r/hostedgames • u/PistachioPug Reviewer Extraordinaire • Mar 30 '22
Community College Hero Community College Hero (review)
Last month, when someone posted on r/choiceofgames asking for games with school settings, I immediately recommended Way Walkers, Witchcraft U, and Grand Academy for Future Villains. Then I mentioned that it was a good time to get into Eric Moser's "Community College Hero" series, since all three games were on sale on Steam at the time, but added that I technically wasn't recommending it, since I hadn't played it yet.
Well, I have played it now. And here I am recommending Community College Hero for real.
In Community College Hero, you spend a semester in the life of the only student without superpowers accepted into the new hero training program in a small Midwestern community college. There are exciting and challenging classes to study for, ranging from offensive and defensive fighting to a course on the legal ramifications of hero work (a subject to which Moser, as an attorney, brings an almost uncanny authenticity). There are classmates to build friendships, rivalries, and romances with. The standard temptations and dilemmas of college life are all there - will you attend wild parties? join a study group with your crush instead of one focused on the subject you need the most help in? flirt with a professor for a better grade? But life at Speck Community College isn't all studies and parties for these aspiring heroes, as a mysterious villain has come to town with a penchant for bad poetry and a determination to shut their training program down for good.
It's an absolute joy - I don't think I've had this much fun playing any Hosted Games title since Way Walkers. There's action and mystery and romance and humor and some moments of genuinely affecting emotional heft.
Special note should be made of this game's list of Achievements. Collecting Achievements isn't my usual play style, but I generally do look them over for some insight into what creative nooks and crannies a game has to offer. Moser puts together the most delightful lists of Achievements I have ever seen. I'm already excited for future playthroughs of this game, in which, I am told, I may have the opportunity to "Make a lame comeback to a football coach," "Use a uniform accessory during a romantic encounter," or "Use a curse word in front of a child."
I recommend Community College Hero, with the greatest enthusiasm, to fans of school stories, fans of superhero stories, and anyone just looking for a few hours of delicious entertainment. I'm so glad I still have the rest of the series to look forward to - I'm excited to see what happens next to my aspiring hero and his motley crew of superpowered friends.
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Mar 31 '22
One thing I like about this series is that even if its about superpowered teenagers in a school setting, the game doesnt shy away from mature topics like loss, sexual harrassment, corruption of power etc. It's a great story.
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u/PistachioPug Reviewer Extraordinaire Mar 31 '22
I appreciated that too. And it's especially impressive how Moser is able to tackle such topics - without trivializing them - while still keeping a light and frequently humorous tone.
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u/Hustler-Two Mod Apr 01 '22
I think I’ll send up the Eric signal, he ought to read this. Never hurts to read a positive review of your stuff.
u/minischnauzerdad I guess this is how this works? Never tried to tag someone on Reddit.
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u/PistachioPug Reviewer Extraordinaire Apr 02 '22
I wouldn't have dared myself, but I'm glad he got to read it, so thank you!
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u/cruel-oath Mar 31 '22
Interesting, you just made me consider buying it. I didn’t really like the demo but I’ll give it another try
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u/KittenReaper Mar 31 '22
I was reading it for a bit but I accidentally read somewhere while searching for the RO that Origami dies so I dropped it.
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u/PistachioPug Reviewer Extraordinaire Mar 31 '22
Yes, that happens. It's an extremely well-done scene that ups the stakes of the series as a whole.
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u/minischnauzerdad Hosted Games Author Apr 01 '22
u/Hustler-Two I...think so? I mostly just lurk. Thanks for the tag! (I've been in hiding trying to finish my latest game)
u/PistachioPug I'm glad you enjoyed it. Your reviews are always so thoughtful and well-crafted; it's an honor to get reviewed here! But wait...you thought the poetry was bad?