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Status:
Complete (Case, cover and cartridge) and Play Tested
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Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher: Marvelous
Genre: Action / Hack-and-Slash
Release: 2021
No More Heroes 3 is a loud, chaotic, and unapologetically weird return for Travis Touchdown, doubling down on Suda51s trademark style ultra-violent action, meta-humor, pop-culture satire, and absurd storytelling. It delivers some of the best combat and boss fights in the series, but is held back on Nintendo Switch by technical problems, repetitive structure, and uneven pacing. ()
Combat is the games strongest pillar, featuring fast, stylish hack-and-slash action built around light/heavy attacks, dodges, special abilities, and charge-based finishers. The Death Glove adds super-powered skills that enhance crowd control, mobility, and combo creativity.
Fights feel fluid, impactful, and satisfying, especially during major boss encounters widely considered the highlight of the entire experience. Enemy encounters encourage aggressive play, meter management, and stylish execution.
However, the core gameplay loop can become repetitive: grind money through side jobs pay entry fees fight ranked enemies repeat. While mechanically fun, the structure can feel padded over time. ()
The game features an open-world hub (Santa Destroy) that connects missions, side activities, and story events. In concept, it adds freedom and flavor Travis can ride his motorcycle, explore districts, and take on optional tasks.
In practice, the open world feels sparse and underdeveloped, with limited meaningful activities and noticeable technical strain. Frame rate drops, pop-in, and uneven performance reduce immersion, especially while traveling at high speeds. ()
Mission design leans heavily toward isolated combat arenas rather than handcrafted levels, which limits environmental variety outside a few standout sequences.
No More Heroes 3 delivers a wild, meta-heavy sci-fi narrative about alien invaders, ranked superhero battles, and Traviss bizarre personal arc. The tone blends absurd comedy, fourth-wall breaks, emotional callbacks, and satirical commentary on media, fandom, and hero worship.
The writing is bold, unpredictable, and unapologetically niche, rewarding long-time fans of the series and Suda51s broader creative universe. However, newcomers may find the plot confusing, fragmented, or overly indulgent. ()
Artistically, the game is stylish, colorful, and visually striking, with strong character designs, dramatic cutscenes, and over-the-top flair.
Technically on Nintendo Switch, performance is a major weak point:
Significant frame rate drops in the open world
Low resolution and muddy textures, especially docked
Texture pop-in and slow asset loading
Long or stalled loading screens
Occasional visual stutter in cutscenes
Combat runs far more smoothly than exploration, but overall performance is inconsistent and clearly limited by the hardware. ()
The soundtrack is energetic, eclectic, and memorable, shifting between rock, electronic, and experimental tracks that perfectly match the games chaotic tone.
Voice acting is strong, with Traviss personality carrying much of the experience. Sound effects during combat enhance impact and rhythm, making fights feel punchy and satisfying. ()
The game offers:
Main ranked assassination campaign
Side jobs and minigames
Optional challenges and collectibles
Higher difficulty modes
New Game Plus
Replay value is solid for fans who enjoy combat mastery, boss replays, and completionist goals, though repetition and technical friction may reduce long-term appeal.
Excellent, stylish hack-and-slash combat
Memorable, creative boss fights
Bold, absurd, and uniquely Suda51 storytelling
Strong soundtrack and personality
Distinct visual identity and fan service
Significant performance issues on Nintendo Switch
Open world feels empty and poorly optimized
Repetitive progression and grind-heavy structure
Uneven pacing and mission variety
Story can be confusing or inaccessible for newcomers
No More Heroes 3 is a loud, stylish, and creatively unhinged action game that delivers fantastic combat and unforgettable boss fights but on Nintendo Switch, technical problems and structural repetition hold it back from reaching its full potential.
Its essential for Suda51 fans and long-time followers of Travis Touchdown, but more polarizing for general action-game players.
Score: 8 / 10
