One of the game reveals that's not getting enough credit for its appearance at The Game Awards 2019 is No More Heroes 3, which painted a very promising picture for Nintendo fans hoping for a new and worthwhile exclusive on Switch. The NMH series is one that many didn't think would ever return, after the property was placed in limbo following the mediocre sales of the original sequel on Wii (and eventually the PlayStation Move).
Fortunately, fans had a chance to show that they wanted more from the series when a smaller, indie title known as Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes arrived as a Nintendo Switch-first game. Screen Rant's review of Travis Strikes Again was glowing, and while this reception wasn't universal, the success of the iniative allowed for a third core entry in the series to happen. Enter No More Heroes 3 at Nintendo's E3 2019 Direct presentation.
Fast forward to The Game Awards and No More Heroes 3 once again reared it ahead to reconfirm that it's arriving on Nintendo Switch in 2020. While a specific window within the next year wasn't clarified, the trailer showcased what looks to be a very unique narrative for a No More Heroes game. The award ceremony didn't spend much time on the game, but an extended trailer was uploaded to Nintendo's official YouTube page to make good on the time limits.
After a nostalgia-inducing opening featuring what looks like a VHS-styled anime, the trailer jumps forward 20 years to a time when Travis Touchdown is the #1 ranked assassin and he must now battle... aliens? While the series has always been a bizarre romp for players, which is a large reason it has amassed such a cult following in the first place, No More Heroes 3 sort of takes the bizarro cake for its out-there trailer. In truth, this makes the title even more appealing for those looking to experience something different – albeit still incredibly violent.
Even though The Game Awards this year didn't deliver on the major wants from fans (namely a new Smash Bros Ultimate character), at least it better clarified what Nintendo players have to look forward to next year with NMH3 and Bravely Default II. And who knows, given the Switch-exclusive nature of No More Heroes 3, maybe gamers are already getting their first glimpses of a future Smash Ultimate newcomer. After all, if Xbox's Banjo and Kazooie can make the cut then who knows who else may follow suit.
No More Heroes 3 arrives exclusively on Nintendo Switch in 2020.