Half-Minute Hero

Play Magazine

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.

Cheat Code Central

A fun, fast, frenetic game that is truly unique.

Gaming Age

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.

The Onion (A.V. Club)

Timing is the key to comedy, after all, and few games are as well-timed as this one.

Gamer Limit

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.

Worth Playing

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).

Destructoid

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.

GameCritics

It's extremely smart, has a great sense of humor, a bold design and fantastic art direction.

GamePro

Half-Minute Hero is an absolute blast, and a decidedly original (and hilarious) take on the fantasy RPG genre.

Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)

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]

My Gamer

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.

Gamervision

Half-Minute Hero is, simply put, brilliant.

IGN

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.

GameTrailers

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.

Gamer 2.0

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.

Digital Chumps

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.

Playstation Universe

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.

Kombo

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.

Meristation

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.

AceGamez

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.

1UP

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?

Absolute Games

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.

Eurogamer

While Half-Minute Hero will be best appreciated by gamers familiar with its surface inspirations, it can nevertheless be savoured by anyone.

RPG Fan

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.

Teletext GameCentral

A loving and genuinely funny homage to old school role-playing-games and the people that play them.

Edge Magazine

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]

LEVEL (Czech Republic)

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]

D+PAD Magazine

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.

Pocket Gamer UK

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.

Game Informer

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.

GameSpot

This unique role-playing game's spritely charm and frantic pace will delight you for far longer than its title suggests.

RPGamer

Half-Minute Hero is a terrific game, and PSP owners would be remiss to pass it up.

Modojo

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.

ZTGameDomain

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.

TheSixthAxis

It’s a smart, humourous post-ironic dig at everything from Zelda to Final Fantasy which never takes itself too seriously.

Games Radar (in-house)

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.

Game Revolution

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.