Half-Minute Hero

 PSP
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
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  1. 1UP
    83
    Though once you get sucked in, it's hard not to search for the absolute fastest path out. After all, it's only 30 seconds, right?
  2. Absolute Games
    80
    Half-Minute Hero is brilliant parody of genre clichés, sped up 10000 times. It will take you just a couple of tram stops to save the world twice, break the analog nub, and learn to value time.
  3. AceGamez
    85
    Half-Minute Hero is the most entertaining pixelated panic attack you’ll find on your PSP, and a game where time is very much of the essence.
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  5. Cheat Code Central
    94
    A fun, fast, frenetic game that is truly unique.
  6. D+PAD Magazine
    80
    It’s being billed as a niche title, but there’s enough joy within Half-Minute Hero to make the game an entertaining experience for anyone.
  7. Destructoid
    90
    If you love RPGs, you'll love Half-Minute Hero. If you don't love RPGs, you may still love Half-Minute Hero. Fans of the genre will love the jokes and parody, while haters of the genre may love it for the very same reasons. Even moreso, the puzzling gameplay is addictive and perfectly suited for portable play.
  8. Digital Chumps
    86
    Half-Minute Hero is a stunning example of why all games don’t have to follow the same rules, but, even with as much as I loved playing it, I'm well aware of its limited appeal.
  9. Edge Magazine
    80
    It's certainly fun, but at times it's more than that: around the parody of leveling orbits a whole universe of bigger and better systems to lose yourself within. [Feb 2010, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Eurogamer
    80
    While Half-Minute Hero will be best appreciated by gamers familiar with its surface inspirations, it can nevertheless be savoured by anyone.
  11. Game Informer
    80
    Half Minute Hero doesn't attempt to deliver a full RPG experience, but fans of the genre will appreciate its sense of humor and the developer’s obvious appreciation of the games it parodies.
  12. Game Revolution
    67
    It's not long, it's not deep, but sometimes that's just what you need: a fun – albeit short – hit to keep you going.
  13. GameCritics
    90
    It's extremely smart, has a great sense of humor, a bold design and fantastic art direction.
  14. GamePro
    90
    Half-Minute Hero is an absolute blast, and a decidedly original (and hilarious) take on the fantasy RPG genre.
  15. Gamer 2.0
    87
    Half-Minute Hero does a great job of being a refreshing experience that combines unique takes on four very different genres to tell an epic story into one of the most interesting PSP games we’ve played in a long time.
  16. Gamer Limit
    90
    A charming, self-deprecating, retro-steeped homage to classic gameplay conventions set to a rockin' speed metal soundtrack. At only ten hours, the ride is short, but each second of gameplay is packed with an immediacy unmatched in current games on any console.
  17. Gamervision
    88
    Half-Minute Hero is, simply put, brilliant.
  18. Games Master UK
    83
    A really neat idea, very well executed. This deserves a place in every RPG fan's collection. [May 2010, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  19. GameSpot
    80
    This unique role-playing game's spritely charm and frantic pace will delight you for far longer than its title suggests.
  20. GamesRadar+
    70
    At its best, Half Minute Hero is equal parts love letter and roast to the beloved RPG genre with a sprinkling of pop-culture references and self deprecation. It's definitely one of the most original games we've played on the PSP even if it is a short trip.
  21. GameTrailers
    87
    Half-Minute Hero moves like a bullet train, with non-stop laughs and light speed gameplay. There's more depth to it than you'd expect, but its bite-sized chunks make it great to play in short bursts. If you've ever wanted your RPGs to pick up the pace, don't pass this one by.
  22. Gaming Age
    91
    It's a great spin on a tired formula, with some fantastic art design and a quality soundtrack to go along with it. Definitely pick this one up and you won't be disappointed.
  23. IGN
    88
    If you like RPGs, Half-Minute Hero is a refreshing take that mixes in all the quirks the genre is known for, and if you've never been into RPGs, it's light enough for any noob to get behind and enjoy; plus, there are a bunch of other gameplay types to get behind the controls of.
  24. Kombo
    85
    Simply put, Half-Minute Hero is the perfect game to take on the go. You can play in very short spurts, or you can sit down and play for a good hour and still feel satisfied either way.
  25. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    80
    Multi-genre game shows you how to play lots of lovable music in only thirty seconds. This addictive game is an absolute must-have for all PSP owners. [Feb 2010]
    All this publication's reviews
  26. Meristation
    85
    Half-Minute Hero is one of those strange proposals that gamers will find in the market. Fun, with four different gameplay styles, with tons of jokes and the parody of using a 8-Bits visual engine to make a bond with the past of the genre - this's definitely a game you cannot let go without giving it a shot. It wont let you down.
  27. Metro GameCentral
    80
    A loving and genuinely funny homage to old school role-playing-games and the people that play them.
  28. Modojo
    80
    Half-Minute Hero will take you several hours to beat, and while some of the objectives can be a grind (especially in Evil Lord 30), boredom never becomes an issue.
  29. My Gamer
    90
    With a perfect sense of humor, a new bold design, a vintage graphical style and gameplay perfectly suited for a portable system, Half Minute Hero is one game that cannot be missed by PSP owners or any fan of an RPG.
  30. Play Magazine
    95
    Half-Minute Hero is an example of what gaming can be when games are at their best; simple in concept, carefully crafted in design, and utterly excellent in execution.
    All this publication's reviews
  31. Play UK
    87
    A fantastic package, covering multiple genres and raising more smiles than it has any right to. [Issue#191, p.80]
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  32. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    80
    This type of game is exactly what PSP needs more of. [May 2010, p.111]
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  33. PlayStation Universe
    85
    Half-Minute Hero is a throwback to the 8-bit RPG genre coupled with a unique take that only feels possible on the PSP. Some of the game modes on offer leave a lot to be desired, however.
  34. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    90
    Though many of Half-Minute Hero's whopping 120-plus quests fly by in the blink of an eye, you'll get a ton of mileage and many hours of enjoyment out of this gem. [Dec 2009, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  35. Pocket Gamer UK
    80
    Arguably an acquired taste which is going to go down better with RPG fans than other sectors of the gaming community, Half-Minute Hero is nonetheless a true landmark in the genre and perfect for portable play.
  36. PSM3 Magazine UK
    86
    The concept is charming and well executed, meaning you'll probably sink over 50 hours into it. Ironic. [May 2010, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  37. RPG Fan
    80
    It might not be the longest RPG out there at around 10-15 hours, but Half-Minute Hero is a game that's worth experiencing, and most importantly, you'll have fun doing it.
  38. RPGamer
    80
    Half-Minute Hero is a terrific game, and PSP owners would be remiss to pass it up.
  39. The A.V. Club
    91
    Timing is the key to comedy, after all, and few games are as well-timed as this one.
  40. TheSixthAxis
    70
    It’s a smart, humourous post-ironic dig at everything from Zelda to Final Fantasy which never takes itself too seriously.
  41. Worth Playing
    90
    The title's bite-sized action will hook you right from the start, and once you start playing, this is really one of those games that's extremely difficult to put down (especially since you know that the next level is only 30 seconds long).
  42. ZTGD
    75
    If you are looking for an easy RPG the game is definitely for you, but if you want something a little more challenging I would stay away from this one. I feel there are a lot better games the PSP has to offer, that are out or on the way out.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PSP Game of 2009
21
#21 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2009
21
#21 Most Shared PSP Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 65 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 65
  3. Negative: 3 out of 65
  1. Dezuuu
    Apr 4, 2012
    7
    Fun concept which works well, but just isn't very fun to play for a long time. The graphics are nostalgic and look sharp, the music is greatFun concept which works well, but just isn't very fun to play for a long time. The graphics are nostalgic and look sharp, the music is great and the game really urges you to clear quests as quickly as possible.

    It gets repetitive fast, especially since there are no temporary upgrades, but you should check it out.    … Full Review »
  2. Ryan
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    I'd heard a lot about this game a few months ago, and I decided to pick it up while I was in my local Gamestop. There isn't a cent I'd heard a lot about this game a few months ago, and I decided to pick it up while I was in my local Gamestop. There isn't a cent of that thirty dollars (odd coincidence, right?) that I regret spending on Half-Minute Hero. When I bought it, I knew I was either going to love it or hate it. Luckily, it was the former. The art style of the game emulates a classic Super Nintendo RPG, and the drawn art that's thrown in is extremely nice. Hero 30 is a pretty decent RPG without the face-paced thinking that goes into each and every level; trying to think of some way to cut down on just a little more time. EvilLord 30 and Princess 30 are humorous takes on RTS (albeit, simple RTS) and Shoot 'um Up genre respectively. Each story has its own plot with serious elements to it, but none of them ever get too serious. This game is running on a ridiculous concept and it knows it. The characters and their dialogue (specifically the Time Goddess) have such odd personalities for the roles they play. Each level has a decent level of ability to replay, either to get a better score or to collect something that was missed the first time through. The music is catchy, and as you rarely hear over thirty seconds of any track, they tend not to get old. This game is a must-have for anyone with a PSP.… Full Review »
  3. Stormitive
    Sep 2, 2023
    6
    I was gonna rate the game higher, but Hero 300 and Hero 3 are so dumb that they brought the rating down by 2. ANYWAY, very clever game. TheI was gonna rate the game higher, but Hero 300 and Hero 3 are so dumb that they brought the rating down by 2. ANYWAY, very clever game. The music is good, gameplay is pretty fun, nothing insanely good but it is interesting. It’s more of a puzzle game than an rpg, but it’s somewhat of a genre-defining game. I expect more games like this to come along at some point, given people’s short attention span these days. Yea, I’m looking at you, TikTok oO… Full Review »
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