Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger vs Darkdeath Evilman

 PSP
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. GamingTrend
    Jan 11, 2011
    92
    When it comes right down to it, if you're a fan of any of the NIS titles or a fan of roguelikes, you owe it to yourself to buy this title. At $30 it's an absolute steal given the amount of gameplay you can get out of it. It's not flawless, but then again, no game really is.
  2. Everyeye.it
    Feb 18, 2011
    90
    Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger vs Darkdeath Evilman is another confirmation of the great talent of NIS. It is one of those titles that will never appear on a cover of a magazine, but it will remain in the hearts of many gamers.
  3. RPG Fan
    Aug 1, 2011
    85
    The mature storyline featuring well-written character arcs, the deep and engaging gameplay, and the overall high quality in every aspect are all reasons that I can easily recommend this game to any gamer interested in turn-based PSP fun.
  5. Worth Playing
    Oct 27, 2010
    85
    Zettai Hero Project: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman is one of NISA's best titles to date. It isn't perfect, but it does so much right that it is easy to overlook its minor flaws.
  6. Extreme Gamer
    Nov 15, 2010
    84
    Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman is a terrific, turn-based strategy RPG, another solid offering by NIS for the PSP.
  7. GameShark
    Nov 19, 2010
    83
    Ultimately, ZHP is a great little game for the PSP that doesn't take itself too seriously. In other words – it's what people have come to expect from a NIS America.
  8. Gamers' Temple
    Nov 1, 2010
    83
    Other roguelike dungeon crawlers have left me cold in the past (the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games jump to mind), but Z.H.P. has sucked up more of my time than I'd like to admit to.
  9. Gaming Nexus
    Oct 29, 2010
    83
    With a goofy story, an epic battle, an insane super powered baby, and great gameplay, Zettai Hero Project: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman is a great addition to the NIS and PSP family.
  10. The A.V. Club
    Oct 25, 2010
    83
    The game isn't tedious, thanks to the variety of the trap-packed dungeons and the ridiculous plot and dialogue.
  11. PSX Extreme
    Oct 25, 2010
    81
    There's no doubt you'll get plenty of bang for your buck with this one, but again, it has to be your cup of tea.
  12. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    Nov 23, 2010
    80
    Think of it as the roguelike version of NIS's Disgaea or Prinny games, complete with a similar snarky style, unlikely characters, and slightly cruel sense of humor. [Holiday 2010, p.77]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. GamePro
    Nov 12, 2010
    80
    Z.H.P. is a great introduction to the roguelike genre for those unfamiliar with it, as well as a solid title overall. It still won't appeal to those with a severe dearth of patience -- or those who hate the idea of any sort of permanent penalty for failure -- but if you're looking for a fun (and funny) trip into one of gaming's more underappreciated genres, Z.H.P. is a great time.
  14. GameZone
    Oct 29, 2010
    80
    Anyone itching for an insanely long grindfest on-the-go with an immense amount of customization should look no further than Z.H.P. The amount of content included for the modest asking price is unmatched for a PSP game.
  15. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Oct 29, 2010
    80
    A timesink well worth your $30. If you love strategy/turn-based RPGs, deep customization for weapons and body mods, level grinding and a hilarious story, then do not hesitate to pick this game up.
  16. RPGamer
    Oct 27, 2010
    80
    Zettai Hero Project: Unlosing Ranger Vs. Darkdeath Evilman is a lot of fun. It can be a mindless dungeon delve or the highly focused bout of number juggling and grinding that fans have come to expect from Nippon Ichi Software.
  17. SpazioGames
    Feb 8, 2011
    78
    A deep and satisfying experience, if you'll have enough patience. A true shame for the endless and sometimens uninteresting dialogues and an overall cheap presentation.
  18. Digital Chumps
    76
    For me, Z.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman was a lot like going to see the Nutcracker. It's not my thing, and I probably won't be going back, but I can see how and why others might be enchanted by its wild absurdity.
  19. 1UP
    Oct 28, 2010
    75
    I can't imagine it becoming the massive breakout hit NIS seems to be aspiring to, but it's bound to satisfy not only the Disgaea faithful, but anyone pining for an inventive take on the Mystery Dungeon formula as well.
  20. GameCritics
    Mar 11, 2011
    70
    Winning even as one loses is nothing new in gaming-at least, not in how I play-and the way Zettai Hero Project: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman implements it means that nothing the player does, no matter how foolish, is a waste. That implemention isn't exactly groundbreaking (while the game makes grinding for levels easier, it doesn't make it more palatable) but it does force players to think about failure in a slightly new way.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PSP Game of 2010
9
#9 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2010
19
#19 Most Shared PSP Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
9.5

Universal acclaim- based on 1119 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,039 out of 1119
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 1119
  3. Negative: 39 out of 1119
  1. Chocobean
    Apr 19, 2011
    10
    NIS has always written excellent dialogue, and NIS America has always localized beautifully. Great humor, smooth gameplay, lots of things toNIS has always written excellent dialogue, and NIS America has always localized beautifully. Great humor, smooth gameplay, lots of things to customize, and doesn't take itself too seriously. If you think "Prinny dood!!" is an awesome thing to shout, then this game is for you.… Full Review »
  2. frantisek
    Mar 28, 2011
    8
    Probably the best roguelikes on console this gen, even more addicting than the already awesome Shiren titles. NiS obviously put a lot ofProbably the best roguelikes on console this gen, even more addicting than the already awesome Shiren titles. NiS obviously put a lot of effort into this title, and it definitely shows thanks to the plentiful options for customization.… Full Review »
  3. ttocs
    Nov 4, 2010
    8
    If you aren't familiar with roguelikes, there is something you need to know from the beginning: roguelike games, like this one, remove all ofIf you aren't familiar with roguelikes, there is something you need to know from the beginning: roguelike games, like this one, remove all of your items and revert you to level 1 every time you die. Before you click back on your browser though, know that this isn't a bad thing. Items in the game are easy to come by and really aren't that great anyways. Dying though increased your max level and helps you gain skills and powers. So in a way, dying = surviving...in some odd way. When you die, or complete a level, all the levels you accumulated on your current romp through the dungeon level will increase your overall level and your strength and other stats increase. The basic gameplay is dungeon crawling with similarities to Shiren the Wandered and the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series. Just know that every move moves everyone else in the dungeon. It's turn based, but pretty fast turned based.

    If challenge scares you, you might shy away from the title, but you'd be missing a pretty good romp through a very good game.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »