Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, Sega Saturn
- Publishers: Irem Corporation, Kokopeli Digital Studios
In the Hunt (1993)
In the Hunt is a horizontal scrolling shooter arcade game by Irem. It was released in 1993 and later ported to the Sega Saturn, the PlayStation and Windows 95 for the PC by Kokopeli. The game is set in a futuristic world where the player controls a spaceship that must fight its way through hordes of enemy ships and bosses in order to save the Earth from an alien invasion.
In the Hunt is known for its fast-paced action, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game also features a variety of power-ups that can be collected to enhance the player’s ship’s firepower and speed.
Gameplay
The player controls a spaceship that can move left, right, up, and down the screen. The ship can fire lasers in eight directions, and can also collect power-ups that enhance its firepower and speed.
The game is divided into six stages, each with its own unique boss. The stages are set in a variety of locations, including space, underwater, and inside a giant alien spaceship.
The player must defeat all of the enemies in each stage in order to progress to the next stage. The game becomes increasingly difficult as the player progresses, with more and more enemies and bosses appearing on the screen.
Weapons and Power-Ups
The player’s ship can fire lasers in eight directions. The ship can also collect power-ups that enhance its firepower and speed.
Some of the power-ups that can be collected include:
- Speed Up: Increases the ship’s speed.
- Power Up: Increases the ship’s firepower.
- Spread Shot: Allows the ship to fire lasers in a wider spread.
- Homing Missiles: Allows the ship to fire homing missiles that track down enemies.
- Barrier: Creates a barrier around the ship that protects it from enemy fire.
Bosses
Each stage of In the Hunt features a unique boss. The bosses are large and powerful, and they require the player to use all of their skills and power-ups to defeat them.
Some of the bosses that the player will encounter include:
- Stage 1: A giant squid-like creature.
- Stage 2: A giant robot.
- Stage 3: A giant alien spaceship.
- Stage 4: A giant worm-like creature.
- Stage 5: A giant alien mothership.
- Stage 6: The final boss, a giant alien creature.
Graphics and Sound
In the Hunt is known for its colorful and detailed graphics. The game’s backgrounds are filled with vibrant colors and intricate details, and the enemy ships and bosses are all unique and well-designed.
The game’s soundtrack is also highly praised. The music is catchy and upbeat, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency.
Ports
In the Hunt was ported to the Sega Saturn, the PlayStation, and Windows 95 for the PC by Kokopeli. The ports are generally faithful to the arcade original, but they do feature some minor changes.
The Saturn port is the most arcade-accurate of the three ports. It features the same graphics and sound as the arcade original, and it even supports the arcade’s four-player mode.
The PlayStation port is similar to the Saturn port, but it features some minor graphical enhancements. The PC port is the least arcade-accurate of the three ports. It features lower-resolution graphics and sound, and it does not support the arcade’s four-player mode.
Conclusion
In the Hunt is a classic horizontal scrolling shooter that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced action, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a blast to play. If you’re a fan of shmups, then you owe it to yourself to check out In the Hunt.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
