Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Predator: Soon The Hunt Will Begin delivers a straightforward yet compelling 2D action experience by splitting each of its 30 stages into two distinct modes: Jungle Mode and Big Mode. In Jungle Mode, you assume the role of an elite soldier dropped deep into hostile territory, where you must navigate dense foliage and treacherous landscapes. Armed with an arsenal that includes machine guns, laser rifles, and grenades—each boasting unlimited ammo—you’ll fend off guerillas and dangerous wildlife while hunting for the cave exit that leads to the next stage.

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The branching cave system in Jungle Mode adds an element of exploration and replayability. On occasion, multiple cave entrances appear, each warping you to a different subsequent stage rather than merely advancing you forward in sequence. This subtle choice-driven structure encourages veteran players to chart alternative paths and uncover hidden level variations. The scrambling action, combined with the risk-versus-reward of exploring unexpected tunnels, keeps the core run-and-gun formula feeling fresh.

Big Mode acts as a dynamic interlude after roughly every three jungle stages. Here, the gameplay shifts to a high-speed, horizontally scrolling shooter where you blast incoming blue and purple spheres before they can strike you. Some spheres reveal power-ups that augment your firepower, fueling a satisfying feedback loop of risk, reward, and explosive visuals. Once you’ve cleared a safe distance, the Predator himself appears as a challenging boss with ever-evolving attack patterns, pitting reflexes and pattern recognition against the film’s legendary antagonist.

While the core mechanics remain consistent throughout all 30 stages, the difficulty curve is carefully tuned. Jungle Mode steadily ramps up enemy variety and placement, while Big Mode’s sphere patterns grow increasingly complex. The combination of unlimited ammo, branching paths, and periodic boss battles ensures players are consistently engaged, whether they favor methodical exploration or intense shoot-and-dodge sequences.

Graphics

Visually, Predator: Soon The Hunt Will Begin embraces a vibrant, pixel-art style reminiscent of classic 16-bit era run-and-gun titles. Jungle backgrounds are lush and detailed, with swaying vines and layered parallax scrolling that evoke the dense, mysterious atmosphere of the Predator universe. Enemy sprites—ranging from rebel soldiers to feral jungle cats—are well-animated, offering clear telegraphs for incoming attacks.

In Big Mode, the color palette shifts to neon blues and purples as spheres cascade toward the screen. The stark contrast makes it easy to distinguish power-ups from hazards, while the dynamic background remains subtly in motion to maintain visual interest without distracting from the action. Special effects, such as muzzle flashes and explosive bursts, are punchy and satisfying, lending weight to every shot you fire.

The Predator boss encounters stand out visually as well. His sprite is detailed enough to capture the creature’s iconic dreadlocked silhouette, and his varied attack animations—from shoulder-cannon barrages to agile leaps—help communicate imminent danger. Though the overall presentation may feel familiar to retro enthusiasts, the cohesive art direction and polished animations give the game a professional sheen that belies its indie roots.

Performance is rock-solid throughout, with no noticeable frame drops even when screens are peppered with enemy fire and particle effects. Whether you’re blasting through a thick jungle canopy or dodging a barrage of spheres in Big Mode, the game’s consistent frame rate helps maintain tight control responsiveness, which is critical for both accuracy and enjoyment.

Story

Predator: Soon The Hunt Will Begin opts for a minimalist narrative approach, in keeping with many arcade-style shooters. The premise is simple: you’ve been deployed into a predator‐infested jungle to neutralize hostile forces and ultimately confront the apex hunter himself. While there’s no extended cutscene drama or branching dialogue trees, the game’s environmental storytelling—war-torn outposts, bloodstained clearings, and ominous cave systems—does the heavy lifting.

Each Jungle Mode stage conveys a sense of escalating tension. As you progress, you encounter abandoned camps, downed helicopters, and the occasional cryptic totem left by the Predator. These visual cues reinforce the idea that you’re not just traversing a generic battleground but venturing deeper into the predator’s domain. Though there’s no voiced narrative, short text blurbs at key points hint at the larger conflict and your mission objectives.

Big Mode sequences serve as an abstract representation of the Predator’s hunting trials. The relentless onslaught of spheres and the subsequent boss fight symbolize the creature’s testing of your reflexes and resilience. While these sections don’t advance a plot in the traditional sense, they do create a rhythm of escalation that frames your journey as a deadly game of cat and mouse.

For players seeking a robust storyline with character development, Predator’s narrative may feel lightweight. However, for fans of arcade shooters and the Predator franchise, the game successfully evokes the primal thrill of the hunt, relying on environmental details and escalating challenges to tell its story.

Overall Experience

Predator: Soon The Hunt Will Begin offers a focused, adrenaline-fueled adventure that appeals to both retro enthusiasts and modern action fans. The dual-mode structure—alternating between jungle run-and-gun segments and high-speed shooter boss trials—strikes a satisfying balance of variety and familiarity. Unlimited ammo and straightforward controls make it accessible, while branching paths and escalating difficulty provide depth for completionists.

The game’s pacing is one of its strongest assets. Short, intense bursts of Jungle Mode combat keep momentum high, while interspersed Big Mode stages prevent any sense of monotony. Boss fights against the Predator are well-timed benchmarks, offering both a narrative climax in each chapter and skill-based hurdles that reward observation and practice.

Graphically crisp and mechanically sound, Predator: Soon The Hunt Will Begin stands out among indie action titles for its polished presentation and faithful homage to its source material. Although the story is economical, it effectively complements the core gameplay loop, immersing players in the tension and danger of facing an otherworldly hunter.

Ultimately, this game is an engaging pick for anyone seeking classic run-and-gun thrills with a Predator twist. Its replayable level design, satisfying weapon feedback, and inventive use of dual game modes ensure that each playthrough remains fresh. Whether you’re a longtime Predator aficionado or simply in search of a well-crafted 2D shooter, Soon The Hunt Will Begin is a worthy addition to your library.

Retro Replay Score

5/10