Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rent A Hero No. 1 delivers a unique action RPG experience that blends beat ’em up mechanics with light role-playing elements. Players control 16-year-old Taro Yamada in his Rent A Hero combat armor, taking on odd jobs from the SECA Corporation to pay off equipment fees. Combat feels responsive and weighty, channeling the spirit of classic arcade fighters like Spikeout Battle Street, while still offering RPG-style progression through unlockable combos and special attacks.

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One of the game’s standout systems is the battery management mechanic. Every move Taro makes in his powered suit consumes energy, forcing players to plan their attacks and exploration carefully. Running out of power mid-mission can leave you vulnerable, but stockpiling authentic Sanyo-brand batteries at local convenience stores adds a fun strategic layer. This resource management encourages replaying earlier jobs with improved efficiency, giving missions new depth beyond simple button-mashing.

The variety of jobs on offer keeps gameplay fresh. From rescuing trapped civilians to subduing rampaging robots, each assignment demands a different approach. You’ll need to master both Taro’s grounded grappling moves and the suit’s aerial strikes. As you progress, training sessions with the Sega fighting master Segata Sanshiro unlock new techniques, turning Taro from a rookie hero into a versatile combatant ready to face greater threats.

Graphics

The graphical overhaul in this remake of the 1991 Mega Drive classic shines on modern hardware. Character models are crisp and expressive, capturing Taro’s wide-eyed enthusiasm and Segata Sanshiro’s stoic intensity with equal flair. Environments range from neon-lit city streets to suburban backyards, each rendered with vibrant colors and dynamic lighting that bring the world to life.

Enemy designs strike a clever balance between quirky and menacing. Low-level thugs in ski masks and robotic dogs coexist alongside towering mech-suited goons, offering memorable visual contrast. Boss encounters feature detailed animations and dramatic camera angles, ensuring every fight feels like a major set piece. Add in animated cutscenes styled after the comic magazine Big Comic Spirits, and the game’s visual storytelling never feels stale.

Subtle nods to Sega’s history abound throughout the presentation. Billboards advertising fictional Sega titles, arcade cabinets in the background, and even a cameo by a familiar blue hedgehog hint at the console wars of old. These playful Easter eggs enrich the world, rewarding fans who pause to take in the scenery and soak up the nostalgic references interwoven into the modern 3D engine.

Story

Rent A Hero No. 1 starts with a deceptively simple premise: Taro Yamada, an ordinary teenager, accidentally knocks out his father while delivering pizza and ends up inheriting a Rent A Hero combat suit. What follows is an off-kilter comedy of errors as Taro balances homework, family drama, and the growing pains of becoming a part-time superhero. The narrative tone is lighthearted but surprisingly heartfelt, leaning into slice-of-life humor without sacrificing stakes.

Central to the charm is Taro’s relationship with Segata Sanshiro, the no-nonsense Sega fighting master who trains him to unleash the suit’s full potential. Their mentor-student dynamic provides both comic relief and genuine character development, as Taro grows more confident in his abilities while still pleading for better pizza toppings. Side-characters, from eccentric convenience-store clerks to villains in gaudy doctor coats, enrich the world and remind players that this is a game that never takes itself too seriously.

The overarching conflict against the nefarious Dr. Trouble unfolds at a comfortable pace, with each chapter revealing new layers to the villain’s bizarre schemes. Though the plot is never overly complex, its blend of Japanese cultural references, tongue-in-cheek humor, and superhero tropes keeps players engaged. By the time you face off in the climactic showdown, you’re invested not just in victory but in seeing Taro fully embrace his destiny as Rent A Hero No. 1.

Overall Experience

Rent A Hero No. 1 strikes a refreshing balance between nostalgia and innovation. Fans of the original Mega Drive title will appreciate the faithful homage in mission structure and comedic flair, while newcomers will find a polished action RPG that offers both depth and accessibility. Difficulty settings allow players to tailor combat challenge, making it inviting for casual gamers and veterans alike.

Beyond core gameplay, the game’s presentation and world-building consistently reward exploration. Whether you’re scouring city alleys for battery packs or pausing to read in-game magazines, there’s a sense of discovery at every turn. The seamless integration of Japanese pop-culture winks—SECA adverts, Sega hardware Easter eggs, and even the manual’s comic-style tutorial—creates a cohesive atmosphere that feels lovingly crafted.

From the moment Taro first straps on his Rent A Hero armor to the final clash with Dr. Trouble, Rent A Hero No. 1 offers a thoroughly entertaining package. It balances humor, heart, and high-octane action in a way few modern remakes manage. If you’re looking for a game that pays tribute to Sega’s storied past while delivering a solid, memorable adventure, this hero-for-hire tale is well worth renting—or, better yet, owning outright.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10