Hero Hours Contract

Hero Hours Contract is a turn-based strategy RPG where players lead a union of magical girls fighting against evil forces while balancing the mundane struggles of everyday life. Set in a fantasy world blending corporate satire and magical conflict, the game follows protagonists like Bea (Genius Beauty Knight) and her allies as they combat brainwashed zombie minions, alien adversaries, and exploitative familiars using tactical combat. The story explores themes of labor rights and gig economy exploitation through the lens of magical girls negotiating contracts and managing burnout in their thankless hero roles.

Hero Hours Contract: Review

In the pantheon of indie games that dare to challenge the status quo, “Hero Hours Contract” stands out as a beacon of social commentary wrapped in the guise of a turn-based strategy game. Developed by Steve O’Gorman, this game is not just about battling brainwashed zombie hordes; it’s about the struggle for workers’ rights, the power of unionization, and the everyday challenges faced by those who fight for a better world. Released on August 26, 2020, “Hero Hours Contract” has carved out a niche for itself in the gaming landscape, offering a unique blend of tactical gameplay, narrative depth, and political messaging.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Creators’ Vision

Steve O’Gorman, the mastermind behind “Hero Hours Contract,” is no stranger to the indie gaming scene. His previous work, “The Rainsdowne Players,” showcased his knack for blending humor with deeper themes. With “Hero Hours Contract,” O’Gorman set out to create a game that would not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion about contemporary social issues.

Technological Constraints and Gaming Landscape

Released in 2020, “Hero Hours Contract” benefited from the advancements in indie game development tools and engines. The game’s 2D scrolling visuals and turn-based strategy mechanics were executed with a level of polish that belied its modest development budget. The gaming landscape at the time was ripe for games that dared to tackle social issues head-on, and “Hero Hours Contract” filled that void with its unique perspective on magical girls and unionization.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

The story of “Hero Hours Contract” revolves around Bea, a magical girl who, along with her friends, forms the Union of Magical Girls. Their mission? To fight for better pay, benefits, and working conditions while battling the forces of evil. The narrative is a deconstruction of the traditional magical girl genre, presenting these heroes as employees of a larger system rather than embodiments of purity and justice.

Bea, the protagonist, is a relatable character whose struggles with education and career prospects due to her magical duties add depth to her character. Her friends, Genius Beauty Knight and Magical Science Angel, each bring their unique personalities and motivations to the table, making the trio a dynamic and engaging group to follow.

Dialogue and Themes

The dialogue in “Hero Hours Contract” is witty and often humorous, but it never shies away from addressing serious themes. The game tackles issues such as underpayment, overwork, and the struggle for workers’ rights with a light-hearted touch that makes the messages more palatable. The themes of unionization and collective bargaining are woven into the gameplay mechanics, making the player an active participant in the struggle for better working conditions.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

The gameplay of “Hero Hours Contract” is divided into two main modes: tactical combat and social link-building. In the combat mode, players take on brainwashed zombie hordes in turn-based strategy battles. The focus is on efficiency and speed rather than strength, as the magical girls are invincible but can be impeded by various enemy abilities.

The social link-building mode involves exploring the convenience store where Bea and her family live and work. Players invest their precious time and money into building relationships with NPCs, which in turn power up Bea’s abilities. This mode is presented in a visual novel style, with branching dialogues and choices that affect the story’s outcome.

Combat and Character Progression

Combat in “Hero Hours Contract” is turn-based and strategic. Players must defeat enemies as quickly as possible to gain higher rewards and bargaining power during negotiations. The game introduces new mechanics and challenges in certain key levels, such as constraints on the number of turns or changes to the environment, which add variety and depth to the gameplay.

Character progression is tied to the social links that Bea builds. The stronger the bond, the more powerful her abilities become. This mechanic encourages players to engage with the narrative and characters, making the gameplay experience more immersive and rewarding.

UI and Innovative Systems

The user interface in “Hero Hours Contract” is clean and intuitive, with clear visual cues and feedback. The game’s innovative systems, such as the negotiation mechanics and the social link-building, are well-integrated into the gameplay, making them feel natural and engaging.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The setting of “Hero Hours Contract” is a modern-day city where magical girls fight to protect the populace from evil forces. The convenience store where Bea and her family live and work serves as the game’s hub, providing a relatable and grounded setting for the fantastical elements of the story.

The atmosphere is light-hearted and humorous, with a touch of whimsy that fits well with the magical girl genre. The game’s art style is 2D scrolling, with pixel graphics that evoke a sense of nostalgia for 90s magical girl anime.

Visual Direction and Sound Design

The visual direction of “Hero Hours Contract” is consistent and charming, with a color palette that is both vibrant and soothing. The character designs are expressive and distinctive, making it easy to tell the characters apart and connect with them.

The sound design is equally impressive, with a soundtrack that complements the game’s atmosphere and narrative. The audio tracks are catchy and memorable, adding to the overall enjoyment of the gameplay experience.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Upon its release, “Hero Hours Contract” received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised the game’s unique blend of social commentary and tactical gameplay, others found the mechanics to be poorly explained and the gameplay repetitive. Despite these criticisms, the game has garnered a dedicated following among players who appreciate its bold themes and engaging narrative.

Influence on Subsequent Games and the Industry

“Hero Hours Contract” has left a lasting impact on the indie gaming scene, inspiring other developers to tackle social issues in their games. The game’s success has shown that there is an audience for games that challenge the status quo and provoke thought and discussion. Its legacy can be seen in the growing number of games that dare to address contemporary social issues, from labor rights to environmentalism.

Conclusion

“Hero Hours Contract” is a game that dares to challenge the status quo, using the magical girl genre as a vehicle for social commentary. Its unique blend of tactical gameplay, narrative depth, and political messaging makes it a standout title in the indie gaming landscape. Despite its flaws, the game’s bold themes and engaging characters have left a lasting impact on the industry and its players. For those looking for a game that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, “Hero Hours Contract” is a must-play. It is a testament to the power of games as a medium for social commentary and a call to action for players to engage with the issues that affect us all.