Contrary to what the title may suggest, **Hermano** is not the name of the character you control in this side-scrolling adventure for the Game Boy, particularly optimized for the ModRetro Chromatic. Instead, you step into the shoes of **Nano**, who, after rising from the dead, seeks vengeance against a demon that has kidnapped his beloved hermano—Spanish for brother. While the storyline isn’t groundbreaking compared to typical Game Boy platformers, which often involve rescuing a princess, it introduces a refreshing twist by focusing on a despondent sibling. This slight narrative shift adds a fun layer to the game, culminating in a comical and satisfying punchline after defeating the final boss across fifteen levels.
With just fifteen levels, the game’s $40 price tag might seem steep; however, the ROM can be acquired for a more reasonable $15. Regardless, **Hermano** manages to deliver a rich experience through its exceptional level design. While some stages may induce frustration—such as level 1-2, where a crucial key hides in a rather silly location—the overall quality more than compensates for the occasional low points. The gameplay effectively utilizes gravity shifts, challenging Nano to navigate familiar terrain while adapting to varying gravitational forces, accompanied by smooth momentum and well-defined physics.
As with many Game Boy platformers, **Hermano** can occasionally frustrate players with enemies materializing just out of view. Fortunately, a glitch—where enemies outside the screen disappear while Nano remains—mitigates some of the more irritating moments. Players can often find workarounds for frustrating situations; for instance, Nano’s standard head toss attack can be repeatedly executed at close range, allowing for aggressive strategies against foes with seemingly unfair projectiles.
One design element that raises concerns is the limited-use bombs, which are sometimes necessary to progress through certain sections. However, the game generally ensures that acquiring more bombs isn’t too difficult—especially when compared to titles like **Mega Man**. That said, hardcore fans of the genre may find **Hermano** to be on the easier side. For example, the notorious level 5-1 felt tedious rather than challenging, making it less appealing to replay after dying in level 5-2.
Fortunately, continues will respawn you right at the final boss encounter, a fairness that is appreciated, especially since **Hermano** lacks save files or password systems. Replayability becomes enjoyable as you begin to understand the game better with each session, transitioning from frustration to satisfaction as familiarity allows for quicker progress. This repetition not only made the earlier levels more enjoyable but also provided a tangible sense of improvement without the need to time your runs.
Furthermore, the charming sprite work enhances the overall experience in **Hermano**. From Nano’s endearing jumping animation to the well-crafted appearance of the Grim Reaper, the game possesses a whimsical quality that contrasts with its darker themes. This cartoonish presentation helps to soften the blow of the various traps present in each level, reminding players that while they may have five hit points, it’s often the knockback that proves more lethal than the actual damage.
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Original article by www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com
