ZHP: Unlosing Hero vs. Darkdeath Evilman (PSP)

This game kind of came out of nowhere.  Despite the strange name, it is a very solid title and definitely worth playing for any fan of RPGs.  The premise is good, the gameplay is better, and the story ties it all together.  Even though it can be challenging at times, it is well worth the effort.

Let's start with the story.  It is a very simple story about an unlikely hero saving the world from an ultimate evil.  Being a Nippon Ichi title, it has the brand of humor that you would expect from them.  There are some deep moments and it does get intense but it stays light and whimsical through out.  I don't think this game would work better if the story was too serious.  It needs to be light to keep it interesting.

This game is in the rogue-like style of other titles like Izuna: The Unemployed Ninja and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon.  You start each dungeon at level 1.  If you die, you lose everything.  Simple concept but this game has a slight twist.  Instead of losing all your levels in this game when you die, you store them.  The more levels you store, the stronger your base stats.  Not only does this make the game a little easier but it also adds some strategy to the game. There is also permanent stat boosts using the body modification section.  There is a lot to this game and it will keep a player busy for hours.

In dungeons, each of the main story dungeons has a gimmick.  Some may just be huge areas connected by a large desert land to a dungeon that lets you fall to the next floor just by walking off. The monsters are all unique but there is some palette swapping towards the end.  The player can equip items on the head, chest, left arm, right arm, and feet.  Each of these can be powered up more using the body modification and each one grants special abilities.  Some of these abilities are not helpful.  For instance, using a Prinny Hat grants the player the ability to explode in one hit when thrown.  If an enemy that can throw the player, reserved for the pig monster enemy, that is instant death.  The player has to be mindful of what they are equipping before they equip it.

I would highly suggest this game.  Not just because it is a hilarious game but because it is a solid title and definitely worth playing. The game can be challenging but the rewards are great.  If you like an even greater challenge there are challenge dungeons, one that has 100 floors you must conquer.  A great game that deserves to be played.