Deadly Individualism: Travis Strikes Again 

Fun Fact: During the scenes where Travis sits in a dark room and monologues after each Mission - That table and Chair are actually default Unreal Engine assets.

This game really feels "I need to rethink myself" from the main character/creator's perspective. The more I see the story, the deeper it feels.

Wanna mention that in the Mr Doppelganger fight, the quick way to tell the real one apart, is that its the only one not doing a Jojo pose.

There's one small thing about the badman intro with Dan Smith in it that I love, as much if a stretch it might be, but it's Dan's baseball speech. " Listen, Birkin. The score is zero-to-nothing. Two outs, bottom of the ninth. You're up to bat. Three balls and two strikes. You're up against the wall. The next pitch decides the game. It's either kill or be killed....This is your final ball...Don't end up getting beaned now." I like to think that with Dan being an allegory for Killer 7, Suda's personal Magnum opus, and Badman, literally the newest character and the reason TSA starts, It's basically Suda telling himself that he's at his wits end, fighting with himself (bating up against the wall), but you got one last chance. Just don't go hurting yourself doing it.

I'm genuinely thankful for these videos, I doubt I would've ever played Killer7 or half a Suda's games without your videos.

To be fair I think the reason there is no Gore is because you're killing glitches and video game characters not real people plus I don't think that would have gone with what this game is trying to say

Honestly the reviewers who said nothing interesting happened were probaly playing the game like Arin Hanson would.

Perfect time to release this with the NMH 3 announcement. :3

Travis Strikes Again is the most underrated game of the year

thank YOU for researching so much into this and for cleanly explaining how important this truly is in suda's career. an analysis for this was certainly needed

Why you gotta call me out, I just wanna see a Suda character in Smash

Suda51 is an inspiration that man legit is taking no one's shit and he's seeking his vision exactly how it should be

With this series reaching its (current) conclusion, I can't wait for your video essay where you explore the rich narrative and themeing of YIIK: A Postmodern RPG

I actually thought it was possible the alien invasion we're facing in NMH3 is being led by possessed Mondo because Suda confirmed an invasion was coming to Killer is Dead after the events of the game and now Travis is facing just that. Sudaverse rules!

So Suda decided to make the more interesting version of jasper with "Badman", I might dig into that why not

As a semi-long time fan of Suda I got a lot of joy out of this game it felt like well a Suda game. I get why a lot of people disliked the game, Gameplay looks repetitive, No voice acting or “cutscenes” and I get it when compared to the other two etc. But still, I was right there with you when it came to slowly realizing how existential and sorrow the game felt “especially the credits music” I knew I was right when trusting the new direction for this game and that ending hit me like a truck. I know this is probably just random garble I duct taped together but still I just wanted to put this here why? I don’t know but I’m looking forward to 3 Keep at it Suda! And of course thank you for this series... (But that CIA level can suck it)

When you put up that picture of Postal 2: Paradise Lost, I couldn't help but see similarities in Postal Dude and Travis. They both see things through the end even with they crazy things they get into and they both knew they had to clean up the things they created.

I just wanna say thanks for this this entire video series, since the first video it made me look more into the deeper and behind the scenes stuff of all of SUDA’s work, heck it convinced me to get TSA despite some pals saying it would suck and falling in love with it as a whole, whatever the future holds for new content I can’t wait to watch it through, in short thanks for making me appreciate SUDA’s work even more can’t wait to see what videos you make in the future!!!

1:25:15 everything beyond here is PURE Suda. The Smiths reference is so beautiful

I really hope the PS4 and PC ports get more people to actually try it out, TSA is one of the most misunderstood games in recent memory in my opinion

Just a few thoughts that i'm a bit surprised you didnt bring up/would be interested in hearing - The credits theme being a distorted version of Superman's theme I found funny, but after thinking about it I feel the purpose was because Superman is seen as the "ideal hero", someone who's most commonly thought of when people think "Superhero." So it being distorted represents Travis' warped vision of what a hero is, and how he isn't exactly the cut and clear type that media likes to portray. In hindsight, Travis calling himself a hero in No More Heroes 3's teaser stuck out to me because he's never really done that before - Travis' title of being referred to as a "destroyer" is an allusion to Kamen Rider Decade, a part of the Kamen Rider franchise which Suda is a huge fan of. Decade is constantly labeled as a "destroyer" and in general his personality he has no problems playing the heel if it benefits him. The premise of Kamen Rider Decade has Decade travel throughout various worlds to either "create or destroy", which mirrors the plot of this game. Decade's catchphrase is also used by Travis numerous times and even in the NMH3 trailer. "I'm just a passing assassin" which mirrors "I'm just a passing through Kamen Rider" overall this was a great video, enjoyed it a lot!

This game really "snug" up on me, the more I played, the more I appreciated it and by the end I fell in love with it.

Glad I found this comprehensive essay after finishing NMH3. I'd forgotten much of the story, and had no clue how much it tied in to Suda 51's life as a developer. Heck, I didn't even realize Damon had been introduced here first! In short, kudos, this must've been a ton of work.

For me another reason for making Travis the analog for this message is the fact that there a lot of Suda fans who hate NMH (and Travis by extension) for causing Suda to make less nuanced games (I disagree with that since personally NMH felt just as arthouse as Suda's previous stuff) so in the same way that this felt like Suda's "redemption arc" this also felt like a "redemption arc" for Travis, to prove to the fans of Suda's older work that Travis (and NMH by extension) will be as unique as and fascinating as any older Kill the Past game.

Watching this was close to a religious experience! Thanks man for making this.

so you're telling me,that Suda was like a real "golden boy" character,but irl?) that's cool)

I was literally in the middle of rewatching your deadrising retrospect and then I visit your channel and this just pops up and I get all happy

Damn I just finished the game and now that I'm caught up with Suda 51's entire catalog of games and your videos analyzing them I don't know what to do with myself I guess I should go play some indie games Thanks for all the great videos and helping me appreciate Suda and his games more than I already would have just playing them alone, this was a great series

I'm glad that I wasn't the only one who loved this game

to be honest, after finishing tsa it felt like a 6 or 7/10 game to me, but i always enjoy these videos because they give me a much deeper appreciation of all of suda's works. thanks for your work man

Good job! You and the GamingBrit gave a great explanation on what TSB is all about! kinda sad that "Professionals" like Jim Sterling will just trash the game for not being like one of the more crazy cooky grasshopper titles.

Dude I absolutely LOVE this channel. I feel like so many people would have new found respect for this game if they saw this video. I really love this.

This is actually the first and currently only NMH game I've played. I personally thought it was the best game on the switch, just by being the only one to get me involved in the story. I will immediately be pre-ordering 3 when it becomes available.

A marvelous video, this is why I love Suda51 as a game developer and like him as a person so much

I just beat Travis Strikes Again and man it really impacted me in a way no game did since MGS2. Honestly I think it's Suda's best since Killer7, and this video is helping me appreciate it far more than I thought it could have.

I'm going back here when I finally play TSA on PC, thanks for the video I know it will be good

I forgot to watch this as I had been avoiding it to avoid spoilers. Finally got around to it and DAMN, that was good! Thank you!

funny enough, I bought Travis strikes again not for narrative reasons but simpky because I was curious what Suda had planned for this "no more heroes 2.5(D) " and to let tie publishers know "Yes we want more no more heroes" the narrative weight to the project was more of a pleasant surprise

I was just excited when they announce another nmh game. I didn't care about the gameplay. I just wanted to see the homie travis again

2 hours my dude? Kick ass!!! I can’t wait to sit down to listen to this

Probably the best episode so far keep up the good work

So, I've had a lot of extra time to chip away at my endless backlog of games and one of the first I decided to complete is Travis Strikes Again and I got more outta it than I expected to. I eventually had to admit defeat when it came to the extra lore they stuffed into the game but I took in most of it. I actually really enjoyed the Travis Strikes Back story segments, they really grew on me and the fun I got out of these parts was from perfecting my Travis impression when reading his lines. It's a treat to have the thoughts on a romp such as this to compare to so thanks for the graciously comprehensive look at the game. Overall, I'm glad I played this before NNH3 comes out, it's easily my most anticipated game on my list.

I played the game solo the first then then co OP for NG+. Co op was so much more fun. I used mostly support skills (healing and crowd control) while he used more direct attacks and self buffs. It made a great combo.

God I hope we eventually have a great fight between Jacket and Travis, maybe in NMH3.

Just in time for NMH3!

I hope he talk about the kids in the third game I remember that even shinobu has something about kids in the DLC.

I am enjoying ur analysis a lot! Just paused after the doppleganger assessment and find myself looking at him differently. You prediction of this level being about his travels through different careers seems spot on, however, instead of representing different bosses, I believe Doppleganger is a reflection of the different "fronts" or personalities/personas Suda put on to fit in or force his current jobs to shape into careers....driving him mad/upset/arrogant and just downright lost. I'd love to hear if you gave this theory any thought as well, and if any evidence turned u away from it! Gotta finish ur vid ;)

thank you for being a channel that exist. So glad to have found such a deep and extremely entertaining channel on Grasshopper Manufactures works. I even love your non-GM stuff and look forward to the next twisted metal video!

Thanks for you Suda51 retrospect! I agree that no really gave Travis Strikes Again a chance. I admit I was apprehensive when I first saw it, but that changed when I played it. It's nothing wrong with a change of form in a series. Travis is one of my favorite characters in gaming. Can't wait for NMH 3

Looking back at other reviews for this game is actually hilarious and awesome it's actually this ages looking back at bad metal gear 2 reviews in gaming magazines

Really loved this game and felt a lot of the criticisms of it were weird and unfounded. Looking forward to see what you think.

Finally got a chance to sit down and watch this video in full. Loved it--can't wait for you to look at some of Suda's older work!

Game was beyond amazing !! Still playing it !!

Thank you for covering Sudas big games! You're awesome and the best of your kind!

Even if this was years ago, Just finished TSA now and this video was a masterpiece to watch, and how in depth everything could go

I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series, man! I sat through all of them when each came out and they all gave me a bigger appreciation for Suda or any game developer for the matter. Awesome job.

Amazing video, thanks for telling it all, it gave me even more perspectives of one of my favorite games this year. And thank you for sharing your feelings of the game at the end.

I really love this game, it's music is great the gameplay is fun and most of the jokes I liked story was good overall I'd recommend the game. Wait for No More Heroes 3!

Damn man, you outshined yourself! Amazing research, especially the Suda's interview excerpts.

I really love how you have made such an insightful and well thought out video about this game. To be honest I liked the game overall, but my biggest concern dealt with what it was actually trying to say as a whole. Thank you for giving such a great perspective on this!! Keep it up!

The Sukeban NYC ads always gets me lmao

I really enjoyed your "Rambling" around the end. My friend and I beat the game today and it was his first Suda 51 directed game. We both had fun and enjoyed all the jokes and death glove abilities. This was a truly a unique experience and solidified our respect for the company. Thanks alot for the video. It's probably in my top 15 favorite videos on my past 10 years in youtube

I recall having been excited just to get anything NMH related at all when this game was first announced. Of course, at the time, I can't really blame anyone for having varying expectations considering how muddled statements by Suda were about how it would play and what exactly it was. Despite everything, I just had to have it. Started with the original NMH when I was 15, but have since played near everything GHM has made, and had faith that even if this wasn't your typical NMH game that at the very least it would still be good. With the trailer for NMH3, I love it and all, but the callbacks do have me worried it might just be a retread, but I'm hoping those are just to say that the series is alive again, and that it will be an original scenario. I might have said Silver Case is my favorite story(can't really wrap my head around 25th Ward...maybe I should replay it), and TSA doesn't take itself quite as seriously most of the time, but I have to say I respect it just as much for what it is.

I really love this video, thanks for the new outlook of TSA, see you again in NMH3

I don't think I would have appreciated this game half as much if not for seeing your other videos before I played it. ESPECIALLY the Shadows of the Damned video

I'd like to see something like Deadly Individualism with other Game designers like Hideo Kojima and Yoko Taro, I see designers like them have interesting stories like Suda51, specially Yoko Taro.

I've only ever played NMH 1&2 and SotD but now your video series has me going back to find all the other games. Great work!

my favorite part was GOLDEN DRAGON, the dragster race was cool!! It felt like playing NMH1 because the mini-game had a good amount of depth. I'm saddened that some people didn't like it because it could mean that Suda51 might never do a standalone of this part. Something like Redline (2009) as a game directed by Suda51 would be FANTASTIC. edit: I also agree with you on the indie scene subject, this is where to look at to find unique games

John Ricitiello is THE villain of the games industry. He recently made a decision within Unity that basically KILLED it, causing developers I know irl to basically denounce it/be deterred from using it.

the one last thing bit was truly touching to me, good work.

To me the main thing that I really loved was with Smoking Kings dialogue cause from the time that hit me cause of the fact I didnt get what Suda was going for since I didnt play a whole lot of his games I did get what the bosses were however. To me Smoking King got what he wanted yet didnt felt achievement now, I relate to him cause as a kid I really wanted a job. getting said job was hell and took until I was 23 and when I got it all I did was simply do what I was supposed to for the most part and that was washing dishes as a dishwasher. However despite me saying that in a boring light the thing I loved about it was most of my co workers are great and my bosses I can get along well easily. I dont want to replace that at all trust me people can make a boring job a lot more comfortable or hellish.

I forgot this video released thanks to the premiere thingy and onlyl remembered because of recommended, i feel liket that option does mroe harm to your view count than just releasing it. Great video and series!

Thank you for making these videos

Thanks for doing such great work.

I really gotta give you thanks for talking about the OST in this video. I barely paid attention to it on my first playthrough but after watching this I listened to it again and loved it. Killer Marathon had some awesome songs but I was too busy trying not to die to pay attention to them.

I was waiting for this one! It was excellent! Thanks a lot! ^_^

It may be because it is obvious but I haven't seen a lot of thoughts as to what kind of games Killer Marathon is lampshading. I have two ideas 1) Fortnite/Battle royales. The whole idea of an event where people run and try to kill all the other players: that's Fortnite, right? Silver Face also looks to me like what I think of Fortnite characters looking like, but I admit I've never played the game just seen ads and thumbnails. 2) Current trends of slapping different genres together with little cohesiveness and calling it a new game. Pinball, murder, and running a marathon? Not too far off things like sidescrolling beatem up cooking puzzle game.

Absolutely amazing man thank you!

....what a ride, what a video..... the nerdy rant was great too haha, damn, I loved this game so much

You know... I kind of hope Grasshopper and Devolver collaborate and create, what I like to call, "Electric Thunder Tiger Trilogy". Where the 1st game is a classic Beat'em Up like that of Streets of Rage and Final Fight, the 2nd game is based around what we see here in TSA, a sort of 3D Beat'em Up of the 90s like that of a Fist of the North Star game (but with the refined controls of something like Bayonetta or NMH), and then the 3rd game, where it's HD, Travis is there, and they work together, and the gameplay is hype.

Am I the only one who feels like there’s still some unseen script flipping surprise waiting in no more heroes 3 that hasn’t been shown or hinted at all.. that’s the kind of thing I always got out of these games, they were never what I expected story or gameplay wise.. and that’s why I love them

This was really awesome and informative video!

3 years later and thank you for this video.

I can't wait for a 3 hour review of the 3rd game

This was the first no more heroes game I played without spoilers. I kept track of all the dates, but I wanted to go in knowing as little as possible. No more heroes 2 was the first game to truly capture me into the world of my favorite genre of games, that hearing we were getting more at all was enough for me. I played it through with a close friend, and while I didn’t love *every* second of it, I loved the product overall, and it’s with its brothers sharing a spot in my top 10 favorite games. Learning more about suda’s mindset just makes it more enjoyable.

Thanks for providing such a great introspective of this game, so many people just write off TSA:NM as a bland spin-off when really it provides so much for Suda51 fans. I hope Suda51 discovers your channel.

One thing to know about Terry Funk is that he has retired and come back so many times that it has become a meme

I won't lie. I originally batted an eye at this game, but after some consideration and playing the previous installments, I gave it a shot and damn was it good.

HOLY FUCK im sorry i dont usually comment in videos like these....but thank you so much for mentioning hell yeah! on your indies mentions.......such an underrated game, so sad that was the last game that company got to do. That aside, thank you for this video! Cleared my thoughts and made me appreciate this game much more. (so sad sylvia barely got mentioned in this game)

I've been waiting for this video. Mostly so I could appreciate the game without having to play it.

You have made me a new Suda fan

I've just started playing this game as I recently bought it and well... It's such an awesome game and I can't believe I judged it so badly when it came out based on stupid mainstream reviews. I think this game really needs more appreciation and I can't believe not even Nitrorad could see how amazing this game is. Not perfect of course but I think the story, simplicity and deepness of it all makes it an experience everyone should try. Update: just finished the game and yes I can see it has some flaws but honestly, the story is worth it and I feel the clunkiness and flaws are obviously related to indie games and games from the past. Simpler times. I also agree reviewers and whoever says "This game is just a dumb small game that shouldn't be a NMH game and that Hot Line Miami sh#@ at the end is pointless and stupid" really didn't played the same game I or many have. You can't like the game but honestly there's a difference between criticizing it and bashing it for not being like NMH... Yes Nitro Rad did this

Suda51: is playing 16d chest Moma: derrr, dis hurts our brains

I love Suda so so so so so much

fantastic and emotional video, perfectly captures why i love this game tbh also the bit about the suda-verse was pretty funny, im pretty known in my friends circle for overthinking that stuff lol, although i do think it isnt as one note for some cases, no pun intended cause im referring to the Kamui Uehara stuff, i found it pretty interesting on how they almost developed him in a sense besides that though im probably gonna re-watch this sometime, probably with a friend, its just that good imo. im really glad i stumbled upon your channel since i think you do Suda's games a lot of justice ill pay you 200000 dollars to cover flower sun and rain

I love Travis Strikes Again so much, I don't understand the hate. I think it was simply because NMH3 hadn't been announced yet, if it was people would've taken to something different more easily

Took my time to watch this, wanted to finish the game first. At the time of writing this i still haven't finished it and wont any time soon because of a glitch on PC in the last game with an invincible skull, So had to watch the end online and also no DLC content for me since you need to finish the game and apparently no one has put a complete save file online... so i am stuck. Still, i wanted to thank you for your work, you put a lot of effort in research and analysis, and even if we don't agree on everything i really enjoyed this series, and i am looking forward to your future projects.

PS4 and PC getting complete editions so no excuses now!

It's so cool that Suda worked with Dennaton

I’ll defiantly be picking this up when it comes out on PS4!!