HUNTDOWN

I rarely leave reviews, but after playing to the end of the second level, I feel compelled to do so because this game is absolutely awesome and deserves as many positive reviews as it can get. First off, might as well get it over with: if you enjoyed Blazing Chrome, you will enjoy this as well. As much as I like that game (it is very well done), I enjoyed this a lot more due to how stylized it is. It plays like Contra III with the addition of a dash button and an extra attack, but with the physics of Contra: Hard Corps mixed with 60s, 70s, and 80s references littered through the game. Also, it is highly reminiscent of 'The Warriors' in various ways related to the gangs characterized. The story mode levels are broken up into short sections with sub bosses at the end of each section. It has an arcade mode as well, but I cannot comment on it as I have not finished the main story mode. The soundtrack is excellent, with a flavor of synth wave that is typical of games from this genre. There is a setting in the audio to turn off copyrighted music (I assume is for streamers), but I wasn't able to ID any of it, nor did it sound familiar. Sound effects and voice acting is superb; most indie games the voice acting is just 'ok' or not even worth mentioning, but this is the exact opposite; the voices fit the characters great. Whoever set up the one liners and dialogue did a great job; the lines fit well and don't feel contrived. Difficulty wise, everyone knows run and guns like these are usually tough. Playing on medium I never felt at any point so far that the game was unfair in any capacity. Anytime I got hit or died, I blamed myself more than the game. Hits don't feel cheap in any way. I will probably give it a go on hard at some point after I complete the game for more challenge. The only flaw I spotted was some random typos, but I find it odd these were not corrected already as this has been out on consoles for a year.