In the Hunt is a scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Irem.In the Hunt is a scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Irem.In the Hunt is a scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Irem.
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Blowing up and out of the water.
This is another of my favorite video games of all time and shooters. The game is another treasure from one of my favorite video game companies "Irem" and this was always one of their last gems for the arcade as this game came during the twilight years of the company. I felt this game was one of the fitting sends of for that company and one of the big blasts in the mid 90's as the video game market was starting to surface higher than before. This game was even though it wasn't as big a hit as their other big shooter franchise "R-Type" it as time went on became a sleeper cult gem. Some would say in a way this game could be a semi sequel to the "R-Type" or even "Moon Patrol" (sort of) only it's underwater.
Anyway, let's get down to business, one of the things I love about this game is that it does something different in the shoot em up genre. For one thing the setting as this game takes place in the water. I though that was a cool idea as most shooters always take place in the air and space. And why not the water as our oceans is vast and there are still plenty of places that are uncharted and unknown.
But another thing about the setting is that it post-apocalyptic which is cool as there really aren't that many shooters that take place in that setting either. This post-apocalyptic setting is unique as it's basically a aqua apocalypse which is also rare, kind of like the movie "Waterworld" which came out two years after this game. Only this game is better than that movie (actually the movie was good but could've been better).
I really love the amount of detail in the graphical presentation down to the sound, this game looks and sounds like it could have been another game in the "Neo Geo" line up; of course was made by the same people that created the "Metal Slug" series so don't be surprised if there are some familiarities in style here and there. Each of the levels are always something different which means a different challenge which I always like in a shooter as most shooters have that fundamental problem of levels all blending together.
It's almost hard to decide on favorite levels so I'll make a brief mention of a few, but each of these levels really give you a fascinating glimpse into this submerged apocalyptic world. From the second level which has a completely submerged ruined city, the third level where you see a ruined city on the surface, and the fifth which is a cavern assent up.
The sprite design is good, from your mini sub that looks like the old standard design, but I really like the looks of slight wear. It really gives you the feel of an old battle vehicle that's been taken though the ringer throughout the years which adds to the coolness of it showing how tough the sub you pilot really is. I even like the enemies which consist of enemy subs, jets, robots, mutants, and other resistant surprises. Bosses are really cool and memorable, two of them I like are one whom is this Hermit Hydra/Dragon and another is this giant monster statue that chases you but one you crack it's stone face reveal and even uglier monster.
The gameplay is much like with any vertical shooter will all the elements intact, however there are things about it that make it unique. You get to shoot out missiles and even depth charges while firing, much like with "Moon Patrol" while shooting forward you shoot up in the air. This adds to the challenge of the game because you not just have to pay attention to the threats underwater but above and they will add up quickly which is why you need to stay sharp and have the firepower for it.
Another thing about the game is that it allows you to take your time. In most shooters you move while constantly moving forward. But in this game, you have complete control on you movement. This makes the game also a bit of a run and gun because in those games your thrust into going directions your required to go as there is danger constantly coming and stationed in places. Also, in those games you can't afford to stand still from not just the constant danger but there is an ongoing timer, so whatever moves you need to make, make them while you can.
Of course there is the music, this game as some of the best music track ever that are on my personal favorites list as each just sing out constant underwater action.
"In the Hunt" is a hunt worth diving into.
Rating: 4 stars.
Anyway, let's get down to business, one of the things I love about this game is that it does something different in the shoot em up genre. For one thing the setting as this game takes place in the water. I though that was a cool idea as most shooters always take place in the air and space. And why not the water as our oceans is vast and there are still plenty of places that are uncharted and unknown.
But another thing about the setting is that it post-apocalyptic which is cool as there really aren't that many shooters that take place in that setting either. This post-apocalyptic setting is unique as it's basically a aqua apocalypse which is also rare, kind of like the movie "Waterworld" which came out two years after this game. Only this game is better than that movie (actually the movie was good but could've been better).
I really love the amount of detail in the graphical presentation down to the sound, this game looks and sounds like it could have been another game in the "Neo Geo" line up; of course was made by the same people that created the "Metal Slug" series so don't be surprised if there are some familiarities in style here and there. Each of the levels are always something different which means a different challenge which I always like in a shooter as most shooters have that fundamental problem of levels all blending together.
It's almost hard to decide on favorite levels so I'll make a brief mention of a few, but each of these levels really give you a fascinating glimpse into this submerged apocalyptic world. From the second level which has a completely submerged ruined city, the third level where you see a ruined city on the surface, and the fifth which is a cavern assent up.
The sprite design is good, from your mini sub that looks like the old standard design, but I really like the looks of slight wear. It really gives you the feel of an old battle vehicle that's been taken though the ringer throughout the years which adds to the coolness of it showing how tough the sub you pilot really is. I even like the enemies which consist of enemy subs, jets, robots, mutants, and other resistant surprises. Bosses are really cool and memorable, two of them I like are one whom is this Hermit Hydra/Dragon and another is this giant monster statue that chases you but one you crack it's stone face reveal and even uglier monster.
The gameplay is much like with any vertical shooter will all the elements intact, however there are things about it that make it unique. You get to shoot out missiles and even depth charges while firing, much like with "Moon Patrol" while shooting forward you shoot up in the air. This adds to the challenge of the game because you not just have to pay attention to the threats underwater but above and they will add up quickly which is why you need to stay sharp and have the firepower for it.
Another thing about the game is that it allows you to take your time. In most shooters you move while constantly moving forward. But in this game, you have complete control on you movement. This makes the game also a bit of a run and gun because in those games your thrust into going directions your required to go as there is danger constantly coming and stationed in places. Also, in those games you can't afford to stand still from not just the constant danger but there is an ongoing timer, so whatever moves you need to make, make them while you can.
Of course there is the music, this game as some of the best music track ever that are on my personal favorites list as each just sing out constant underwater action.
"In the Hunt" is a hunt worth diving into.
Rating: 4 stars.
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- hellraiser7
- Oct 20, 2022
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