Exploring the Depths: The Power of Nen in Hunter × Hunter

The Never-Ending Franchise Returns

It’s not unusual in the anime world to encounter projects that go on hiatus, and one of the most notable is Hunter x Hunter, a project that has experienced highs and lows for many years now. Unlike other series like One Piece, which continuously releases content, Yoshihiro Togashi’s work frequently stalls due to his health issues. As a result, the franchise remains paused at the latest point seen in its animated adaptation, and although some manga chapters have since been released, they’re insufficient to warrant an animated series. Consequently, the franchise is being further explored through merchandise, collaborations, and unexpectedly, video games.

Recently, news about Hunter × Hunter: Nen × Impact emerged, surprising fans due to the franchise’s absence from the spotlight and the unusual partnership with publisher Arc System Works. They announced this as a fighting game featuring beloved characters, aiming to adapt the story faithfully.

However, as gameplays and demos surfaced, fans started fearing the worst as issues emerged. When the final product became available, it turned out it disappointingly fell short for an anime-based game. At Atomix, we received a review copy to determine if it’s worth purchasing amidst other new releases like Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2, a direct competitor among Japanese series. We’ll evaluate all aspects, from graphics and performance to gameplay, and importantly, whether it honors the franchise.

We’ll also examine if it offers more than just an arcade mode, as limited options can bore players, especially casual ones. Additionally, we’ll assess its online capabilities, given the publisher’s ambition for a competitive scene. Can Hunter × Hunter: Nen × Impact be a worthy tribute to the saga? Or is it another disappointment? We’ll answer these questions in the new Atomix Review, so join Gon and his companions on their hunter journey.

Potential-Driven Mechanics

Hunter × Hunter: Nen × Impact is a classic-style fighting game, sticking to two-dimensional mechanics like many in the genre. At least it’s not another arena fighter in a market saturated with such games.

The game uses three-character teams with varied abilities—some are stronger, others agile, or attack at close or long range. However, repetition among choices is inevitable as the current roster maxes out at 16 characters.

The basic controls are simple enough for executing 4 to 9-hit combos, but mastering advanced moves proves challenging. The game features parry blocks, special powers, strong attacks, and Nen techniques with combo requirements.

Special attacks can be triggered using the triggers once the OverGear bar reaches a certain level, charging up by hitting or getting hit. However, Nen moves are limited, requiring mindful usage to avoid spam.

The controls are accessible, but the variety of attacks may overwhelm those new to the genre. Thankfully, simplified controls allow easier execution of longer combos—though it might leave players feeling incompetent.

Character switching is possible by pressing the support button twice, while a single press calls for backup. Combining this with a relay special attack maintains pressure on opponents.

In terms of CPU difficulty, lower levels make for an easy experience, but higher settings introduce relentless challenges. It’s advisable to fully understand the gameplay before tackling increased complexity.

Overall, the gameplay offers potential, not groundbreaking but perhaps suitable for competitive play. Yet it’s unlikely to captivate its target audience compared to existing games like Dragon Ball FighterZ.

Similar Game Modes

Hunter × Hunter: Nen × Impact offers various game modes, aiming to provide more than just online play. Yet, they are disappointingly similar with cosmetic changes.

The story mode revisits the 2011 anime remake, from the Hunter exam to the Chimera Ant climax. While featuring major battles, it misses essential moments, delivering a mediocre, tutorial-like experience that’s better suited to an arcade format.

The arcade mode involves a series of battles culminating in a final showdown, echoing the story’s narrative. Meanwhile, the Sky Coliseum offers a survival challenge, facing 31 foes for collectibles, with no health regeneration except through earned points, affecting the final prize.

This mode escalates in difficulty after the first 10 battles, becoming a daunting task for only the elite, although progress can be paused.

Victorious players unlock the Olympia Combat, offering the most challenging encounters with far fewer opponents but even greater difficulty, rewarding gallery items.

For solo players, a time trial mode involves defeating five foes swiftly, a survival where healing is possible. Additionally, a combo challenge exists, but lacks engagement.

Online gameplay sticks to the usual options—friendly or competitive matches, creating or joining rooms. The rollback netcode isn’t well-implemented, leading to visible lags if one’s connection is poor.

Lackluster Graphics

The graphics in Hunter × Hunter: Nen × Impact employ standard cel-shading but fall short of comparable releases. Even older titles like Ultimate Ninja by CyberConnect2 surpass it visually.

I suspect it originated as a mobile project by Bushiroad Games before transitioning to consoles, explaining the subpar visuals despite releasing for PS5 only—with rumors circulating that PS4 and Nintendo Switch could handle it.

There’s little visual appeal: character expressions are minimal, settings flat, and special animations fail to impress. This contrasts with the well-crafted intro shown during the game’s reveal.

The music, meanwhile, is decent but lacks standout tracks, with themes resembling the anime’s OST but falling short to avoid copyright issues.

The saving grace comes from the original Japanese voice cast, albeit with limited language options. While I prefer native audio, some might miss alternate dubs.

Still Awaiting a Decent Adaptation

In conclusion, Hunter × Hunter: Nen × Impact holds promise in its gameplay, potentially catering to the fighting game community seeking a competitive outlet. Despite its learning curve, it aligns with genre expectations.

However, as a faithful adaptation of the franchise, it falters with a lackluster story mode and pointlessly fixed images—suggesting the sole ambition was a fighting game.

The graphics are underwhelming, perhaps due to its initial mobile direction, leaving it visually inferior. The original Japanese voice cast compensates partially but doesn’t suffice for a comprehensive experience.

If you’re a franchise enthusiast or new to Gon’s adventures, this game likely won’t satisfy. Yet, fighting game fans may appreciate its mechanics and diverse commands.

Available now on PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.