Vengeance Hunters Review

Developed as a game for the NeoGeo, Vengeance Hunters is a 16-bit arcade beat’em up where players have to get through the game’s various levels filled with a myriad of threats, both human and of undead nature. The game let’s you choose from different protagonist with their own unique skillset and you will traverse a handful of diverse areas such as Last Woods and Megalopolis.

While all three characters, Loony, Candy and Golem, have similar basic attacks such as weak, medium and strong attacks. Each character has their own unique attacks. For example, the mad scientist, Loony, can punch as a basic attack, but can fire his mechanical arm from a distance.

Along with their diverse set of skills, each has a special attack that, as you’d expect, will drain some of your character’s health. The biggest difference with Vengeance Hunters, the chunk of your health consumed by the special move is greyed out. You can recoup it if you manage to avoid getting hit. It does slow fill back up, killing enemies helps too.

As with other games in the same genre, you’ll come across destructible items that will either give you nothing, health refill, various items for points and special weapons. The latter aren’t your traditional weapons you’re used to see in the genre; it’s basically a small robot that hovers over you head and fires whatever ammo it currently holds; can be rockets or flamethrower for example. Another great addition is that when enemies get back up, they flash in order to prepare a big attack, giving you a chance to move out of the way.

Nalua Studio SLU a bang up job with Vengeance Hunters. From the minute you boot up the game, it explodes of 1990s inspired styles. Each level has its own color/theme which is always a big plus so that it doesn’t drag into visual monotony. The game also has a great soundtrack; while sounding completely new, it exemplifies perfectly the 1990s. Feel free to give a listen (or purchase) the Vengeance Hunters soundtrack.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with Vengeance Hunters, there are a bit of a few nuisances. Each level feel a bit overly long; feels that having slightly shorter but more levels would’ve been a bit better. Also, while some enemies can block your attacks, you can’t. There’s also some annoying collision detection where enemies aren’t on the same path, directly in front of you, they can still hit you.

Vengeance Hunters is one of the better and most enjoyable beat’em ups to release in the last year or so. It has that perfect 90s flair, combat is surprisingly deep, boss battles are quite unique and provide a decent challenge. While levels do feel a bit long, the overall experience is incredibly enjoyable and is definitely a must play; especially if you’re a fan of classic beat’em ups. Don’t miss this little gem.