Classic Japanese series returns for a new generation on modern consoles.
Become Ryo Saeba and take down an evil corporation.
Based on the 1985 Japanese manga series, City Hunter follows Saeba – a cleaner and PI who takes on the seedy criminal underworld.
While the manga ran until 91, the series spawned adaptations including anime, films – both cartoon and live action (including one starring Jackie Chan) – and a Korean live-action drama. However, we’re here today to talk about the game.
Originally released in 1990 for PC Engine – a lesser-known console from the late 90s – City Hunter would make its gaming debut as a side-scrolling shooter.
The game re-released for major consoles and Steam on Feb. 26.
By Red Art Games and Clouded Leopard Entertainment, the game puts Saeba up against a company with a plot that could endanger the world.
This remake for modern consoles keeps the freshness of classic arcade games, while adding new difficulties and language supports.
If you’re a fan of 16-bit gaming then this is definitely going to appeal, as the overall gameplay gives the look and feel of playing a 4:3 game from the previous century.
The remake comes with “hard’ and “enhanced” game modes, providing a new challenge for players. While enhanced keeps the core gameplay intact while fixing issues present in the original game, hard make the game more challenging by moving items, changing the amount of damage given and taken and enemy speed – among other things.
In addition, there are new abilities to save, add filters to make the game look more authentic, the ability to change the aspect ratio of the game, and even the ability to rewind in case you make a mistake.
Graphically City Hunter is what you would expect if you’re accustomed to classic gaming. If we jump back to a time when games weren’t wide screen and you could notice each pixel a lot more, then things look pretty good. If, however, you’re comparing this to something like Resident Evil Requiem, then it’ll be like pitting apples against an aeroplane.
There were no issues experienced while playing, framerate remains consistent and things look good overall. Of course, one needs to remember that the game is simply an updated version of a game from 30 plus years ago – so there really wouldn’t be many issues unless the developer really messed up.
To note, they didn’t, things work well.
Mechanically the game is simple, with just a few face buttons used – again this is a remake from the 90s. Shoot and jump with the ‘A’ and ‘B’ buttons, you’ll use one of the Switch triggers to rewind, and you move/ open doors and duck with the joystick – though it is definitely more consistent to use the d-pad.
Now let’s talk about the gameplay, because it’s here where some will choose to forego the title.
In classic gaming fashion, you’ll wander around the premises of the corporation taking down baddies with your gun and finding items to help you progress.
You’ll notice right away that not all doors are ones which you can navigate, this becomes rather tedious to wander and check as you move along. There’s also no map available. This means that as you progress and gain access to rooms which may have been locked before, you’ll have no idea which ones you’ve visited – unless you have an eidetic memory.
This presents the first annoyance of the game.
Another is probably going to affect different gamers different ways but wandering up a staircase after taking out some baddies, only to wander down a second later will net you those same baddies returned to life. Now chances are they’re different people who happen to share the same fashion sense, but having constant respawns just seems to add a level of tedium that isn’t completely necessary.
Add onto this the fact that there are too many doors which lead nowhere – full of people ready to take down your health – and you may find yourself leaving this short game behind.
For those wondering, you can complete this – unless you’re a trophy hunter looking to find every secret – in just a few hours if you’re proficient.
Overall, City Hunter is a fun nostalgic throwback for both fans of the series and those who just love early gaming. You know the kind which usually follow the arcade setup of just a few buttons.
While the game certainly isn’t for everyone, it does provide a few hours of entertainment for those who love side-scrollers, shooters, and of course the fans of the original series.
It’s probably best to pick this up on a sale, as the current price of more than $30 is definitely not worth it for this short and repetitive game.
