One of the most unique jRPG you will ever experience.
(you can also consider second game instead)

This game's biggest downside is controller support. Controller works, but default mappings are weird (standard for old Japanese games), the game displays keyboard button prompts even when using a controller and you cannot remap controller to more intuitive controls in game.

I wouldn't pick this expecting to sink lots of hours into it, as it isn't super long, but it's certainly worth trying.

Extremely fun and addicting game filled with great humour and lovable characters

This game revolves around the premise of an evil lord in each level casting a spell that will destroy the world in 30 seconds. In that time, you have to level up, complete side quests, and manage your money to buy healing items, weapons, and armor. What turns this into more of a puzzle game than an RPG is the rewind mechanic. The Time Goddess is a greedy girl and will reset the timer to 30 for 100 coins. Each time you reset the timer goes up by a hundred. So now the gameplay loop becomes a balancing act. Do you spend your time grinding to level up before you reset? How much longer can you grind? What if you face a tough enemy that will make you run out of time? When will you fit in side quests? Will they give you an ally, tool, coin? This is where the games challenge comes from, as your levels do not carry over from level to level, only your equipment does.

The combat is automatic (sort of) and when you land in a new level, the time goddess kind of spells out where you have to go, who you have to talk to, and what side quest to complete. Despite the real challenge being balancing your time and grind, I did start finding it a little lame that the “solution” to some side quest puzzles kept getting spoiled in the intros for the levels towards the end. HOWEVER! Once you beat the main campaign you are treated to 3 more “campaigns” where you play as different heroes in different gameplay scenarios. You must beat them all to get the actual ending, and they were challenging in the best way. I loved that they were not full campaigns, more so just very long levels with a slight twist to gameplay. This really helped the game not overstay its welcome in my opinion. Keep in mind, the art style you select in the menu dictates what the gameplay will be like for these additional campaigns. I saw that using the Retro art style completely changes these campaigns into longer shoot em up, real time strategy, etc. I don’t know if I would have preferred the longer campaigns with completely different gameplay, or the toned down shorter campaigns I got.


I was surprised at how quickly this game captured my attention, and how much I ended up liking it. This game works flawlessly on the Steam Deck, and the bite sized missions made it perfect for portable play. The game is very charming, I appreciated that the humor held up as I was afraid it was going to be 2012 era “le meme” humor. I really want to buy the sequel at some point, and probably play the extra campaigns in retro mode at some point. I hope that more people become aware of this game, as I think it’s a crime its being forgotten to time.

This game took longer than 30 seconds. Scam. Do not buy

Fun RPG.

Fun game with quirky humor that can be done in short bursts. It's a port of the PSP game with some new features such as a brand new art style made for this version. Also, while the story is simplistic, it surprisingly still has those anime moments that make you almost shed a single tear. Play all the main modes to get the true ending.

played it on the psp version. this was total nostalgia for me, my only problem was there was no gallery like in the original psp version. also the newer graphics version doesnt play dark lord 30, princess 30, or knight 30 with its original mechanics. but it gets you to the end game quicker.

The game feels like you've hit the 10x fast-forward button on your VCD player, as if the developer was a supercentenarian striving to create one last game for eternal fulfillment. You're granted a mere 30 seconds from the moment you're dropped into a Minecraft-inspired 2D map with various idols that you can pray to for an additional 30 seconds as you dash from tavern to tavern, cave to cave, and more in preparation for the boss fight. The pace is relentless, requiring you to keep that dash button smashed the entire time. :D Anyway, this game is jolly good and holy fast

ran naked at an evil lord with a fly swatter

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, gather 'round because we're about to talk about a game that's as fast-paced as a caffeinated squirrel on roller skates and just as charming! I present to you, "Half Minute Hero: Super Mega Neo Climax Ultimate Boy"! Try saying that five times fast, or better yet, just play the game and save your breath.

Now, in the world of video games, where epic quests and grand adventures can last for hours on end, "Half Minute Hero" is like that one friend who always says, "I'll be ready in a minute" but actually means it. You've got 30 seconds to save the world, and boy, is it a hilarious race against the clock!

But hold on to your wizard hats, because things get bittersweet faster than you can say "Sasha." Yes, Sasha, the character who teaches you that in life, even when you're busy saving the world in 30 seconds, you can still find time for some bittersweet love. It's like a Shakespearean tragedy on fast-forward, and it's strangely touching in its absurdity.

Now, let's talk about the humor. Oh, the humor! "Half Minute Hero" doesn't just break the fourth wall; it obliterates it with a rocket launcher and a sly wink. The witty banter and meta-references fly faster than you can say "Super Mega Neo Climax Ultimate Boy." You'll find yourself chuckling at the absurdity of it all, and it's a welcome breather from the breakneck pace.

And let's not forget the music! It's like the game's personal DJ is constantly blasting tunes that make you want to save the world with a smile. The soundtrack is so catchy that you'll be humming it in your sleep, and even your cat will start bobbing its head in rhythm.

In conclusion, "Half Minute Hero: Super Mega Neo Climax Ultimate Boy" is the game that proves you don't need hours upon hours of gameplay to have a good time. It's fast, it's funny, it's bittersweet, and it's all wrapped up in a charming package. So grab your cape, your sword, and your stopwatch because the world needs saving, and you've only got half a minute to do it!