They make you approach each battle from a new perspective, and it doesn't feel cheap or gimmicky, either. Whether it be from how the arena is laid out, or how the enemy chooses to attack, these encounters force you to deviate from your usual strategies. The boss battles are perhaps the best example of the hidden depth the title possesses.

It's a ridiculous, over-the-top action thrill ride that forces you to not only think strategically, but more importantly, fast too. These more gimmick heavy battles cap off each level with a flourish.ĭespite looking like a total throwback, Huntdown works because it is far more than just a simple sidescroller. Each gang is ruled by one ruthless leader, but the upper management members need to be taken out too. For example, one group is heavily influenced by greaser chic, so expect a lot of leather jackets and motorcycles. The grunts that litter each level are typically built around that one gang's gimmick. Huntdown is split into four different areas, with one gang taking up shop in each. The enemies you come across start off weak, but gradually become more and more difficult to take down. Knowing when to pop out and fire another round often proves to be critical.Įven on the lowest difficulties, finding cover is important. Enemies can make use of these hiding spots as well, so battles sometimes evolve into a challenge of skill and timing. And while it won't shield you from everything, as explosions and hand-to-hand attacks can still get through, it will save your hide. With broken down cars and seedy back alleys littering the streets, there are plenty of opportunities for you to take cover. What separates this effort from its predecessors, though, is the use of a cover system. These can also be supplemented with side pick-ups such as grenades and Molotov cocktails. Additionally, each character also has a side attack they can use that's on a charging meter. The most common ones being assault rifles and shotguns, but stronger weapons such as grenade launchers and hand-to-hand tools like katanas drop as well. Each of the three hunters has their own basic firearm, but enemies drop better weapons upon death for you to pick up. You may be able to survive more than one shot, but if you're not quick on your feet, you'll be taken out fast. It's a side-scrolling shooter that throws dozens of enemies at you at a time. You don't spend a ton of time getting to know them, but the big baddies of each tribe are well designed and different from one another.Īt a glance, Huntdown is immediately reminiscent of the classic Contra franchise. Each of the four gangs also have their own special attributes. The three contract killers all have their own unique traits, and their rapport with the agency that hired them is defined well enough. That's really all the plot development the title necessitates, though, thanks to some solid characterization. The set-up is little more than being told which specific gang you'll be going after for a portion of the game. Like the action movies it draws inspiration from, there's not a ton of narrative to be found in Huntdown. The three hunters for the job, Anna Conda, John Sawyer and Mow Man, may only be in it for the cash, but they're the best this city is going to get. With the police almost as corrupt as the criminals, the job of cleaning up the city falls onto the capable shoulders of bounty hunters. Gangs and killers own the streets, and the civilians caught in between can do little to alleviate the problems. In some undetermined time in the future, the world has been driven into post-apocalyptic mayhem.

Huntdown xbox