Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman Review

As an entertainment consumer for over thirty years, I’ve learned the phrase “from the makers of” typically proceeds disappointment. From television spin-offs which exhibit the insipid exploits of tertiary characters (The Lone Gunman, Highlander: The Raven) to films that lack of the charm of director’s earlier efforts (The Wachowski Brother’s, Speed Racer), the axiom should be met with a sense of vigilance. When press materials for Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman began extolling that the title was created by the “team that developed Disgaea series”, uneasiness erupted. The possibility of Nippon Ichi reproducing the charm of one of my favorite game franchises without the full team on board seemed nearly astronomical.

Astonishingly, Unlosing Ranger comes very close. While stodgy strategy role-playing stalwarts may bemoan the title’s simplified, decidedly Rogue-like combat, the rest of the world will appreciate the game’s objective to be more than just a reskinned revisit to the netherworld. Although Z.H.P.‘s endearing sense of humor, addictive structure, and  visual presentation may produce a feint sense of nostalgia, the title forges its own enchanting and often eccentric personality.

With a narrative just as unconventional as it’s fifteen syllable moniker, the game commences with the impending showdown between the Demon General DarkDeath Evilman and resolute hero, Absolute Victory Unlosing Ranger. In route to the skirmish which could keep the Earth safe from destruction, the Ranger gets struck by a passing car. Before expiring, the gallant hero bestows his costume to the first passerby- compelling the stranger to engage the malevolent Demon General. At this point, control is relinquished to the player, as DarkDeath mercilessly annihilates the makeshift superhero, sending him to Bizarro Earth. Here, the player must empower themselves in an effort to return to our planet and defeat the tenacious villain. Skillfully, the game’s clever and delightfully comical writing keeps Z.H.P. from becoming engulfed in absurdity. With two opposing coaches which offer either self-empowering optimism or belittling criticism, the title’s dialog is elevated by the type of sophisticated banter uncharacteristic  for the genre. Of the dozen or so role-playing games I’ve played this year, none have instigated as much laughter or amusement as Unlosing Ranger; kudos to both the title’s original writers and NISA’s talented localization team. 

Beyond several ill-fated attempts to defeat DarkDeath Evilman, players will be spending most of their time in Bizarro Earth’s overworld and dungeons. With the ability to maintain weapons and armor, buy and sell sundries, and well as augment the Unlosing Ranger’s body with found objects, the game’s outer realm functions as a convenient hub. To prohibit newcomers from being overwhelmed by the cascade of decisions, clinics and depot are opened gradually, each new building introduced with mercifully concise tutorial.

Wisely, expeditions into the underworld of Bizarro Earth are given a strong narrative impetus (stop a disgruntled employee, halt a bully), yet are short enough to be completed by commuters. Using the directional keys, players move the Unlosing Ranger along gridded territories, while avoiding the tell-tale red zones which surround foes. If these areas are breached, opponents pursue the player doggedly, resulting in a stat-driven skirmish. It’s a simple mechanic which is elevated by Z.H.P.‘s myriad of minutiae- gamers can lift and throw objects and adversaries, cast devastating spells, or fight with melee and ranged weapons. Additionally, the Unlosing Ranger have to contend with deteriorating equipment and a relentless appetite which fuels the superhero. Cleverly, Z.H.P. eliminates much of the menu-item management that is characteristic of the genre. As long as players keep their hunger in check, their HP will automatically replenish, eliminating the need for constant potion quaffing.

There’s a certain type of gamer that will be entranced by Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger‘s consummate combination of charming humor, near-limitless supply of stat-supplementing loot, and randomly-generated territories. While the stat-crunching aficionados of La Pucelle Tactics, Phantom Brave, and the Disgaea series will surely be captivated by the title, more milder enthusiasts might find fault in the game’s proclivity for grinding. For those who find fascination within the profundity of a strategy role-playing game, Z.H.P. is as good as the genre gets.