Review of Vengeance Hunters on the Nintendo Switch

Recently, there has been a revitalization of the belt-scrolling beat ’em up genre, with new titles making their debut frequently. While some games rely on popular IPs like Double Dragon and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to attract attention, others are revitalizing the genre with innovative concepts. One such game is Vengeance Hunters from Nuala Studio, a project developed exclusively for the Neo Geo, a dated 34-year-old arcade hardware.

Clichés Galore

Vengeance Hunters doesn’t shy away from clichés. Its introduction sets the tone with a brooding cityscape and a narrative of a dystopian future threatened by “High rolling suitmen. Captains of industry. Bastards of the upper crust.” It introduces three main characters: Candy, Golem, and Loony; an athletic female, a bulky robot, and a cyborg male, respectively.

Impressive Graphics

The standout feature of Vengeance Hunters is its exceptional graphics. The attention to detail in the backgrounds, rich color palette, and diverse environments such as forests, wastelands, and city streets, along with the distinct character design, give the game an ’80s cartoon vibe with a modern edge.

Unique Combat System

One of the game’s strengths is its combat system, which offers depth and nuance. Each character has a set of attacks and a signature move, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay. The unique breakout mechanic, where you risk part of your health bar for a powerful move, adds a fresh twist to traditional beat ’em ups.

Character Analysis

Among the three characters, Golem stands out as the most versatile and powerful option, with a signature move that allows for varied combat strategies. Candy, on the other hand, feels underpowered and less engaging compared to the other two characters.

Gameplay and Variety

Vengeance Hunters offers a good mix of boss battles, secret areas, and unique challenges that keep the gameplay engaging and diverse. Each character’s playthrough offers new story elements and gameplay variations, enhancing replay value.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Vengeance Hunters is a solid entry in the beat ’em up genre. While it excels in graphics, combat mechanics, and variety, some issues like excessive explosive obstacles, cumbersome secondary weapons, and the absence of grab moves hold it back from reaching its full potential. Despite these shortcomings, the game is a competent and enjoyable belt scroller with enough depth to satisfy genre enthusiasts.