Rent a Hero No. 1

Rent a Hero No. 1 (レンタヒーローNo.1) is an action RPG released for Dreamcast in 2000 and Xbox in 2003. It is a remake of the 1991 game Rent a Hero, with its gameplay being based on Shenmue and SpikeOut.

Story
The player is Tarou Yamada, an ordinary boy from the Yamada family that just moved to the Koja Town. The Yamadas made a party to celebrate the move and meet the residents, but during the party, the food was almost ending. Tarou asked for more food from a delivery named Service Cafe (Seca for short), but he received a cosplay costume instead. Thinking of using it to boost the party by making a hero show with his father, who was dressed as a monster, he wore the costume and discovered that it gave him powers, accidentally throwing his father far away with a light tap. Checking it, he discovers that it is the top work from Seca, a sturdy and powerful super energy combat armor that can make anyone a hero, but it requires batteries to work. Also, as it is a rental suit, Tarou decides to start a rental job under the name Rent a Hero, and distributes flyers around the town to take requests. The money he gains is used for the costume's monthly rental fee and for batteries.

After finishing the distribution and returning home to play on his creamcast (the game's save point), he went out to check the town and saw a man harassing a woman, entering in a fight against him. Although helping outside the shop requests won't give rewards, it rises awareness of the hero, improving his career. Tarou then gradually gains experience and becomes a famous hero.

Characters

 * Tarou Yamada (ヤマダタロウ) / Rent a Hero (レンタヒーロー) - The player's character, an average 16 years old man that obtained a special combat armor from Seca and decided to become a rental hero. He is cheerful and curious, always having interest in new things, but sometimes it also gets him into trouble.


 * Rent a Heroko (レンタヒロコ) - A young woman that is trying to be an active hero rather than having it as a part-time job. Everything about her is shrouded in mystery.


 * Kazuo Yamada (ヤマダカズオ) - Tarou's father. A 45 years old man that is the sales manager of a medium-sized advertising agency that was transfered to Koja Town, moving with his family.
 * Yoshiko Yamada (ヤマダヨシコ) - Tarou's mother, a 40 years old woman. She is a kind housewife, but sometimes annoys Tarou.
 * Alisa Yamada (アリサヤマダ) - Tarou's young sister, a 11 years old elementary school student.


 * Dr. Trouble (ドクタートラブル) - Real name Travel Travolta (トラベル・トラボルタ). A 72 years old scientist. He is the president of Seca Enterprise and the creator of the combat armor.


 * Heisei Zenikase (ヘイセイ・ゼニカセ) - A 42 years old inspector that loves justice and often asks for Rent a Hero's cooperation.


 * Ulsalman (ウルサラマン) - Ultra Great Super Hyper Miracle Strong Dash Turbo Fighting Salary Man, Ulsalman for short, is a fellow hero and rival of Tarou.


 * Dynamite Dogs (ダイナマイトドッグス) - A criminal organization that causes trouble to the city. Their most prominent members are the Four Heavenly Kings, formed by Amanda (アマンダ), Leo (レオ), Muscle (マッスル) and Shark (シャーク). Their mysterious leader is the final boss.


 * Professor Itomimizu (イトミミズ博士) - A mad scientist that created a powerful robot. After Tarou defeats his robot, he is recruited by the Dynamite Dogs to assist them.

Trivia

 * Segata Sanshiro appears in the game as a minor character.