Deadly Individualism: No More Heroes 2

[@Riley3999]

No More Heroes 2 could be more gritty because Travis is no longer glorifying the life of a killer.

[@dariuswatson6298]

It could also reflect the themes of revenge and the cycle of violence that are prominent in the game. It could also represent how Bishop's death affected Travis. Travis seemed to have a code of honour in the first game which he loses after Bishop's death but we see him regain this over the course of NMH2, especially in the second half.

[@joeswansonanator]

I like to think No More Heroes 2 as this, "Bad sequel, but a good game". Sort of in the way Travis says, "She's a bad wife, but a good woman".

[@ColdNorth0628]

Seeing as how nmh3 is gonna be a thing I hope sylvia dies or at least bites is as a last boss, it only seems fitting that you finally end it where it started. Cyclical but accurate as well as fitting to "killing the past" type deal. But that is just me maybe.

[@turtleguymcturtle4303]

@K Ren Nah Travis name didn't come from Taxi Driver it's a name that Suda picked up because the name Travis in Japanese is Toravisu his first name Tora which translates to Tiger

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

@@ColdNorth0628 This aged like milk.

[@fujineetomori]

He definitely fought with her on the bed at least twice

[@joeswansonanator]

I forgot I even commented this. Thanks for 604 likes lmao.

[@Stathio]

Dude, back when NMH1 came out, pretty much EVERY SINGLE REVIEW moaned about the largely empty and 'pointless' overworld, and tons of players agreed too. Then the moment NMH2 came out and people saw the overworld was streamlined into a menu, everyone moaned about changing it. Honestly, it was SUPER clear that Suda/Grasshopper genuinely did listen to feedback- I specifically remember when it was revealed that it was a menu, thinking 'Oh wow- a developer actually listened to its fanbase? That's rare!' So, honestly, I feel like it's actually only in hindsight that the fanbase realised how much the first game's overworld added to the game's feel. Did not surprise me one bit that it was changed at the time, and back then it did actually sound like a smart decision on paper. Personally, while the overworld did give the game a good extra layer of feel, I don't dislike the menu of 2 at all- it really does streamline things and makes the game go at a different pace, and does look damned stylish while doing so.

[@goe5]

Stathio I feel like The developers should have rewarded the die hard fans by keeping the same style from the first one. Why bend over for haters who only criticized? The true fans loved the first one because it was so unique

[@Samrules888]

honestly the minigames pissed me off for a couple of reasons. gameplay wise it was needless padding, story wise it both made the twist that the assassin games are a scam SUPER obvious and made the player feel like a dum dum for being railroaded into falling for it. in other open world games you can beat missions in rapid succession. here, you're forced to take long breaks in between progressing

[@lemonov3031]

I think it has to do something with time or budget. In first interviews regarding the sequel Suda said, that the overworld is going to be improved, not removed completely. If the game gets a Switch re-release, I hope they'll bring it back.

[@ComicWriter-ml3qt]

Stathio sometimes I really wonder about reviewers. The other day I read a review about yakuza kiwami and the reviewer listed easily losing health points in a boss battle as a con. God regrets making us. Here’s to the next generation of reviewers listing the game having a hard mode being a con. There were issues with that game but no, let’s complain about how easy it is to lose health to a difficult boss. Don’t let me spoil dark souls for you.

[@nathanlevesque7812]

I never had any issue with it or the odd jobs. The music was great, riding the bike felt good, and the chores added a lot of charm. That whole side of the game contrasted everything else, making it feel even more potent. If it was nonstop fighting then the game would start to get nauseating, just like NMH2 did.

[@sjcodan]

Interesting note: Alice is the only time Travis ACTUALLY gets bloody during his fights.

[@LAUTARO735]

Other interesting note: Destroyer man is still alive

[@MisterMarioKart]

Jeane in 1

[@honeyboy5167]

It is now censored in the switch version he just gets a nosebleed now

[@travis_touchdown_urethra3000]

@@honeyboy5167 thats a glitch

[@UltravioletNomad]

I feel like there's a point to be made about the greater implications of Travis's character change. Sure there's a narrative about how he's affected a new generation of assassins, but most of the bosses are very blatant archetypes of different forms of media. You could say their development is more shallow, but that in itself is one of the over arching themes, clearly evident with how different the UAA bouts portray the fights as outright entertainment, they're all more showmen than fighters. But then what if we apply that to Travis himself? In becoming a legend he has inadvertently turned himself into a character archetype. I know its a little meta here but I think this concept of self parody fits well, especially when you hear how done he is with the scenario when confronting Batt. He's literally calling the game out on its formulaic bullshit. The real Desperate Struggle is Travis loosing his identity ironically after making a name for himself. Hes the world's greatest killer and one true hero, but now hes part of the rouge gallery he sought to take down and forced back down in the rankings just so he can fight for others amusement, our amusement. The very fact that he was brought into a sequel is in someways an insult to his character, and I think that they wanted to intentionally convey that through the narrative and gameplay, to turn an obvious flaw into a colorful commentary on sequels. I think this makes sense considering they never intended on making a sequel. First game gets niche critical acclaim and decent sales, why not make a sequel? Well the story is over, what could he possibly have to say? Well the first game was in some ways a commentary on how violence is portrayed in media, why not run with that more and comment on sequels, character tropes, and obligatory cameos? Grasshopper also kind of predicted the future on this one, cause the every man, relatable dude trope is permeating Japanese media right now. Every protag these days is a normal dude who only achieves at being the main character through sheer resolve. Nerdy dudes who get the girls just because hes unusually considerate, businessmen transported to other worlds who succeed through business acumen, etc. "This ain't your typical hero" has become pretty goddamn typical...

[@nazauwu6431]

also in travis strikes again he does say how he hates being called a legend

[@Galavantworks]

Best comment here. I love that parallel is distinctly drawn from the first NMH game; where the assassins even though they’re referencing character archetypes in media subculture. They were at least nuanced about they’re deeper thematic meaning because our initial view of them matched with that of Travis. In terms they seemed more genuine about their personal existential struggles and is used as a means to influence Travis as an assassin. Travis in NMH1 was meant to act as a sort of representation of us the player as to how we’re wrapped up in our respective fandoms and subculture are often seeking stimulation and making commentary from the media we consume. All in the sense to ultimately establish some form of identity or express individuality. Whereas NMH2 Travis who became more aware of the realistic implications of the extreme violent nature of the rank fights; he’s now dealing and living with consequences of what he’s influenced and inadvertently created. As opposed to the first game. There’s now a huge dissonance between Travis as a character and us as a player. There is a clear over saturation of theming here and what exist now is a pure shallow representation of what it used to be. The identity and individuality here is gone. Which is fitting how NMH3 and Travis Strikes Back tackles the most popular and over saturated media marketing now. Super Hero movies, and Video Games

[@UltravioletNomad]

@@Galavantworks Oh I seriously hope that the avant-garde styles of that trailer sticks throughout the entire game. Travis has given up killing as sport and has the balls to call himself a hero. Now a bunch of aliens come in indiscriminately killing people yet calling themselves super heroes. This can only get super serious and/or super critical. Maybe some narratives for bosses that poke holes in "heroic" motivations like tragic back stories, promises to friends, revenge, or the chosen one. I want to hear these dudes desperately try to validate their blatant abuse of power using modern comic/manga tropes and Travis tearing through it with geek logic.

[@KingKalashnikov]

Excellent comment.

[@stoichr3324]

I didn't read all of your comment just the last part. obviously, you put a lot of effort in commenting more than your school paper so I give you credit for that.

[@thatfelordwhodieshalfwayth7107]

Aw. You’re not gonna mention that the man at Bishop’s grave was famed Japanese director Takashi Miike?

[@FullmetalSonic260]

That FE Lord Who Dies Halfway Through His Own Game Seriously?! :O

[@Ghenry]

I don't really know of his work, and I wanted to mention it, but it didn't really provide anything for what I was talking about. Interesting guest appearance, though!

[@thatfelordwhodieshalfwayth7107]

GhenryPerez I highly recommend watching the movie that made him famous, “Ichi the Killer”. It has many similar themes that Suda uses in his games.

[@donnylurch4207]

@@thatfelordwhodieshalfwayth7107 Yeah, man. I always think of NMH like Tarantino and Miike in a blender, poured out in video game form.

[@EasyCure0]

@@thatfelordwhodieshalfwayth7107 huh I didn't know that was him. I saw this movie in theater last year and I immediately wanted to go home and play NMH cuz if the Suda vibe I got.

[@X-35173]

36:20 Another aspect to Destroymen (I agree, that sounds better) is that they are the left and right side of his brain. The left brain is more logical and centered while the right brain is more emotional and compulsive. This reflects in which side is still organic on each half of him.

[@Your_Father_LA]

Imagine if one was logical and compulsive while the other was emotional and centered 🤣🤣

[@tseliius]

I like OREOS AND PUUUUSSY- *YES, IN THAT ORDER!*

[@dariuswatson6298]

Also, there are two guitars in his boss theme one louder and one which sounds calmer. This could reflect the personalities of the two Destroymen.

[@mfsusanoo7238]

And him being robotic, his helmet design and his main weapon called the "destroy buster" makes me wonder if it's an homage to megaman (But like bad box art megaman)

[@vectorequinox6202]

I thought that was obvious but I've seen a few people that didn't seem to think anything of it.

[@rugerwilliams3149]

Between the thoroughest possible covering of the Dead Rising series and this Suda retrospective, you really manage to cover all the sick niche shit I love. Kudos.

[@Sjono]

It’s morbidly funny to think that Bishop deleted his internet history backhandedly right before he got shot to death

[@TetsuoIVIX]

The "penpal" is Takashi Miike ! He was mentioned in the first game as Travis' and Bishop's favorite director.

[@nyodesu]

Gotta love how they doubled down on the love for Miike in NMH3. The references to his work and the way SUDA shows his respect for him through Travis and Bishop’s dialogue. Absolutely love it!

[@TetsuoIVIX]

@@nyodesu Yeah, it was amazing. I loved it haha. Being a fan of Miike for over a decade, I managed to catch all the references lmao. So that was really fun!

[@scrums4748]

Both these games are close to my heart, thanks for analyzing them so well.

[@KirbyIsANerd]

I think the Association's presence can be more accurately explained if you interpret the phone call from the first game differently. Instead of the UAA just being non-existent, it's non-existent in what it paints it's true purpose as. The rankings, instead of being a way of just sensibly ranking assassins from a formal standpoint, a simple sport of racing to the number one spot, is entirely ran instead for profit and entertainment. The UAA doesn't actually care about who is number one or these assassins, they just want them to pay the bills and show off a killer fight in the process. This is very well their main purpose in Desperate Struggle, so it makes sense this would more just carry over in the first game. These assassins are conned into giving up their lives for others entertainment, and they're strapped in from bills and pressure (Maybe an expression for artists locked in jobs without purpose or something?). In the call Sylvia's mother specifies the work of assassins, she doesn't randomly con, the rankings are her gig. The UAA exists as *the* con. The UAA is a sham because its just using the assassins for profit. Besides this explanation my biggest reason for thinking it was more the act of building on then a retcon was that, if the UAA really did just not exist and the rankings were only directed at Travis, then why would somebody try and take Travis out immediately after, seeking rank #1? Sorry if this is rambling! I'm still making my way through Kill the Past and wanted to share my thoughts on some of it. Great work with these videos!

[@lightspaceman5064]

This is a great comment. People get too hung up on the twist at the end of No More Heroes as invalidating the story when I always saw it as a meta joke on what you get at the end of a game. Nothing but the satisfaction of playing it and what you take form it's ideas. Sylvia's Mother even tells you to finish anyway. Probably because it doesn't matter if it's real as long as it means something. The Assassins were real and Travis really killed them in the context of his world and he has to live with it. Whether or not the UAA is a large operation or run by one person isn't really important. But I think you're explanation fits perfectly.

[@windup13ird60]

You can be super right here. I still think it is a bit of a cop-out that this isn't addressed more, but your take is spot on. I'd also say the best real life analogy for assassins in the UAA would be professional wrestlers. They give their bodies and lives to entertaining the fans, don't see nearly as much of the money that it results in compared to the owners/promoters of the wrestling company, and unlike in professional sports where people are forced to retire because they can no longer compete at that level, the simulated nature of wrestling means virtually no one ever truly retires from the business (see Uncrowned King and Alice). Is that similar to the idea that you are getting at?

[@dee7352]

@@windup13ird60 I think that analogy is pretty poignant, Suda did write a story for a wrestling game before (i don't remember much so it might be irrelevant to what i mean lol). But perhaps there is something to note about how wrestling, from the violence to a performer's invocations to the audience is a performance that fabricates tension within an artificial hierarchy. I can't help but compare the anxieties of one's assassin rank to a wrestler's group affiliation or motivation for betrayal (my wrestling knowledge is limited). Maybe building upon earlier points saying that the UAA's "reality" is superceded by its significance to Travis in NMH1, the cyclical violence described in NMH2 is a more violent framing of character motivations akin to wrestling tropes. I think the performative aspects, such as the recurring callbacks to NMH1 and media tropes are also indicative of wrestling personalities trying to build a following based upon a popular concept or storyline.

[@bluerose5071]

@@windup13ird60 This is an incredibly good comparison, especially considering Travis is a huge wrestling fan! Only makes sense he would fall for the same predatory practices a lot of his idols (at least in the U.S.) fall for!

[@Butt_sects]

I just figured the call was sylvia being full of shit, since its her voice actress and talks about the garden of madness.

[@Arcademan09]

They seriously need to port NMH1/2 to the Switch Edit: MOE~

[@Ghenry]

And call it "No More Heroes 1-2 Switch"

[@Arcademan09]

I Watson no, why would I want a PS4 port? No More Heroes was *designed* around the Wii mote and the PS3 port wasn't very good, it was somehow more unstable and even removed content from the original. Keep in mind I own a PS4 but I want the 2 games on Switch in addition to the eventual 3

[@Arcademan09]

I Watson I'm aware of the PS Move but who cares about that at this point, at least the Switch has those motion controls built in

[@Arcademan09]

I Watson like I said, the PS3 version was *worse* than the Wii version, the NMH games are pretty much Nintendo games at this point, it's like how people are still crying about Bayonetta 2 and 3

[@cornnick102_cru3]

Technically no more heros was made for xbox 360. But someone said they should put it on the Wii

[@dobadobadooo]

I just finished my umpteenth playthrough of both games on Bitter, and I can say I agree with most of your thoughts here. The first game is slightly superior in my opinion, but the second game is still bucketloads of fun, and the occasional symbolism makes it enjoyable to analyse as you go through it. Both are easily in my top 20 games of all time. Here's hoping Travis Strikes Again sells well so we can get a proper sequel some day.

[@TravisUble]

Same thoughts ?

[@LinkageAX]

I always thought No More Heroes 2 was about mindless worship, be it actors, religion etc, regardless of how great or terrible they are in reality. It's a theme that echoes throughout and focuses a lot on how being the one worshipped can be limiting as well.

[@bearandthebull2372]

If memory serves me correctly,there was a lot of cut content that never made it in nmh2.That could explain the more empty feeling of it.

[@Ghenry]

I could only find rumors and such, like the supposed 'cut bosses' were in regards of more Henry scenarios. Nothing concrete, though. But it was likely a rushed project in general, and Suda wasn't able to keep control of things since he was already dealing with multiple projects during its development.

[@southcarolinakyudorenmei]

@@Ghenry The reason Pizza Butt was changed to Batt last second was because it was too close to Pizza Hut and they were worried about a lawsuit.

[@youngmaverick8702]

I actually really like the way this game handled Travis character.

[@ThreeDivisionshaha]

I am happy that I am not the only one who noticed that Travis became an icon, hence the legend he always wanted to fight.

[@kratosnl]

Almost everything you mention makes me thin "yes, this is the perfect sequel'. It subverts expectations in so many clever ways and I love Travis his character development in this game. It truly feels like the game where Travis becomes an adult.He's not running away from his emotion by killing or hiding behind distractions anymore. He deals with things. It's a great character arc.

[@GravityRavenYT]

Finally, someone who gets it. Like, the game literally starts with him being the same deluded horny Otaku that just got into the ranks because Sylvia promised to sleep with him, just like in the first, but he now evolves because he is no longer naive like in the first game, and even then, he still has his moments, like when Batt made him believe Sylvia, Henry and Shinobu were dead. And as you said, it subverts what we expected from his character in actual clever ways. I never saw it as a "departure" of his original character, I legit think the way he is written in 2 is the natural evolution of his character. He already conquered the ranks, he already knows how things works, he can no longer be naive about things, he can only be one thing, the no more heroe.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

@@GravityRavenYT Too bad Ghenry seems to hate its guts.

[@jasonrobinson401]

​@@GravityRavenYTit lines up with how the rankers treat him too, he's the crownless king, the only one to ever be able to walk away from the top, everybody else dies trying to hold that spot, and Travis just left it behind, just like he did death metals mansion. He's not a materialist, he's interested in the violence, the rush of life or death conflict. When he said "this is what it's all about! Killing your own kind!" When fighting Dr peace in 1, he didn't mean other people, he meant other psychos, other cold, or hot, blooded killers like himself, he never takes pride or joy in killing people he actually respects or admires, and he wouldn't even kill Damon in TSA because he didn't think he was worth it, he just beats him down with his bare hands because he was too pathetic to defend himself.

[@chillbump5845]

@@GravityRavenYT Travis didn't get into the rank fights to sleep with Sylvia in the first game. Even before the reveal at the end, Travis mentions Sylvia keeping her "promise" post Death Metal match and he only asks to sleep with her when he realizes he truly has to see these ranked fights through. Travis was already on the path of vengeance in the first game. Also, there's subverting expectations and then just making the character do what you think will make the audience go "oh wow that's so cool etc". Travis's arc is mishandled in this game and generally just comes off creepier than he was in NMH1. This isn't even touching on how they dealt with the other returning characters in the game. I really feel this game took the first half of Travis's monologue in the Death Metal fight + his weird wannabe cool guy tendencies and assumed that's just how he is as a person. I wouldn't say Travis really grows in this game, he's just stagnant.

[@Kullen64]

Awesome video! Took the words right out of my mouth with that Alice comment. I wish so badly that she could have been written as the main villain and been buffed a bit. Perhaps make the fight three phases. Also, did you notice how the picture of Jeane on Travis’ table from the first game now has the face marked out. I took that as he still loved her but couldn’t look at her any more. I liked that touch. But wow, I actually love Shadows of the Damned, can’t wait to hear about the chaos surrounding it.

[@Ghenry]

Thanks! Yeah I definitely noticed the photo of Jeane, but couldn't make much of it. Oh man, I'm pretty deep in writing the Shadows of the Damned vid, and the whole thing is a real shitshow. But the fact that the game itself is still pretty cool speaks volumes for what Suda and his team are able to endure.

[@Kullen64]

GhenryPerez Jesus, a shit show?? Hahaha. I would have never thought. I can see how though now that you mention it. All of the talent involved could have clashed and from the concept art I saw in the strategy guide it looks like it underwent a few changes. Looking forward to the review!!!

[@bearandthebull2372]

Not the main,but the final.Alice could have served as travis's reason for leaving the uaa once and for all.Instead they wasted the scene by having travis IMMEDIATELY Forget about her,and having him fuck sylvia like nothing happened a day ago.

[@Kullen64]

Betatron Yeah that was whack. Sorry for the late reply haha

[@turtleguymcturtle4303]

Honestly Alice's fight should've been the last boss

[@queazy03]

Loved NMH2, felt it was a good evolution of the first game. A few things to note is blood, and how Travis spills swimming pools of blood throughout the games, but never once gets bloody...except the one time he preaches at the camera (like after he kills Alice). Also the thing about Jasper Batt, is he is essentially Battman. And how was Batman created? Bruce Wayne had his parents killed in front of him by a thug in an alleyway, that thug's name is Joe Chill. Essentially, you created Jasper Batt, you are Joe Chill

[@elgatochurro]

Makes sense

[@dracomalfoyvevo]

*"slash other bunch of dudes"*

[@ohamatchhams]

Take an alcohol sip for everytime Ghenry reiterate it lol

[@Bluecho4]

It's worth pointing out that the latter half of the fights (barring the moe-blob from Henry's dream, and Jasper Bat Jr.) are all what you'd called "serious killers". In the first half, except for Skelter Helter and that ghost kid, all of Travis's opponents were those who got into the assassination game _because_ Travis made it popular. They were killers who, like Travis in NMH1, wanted the lifestyle of a badass assassin. It was, in effect, Travis returning to the assassination circuit from the other side. HE was the seasoned warrior, having to deal with a bunch of upstart punks who knew nothing about what real contract killing was all about. But in the latter half, it was all business. Travis kept running into old threats because they came from the old era, when assassination was the focus. When the kind of folks who would get into this business were interested in money, thrills, kicks, sating bloodlust, and settling scores. Even those who weren't NMH alumni were mirrors of earlier killers; Million Gunman to Dr. Peace, Alice to Holly Summers, etc. Naturally, it's only fitting that the ones who rose to the top ranks of killers were those who weren't there to chase fame. Those who were truly serious. Lessers contenders either tried to rise but got cut down, or else settled for simply placing on the list at all. Which means that, after Travis finished cutting his way through the posers, he finally reached the tier where he was fighting against his equals. He wasn't an upstart, there to challenge the veterans. He was there amid his peers. Or at least that's what he might have thought. By the time he reached Alice, it was clear that even longtime veteran killers were in awe of his history. He had, unbeknownst to him, ascended beyond all others, even in the minds of those he would consider peers.

[@epitaphuser6]

Once again you enhanced my view on my favorite game series. Thank you very much! I originally liked 2 more because of the bosses and seeing Travis grow. Because of your video on the first game, I end up loving that more but because of this video I'm reminded why I enjoyed Travis second adventure despite it's flaws. Can't wait for the Shadows of the Damn analyze. I really liked that game but after reading what Suda had put of with I hate EA even more and wished to see his original vision, but SotD was still a solid game though.

[@superserenajin]

This and your previous video are both fantastic, however I can't help but feel that you didn't give Margaret's fight the analysis it deserved, particularly the lyrics of Philistine. She's singing directly to Travis, and though it's not uncommon for bosses to ridicule Travis and make fun of him, she outright tells him that the cause he fights for, to avenge Bishop, it isn't as noble as he thinks it is. At the end of the fight when she asks if he found the melody riveting, and when she asks if he memorized it she's asking if he's taking the lyrics to heart, if he realizes what she's saying. When he's shown whistling the tune at the end of the fight he shows he did. I've always kinda interpreted it as her understanding that she'd be killed by Travis, even going into the fight, but wanting to see him grow as a person, but that's entirely conjecture. Anyway great videos, love me some NMH.

[@Ghenry]

I can see where you're going, but it didn't really fit with how I was analyzing most of the bosses relating to sources of mass media.

[@superserenajin]

@@Ghenry oh yeah, that's true

[@Violent_Wolfen]

@JustANinjaOwl You also notice how in that datamine of Alice's photos Margaret is seen with her? Plus, I think that Alice and Margaret knew that they weren't gonna survive.

[@NoisyProtagonist]

I feel as though the game itself is a giant allegory for video game sequels. It felt like a rushed, empty, stripped down and cliche cash grab. The entire game is a middle finger to an industry that values the money more than the art. The series is far too self aware to not realize what it was doing. Suda is a genius.

[@Ghenry]

I mean, I appreciate the sentiment towards NMH2's quality, but it feels too same-y to what happens to a lot of sequels to a game with a great narrative. It felt like Suda was trying to write what he can to give it that sense of drama and characteristics in its narrative, but the director had other things in mind. Like how most of the cast think Travis is the coolest dude ever, and not the creepy weirdo that he is.

[@GravityRavenYT]

@@Ghenry Maybe because that's the point? literally nobody knows Travis, all those assassins know is the legend, they don't know he is just a horny otaku with bad hygiene habits (according to Sylvia at least), and most of his glorification isn't even about him as a person, is because they are surrounded by so much blood and violence, and have become addicted to such cycle, that they can't even begin to comprehend how someone who reached the top just casually walked away, like he had something that none of them did, when in reality, he is way too much of a normal person (in comparison), he couldn't care less staying on the top. Also, not everyone sees him as a "cool dude", Matt certainly could care less who Travis is, and Margaret's theme is basically mocking Travis, both as a person as well as his motivation to fight.

[@frds_skce]

I don't know about the game being self aware about its state. But i can certainly tell that NMH, NM2, and NMH3 does resembles life cycle of a video game series. The 'magnum opus' original, the rushed 2nd sequel and the 3rd 'started to stray from it path' sequel. I would say that they should realize about it by now.

[@brian.d6808]

In relation to Nathan, his second name is Copeland, similar to famous and notorious televangelist Kenneth Copeland, further adding to his religious symbolism.

[@TheSkullFrost]

I feel that you missed something with the New Destroyman fight. The way the two destroymen acted was, in my opinion, not because of a split personality, but because one had the left side brain and the other the right side. Note that the one with the left part of the body is more logical and calm, while the one with the right part of the body is more sexual, emotional and expressive. This aligns with the idea that the left side of the brain deals with logic, analytic though, reasoning, etc. and the right side with creativity, imagination, etc. This makes more sense in my opinion, since both destroymen still very much had the killing intent.

[@Varrick24]

I think one takeaway that should be worth considering from this video- especially from your last one on the first game, is that while Alice would have FELT like the best way to end the game, Travis continues anyways. You talked about his code and how he follows it in the first game: Travis is a man of his word! If he says he will do something, he will do it. What does Travis say and do in this game? He’ll get revenge on Jasper, and he will tear down the UAA. Both of those things happened. (Since Sylvia works as a stripper by the end of 2.) really, I feel like the decision to continue even after his revelation still makes sense, because it’s not like his ideals have changed by the end: the person he kills is corrupt and controls all of Santa Destroy, so the decision to finish him off can be seen as not totally selfish (which it kinda is) but also for the good of everyone, to free Santa Destroy from this endless cycle of revenge. Regardless of my hot take, love both of your videos, and I love both of these games :)

[@RKzero10]

You did an amazing amount of work on these. I do agree that the first one is better, I still have a lot of fun with the sequel. No More Heroes really did change my perspective on games and it's story telling and the conventions of the medium (Even though I was 10 or 11 at that time). I wish more devs are punk like Suda. I can't wait to see the next game even though it's more of a goofy spin-off. #TravisForSmash #TravisTouchdownForSmash #Travis4Smash #TravisTouchdown4Smash

[@Titanxzero1]

Hey Yuri Lowentaw is a pretty good voice actor. XD

[@miqwerty]

He's my personal favorite Spider-Man and overall is super talented, but yeah he also puts on a good ear-grating piece of shit voice when the situation calls for it.

[@SnowBaller985]

Yeah! Spider man and Yosuke

[@Sophie_the_Sapphic]

I also think he's great as the prince of Persia.

[@tseliius]

He totally killed it as Simon in Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, not to mention his iconic work as Sasuke Uchiha!

[@DashXero]

I never had a problem with the way Travis was portrayed in NMH2 - if anything because I always assumed that it was just a part of his general arc. I honestly believe that eventually Travis will wind up being a boss for some assassin of a future NMH game. It only kinda makes sense. Well, to me, anyway.

[@Snip3rfall]

Thank you for making a second vid for no more heroes my fav single player series and your in depth analysis it fills me with joy to learn new perspectives. To me Travis is just that guy haha

[@killerspring100]

34:30 in an interview, suda51 revealed concept art for final destroyman, a beast like version of destroyman and mass-produced destroymen as well, though he said some of those ideas could only be implemented in no more heroes 4

[@ArynBacklogDragon]

Watch them bring him back in NMH3. It even has superheroes as a theme.

[@nkyfong]

Too bad NMH3 is never happening considering Suda decided to pull the plug and let it go out with a bang.

[@ninstar8165]

Everyday is exactly the same... Good choice! xD Lots of well considered observations here, great job! Looking forward to your KillerIsDead analysis.

[@mariovazquezcruz6973]

I always think the miss part of the travel from the 1 to the 2 was a camge of tone. Its no more the idea of grown and mess around, its sad revenge, the little change that can make it a souless men.

[@BrothaKyo]

I am ALWAYS loving these, and imagine my surprise when I see this come up! Thank you for this! Fun bit o' trivia: the man that visited Bishop's grave is Japanese film maker Takashi Miike :D

[@dracomalfoyvevo]

Seeing a video about this game in 2018 gave me nostalgia

[@risdio51]

Playing Every Day Is Exactly The Same while talking about repetitiveness was a nice touch.

[@Ghenry]

I think you're the first person to point it out. Thank you for noticing 💜

[@risdio51]

@@Ghenry Of course, Nine Inch Nails is the best!

[@nintenx1235]

I will say I did like how we start to see a bit more of a brotherly relationship between Henry and Travis. They may still be rival assassins, but at least it seems that at the end of the day they can still care about each other.

[@kento933]

loved the vid. personally this is thr best comprehensive vid of no more heroes 2 out there atm.

[@aidenjean492]

i love No More Heroes Thanks. greeting from Venezuela.

[@DarkScherzo94]

Oh, look another venezuelan! It's always fun to see someone from my country enjoy this series

[@Prophet6000]

I sure do want a NMH 3.

[@stanleyguzman694]

SυανeVıłłαıи™ if Travis strikes again does well I’m sure we’ll get NMH 3

[@nathannieves9100]

SυανeVıłłαıи™ suda 51 is ruining no more heroes 3

[@nathannieves9100]

Stanley Guzman its not going to do well. Im pissed at how its coming

[@stanleyguzman694]

Nathan Nieves why do you say that?

[@nathannieves9100]

Stanley Guzman i dont think anybody wanted a damn indie game for the next No More Heroes title. It looks like the caracters dont even talk in the game and like there's no cut scenes, wtf kinda shit is that. You cant even customize travis's oitfit

[@matheusvasiliauskassoares4361]

I know Im absurdly late to the party. I just wanna point out my thoughts and feelings towards the game. I've played 2 before 1, so, my experience with the franchise wasn't the intended way. But playing 2, then 1, getting around the plot and playing 2 again, the second one makes me feel a lot more.. hollow in a sense, actually, it makes me a lot more emotional than the first one, that ends on a hype upbeat tone full of "epicness" whereas Desperate Struggle ends on a lower note, like, its over, the fights, the revenge, the UAA and the likes of it, and how's Travis after all that? Somewhat like how he was when everything started, still grieving for someone close to him, out of a job, but at the same time, a lot more mature (while still beign Travis, the loud mouthed, sarcastic, impatient douche that we love) and once again trying to find meaning and a path, albeit, with a little help having actually learned how to make connections with people and value life (early NMH1 Travis would never react the way late NMH2 Travis did by seeing the "decapitated" heads at the Jasper fight). I might be alone on this one, but I actually prefer Desperate Struggle over NMH1, not only for the somber tone (specially at Alice's stage) and character growth, but also in gameplay, after playing both, I didn't miss the open world portion of it like... at all and the combat, at least for me, feels so much more fluid with the new weapons that do change the flow of battle quite a lot, camera angle adjustments (pay attention how the camera is often at ground level compared to the above the shoulder style of NMH1 and how its actually more helpfull at seeign you surroundings). I do miss some of the gimmicks NMH1 had, but the inclusion of Henry and specially Shinobu, more than made up for it, her stages are my absolute favorites in the franchise (stages, not bosses), like how in the second one, if you wish to, you can simply ignore everyone and go for the end stright away, and her beign able to both run faster and jump makes it so much more enjoyable. (I might've ranted for too long, but long story short, NMH2 is my shit)

[@deadlyteddy617]

Sylvia: slaughters a respectable man Travis: wtf! Sylvia: YoU aRe An AsSaSsIn!

[@jasonrobinson401]

She's trying to make him drop his idealism, the way he's always trying not to kill women and or respectable opponents, she wants him to stay how he was in the first game, bloodthirsty, blinded by bitterness, and desperate for her approval, but he's already past that. That's why he blew up at her so hard after the Alice Twilight fight, he was done being a two bit hit man, he wanted to be himself, whoever that was, to become his own kind of hero. He's the hero who says "no more", the "no more hero", if you will.

[@dobadobadooo]

Also, seeing as you gave your thoughts on each boss, and I have nothing better to do, here's my ranking of the bosses: 15. Jasper Batt Jr. (Probably my least favorite boss of all time, awful in every sense of the word) 14. Million Gunman (Lame character and a lame boss fight, this guy just sucks) 13. Cloe Walsh (Kinda forgettable as a character, and her fight is way too easy) 12. Matt Helms (Pretty meh character, and his fight is more frustrating than fun) 11. New Destroyman (Horrible boss fight, but you can't go wrong with a double dose of Destroyman) 10. Charlie MacDonald (The fight was meh, but the idea is novel, and the cutscene is pretty funny) 9. Kimmy Howell (Very fun character all around, though she's a bit easy *Ba dum tss*) 8. Nathan Copeland (A pretty cool character with a pretty cool battle) 7. Mimmy (She gains bonus points for the fact that we get to play as Henry, but she's pretty cool even on her own) 6. Skelter Helter (Cool character with a lot of backstory, he honestly would have been the perfect final boss) 5. Ryuji (Not a very deep character, but his fight is just so goddamn fun I can't put him lower) 4. Dr Letz Shake (I actually enjoy this fight, added points for being a character we all wanted to see make a return) 3. Captain Vladimir (Sad backstory mixed with a fun battle and a great boss theme) 2. Alice Twilight (One of the few characters that feel deeper than most of the bosses of the original) 1. Margaret Moonlight (Awesome character, awesome battle, and an awesome boss theme, this battle is perfection) Though I doubt anyone will read this comment, if anyone feels like sharing their ranking of the bosses, I'd be pretty interested to see which bosses you guys liked the most.

[@dobadobadooo]

First of all, props to you for recognising Wiseman, very few people do. I'll concede and admit Jasper does have some kickass boss themes for all three stages of his fight. Still hate him though. Speaking of music, I've heard that vocal version of Skelter Helter's theme, it's pretty cool, but very hard to find these days, so if you uploaded it that'd be sweet. Anyways, thanks for sharing your list, SH is a cool choice for #1.

[@xx_admiralhipper420_xx9]

Its nice to see anyone rank their favourite boss, its just like Travis said "assassin aren't tool, as fucked up we may be, we're humans"

[@EPunkOfficial]

Always felt like it was just a revenge story that gave Travis some more characters development. Still love NMH as a whole though.

[@otakamerd1220]

You really do deserve more subs

[@eli-hj2lf]

He really does. I just finished the video and can vouch for that. I remember watching my first video for him and just loving the type of content he makes, i think it was one of the Dead Rising videos.

[@charliemcclure1647]

The photos that Alice is burning. Margaret is in some of those photos. How did nobody notice that?

[@tienthanhnguyen1540]

Got the sound track for this game, put it all on my phone, completely lost track of which songs are from it. Watching this video though, holy crap most of them ended up on as my favourites. I didn't realise how amazing this sound track is. Also, can't talk about NMH2 soundtrack without Reaper, Reaper

[@mr.voidout4739]

Henry Cooldown rockin the crossguard lightsaber before it was cool.

[@Onemanshowoff]

Your background music and these games embody my teenage years so well

[@squidlump]

In all honesty, I like 2 more, I’m more fond of how Travis’ character is and I just really like the ideas at play. I get how it doesn’t Match the rock solid thematic pacing of the first but, I’m a sucker for aesthetic.

[@UncleDeadly1031]

aesthetics*

[@squidlump]

@@UncleDeadly1031 language isn’t real

[@UncleDeadly1031]

@@squidlump Said the rapist to the woman when she said "No".

[@squidlump]

@@UncleDeadly1031 that’s not funny

[@UncleDeadly1031]

@@squidlump It wasn't supposed to be.

[@megamergez15]

No one here is talking about the fact that "Dive into the Mellow" from Aquatic Mine in Sonic Adventure 2 was used as background music on this video.

[@cbored3778]

when it comes down to destroyman, i like to think that he had some sort of multiple personality disorder which was split from the 2 sides of the brain. this comes from how new destroyman came about from repairing both halfs and gave them their own body. one half is calm and gentlemanly in nature but also smart and calculated whereas the other is bombastic, smug, vulger and eccentric. this is similar to how one side of the brain handles logical thinking whereas the other is emotional thinking.

[@DESTRAKON]

I forget where I read this but a guy mentioned how Jaspers, lost close family members, is rich af, and turns into a superhero with a bat motif

[@psychosemantics]

Must say I don't know why I've never subscribed to you before, your analysis is very thorough and to the point I love it. Hope we get a NMH3 so I can see your analysis.

[@commanderblackheart5856]

Fun Fact: In the japanese version, philistine/pal version where it's philistine is a rock song known as the "Fukuda Mix" version, you can combine both versions into it's ULTIMATE FORM! Bonus Fact: There is evidince that hint's towards Alice possibley being Margret's older sister.

[@elgatochurro]

New destroy men felt like... Well 2 halves yes... The polite and the lacking inhibition

[@darkool]

Amazing video. Personally, i prefer the second game over the first one. I love how Travis developed from the first game, but i can absolutely understand why people prefer the first one.

[@oddhate]

I have to say, as far as retrospective videos go this has to be one that's certainly done its research. I don't agree with all of your opinions, but its good to know that you've stopped me from going into the comments section plenty of times to nitpick by providing just a LITTLE more background info than some people would care to provide at all. Very excellent. I also enjoyed your soundtrack analysis. Bought the physical OST from GM's store when it was first available and the music from the game never disappointed. I'm still surprised that most of the last CD was just dedicated to the minigames.

[@Ghenry]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Hope you also enjoy that I'm ridiculously jealous that you own the soundtrack! Only 1000 copies were made!

[@rmatt53]

My favorite comment on NMH 2 was a response to "The Final Boss of No More Heroes 2 is the shittiest Boss I ever seen in my entire Life " That's supposed to be the point. The theme of No More Heroes 2 is about revenge and exploring what it means. The first fight you have is with Skelter Helter who is out for revenge for the death of his brother. He has an awesome looking sword and gun and is just plain badass. He fits with the player's idea of revenge being this heroic, cool thing to do. Throughout the story, especially with the last few bosses, the story makes a point about how our perspective of revenge is wrong. When you fight against Margaret Moonlight, she sings Philistine. Part of the lyrics go: "You act as though payback, makes you a nobleman, is that a fact? You think the fire in your eyes makes you a tiger in disguise? Dream on, you goddamn pussy!" The next boss: Vladimir Taktarov is inspired by a boss from Metal Gear Solid 3, The Fury. The Fury is a Russian guy in a spacesuit who, like his name says, has extreme rage towards the world and everything he was fighting. Vladimir is supposed to represent The Fury after time has passed. A guy who was consumed by revenge is now all alone in the world. Throughout the fight, Vladimir doesn't even really care about you - he keeps trying to connect with the people he knows at mission control - "Awaiting response. Please respond." Alice Twilight is character that through her fighting has gained some insight about assassination and violence. She expresses a sort of nihilism and talks about how all assassins are trapped and addicted to this path they are on. In the beginning you see her throw away pictures which are of Margaret Moonlight, who is implied to be closely related to Alice. Alice knows that if Travis is here fighting her, Margaret must be dead. You'd expect her to be mad and vengeful, but her insight on the situation allows her to place the blame not on Travis but on being trapped in a corrupt system. Travis says something interesting, "Don't be stupid. If you get tired of the battles, just fucking quit!" Being trapped with the idea revenge is hard to get out of, but honestly, it just comes down to choice. You can always get out by choosing not to pursue it. Finally to the big boy. Jasper Batt Jr is the satire of probably the most badass vengeful hero in Western culture - Batman. Bruce Wayne, who lost his parents to the dark underbelly of Gotham, transforms into this muscular beast known as Batman to clean up the city. Batman looks cool, and people who have known injustice in their lives want to be just like him. This echoes back to first fight with Skelter Helter where we as players have this belief that pursuing revenge is a cool thing. Jasper Batt is No More Heroes 2's point that the opposite is really true. Jasper Batt looks stupid, sounds stupid, and his final form is literally a giant, whining baby. Jasper Batt is the true representation of people who choose revenge. In other words if you choose the path of vengeance, you are not Batman, you are Jasper Batt Jr. The game is trying to shift our perspective on things - people who pursue revenge and revenge itself, is not noble, takes things away from you, is empty, and uncool. There are more important things in life, and those things are what you should pursue.

[@Sonicboy71]

Been rewatching some of your vids recently love to see another nine inch nails fan

[@dubsquad156]

I honestly took the little spat at Sylvia after the Alice fight as more of message to gamers. I mean majority of games star human characters and there have been plenty of games made but they’re ultimately forgotten through time or because we simply got bored of them.

[@supersentaigen]

all these crritisms of the game and somehow its the game i like most out of the two

[@Ghenry]

It's still a strong game

[@BlackKanye]

You know I really don't have love for idols or the fansbase that type of thing has, but I really like Margaret a lot. Sidenote, but maybe I like NMH2 a bit more because I love tales continuing and the MC dealing with a world they created (you know like affected in big ways). Back when I actually wrote down my ideas (I need to start doing it again) I almost always would have the MCs actions affect the world somehow. It just feels like what they do has an impact even if it only affects their town or, even smaller, school.

[@Ghenry]

It's pretty much what a sequel to this should be, basically. People just didn't seem ready to accept Travis changed drastically as a person because of what he did in NMH1. Although I just wish it felt a bit less shallow. Still an interesting story overall, though.

[@BlackKanye]

Yeah I can understand the shallowness part.

[@kento933]

finally someone acknowledges the darkside album for the first stage.

[@moonbug7252]

Rank 3 (Vladimir) makes me so sad. Something about being lost in space for so long, calling out for someone, anyone, and they stopped being there a long time ago. I’m glad Travis was able to let him pass peacefully.

[@lancelot717]

I feel like it would be cool to mention that Vladimir is also a reference to The Thing

[@yellowcardx08]

Love this series, thanks for going so in depth. Look forward to your next video!

[@theking8347]

I read somewhere that the original plan for the final phase of Jasper's boss fight was to have Travis use the Glastonbury mech again, but it was cut due to time constraints.

[@Scallycowell]

My dude, you cut some seriously great videos. Not only have I been entertained by this series, but further inspired in ways that Suda51 originally excited me in. Can’t wait for more.

[@SOBEKCrocodileGod]

One of the most interesting theories I’ve heard is the idea that Alice Twilight represents an NPC in a GTA type game, or the relative of one you carelessly murdered for fun.

[@Night-ec7ef]

I value story, and character development more than symbolism I liked two more cause of that.

[@shannongerbes]

Greatest series of all time. Gonna play through No More Heroes Paradise "sweet mode" now .

[@bearandthebull2372]

the_tic_begins it really deserves more popularity.Suda is a genius.

[@garrettthomas5653]

To be fair to NMH2, the whole "UAA was a scam" thing ended up getting confused in the first game too when that one dude busted into Travis' bathroom near the end looking to kill him and take his rank. It wouldn't surprise me if they kept it vauge for NMH2 because they didn't really know how to follow up that plot-point with how 1 handled it.

[@daveid9271]

YES! Thank you for mentioning the soundtrack! That was one of my favorite parts of this game!

[@Maniac536]

I don’t think you’re going to believe me but I swear this is the truth. I picked up the original no more heroes shortly after buying a Nintendo Wii...two and a half years after its launch. (That’s not a slam on the Wii that’s a testament to the console being sold out for 2.5 years). My friend told me the game was getting poor sales but it was a hidden gem I had to play. I bought the game along side other titles like Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, and Super Smash Bros Brawl. Anyways I devoted much time to playing SMG and Brawl and NMH waited a while before I began to play it. By this point the game had gained its cult status but I hadn’t had the chance to start playing it. Then one Sunday night out of the blue decided to play it. I played it...nearly all night. Boy was I exhausted at work the next day but I went back to playing it after work. I had to find everything, play everything. I found all the shirts, bought all the clothes, unlocked all the weapons and moves, found all the cards, etc. By the time I completed it several days later I had done a 100%. I loved the game and wanted to play it again despite the fact I figured it would never get a sequel. The very next day after I beat the game for the first time no more heroes 2 was announced.

[@turoreal]

it's not really a hidden gem tbh

[@Topknot666]

Ooooh, you're soundtracking this series with NIN's With Teeth! Ok, you got me hooked.

[@TheMee147]

This is the video I subbed for! And it is great! Looking forward to your next project ^^

[@vroomy2136]

Anime is a curse that I will continue to enjoy 'till the end of time.

[@sutakira9992]

Tbh, Alice’s death is prolly my #1 favorite moment with Travis.

[@pointybits6496]

I hated the parking lot mission, not for how long it took. But I don't whether it was my wii, my disc, or whatever. But each time it played that mission, and that mission only; 3/5 times, it would freeze. Just.....blank empty screen. And since the stage had no music either, it made it even weirder when it just crashed.

[@MissDeckOfCards]

Great vid! Am I the only one who enjoyed the open world and mini games in the first game...?

[@matti2b431]

Can’t wait for no more heroes 3. And when you make new video and analysis on the game. I’m so thankful I found this channel. I loved these suda games before I found this channel but you made me love them even more. Thank you GhenryPerez👍

[@Flashshadow]

Steambot Chronicles is one of my all-time favorite video games. It made my heart skip a beat to hear Nadia Gifford do the Philistine song in No More Heroes II! 🥲

[@bustedmusketproductions357]

That mysterious man who shows up at bishop’s grave is takashi miike. A cult japanese director who has directed over 100 movies. Including audition, ichi the killer and the jojo bizarre adventure movie.

[@artboy598]

Great stuff man. So excited for the next entry.

[@venom66695]

Watch this vid quite a few times and never realized NIN was playing in the background for a minute lol

[@XxLasTxReBeLlioNxX]

I always went with the idea that the Rank 1 fight in NMH1 was a figment of our (the player’s) imagination, the fight did happen, but it may not have been against the characters we thought or the true ending is the real rank 1 fight, I don’t know, I just accepted that in NMH2 that Sylvia and the UAA were real, but the ending of 1 there were alot of things that didnt make sense including the real ending fight, but I think it adds to the insanity of the world that’s No More Heroes. Even the statement “Head to the Garden of Madness” made me think of how as we progressed things got even more ridiculous, that statement is gone, but its back in the NMHIII trailer. This is just my opinion, Im sure alot of other people would disagree with me, but that’s how I felt to me.

[@drose5718]

Here after the release trailer

[@Heffy_Boi]

I'm just realizing how incredibly similar the ghost kid fight was to the Pigsy boss fight from Manhunt.

[@johnsabotta1288]

Excellent, intelligent commentary that doesn't fall into any of the usual pitfalls of KZbin criticism (these being a. "Hur, hur, let's all laugh at this foreign/old thing" b. obsession with pointless details, c. pretentious overthinking and d. complaints that the game/movie/whatever fails to help support some personal or political axe the reviewer insists on grinding. There are others, but life is too short as it is...) In a sea of KZbin lameness, this really stands out, but it would stand out anyway. (I never played either of the No More Heroes games you've talked about , but I know what you meant about the "cosmonaut" character; you are right, it is immensely sad and represents something gone forever. The stars no longer call...)

[@nathadniel5790]

bro. u gotta play em

[@porkhill6665]

Thanks for delivering more cool content

[@mattxstarx]

in playing through all the NMH games the week NMH3 dropped, this one was my least favorite in the series so far BUT i appreciated it in the timeline of trying to complete all the content b4 3's launch lol

[@LukeRobertsArt]

Regarding the existence of the UAA in this game; it's mentioned that assassin fights have basically become a spectator sport due to publicity surrounding the first game's events. The fights in this game and the UAA are funded by Pizza Batt for the sake of Jasper's revenge. Following Jasper's death, it can be assumed funding dries up for the UAA, which would be why Sylvia ends up working at the peep show.

[@ultrixsoma2736]

About the plothole of UAA being fake, i believe that it WAS real all along but that call from her mother was a set up by Sylvia herself so Travis doesn't get to fuck her. It makes alot of sense to her character.

[@Ghenry]

Same voice actress, so not a bad posit. I'd rather something else allude to what you're saying, though. I'm not big on fans trying to fill plot-holes themselves.

[@Mclucasrv]

@@Ghenry There is none game that talk about they recording the thing?I remember a thing like that or maybe the part of the "entertaining" part of the intro that give that impression. I played years ago so I dont remember everything but Sylvie always call you when you is close to the boss right I always thinking that she was seeing on cameras.

[@Mclucasrv]

@@Ghenry ​ There is one game that talk about they recording the thing?I remember a thing like that or maybe the part of the "entertaining" part of the intro that give that impression. I played years ago so I dont remember everything but Sylvie always call you when you is close to the boss right I always thinking that she was seeing on cameras and when you do continues and stuff show television screens and things like that.

[@alef321]

YES, I've been waiting for this. thanks again.

[@maxx1110]

One thing I thought about that doesn't seem to get mentioned by anyone else. While it wasn't through sparing, the returning charaters cause a huge issue for slivia. Letz Shake takes her husband hostage, New Destroymen are more annyoing than ever and Shinobu is trying to move in on her terf. I'm not suprised that she guns now another possible pain for her future.

[@neonlove5456]

Pretty sure Destroyman in 2 represents the left and right brain