Hero-U Rogue to Redemption is a fun point and click adventure game out on Nintendo Switch. This game is snarky, action-packed, and filled with character. Shawn O’Conner may have wanted to join the thieves guild but soon finds himself somewhere different. At Hero-U; everyone wants to be a hero, Shawn has a lot of work to do to catch up, and it will take time to master the skills.
The game opens up with our hero Shawn committing a crime. He is out to join the thieves guild and will do whatever he can to do so. His mission is to break into a house and steal their lucky Shamrock coin. This coin might not hold any significance to Shawn, but it is a pretty coin. As he escapes out the back window, feeling like he did it all right, a strange older man appears before him. He tells the boy that guards are approaching the building and that he is going to jail if they catch him. He tells Shawn he can either go to jail or come with him to Hero-U. Shawn has two choices; it’s up to the player whether he decides to go to the school or not.
Choosing the school begins the game in earnest. Shawn is a new student and has fifty days to become top Rogue if that is what the player desires. The choices the player makes in the game will change things, so always think before acting. Players have a limited amount of time to complete activities as every action takes a chunk of the day. While players can wander the halls at night, it is better to sleep than to do so. There is a demerit system in place from the creepy floor monitor Terk. Terk is a horrid balding gentleman who is out for Shawn as soon as he enters the school. He doesn’t think he’s cut out for a heroic place like Hero-U. If the player is snarky to him or catches him outside after curfew, he will give him demerits. Collect one hundred of these, and the prize is expulsion.
A word of warning, players will be reading a lot throughout this game. While this game does have light action turn-based combat, it does entail a lot of reading. The story is a brilliant one that players will enjoy, but they need to be ready to read to soak it in. It might honestly be a great game for a parent to play with their kid before bed, run through a couple of days, and use it as a play-along book of sorts. If, of course, the kid isn’t old enough to read so much.
Shawn might be young, but he has to be ready for the day. Staying up late will lower his stats. It might also annoy teachers who are all helping to keep Shawn around. Shawn needs to be on his best behavior, especially in a school where he isn’t welcome. Shawn’s first prerogative is keeping himself in the good graces of the staff around him. Shawn must also do well in school and will need to pay attention in class. If the player hasn’t been in school in a while, it might even be worth taking notes. There is a decent amount of information thrown at the player, and there will be quizzes. Professor Gerhardt Unwald would like to see Shawn thrive here, as he is at a slight disadvantage, prove him right.
Shawn will work on his skills after class. He can work on his smarts in the library, work on his fitness with weights, throw darts for throwing, and even walk a tightrope for climbing and agility. Each action takes a portion of time, but every stat is important. Players need to work on their balance and keep things in check. Shawn has a lot to say, and he will say whatever the player selects for him. The player can choose a variety of options each time he’s in conversation. Some of these options are hilarious others are downright mean and snarky; he might even have charisma if the player thinks he ought to. All choices matter and, even the dialogue choices will change how people perceive him. Players will also want to talk to their classmates and teachers. Doing so will raise their friendship level. It might also provide quests for Shawn to complete, which add to the story of the game.
At different points, some events pop up, Shawn can choose to go to them or ignore them, though the player might miss information if he chooses to ignore them. It’s up to the player how Shawn spends his time, so spend it wisely. Shawn can even grow closer to his classmates and his teachers. He can flirt with them when he’s talked with them enough too. Depending on their friendship level, the player might even get to see a date. Don’t fret if the player loses a little time doing this; the player can play this game again to see different story paths. Players will learn about being a Disbarred Bard or Rogue in regular wordage, but Shawn can learn other skills. He can take on elective courses; in magic, science, or healing. These courses are elective, so players can choose whether or not to take them. They will offer new skills and might introduce Shawn to a new character. Make Shawn the best he can be and choose whether or not he takes one of these courses.
There is also a dungeon-crawling area. Shawn can pick up some gear from the school store and head out into the dungeon. He can kill weaker enemies at first but, there are bigger foes out in the dungeon. Players don’t ever have to attempt the dungeons if they don’t want to. They can always help clean the kitchen and make enough money to buy the necessary items. In the dungeons, players will face monsters big and small. Shawn will need to stock up on potions and traps if he’s going to get far. Take on foes in turn-based battles and come out alive. Head up to the surface to sell the bodies for gold, and head back down, ready to take on more. There are a few dungeons for Shawn to take on, so pack right and head out to battle.
This game has stellar art that accompanies it. The art is a standout part of the game and something that makes it different. In most instances, players will see a piece of art with words accompanying it. The story is interesting, so seeing a visual representation brings it up another notch. I always enjoy seeing what will happen in these story scenes, and they never disappoint. Rogue to Redemption is a fantastic game with infinite replay value. The game itself can last anywhere from ten to one hundred hours. That might seem crazy, but the options in this game are immense. Players can change up their schedules for each playthrough and find Shawn is different each time.
The music is also pretty great; while it might play quietly through the halls of Hero-U, it is enjoyable. The music is peaceful when it needs to be and when the story begs it to be, it is exciting. When Shawn makes a stupid move, it changes too. All in all, it fits with this Hogwarts style castle, and that works for me. Shawn O’Conner is an interesting character, and this game tells a great story. The characters might look a little strange sometimes, but they are also all such fantastic characters. Hero-U isn’t a traditional action game of now, but it is most certainly worth playing. Shawn has fifty days to become the best student at Hero-U; will the player help him become the best hero?
In its opening week on Switch, Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption will receive a stunning 20% and be only $15.99 instead of the regular $19.99!
Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption is also available on PC, Mac and Linux
Disclaimer: A review key was provided