Rent-A-Hero No. 1

Screenshots

Summary

Rent A Hero No. 1, a remake of the original Mega Drive title, was launched on the Dreamcast in 2000. The game follows events similar to Rent A Hero, with the addition of Rent A Hiroko, a female version of Taro. The gameplay mechanics are based on the same engine used in Sega's Spikeout series, allowing players to receive in-game hints through email. Coolnet Entertainment enhanced the game and added online features for the Xbox version in 2003. It was also translated into English for a North American launch, marking what would have been the first international release of the Rent A Hero series. However, due to distribution issues, the English version was never officially released, leaving the Xbox edition exclusive to Japan, just like the original Dreamcast version. In 2008, the untranslated English version of the game was leaked and appeared on torrent sites in a nearly complete form, with only minor text errors remaining. This build was reportedly close to final and was reviewed by GamePro and Electronics Gaming Monthly in February 2003.

Storyline

Tarou Yamada is an average boy from the Yamada family who recently relocated to Koja Town. To celebrate their new home and introduce themselves to the locals, the Yamadas hosted a party, but the food was running low. Tarou ordered more from Service Cafe, known as Seca for short, but instead of food, he received a cosplay costume. Wanting to liven up the party, he decided to wear it and perform a hero act with his father dressed as a monster. To his surprise, the costume granted him incredible powers—just a light push sent his father flying. Upon inspection, he learned it was Seca’s top-tier product: a durable, high-powered super energy combat armor capable of turning anyone into a hero, though it required batteries to function. Since it was a rental suit, Tarou began taking on jobs as "Rent a Hero," handing out flyers across town to gather requests. The money he earned went toward the monthly rental fee and battery costs. After finishing the flyer distribution and returning home to save his progress on the creamcast, Tarou ventured out and witnessed a man harassing a woman. He stepped in and fought him, even though helping outside of job requests didn’t earn rewards. Still, such acts raised his hero’s profile and helped boost his reputation. Over time, Tarou gained experience and became a well-known hero in the town.

Artwork

Supported languages

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