were after the game dropped to $30, $20, and then eventually bundled with Red Steel at $30.

Don't get me wrong, I think that NMH is more popular than the sales show, due to used sales, rentals, etc, but there is a LOT of untapped potential and the fact that it routinely shows up on sale around CAG only to be passed up shows this.

[Cao Cao]

Gamespot posted an interview with Suda 51, and it contains quite a bit of gameplay footage, including some that may be considered spoilers.
http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/nomoreheroesdesperatestruggle/video/6243389/no-more-heroes-2-desperate-struggle-interview-suda-51

Footage of:
- Tutorial battle
- 8-bit Jobs
- Playing with Jeane the Cat.
- Shinobu gameplay
- Bizarre Jelly-based Shooter minigame
- Travis' GIANT ROBOT BATTLE!!!

They also posted a written preview that contains plenty of info, including descriptions of things like one of the new bosses, the minigames, Tiger-mode, and a mention that the open-world will be replaced with a world map:
http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/nomoreheroesdesperatestruggle/news.html?sid=6243410&tag=topslot;img;1&mode=previews


No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle Updated Hands-On - The Early Levels and a Cool Surprise

We try out Grasshopper Manufacture's new brand of crazy in its upcoming Wii sequel.

We got a very brief taste of No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle a few months ago with a playable demo at this year's Penny Arcade Expo. At the time, No More Heroes 2 appeared to be a fairly straightforward sequel with some gameplay enhancements. However, we recently had the chance to spend more time with the game from the beginning, and we have to say No More Heroes 2 is shaping up to be much more than a by-the-numbers sequel. Please note that what follows is a veritable minefield of story spoilers. You have been warned.

Our time with the game dropped us in at the opening, which kicks off in flashy cinematic style. The action picks up roughly three years after the first game. Three years after killing his way to the number one ranking in the United Assassin's Association, Travis Touchdown has disappeared from the public eye and left his position as a top killer. The goofy Travis is now an urban legend in Santa Destroy, like some kind of assassination-prone 40-year-old virgin unicorn. However, as we saw in the opener, there are some who know Travis is real, namely the surviving members of the assassins he killed on his way to the top.

The younger brother to one of Travis' kills pops up and surprises the elusive assassin for some good old-fashioned revenge, which serves to bring players up to speed on the story and gameplay. The battle ends poorly for Travis' attacker because the passage of time hasn't dulled Travis' knack for killing. When the fight is over, the mysterious French vixen Sylvia appears--just like she did in the previous game--and assesses Travis' performance. Travis' exchange with Sylvia makes a few things clear: He actively dropped out of the assassin's rat race, doesn't have much in the way of a desire to come back, and, more importantly, is as horny as ever.

Sylvia plays off Travis' libido and makes a convincing play to get him back with some subtle wordplay and not so subtle yoga references (likely a first in a video game). Unfortunately, the sexy banter gets sidetracked by the temporarily reanimated corpse of Travis' recent victim who makes some ominous mention of something horrible that is about to happen. While this is a bit confusing at first, it all falls into place when, shortly thereafter, the cinematic turns its attention to Travis' best--and possibly only--friend, Bishop, who has an unfortunate encounter with a gang in his video store. The end result? A pretty clear idea of what the game's "desperate struggle" subtitle means, a reduction in Travis' friend count, and a personal motivation for Travis to go work out some aggression. When the setup is over, you discover Travis' most recent kill wound up being the last ranked assassin and puts him on the road to the top spot again.

The next level we played put us on the trail of Charlie MacDonald, a football-themed boss complete with his own cheerleading squad of scantily clad ladies. The run up to Charlie is a pretty standard slashfest but did show off one of our favorite new features: Travis randomly turning into a tiger. As you take out enemies, you'll call up an in-game slot machine that will spin and stop in various combinations. If you're lucky, you'll be morphed into a tiger for a short period of time because…well, we're not entirely sure, but does it matter? Tigers make everything slightly better, so we were fine to just roll with it. The transformation obviously opens up a whole new slew of tiger-specific moves, which--while more limited than Travis' human form--are still satisfying because you can up and maul people with impunity.

Once you reach Charlie, the battle considerably ups the levels of crazy set by the original No More Heroes. Rather than having a traditional boss fight on the ground, Charlie--for reasons that aren't clear--takes his squad of ladies and transforms into a giant robot. Not feeling intimidated, Travis is able to match him--with fewer scantily clad ladies contributing--courtesy of a mech provided by former wrestler Doctor Naomi. This turns the fight into a side-scrolling fight between two mechs with special abilities. Does it all make logical sense? Not really, but because this is a No More Heroes game, that's not too of big a deal. All you really have to know is that the other robot has to go down and that Travis' mech has a unique move set that includes standard melee attacks, as well as supermoves.

In addition to the boss fight with Charlie, we had the chance to try out one nice surprise in No More Heroes 2: playing Shinobu as a playable character. The young assassin with a grudge against Travis is on the scene for a bit, and it sounds like you'll play her for roughly two levels that feature their own bosses. While there are some similarities between how Travis and Shinobu handle, she does play quite a bit differently. She moves faster, can jump, and even has a projectile attack that makes for some very different fighting strategies when dealing with enemies.

As far as controls go, No More Heroes 2 uses roughly the same control scheme as the first game, with some new moves tossed in, such as a running slash when dodging. You'll still have to provocatively shake your remote to recharge Travis' beam katana, and you can now dual-wield. You'll also be able to power up when you've filled your harmony meter, which is conveniently shown onscreen as a tiger, and unleash an insane flurry of attacks to murder anything around you almost instantly. If you've played the game, you'll be totally at ease; if you're new, it won't take too long to get into the swing of things.

Outside of the main story elements in the game, there will be ample opportunities to take a break from the desperate struggle in No More Heroes 2, thanks to a plethora of minigames. You'll be able to explore the city of Santa Destroy and take on odd jobs or work out to improve Travis' attributes via minigames. Unlike the original game, which let you physically explore the city in an open-world setting, you'll now navigate to different locations via a world map and warp directly to them.

Travis' apartment will once again serve as a home base for the action, but this time, there are a number of different upgrades. In the years since the original game, Travis' cat, Jeane, has gotten pretty fat, which has paved the way for some hilarious minigames around weight loss. You'll basically have to manage Jeane's overall happiness and weight. If Jeane's happy, she'll be more into the weight-loss minigames and lose weight. If she's not, don't expect things to be very productive. In addition, Travis will be able to play various minigames on his home television, including a hilariously cliched anime shooter that's right out of Japanese arcades.

For players who don't want to be shut in, No More Heroes 2 also offers odd jobs to take on around town, such as coconut gathering from the original game. However, we have to say the real joy for many players will be found in the various 2D minigames you can play. We tried a pipe puzzle game that has Travis lifting pipes in the sewer to create a solid flow between an outtake and intake. The treadmill game forced us to keep Travis balanced on a moving treadmill, which would periodically change direction. If you succeed at the minigames, you can increase Travis' health and stamina attributes, which are key in battle.

The visuals in the game have been refined quite a bit and sport a cleaner look, as well as a bunch of little touches that improve the overall look. The most obvious is Travis, who sports more detail in his clothing and some additional waviness to his hair, which gives him a more animated look. Enemies don't feature as many bells and whistles--although bosses like Charlie obviously do--but they still look sharp and feature some nice animation touches to give them personality. There's also plenty of variety in the dismemberments and assorted death animations we saw.

As before, you can expect several gallons of blood to splash every which way as you slash your way through your assorted foes. The game's camera has also seen quite a bit of improvement. While still not perfect, it definitely seems like there's been some improvement when in battle. Despite being in a work-in-progress state, the game's frame rate moved along at a pretty steady rate, although there were some hiccups when things got crazy onscreen. The game still piles on the crazy effects and filters when the action heats up, which seemed to hit the game's performance in spots. On the 2D front, the minigames were hilarious and had a funky retro look to them we appreciated. We have to say, we were especially taken with the shooter minigame you can access on Travis' TV, which had a pretty faithful arcade-inspired look to it.

In terms of audio, No More Heroes 2 is on track to surpass its predecessor. The top-notch voice acting makes it sound like the voice cast from the original game is back and in fine form. There also seems to be a greater variety in the lines screamed by your foes as they go down, which is good. The game's music is in the same vein as the original game and perfectly suited to match the crazy onscreen shenanigans.

Based on what we saw, No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle is shaping up to be the kind of follow-up you would want for a game like No More Heroes. The gameplay seems to be getting suitably tightened, the quirkiness is in full bloom, feedback on the original game has clearly been incorporated, giant robots have been included, and you can turn into a tiger. Do sequels get any more promising?
By: Ricardo Torres
Posted Dec 14, 2009 5:57 pm PT

[Cao Cao]

Might as well point out the screenshots, and some interesting ones are in the spoiler tag:
http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/nomoreheroesdesperatestruggle/images.html?page=1

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/347/reviews/954479_20091214_790screen001.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/347/reviews/954479_20091214_790screen006.jpg

(World Map)
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/347/reviews/954479_20091214_790screen007.jpg

(Clothing store)
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/347/reviews/954479_20091214_790screen008.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/347/reviews/954479_20091214_790screen009.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/347/reviews/954479_20091214_790screen010.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/347/reviews/954479_20091214_790screen011.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/347/reviews/954479_20091214_790screen024.jpg

(From Gamespot's preview description, it sounds like Skelter Helter was the "THIS IS THE ULTIMATE VENGEANCE!" voiceover in the first trailer)
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/347/reviews/954479_20091214_790screen017.jpg

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/347/reviews/954479_20091214_790screen021.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/347/reviews/954479_20091214_790screen003.jpg

[Cao Cao]

Today's the day that the embargo is up, so here are some previews:
GameDaily (http://www.gamedaily.com/games/no-more-heroes-2-desperate-struggle/wii/game-previews/preview/7716/20740/)
GamePro Suda interview (http://www.gamepro.com/video/news/135683/no-more-heroes-2-suda-51-interview/)
1Up (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3177332)
Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5427451/no-more-heroes-2-desperate-struggle-preview-fear-and-loathing-at-ubisoft)
Destructoid preview and 3 videos (http://www.destructoid.com/no-more-heroes-2-videos-now-with-more-poopie-157921.phtml)
Suda interview and footage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wycIEH2zA4E)

[Rocko]

Man I'm excited.

Disappointed that he didn't say anything about the 360 port, though.

[jraypeon]

Man I'm excited.

Disappointed that he didn't say anything about the 360 port, though.


Me too. I want to preorder it on Amazon for my brother as a Christmas gift but its only up on the Japanese Amazon site. :cry:

[Chronis]

This game is out in a few days. GET HYPE, PEOPLE!!!!

[ratzombie]

This game is out in a few days. GET HYPE, PEOPLE!!!!

ahADJRlj2l34jj23lalsdfjklhsjkdfhsdjkhfjkSDHFjksdhf k;hjk32h42389&*(!!!!!SDJFJHf
SdsdjfksdfdadfasdfSdsdjfksdfdadfasdfSdsdjfksdfdadf a!!!!!sdfSdsdjfksdfdadfasdf
SDKFJKj23klj4kl234239084902380AJJKLSDJFKLJ!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!asdasdas!!!!!!!!!!

This game is going to be epic.

[databuild]

IGN review is out now ---- http://wii.ign.com/articles/106/1062355p1.html

8.8/10

[ChibiJosh]

The waiting has been killing me the last week or two.

[Cao Cao]

Might want to mention that the IGN video review contains quite a few spoilers.

This launch trailer also has some spoilers, but to a much lesser extent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuTJmIPLaTE

I'll also point out the videos that have been recently released, including:
- The second dev diary with Suda 51, this one being about the story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAQG-yREcOU


- Some more humorous shorts:
KITTY PARTY! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkRSHFLLscg)
Fat Enemy! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRrMJuCqKvs)
NSFW! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkGEFG8U7vs)

[ChibiJosh]

Amazon switched over to "Item shipping soon"! I may get this by Friday.

EDIT: Shipped!

[KingBroly]

I got it this morning and played a bit over an hour of it.

Um...there's definitely a different tone going on. Also, the first real boss fight is pretty interesting, but it kind of took a turn for the worse in the latter part of it. One complaint I have is that recharging your sword TAKES FOREVER now.

I tried one of the 8-bit mini-games, and it was pretty good. I don't know if there's a goal for any of them, though. You can stop after any stage, which is nice. The schmup was okay, too.

[Rocko]

I am so excited. This will take my mind off of the disappointment over a complete lack of mention of the 360 port coming to the US.

[KingBroly]

The second stage is a bit more interesting than the first. I finally discovered how to use my Ecstasy power. The game doesn't tell you how to do a lot of things...vital things.

I think the first boss fight was better than the second boss fight.

[Snake2715]

If this thread is any indication then I can guess its going to bomb like the first...

I know it picked up steam for a suda game but nothing stellar.

I mean where is the advertisement for this?

[RelentlessRolento]

Getting mine tomorrow. I'm actually not playing Mass Effect 2 becuase this is alot more important to me than that... and I love mass effect >_<

Also, been keeping myself in the unkown about this game for a while since I hate when advertising gives away too much of the fun.

[Snake2715]

i loved the first and forgot this was coming so soon.

[RelentlessRolento]

I'm doing all my work for tomorrow today so I can play it tomorrow ^_^

[Monsta Mack]

If this thread is any indication then I can guess its going to bomb like the first...

I know it picked up steam for a suda game but nothing stellar.

I mean where is the advertisement for this?

I have not seen any TV commerciaisl of any sort. Will this see a limited release as well? No copies arrived at where I work (Wal-Mart) yet Capcom Vs was sent today.

On the unmentionable site (since I don't have NPD data, maybe Dr. Mario Kart can pull up a up to date amount) they have US numbers at 270k and 160k for Others (Europe, outside of the US besides Japan) and Japan at 40k for the first NMH. Anyways after it hit lower prices it still didn't look to hit 500k world wide. The first week however it only sold 35k in the US.

I wonder how much they spent to work on NMH2? Seems more like fan service then anything else. I'm guessing this will hit $30 or less in a few months while the people who loved the first are already obviously going to buy it at release. I pre-ordered this one on Amazon using the free shipping which will take some time, but after paying $18 for the first one I owe them a day one purchase.

[KingBroly]

If this thread is any indication then I can guess its going to bomb like the first...

I know it picked up steam for a suda game but nothing stellar.

I mean where is the advertisement for this?

The first one sold like 400k worldwide. It was bundled with Red Steel for $20, thus it didn't sell any more copies because of Red Steel being so bad. Don't expect it to do well in January NPD's though. 5 days ain't much.

I just finished the 4th boss fight of the game Fuck that boss, Fuck that boss, Fuck that boss! He's so terrible..

Also, the Gym continues to suck.

[botticus]

On the unmentionable site (since I don't have NPD data, maybe Dr. Mario Kart can pull up a up to date amount) they have US numbers at 270k and 160k for Others (Europe, outside of the US besides Japan) and Japan at 40k for the first NMH. Anyways after it hit lower prices it still didn't look to hit 500k world wide. The first week however it only sold 35k in the US.

They're a little high on the US number, but close enough for discussion.

I've done my part, and Amazon will be getting it to me today. Probably going to wrap up Real Heroes: Firefighter first so I can give this my undivided attention through the weekend.

[Salamando3000]

I just finished the 4th boss fight of the game Fuck that boss, Fuck that boss, Fuck that boss! He's so terrible..

Also, the Gym continues to suck.

I assume you're talking about the freak with the flamethrower axe? I found him to be one of the easier battles in the game. Attack relentlessly, side-evade his attack, attack relentlessly, repeat until dead. Never gave him a moment to catch his breath. Then again, that could have just been luck. There were a number of fights where I lucked into finding their weak point rather quickly. Either that, or those fights were easy to begin with.

It's also around that rank when you can unlock a non-ranked fight with Kimmy. Just re-enter the hotel after leaving it and you should get a fax unlocking the fight and some revenge missions.

[ratzombie]

They're a little high on the US number, but close enough for discussion.

I've done my part, and Amazon will be getting it to me today. Probably going to wrap up Real Heroes: Firefighter first so I can give this my undivided attention through the weekend.
Lucky... Amazon still hasn't shipped my copy of NMH2 and I have Prime.

[KingBroly]

I assume you're talking about the freak with the flamethrower axe? I found him to be one of the easier battles in the game. Attack relentlessly, side-evade his attack, attack relentlessly, repeat until dead. Never gave him a moment to catch his breath. Then again, that could have just been luck. There were a number of fights where I lucked into finding their weak point rather quickly. Either that, or those fights were easy to begin with.

It's also around that rank when you can unlock a non-ranked fight with Kimmy. Just re-enter the hotel after leaving it and you should get a fax unlocking the fight and some revenge missions.

You can apparently unlock a Revenge Mission before that fight. You unlock revenge missions by leaving the hotel and then coming back to the hotel, which is :bomb::bomb::bomb: I just unlocked one myself.

Also, I have Jeane below 20 lbs now.

[Purple Flames]

I'm goin to pick up my copy right after this class ends :)

[Snake2715]

You know I have been to two targets and have not seen it stocked.

Maybe they are not getting it in? I found it at one Walmart and not the other.

I wonder how many copies they printed for the first run.

[KingBroly]

Target doesn't stock M-rated Wii and DS games for the first month or so. No joke, and it's stupid.

[Snake2715]

Well walmart does? Odd I didnt think they did... but I do remember manhunt being stocked by them, so maybe I am wrong.

[Zeranium]

My copy from Amazon shipped today.
Hopefully it'll get here by the weekend.

[ChibiJosh]

My copy came today. Shame that I had to go out of town. I won't get to play it until I'm back, and even then I may decide to finish Metroid Prime 3 before diving into this.

[Salamando3000]

Just finished a Mild playthrough...took about 8 Hours. With no overworld, there's no cards or anything to collect, besides clothes and stuff you find in missions. Here are some quick impressions

In terms of the weaponry I was kind of let down that there were only four beam swords in the entire game. One you start off with, one you get ~ rank 8, and two you buy from Naomi. No sword upgrades of any kind. The new recharge mechanic takes longer than the old one, but you only really need to recharge if you block a lot of attacks. Otherwise you can go through most fights on a single charge.

There were also a few playable cameos from Shinobu and Henry. Shinobu gets two proper levels + boss fights, while Henry only gets a single boss fight. They weren't too bad, and it was nice to kill some stuff with a different character. Only real gripe is that Shinobu has a button to Jump. Jumping means multi-level environments. The camera system really wasn't set up to handle that all that well. Led to a lot of missed jumps, wasted time, and wasted health.

[Monsta Mack]

Maybe they are not getting it in? I found it at one Walmart and not the other.

I wonder how many copies they printed for the first run.

We are getting it on Thursdays for non-super centers/small stores tho bigger stores should have gotten it on Wednesday in the Northeast. I'm assuming the same for the rest of the US.

Major Wii games now have a priority of Monday/Tuesday while minor games are Thursday, and I believe they consider NMH 2 minor :( Tho Capcom vs was over night delivery for Monday.

Wal-Mart finally stepping up their delivery process believe it or not. We didn't get games like Ninja Gaiden 2 and other games just over a year ago till like 5+ days after their release.

[Chronis]

So I put in three hours so far and I'm very mixed on the game. The thing that I noticed instantly is the camera.... and the lack of a manual adjustment. This is annoying me to no end. The new tone the game has really is a downer from the fun, upbeat original. Even the colors are a lot darker now and I feel it's really bringing the feeling down.

As for the gameplay.... I like the new combat so far. It's a lot faster and the strikes are actually useful now, unlike the first where it took 3 seconds to do a roundhouse that may or may not stun an enemy and do nothing more. I don't like the new big guys though. These guys are just eating my attacks like nothing. Especially the chainsaw guys in the graveyard. I hate them SO MUCH!!!! The bosses seem like a mixed bag. Skelter was alright for a starting point. I hated the Nathan fight, even though his scenario seems the most NMHish. Charlie was definitely a downer for me. I mean, beating this fight just warps you from rank 50th to 25th. It was not amused. Also, I really didn't like the robot battle. it was slow paced and I felt that my attacks weren't actually doing anything. Matt was alright, but i felt he was way to easy. He telegraphs his moves too much. But I did appreciate the match after Charlie w/ hoes and Nate. Haven't fought Kimmy yet, but I did unlock her fight.

What else.... I do miss the overworld. Even if it was empty, there was something fun about blasting the boost on the Schpeltiger and jumping into the row of trees outside of Travis's apartment. Speaking of the apartment, I'm surprised they took out the freedom from the overworld (and thus all the ball/shirt/money/card hunting) but give me freedom to walk around all 20 feet of his place. And even the stores to a much lesser extend though. Also, stores.... I went to the Lab and jeez, Naomi got a new rack. And I ain't talking about a place for her to store all those beam katanas she's makin. And also the new 8 bit games. Some are pretty fun, others are annoying. I don't like the puzzles ones at all. And the trash collecting got very frustrating very fast. Steak cookin is kinda fun, but I still don't know why my well done steaks aren't good enough.

Overall, I really am mixed on this right now. It's not even that I don't like the game but I absolutely LOVED the first one. The darker tone definitely is changing my enjoyment of the game. I really can't shake the feeling that this is actually No More Killer 7, rather than NMH2, especially with the cutscenes. I mean, the hotel scenes seem like they are ripped straight out of the Union Hotel arc from K7.

[RelentlessRolento]

wow... Naomi got one hell of a boob job ^_^

anyway, I'm gushing every minute I play of this game.

[KingBroly]

I don't know how I'm going to beat the last 2 Strength Gym mini-games. Just...ugh.

I didn't like the Rank 8 Boss Fight. Why? Well, it was too drawn out. The only reason I won was because I basically had to camp on the final part of the fight to bring him to me. It was really annoying. A fight a couple ranks before that was pretty awesome, though.

[Bezerker]

I gotta say that between the trash game & the Gym games NMH2 has some of the most aggravating mini games ive played. I really need to get a classic controller because its a pain to try and push Z & B when you don't have any ground, and the buttons are two different sizes with different depths of button presses.

I had to just turn it off cuz i dumped 250k trying to get the 4th stamina. I kept getting to 1 second, then it would shoot me off to the side and even though i held the "almost falling" for about 3 seconds, it stops the clock when you do that, so i lost... I had to hold back from throwing my wiimote at the wall.

Other than the mini games, i'm liking the game so far. It does seem somewhat disappointing that ive only done 3 boss battles and I already have 75% of the weapons for the game, but it seems like the three weapons I have are meant to be interchanged throughout a level (one balanced, one speedy w/ less damage, one slow w/ more damage).

Going from the battle against Gurren Lagaan to the opening scene of RE4 was pretty great IMO.

[RelentlessRolento]

I beat this a few days ago. totally worth it. After ME2 i'm headed back to beat it again.

[KingBroly]

I missed 1 lousy collectible in the entire game :\

I'm not going to do the final Strength mini-game either, because it's just bad.

[tsmvengy]

OK, question:

I'm still playing through NMH 1. Did they get rid of the stupid overworld for the second game? Because riding that bike around is retarded.

[Bezerker]

OK, question:

I'm still playing through NMH 1. Did they get rid of the stupid overworld for the second game? Because riding that bike around is retarded.

Yep, they sure did. Its basically a dropdown menu with the two stores, side jobs, and the various missions. I was quite happy by this because i hated driving around on the bike.

[Rocko]

Got this game from Amazon a couple of days ago. I hope to finally be able to play it today now that I finished Bayonetta. I'm excited for the lack of an overworld.

[botticus]

Minus the removal of the overworld, I can't really say the game is better than the first, but it's still very good. I'm up to Rank 23. The 8-bit jobs are a hell of a lot better than the jobs in the first game, which is good since they're your primary means of making money after they also took out the free missions.

[Scrubking]

After finishing the game I have to say that I am disappointed. The bosses are meh and overall there is less game.

[ChibiJosh]

I finished it. I'm overall happy with it. They seemed to fix nearly everything that was wrong with the first one: more types of enemies, lack of an overworld, better side jobs, not having to pay an entry fee for the fights. Transforming into the tiger was awesome.

I wish there would have been more weapons to get.

[SuperPhillip]

I got Tatsunoko instead of this.
I'm missing out, huh? :)

[Monsta Mack]

I got Tatsunoko instead of this.
I'm missing out, huh? :)

If you have patience I'm sure this will drop because it has that Ubisoft stamp on it. Give it two months before a permanent MSRP of $29.99 or less. I'm guessing thats why this thread isn't as active as most people are waiting on the price drop. I owe Suda $50 cause I bought the first one at $18.