I am a huge fan of Yoshihiro Togashi’s work, his fantastic YuYu Hakusho is one of the most interesting anime I’ve watched. However, it is Hunter x Hunter which I adore. His work with that series has made him one of my favourite mangaka. The Chimera Ant arc is perhaps the singular greatest arc in manga, in my opinion. It is a tragedy that his health has kept him from finishing Hunter x Hunter, but listen I just want him to get on the mend. There’s been so much back and forth about the status of Hunter x Hunter, and then in 2023 Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact was announced.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact – Show Me Rock!
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact is a 2.5D 3 vs 3 beat ’em up from Arc System Works. The pedigree of this studio is incredible. From the legendary Guilty Gear franchise to the stellar Dragon Bal FighterZ, when you see that studio there is an expectation. Does Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact live up to that lofty legacy? The short answer, in this gamer’s humble opinion, no. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact feels like its going through the motions. It has all the features that are expected of an Arc System Works title. It focuses solely on the online element of the title.
The Story Mode is just an extended tutorial to ease players into the combat, which I did find helpful. The combat system relies on speed, precision, and a deep understanding of the button inputs detailed within the game. It’s a combination of light and heavy attacks that then lead into each character’s special attacks. Then there is the combination of swapping in and out your 3 member tag team. There are a lot of moving parts, which means this is a game for hardcore EVO audiences.
It’s a daunting experience, one that I didn’t particularly enjoy. It has helped me realise I’m more of a casual beat ’em up gamer. There are several factors that contributed to this, though. For me the graphics are pedestrian. They don’t jump off the screen like other titles, for example Dragon Ball FighterZ. This title still shines, which is wild because it’s been 7 years and it looks better than Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact. Not only that there are a handful of arenas to battle in and none are memorable.
One of the biggest offenders for me though, is the roster. With 16 playable characters the roster is decent. There are also several ommissions, and if I’m being honest one or two additions that feel rushed. Killua is the only member of the Zoldyck clan, which seems strange, there are several members of the Phantom Troupe, however it’s an odd mixture.
Then there is the fact that Mereum and Netero are available from the jump. There is no feeling of pomp and circumstance to them. These are the most powerful and deadly characters in Hunter x Hunter, and I can play them without earning them. Call me old fashioned but I would have loved to have to go through some kind of challenge to unlock them. What is also unfortunate is that there was a Season Pass released after the release of the game, the price is €20.00 which is a nen slap to the face. Why not just release the characters with the base game, having a solid 20 playable characters.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact is a game for hardcore EVO gamers. If you’re looking for a deep, involved beat ’em up you’ll likely enjoy this. Just remember you’re going to have to put in the work. Along with a decent chunk of money to unlock all the characters. For Hunter x Hunter fans, you, like me willy likely come away from this disappointed.
Stay tuned to GamEir. Come talk with us on Twitter (@gam_eir), Facebook (@GamEir), and Instagram (@GamEir).