Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

In the Hunt delivers a solid dose of classic 2D side-scrolling shooter action, placing you in the cramped cockpit of a heavily armed attack submarine. From the moment you dive beneath the waves, the game’s responsive controls shine, allowing you to navigate tight corridors, dodge incoming torpedoes, and weave between deadly mines. One of the standout mechanics is the adjustable scroll speed, which grants you the freedom to tackle frenetic enemy waves at your own pace—whether you’re cranking up the adrenaline for maximum challenge or slowing things down for precise maneuvers.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The level design spans seven diverse underwater stages, each introducing fresh obstacles and enemy types to keep the experience engaging. You’ll find yourself gunning down swarms of robotic drifters in submerged ruins, evading depth charges in narrow canyons, and even surfacing briefly to fend off aerial attackers. The environmental variety ensures that no two segments feel identical, yet a cohesive underwater atmosphere ties everything together.

Weapon upgrades are both satisfying and strategic. Collecting power-ups allows you to bolster your forward cannon, deploy homing torpedoes, or launch wide-spread salvos that can clear entire screens. Timing these upgrades and knowing when to swap to a defensive mine layer can mean the difference between surviving a boss encounter and having to restart the level. For those who crave camaraderie, the two-player cooperative mode elevates the experience—teamwork becomes essential as you coordinate attacks, share power-ups, and cover each other’s blind spots.

Graphics

Visually, In the Hunt embraces a richly detailed 2D aesthetic that holds up remarkably well, even by modern standards. The submarine’s sprite is meticulously animated, with exhaust trails and rippling water effects that lend a sense of weight and immersion. Background layers employ parallax scrolling to create depth, painting sunken cities, volcanic vents, and aquatic flora in vibrant hues that stand out against the navy-blue ocean.

Enemy designs range from sleek robotic fish to hulking mechanical beasts, each displaying a clear silhouette that makes them easy to track amidst the chaos. Explosions are rendered with satisfying bursts of light and debris, and the dynamic lighting effects—especially near lava vents and underwater furnaces—add a cinematic flair. Transitions between underwater caverns and surface skirmishes are seamless, with glimpses of stormy skies and naval battles overhead reinforcing the high-stakes narrative.

While the game doesn’t rely on flashy polygons or 3D models, its hand-drawn backgrounds and fluid animations capture the gritty, claustrophobic feel of deep-sea warfare. Color palettes shift subtly as you progress, moving from cold, eerie blues in the early stages to fiery oranges and reds in volcanic levels. This visual progression enhances the storytelling and underscores the impending threat posed by the Dark Anarchy Society’s lair.

Story

The narrative in In the Hunt is straightforward yet effective: the nefarious Dark Anarchy Society threatens Earth’s coastal strongholds with a secret underwater fortress, and a lone submarine pilot must infiltrate their defenses to avert catastrophe. Though the plot is concise, it provides sufficient motivation for the escalating action, punctuated by brief cutscenes that lay out each mission objective and highlight the stakes.

Storytelling unfolds primarily through level introductions and interstitial text, which succinctly describe the Society’s latest threat and your submarine’s mission profile. This streamlined approach keeps the focus on gameplay while still providing context for each new environment. Between levels, you’ll catch glimpses of the Society’s doomsday devices and overhear intercepted communications—small details that enrich the world without bogging down the pace.

While character development is minimal—after all, you’re piloting a machine rather than a soldier—the sense of urgency and isolation permeates every dive. Cooperative play adds an extra layer to the narrative, as two pilots coordinate tactics and share in the triumph of breaching the enemy’s deepest stronghold. Ultimately, the story serves as a compelling backdrop for the relentless action, with the final confrontation delivering a satisfying payoff to your ocean-spanning crusade.

Overall Experience

In the Hunt stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of side-scrolling shooters. Its blend of tight controls, inventive level design, and strategic weaponry keeps players engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re a genre veteran or a newcomer seeking a challenge, the adjustable scroll speed and varied enemy encounters make for a highly replayable experience that rewards skill and perseverance.

The co-op mode shines particularly bright, transforming what could be a solitary battle into a shared adventure. Coordinating with a friend to manage power-ups and divide enemy hordes adds depth and replay value, especially on higher difficulty settings. Even solo players will find plenty to love, thanks to a robust arsenal and boss battles that demand quick reflexes and pattern recognition.

Overall, In the Hunt delivers an immersive underwater assault that balances nostalgia with modern sensibilities. Its striking visuals, streamlined narrative, and rewarding progression ensure that each mission feels purposeful and thrilling. For anyone searching for a well-crafted 2D shooter with cooperative flair and high replay potential, this submarine epic is a dive worth taking.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10