The Hero Project: Redemption Season
- April 8, 2016
- Choice of Games
- 2h median play time
"The Hero Project: Redemption Season" is a superhero-themed simulation game where players manage a team of heroes, each with unique abilities and personalities. The objective is to complete missions, improve team dynamics, and make tough decisions that will affect the team's success. Experience a thrilling narrative with multiple endings based on your choices and strategies.
Reviews
- The game features a diverse cast of characters and allows for a wide range of customization options, including gender identity and sexual orientation.
- The story tackles complex social issues, providing a fresh perspective on discrimination and representation within a superhero context.
- The writing is engaging and well-crafted, with callbacks to the original trilogy that enhance the overall experience.
- The game is heavily preachy, often prioritizing political messages over character development and plot progression, which can feel forced and detract from the overall enjoyment.
- Players may feel punished for not aligning with the game's political agenda, leading to frustrating game overs and a lack of meaningful choices.
- The pacing can be uneven, with some sections feeling rushed or incomplete, leaving players wanting more resolution and depth in the story.
- story116 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its imaginative world and character depth, while others criticize its heavy-handed political themes that overshadow the narrative. Many players found the plot engaging but felt it often strayed into preachy territory, detracting from the superhero experience. Overall, while the story has potential and interesting characters, it struggles with pacing and coherence, leaving some players feeling disconnected and unsatisfied with its execution.
“It still keeps the wonderful golden age tone, sliding between silly, sweet, and serious as the story demands, giving it a very human feel.”
“The story is engaging, and I certainly enjoyed it, even if it wasn’t what I was expecting.”
“Zachary Sergi is a brilliant writer and there is clearly a lot of planning, thought, effort, and time put into something like this, and he always makes everything fit perfectly together into one multiple choice story.”
“The hero project is one boring, in-your-face SJW exposition rather than an actual story about a noble personal quest.”
“However, I gave up on this one halfway through because too much of the content seems like it would be more at home in a blog about gender identity and social issues to the extent that it completely overshadows the plot and prevents you from feeling in control of your character.”
“The story is not even finished, ending with a cliffhanger.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised for its impactful storytelling and character development, making players feel deeply connected to the main character and their journey. The diverse cast of characters, each with their own poignant backstories, resonates with players from various backgrounds, fostering empathy and offering new perspectives on societal issues. Overall, the game delivers a powerful, emotionally charged experience that leaves a lasting impression.
“Every decision felt like it mattered; it managed to come together really well for the final chapters. The characters all played their parts really well, and it feels like the author has improved in character development. It made me feel truly like I was in the shoes of the main character.”
“I really like the emotional stories that all the characters seem to have.”
“It carries an extremely well-written, emotionally charged story that resonates with you if you can be considered one of society's 'undesirables' (such as a trans person like myself), but it can also give you a new perspective on such things if you're not.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is hit-or-miss; while some players find the wisecracks unfunny, others appreciate certain moments and the antics of a character, the mechip, which elicit genuine laughter.
“There were some parts that made me laugh, though.”
“And the mech and her antics had me laughing quite a bit.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Gameplay is characterized by a punishing yet rewarding system that encourages strategic decision-making, such as avoiding elemental mismatches in combat. Players appreciate the well-designed stat mechanics that eliminate the need for excessive grinding, enhancing the overall experience.
“You can punish the player for making gameplay mistakes, like using a fire sword against a boss who heals from fire damage.”
“I like the stat system and mechanics, as well as the fact that you don't have to grind stats like you do in some novel-style games.”
“Sure, you can punish the player for making gameplay mistakes, like using a fire sword against a boss who heals from fire damage.”
“The controls feel unresponsive, making it frustrating to execute even the simplest actions.”
“The gameplay mechanics are overly complicated, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Character development in the game received mixed reviews; some players criticized it for weak descriptions, lack of depth, and unconvincing romances, while others praised the impactful decisions and improved character arcs that enhanced immersion, particularly in the final chapters.
“Every decision felt like it mattered, it managed to come together really well for the final chapters. The characters all played their parts really well, and it feels like the author has improved with character development, making me truly feel like I was in the shoes of the main character.”
“It had bad descriptions of characters, not enough character development, weak romances, weak character interactions, no tense/action/drama, weak story, too much focus on 'reality TV show/discrimination preaching' and was merely a waste of time.”
“The character development was lacking, making it hard to connect with the protagonists and their journeys.”
“The characters felt one-dimensional and their growth throughout the story was minimal, leaving me disappointed.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in this game shifts from the hopeful journey of an underdog hero to a more complex narrative that explores themes of equality and the challenges of navigating a world filled with gray areas. This change reflects a deeper, more nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's struggles and growth amidst societal pressures.
“The atmosphere in this game is incredibly immersive, drawing you into a world that feels both familiar and hauntingly different.”
“The game's setting is rich with detail, creating a palpable sense of tension and wonder that keeps you engaged throughout.”
“Every element of the environment contributes to a mood that is both enchanting and unsettling, making each moment feel significant.”
“The biggest difference, though, is that unlike the first few games where the atmosphere was all about the new underdog hero with high hopes learning to find his way in adolescence while having impossible odds stacked against him at every turn, this one feels more about the underdog who’s forced to be a statistic and advocates for equality, learning that things aren’t always so simple or black and white.”