• Release Date: January 26, 2010
• Platform: Wii
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
• ESRB rating: M
• Genre: Third-Person action

Suda 51 released his oddball otaku-controlled opus in the US in early 2008. We were introduced to, our protagonist, Travis Touchdown. Due to some financial strife he was unable to properly feed his video game, anime and wrestling-fan habits. The original game follows his exploits as he ranks up in the UAA or United Assassins Association. Travis reluctantly joined the organization due to a shady self-proclaimed agent named, Sylvia Christel. He is sent on assassination missions and, of course, varying levels of wackiness ensue.

Our protagonist's weapon of choice was a light saber-like beam katana. Players could make Travis recharge his weapon by using a gesture that one could liken to self-gratification. Using the Wii's other gestural controls, to hack and slash through lower level goons and challenging assassin bosses, was quite enjoyable in the first game.The game allowed Travis to travel throughout the city on his bike although it never felt like an fully open world.

The sequel starts with our protagonist after having taken a three year hiatus from the UAA. One can only assume that there will be some more  nonsensical plot twists and over-the-top violence to surpass the original.  Travis' inactivity has caused his rank within the organization to plummet to 51(which I am sure is purely coincidental). Our hero returns to his former profession guided by Sylvia and revenge for the death of his friend, Bishop.

Suda 51 and his team offer more variety this time around with more driving segments and some 2D mini games. Not to mention that other characters can be controlled, like the female assassin Shinobu. Whom Travis met in the first title. The trailer shown at E3 last year so a fight with a boss who has a beatbox that shoots missiles and changes into armor. The sequel looks like it will pick up where the original left and quite possibily surpass it with more violence and sexual innuendo.  Suda 51, during a 2009 a Tokyo Game Show interview, said that this would be Travis Touchdown's last staring role. Players can play out his final act on January 26th 2010.

Aaron