No More Heroes: Heroes’ Paradise

18 cert, Konami, PS3 **

Like many Japanese video game characters, professional assassin "Travis Touchdown" is angular (spiky hair, lanky) and a smartass. The supporting characters are straight from central casting as well – pneumatic babes, muscle- bound villains. The No More Heroesfranchise was a hit for the Wii, so it should have been a nice fit for the PS3. Sadly, while some of the combat works well, the in-between bits are a drag. After an action-filled opening level, you drive around and earn money by performing such onerous tasks as gathering coconuts (no kidding) before you get to the beat-'em-up levels. The game works well with the normal controller, but the Move controls are inaccurate and frustrating. What should have been a nice HD showcase for a well-liked game instead highlights how badly it's aged. Shame.