"In The Hunt" Playstation ver.

[KingCobra]

It took me forever to score this game in "MINT" condition for the Playstation off ebay($7.50), it's not the Long Box verson, there's been others but they've always cost a premium in top condition and I've never seen this game in the wind period.

Anyways, it's kinda shallow, but I just love these kind of quick pick'em-up arcade shooters and I don't think it lives up to the Metal Slug/ Contra series, only because those get many more in the series, but it's a damn fine arcade style 2D shooter.

Is there any other 2D action vehicle shooters of this style? Or is this about t?

[acem77]

i love in the hunt.
it would be cool to find an other game close to the same style.
i am also a big fan of the metal slug series have 1-6 for my aes:)

[Technosis]

It took me forever to score this game in "MINT" condition for the Playstation off ebay($7.50), it's not the Long Box verson, there's been others but they've always cost a premium in top condition and I've never seen this game in the wind period.

Anyways, it's kinda shallow, but I just love these kind of quick pick'em-up arcade shooters and I don't think it lives up to the Metal Slug/ Contra series, only because those get many more in the series, but it's a damn fine arcade style 2D shooter.

Is there any other 2D action vehicle shooters of this style? Or is this about t?

I picked up this game from a used game store about 3 weeks ago ($10). The price tag suggests that it had been on the floor for over a year (maybe there weren't any big time PSX collectors that hit this place).

Anyhow, I was really impressed with what a good shooter it was, especially given its release so early in the PSX life (1995). I was also thinking how you'd NEVER see an equivalent level of detail/play action on an first gen N64 title :p.

I'm wondering if there was ever a sequel or deluxe version released.....

[NE146]

Great game. I bought it new for like 40 bucks or something since I always dug the arcade game. It's a wonder to me why no one else did... it wasnt like there was that many other Playstation titles at the time so it was a no-brainer :)

[Xexyz]

I think all the early PSX owners who were shmup fans on a budget went with Raiden Project instead.

As for this game, I got a CIB copy back in August 2006, but I've yet to play it. I don't know why either, just no urge even though the game looks fantastic.

[sabre2922]

I think all the early PSX owners who were shmup fans on a budget went with Raiden Project instead.


I have the original Raiden Project in long box mint condition and still play the game on a regular basis.

In the hunt on Playstation was good I picked up a copy for $20.00 many years ago but have no idea what happened to it.

I read that the Saturn version (japan only?) was better with less slowdown etc but I liked the PS version just fine.

Also In the Hunt for Playstation came out a while AFTER Raiden Project.

[Spartacus]

Anyways, it's kinda shallow, but I just love these kind of quick pick'em-up arcade shooters and I don't think it lives up to the Metal Slug/ Contra series, only because those get many more in the series, but it's a damn fine arcade style 2D shooter.

You should see some style similarities between In the Hunt and Metal Slug as the same team developed both.



Is there any other 2D action vehicle shooters of this style? Or is this about t?

If you mean scrolling horizontally and shooting fishes, I would immediately think of Taito's Darius series. But if you're only interested in submarines as vehicles, then Irem also did a 2D side scroller on the NES called Sqoon. They also did Sub Rebellion for the PS2 more recently, though it uses a third/first person perspective.
If you don't mind a vertical scrolling 2D vehicle shooter using oddball looking cars, then the Time Bokan games are some that I can recommend. There's a bit of a Wacky Races flavor to characters and vehicles that I find quite comical. Here's some pics of those...
http://c-games.info/games,002,1428.html
http://c-games.info/games,002,1429.html

[MF_Luder]

I read that the Saturn version (japan only?) was better with less slowdown etc but I liked the PS version just fine.

The Saturn version got a U.S. release as well and I've owned that for a couple months now. I own the PSX version as well-- found it in longbox at a flea market last weekend for only $5. Unfortunately, like most retrogamers, I have stacks of old games that I've purchased and haven't played yet... and both of my In The Hunt copies remain unplayed in this pile of games. So I can verify that it got a U.S. release but can't tell you if there was much difference between the two. Wouldn't surprise me though-- 2D games always seem to be superior on the Saturn.

[sabre2922]

The Saturn version got a U.S. release as well and I've owned that for a couple months now. I own the PSX version as well-- found it in longbox at a flea market last weekend for only $5. Unfortunately, like most retrogamers, I have stacks of old games that I've purchased and haven't played yet... and both of my In The Hunt copies remain unplayed in this pile of games. So I can verify that it got a U.S. release but can't tell you if there was much difference between the two. Wouldn't surprise me though-- 2D games always seem to be superior on the Saturn.

I MUST be getting old lol.

I do remember now that the Saturn version did get a release here I guess its just that I never saw an actual copy of the Saturn version in my area.

[zektor]

In the hunt was one of my favorite titles in the arcade. My best friend and I used to play it constantly. I still love that game so damn much. Excellent purchase!

[j_factor]

I owned the Saturn version back in the day, and loved it. I've been told by more than one person that the PSX version is superior, but I've yet to be able to get my hands on it, as it seems to be more uncommon than the Saturn version.

[djsquarewave]

If you mean scrolling horizontally and shooting fishes, I would immediately think of Taito's Darius series. But if you're only interested in submarines as vehicles, then Irem also did a 2D side scroller on the NES called Sqoon. They also did Sub Rebellion for the PS2 more recently, though it uses a third/first person perspective.
Neither Sqoon nor Sub Rebellion were developed by Irem, they simply published them. The Irem/Nazca team that did In The Hunt and Metal Slug worked on several other games featuring a similar graphical style, though.

http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/irem/irem.htm

Undercover Cops is a cult favorite, I hear. Gunforce 2 is like a proto-Metal Slug.

I absolutely adore the incredibly-detailed sprite work in these games. :)

[RJ]

Sub Rebellion was by Metro 3D, also did Armada (DC) & Dark Angel: Vampire Apocalypse (PS2 & DC).

[Spycee]

Nice find ! I'm currently searching for the PS1 or Saturn version, but it's not very easy to find ...

It looks like a very good game !

[Damaramu]

I owned the Saturn version back in the day, and loved it. I've been told by more than one person that the PSX version is superior, but I've yet to be able to get my hands on it, as it seems to be more uncommon than the Saturn version.

Do you know exactly how it's supposed to be superior?

[BIGMIKE]

i can remember buying this game, not liking it for some reason and taking it back the next day to wally world...........i'mmmmmmmm wishing i wouldn't have done that about every time i hear of this game

[fishsandwich]

Do you know exactly how it's supposed to be superior?

I've <heard> that the Saturn version has more slowdown than the PSone game... but I can't confirm that, either. Failure.

[MF_Luder]

i can remember buying this game, not liking it for some reason and taking it back the next day to wally world...........i'mmmmmmmm wishing i wouldn't have done that about every time i hear of this game


Well, back in 1996 In The Hunt received a 3 out of 10 from IGN (Playstation version). So either they were idiots, or it was just the type of game that took a few years to realize it's greatness. This could be the case. There seems to be a lot of games that bombed with the critics when they first game out, and years later they are beloved by collectors. And vice versa, games that were considered "near perfect" when they were released, but are mediocre today and barely hold up (especially games that made it mostly on amazing graphics alone... for example, Donkey Kong Country for SNES... it's graphics made it a huge hit with gamers and critics when it came out, but now it's just a slightly above-average SNES platformer).

In The Hunt was made from the same people behind R-Type, so I can't imagine it being a bad shooter. I tried to play my Saturn version last night and it wasn't booting up for some reason (which is strange because there was virtually no scratches or marks on it).

[CRV]

I tried to play my Saturn version last night and it wasn't booting up for some reason (which is strange because there was virtually no scratches or marks on it).

I've been reading that you need to have your controller unplugged when booting up, then plug it in when it says "press start."

[KingCobra]

Thanks for the replies guys, that was a nice link djsquarewave :)

[MF_Luder]

I've been reading that you need to have your controller unplugged when booting up, then plug it in when it says "press start."

Wow, you're a life-saving. Quite an odd glitch for a game to have, but it actually worked when I tried that.

I played through the first 2 levels (there are 6 total) and there was a bit of slow-down in a couple spots, but nothing that really killed the gameplay. It seems to be a fun shooter, but not quite great enough to justify the prices it fetches on eBay. Worth it for shooter fans though if you find it cheap somewhere. The game does move quite slowly overall (which is the biggest complaint IGN's review had)... not "slow-down" slow, just slow in general. Because it's a submarine, you don't get the same sense of speed and intensity most space-themed shooters provide. I found it easy to overlook, but I figure that some shooter fans might find it more of a problem than I did.

[Technosis]

Well, back in 1996 In The Hunt received a 3 out of 10 from IGN (Playstation version). So either they were idiots, or it was just the type of game that took a few years to realize it's greatness. This could be the case. There seems to be a lot of games that bombed with the critics when they first game out, and years later they are beloved by collectors. And vice versa, games that were considered "near perfect" when they were released, but are mediocre today and barely hold up (especially games that made it mostly on amazing graphics alone... for example, Donkey Kong Country for SNES... it's graphics made it a huge hit with gamers and critics when it came out, but now it's just a slightly above-average SNES platformer).

In The Hunt was made from the same people behind R-Type, so I can't imagine it being a bad shooter. I tried to play my Saturn version last night and it wasn't booting up for some reason (which is strange because there was virtually no scratches or marks on it).


I remember this very well because I assumed back then that the game was crap based on those reviews. Regarding any slowdown, a convenience store near me had the coin-op version and it had slow down in it (mind you I was extra vigilant about slowdown at the time since I was suffering through some almost crippled SNES games LOL!)

[j_factor]

Do you know exactly how it's supposed to be superior?

Aside from that glitch that was just talked about, supposedly the PSX version has less slowdown, and Dangerboy's site says:


The PlayStation version was actually better than the Saturn release, due to a weird animation glitch in Sega's version.

I'm not sure exactly what that refers to.

[MF_Luder]

First off, sorry to revive a topic that's been dead for 2 weeks. However, I finally played through PSX and Saturn copies of "In The Hunt" (plus I found another PSX longbox copy for $2 at the same flea market I found my first one for $4!; pretty good finds for an R7 game). So I wanted to give you guys a little comparison of the two, because of all the people who were trying to find out the difference. There are some minor differences because two different companies were in charge of the ports. I did this comparison by having my Saturn and PS2 hooked up to 2 different video modes on my TV and flipping between the two while playing through the first level and the beginning of the second level. So again, keep in mind that I did not compare the entire games, it would just be too time-consuming.


NOTEABLE DIFFERENCES:

- I experienced no slow down in the PS1 version. The Saturn had one bout of slowdown in the 1st level when there was a ton of stuff going on on-screen, but it was not significant enough to kill the gameplay. Advantage PS1.
- My copy of the Saturn game has a problem where I have to have the controller unplugged when turning on the system, or the game won't boot up for some reason. Not sure if all were plaqued by this. Fortunately it is only when booting up the game, but it's still an annoying glitch that should have never happened. My copies of the PS1 version do not suffer from this same problem. Advantage PS1.
- Graphically they are almost identical. Unless you compared the two side-by-side, you will not notice any difference. So neither is superior here. I did notice that the PS1 version had looked slightly sharper, but this was likely due to the fact that I use S-Video for my PS2 and normal hookups for the Saturn. The Saturn version had slightly darker color tones to the graphics that I personally preferred though. But again, you won't even notice unless you do as I did and compare the two directly. No advantage.
- The music varies slightly between the two. The PS1 music is loud and pounding, while the Saturn music plays subtly in the background. I far prefer the Saturn version's music style. Even though the sounds are pretty much identical, the subtle playing of the music in the background of the Saturn version makes it much easier to appreciate and it doesn't cover up other sound effects. The PS1 music actually annoys that crap out of me after playing the Saturn game. The PS1 music is so loud that it overpowers the other sounds in the game. Plus, the Saturn music goes away when you Pause the game, but the PS1 music continues to pound away. However, the music is very good either way and fits well with the game. You probably won't be annoyed by the PS1 music unless you did like me and played the Saturn version at the same time (which I'm sure most gamers won't be doing). Advantage Saturn.
- The Saturn controller is WAY more comfortable for this game (and all shooters, for that matter). I used the PS2 Dual Shock controller and the Saturn 3D controller (although neither game supports analog control). Even in the first level, my hands hurt while using the PSX controller. Plus the D-pad just isn't as responsive for a fast-paced shooter. The Saturn controller does not have either of these problems and is an ideal shooter controller. Advantage Saturn.


OTHER MINOR DIFFERENCES (with no real effect on the game):

- The Saturn version has a neat intro movie before the game; PS1 version has no intro movie.
- PS1 version has more options. Both have the customary difficulty settings and number of lives settings, but the PS1 also has a sound test and an option to play in either "Arcade" mode or "Playstation" mode. What's the difference? I don't know... I played both but noticed nothing, except that I picked up a shield powerup in the Playstation mode that I had never seen in Arcade mode or the Saturn version (not sure if this was just coincidence, or if the Playstation mode had new power-ups added).
- The PS1 version of the game also has a screen adjust using the L1 and R1 controller buttons during gameplay, while the Saturn version has no screen adjust. This didn't bother me, but perhaps it might be more of a factor on small TV screens or HDTVs. The point is so that if the score is cut off on the bottom of the screen, you can adjust the screen up to make it more visible, or adjust it down if you just want to see the gameplay without all the numbers underneath.
- When entering your high score, the PS1 version allows you to enter a full name, while the Saturn version let's you only enter initials.




Overall, I think this comes down to personal choice. The games are almost identical, with the PS1 version having less slowdown and the Saturn version having the more comfortable shmup controller. Playing so many classic games, I think I'm at the point where slowdown doesn't bother me at all. So being that I'm a Saturn collector, that is the primary choice for me. However, I'm sure more people have a PS1 or PS2 so nothing wrong with going for that version (which is why I doubt the DP Guide is accurate in the ITH rarity ratings-- the PS1 version is R7 and SAT is R4, but I'm sure the SAT version is rarer; and it appears less on eBay too). But overall, this is a solid shmup and a change of pace from the usual space shooters, so it's definitely worth a look on either system. I'm not sure which more closely matches the original Arcade version (never played it), but again, these two are so close that you probably wouldn't notice even if you were a fan of the old arcade game. In The Hunt usually sells for around $20 on eBay, mostly depending on the condition (and with the PS1 version, if it comes in longbox). Feel free to ask any further questions if anyone has any.





Aside from that glitch that was just talked about, supposedly the PSX version has less slowdown, and Dangerboy's site says:

"The PlayStation version was actually better than the Saturn release, due to a weird animation glitch in Sega's version."

I'm not sure exactly what that refers to.


Not sure what that means either. I played the first 2 of the 6 levels, and experienced no problems. I've been putting off beating the game until I had someone to play it in co-op with. That should happen within the next few days, so if I notice anything, I'll note it here.

[Bojay1997]

I have both the US Saturn and US PSX versions, as well as the arcade board and of the three, I actually prefer the Saturn. The soundtrack is better in my opinion and believe it or not, I like the slight slow down when the action gets intense. Just to clarify, the arcade board has slowdown as well, just like Metal Slug does when lots of action was happening. I would assume this was intentional, or at least not considered serious enough by the developers to warrant adding more memory or a faster processor to handle the slowdown. Another unmentioned advantage of the Saturn version is that it regularly sells on Ebay for under $10 NIB.

[j_factor]

Thanks for the comparison. I always like to read comparisons of different versions of the same game; there's not enough of that kind of info out there on the internets ("the many faces of..." was terrific, but I play games from after 1984).

[MF_Luder]

I have both the US Saturn and US PSX versions, as well as the arcade board and of the three, I actually prefer the Saturn. The soundtrack is better in my opinion and believe it or not, I like the slight slow down when the action gets intense. Just to clarify, the arcade board has slowdown as well, just like Metal Slug does when lots of action was happening. I would assume this was intentional, or at least not considered serious enough by the developers to warrant adding more memory or a faster processor to handle the slowdown. Another unmentioned advantage of the Saturn version is that it regularly sells on Ebay for under $10 NIB.


Not sure if I agree with the concept of intentional slowdown; I've never heard of it at least. And it seems that if it was intentional, the PS1 port would have the same slowdown rather than cleaning it up. However, like you I have no qualms about it, and the improved soundtrack and excellent Saturn controller more than make up for it. I'm biased towards the Saturn no matter what, but I think even if I tried to be objective I might pick the Saturn version. Out of curiousity though, since you have played the arcade version, which console version most closely represents the arcade soundtrack?

[Bojay1997]

I would have to say the PSX version matches the arcade audio most closely. I think the Saturn has a better sound chip than the PSX and since it came out several years after the arcade version, the programming team probably took advantage of the sound processor enhancements. I also think the Saturn version loads faster, but I haven't really timed it to be sure.

[MF_Luder]

I also think the Saturn version loads faster, but I haven't really timed it to be sure.

Hmmm... interesting; I should have checked that too when I was comparing the two, but didn't think of it. However, for anyone interested, I do remember that both had very reasonable load times that I didn't even notice. I don't even remember having to sit at load screens at all in either version. So certainly that's another plus for the game. But I don't personally remember if one loaded quicker than the other, but you're probably right.

[Iron Draggon]

graphics on the Saturn VS graphics on the PS are like graphics on the SNES VS graphics on the Genesis... Saturn graphics are always superior to PS graphics when using identical video connections and comparing versions... that's part of the reason why I always chose the Saturn version over the PS version when faced with deciding between two versions of the same game... interestingly though, I always chose the Genesis version over the SNES version... so better graphics aren't the only reason why I make my choices...

as for In the Hunt, I wish there were some sequels... if there were as many different In the Hunt games as there are Metal Slug games, I would be very happy... and I really wish that Gunforce 2 had made it onto the SNES too...

BTW, if you're looking for the Japanese versions, the game is known as Kaitei Daisensou in Japan... I believe that translates to Sea War... prolly changed in the localization due to some copyright problems with that name in English...

in the hunt for Sea War? looks like it tends to go for alot more than In the Hunt... so aparently it never made a very big splash in Japan either... we're prolly very lucky that we even got it at all, and we prolly wouldn't have gotten it at all, were it not for the fact that it was one of the few games ready in time for the new system launches... a 3DO version would've been really cool, but I don't think there was one... there may have been one in Japan, but I'm not sure... wish I could confirm whether there was or not...

[Buyatari]

Man I love this game. Another PS1 sleeper.

Here is the painting for the PS1 and Saturn version.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/WastingOrpheus/in-the-hunt-PS.jpg


This one was used for the arcade version

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t245/WastingOrpheus/In-the-Hunt.jpg

[MF_Luder]

graphics on the Saturn VS graphics on the PS are like graphics on the SNES VS graphics on the Genesis... Saturn graphics are always superior to PS graphics when using identical video connections and comparing versions... that's part of the reason why I always chose the Saturn version over the PS version when faced with deciding between two versions of the same game...


Well, that's news to me.... Are you referring to 2D games only, or all games? I've always gone by the standard that if it's a 2D game the Saturn version is likely superior, and if it's a 3D game the PSX version is almost always superior.

[Bojay1997]

Although the Saturn has more memory, there are tons of Saturn games that don't match the PSX versions. In fact, many publishers used separate development teams or companies to do their PSX and Saturn versions and sometimes the Saturn team just wasn't up to the task. Similarly, there are many Saturn games that are much better than the PSX version, but it seems more dependent on who did the development rather than the capability of the system itself.

[Damaramu]

I'm pretty sure we're just talking 2D here.

[j_factor]

Well, that's news to me.... Are you referring to 2D games only, or all games? I've always gone by the standard that if it's a 2D game the Saturn version is likely superior, and if it's a 3D game the PSX version is almost always superior.



Although people seem to have it in their heads that Saturn sucked for 3D and PSX wasn't as good for 2D, I don't think such a general rule applies. DOA and Powerslave (both 3D) were better on Saturn; Castlevania and Strikers 1945 II (both 2D) were better on PSX. I think it's strictly on a per-game basis, and depends mostly on the developers. Although I personally think that the Saturn versions were better the majority of the time.

[MF_Luder]

Anyone who has read my posts in this topics and others can tell that I'm a fairly passionate Saturn collector. I retrogame on tons of systems, but only "collect" for the Saturn. And outside of the fantastic RPGs, the mainstream nature of the PSX makes it too boring for me to collect for (even though I played it death when it was a current system). Still, even with this bias, I don't find it even debatable that the PSX was a superior 3D system. Yes, there will always be exceptions (just like there were with the Genesis over the SNES), and the development team itself can always play a factor, but overall the 3D capabilities of the PSX are noticeably superior to those of the Saturn.

Personally, because of my bias I will always chose the Saturn version and I have no problem overlooking the graphics (heck, isn't this a necessary characteristic for all retrogamers?), but saying that the Saturn is in the same league as the PSX is like the people who tried to claim that the PS2 was technically even with the Xbox. I know this brings everything off topic, but I figured I'd throw my 2 cents in on this.

[Kid Ice]

I just picked up the Playstation version. I'm playing it on my PS2 connected to an upscaling HDTV, and it looks real nice. It almost looks like an XBLA game...surprising since most early PS1 games look bad on my TV.

I had the Saturn version for years but it never quite worked right, now I know why!

[MF_Luder]

I just picked up the Playstation version. I'm playing it on my PS2 connected to an upscaling HDTV, and it looks real nice. It almost looks like an XBLA game...surprising since most early PS1 games look bad on my TV.

I had the Saturn version for years but it never quite worked right, now I know why!


I had already revived this topic once and didn't want to do it twice, but thanks to Kid Ice for doing so for me... as I now have some new info on the game. I had been putting off playing this game through to the end until I had someone to try out 2-player mode with. Well, last week that finally happened and I played the Saturn version through all 6 levels with another player. The slow-down was far more noticeable with two people. It was actually very serious throughout the entire game.

Now let me explain further-- the A button shoots torpedos forward, the B button shoots missiles up in the air, and C does them both at the same time. You don't have to tap the buttons, you just hold them down for rapid fire. Naturally, as the action gets intense the ideal thing to do is just hold down the C button to attack enemies above and below you, and then just avoid all enemy fire. This is when the slow-down getsto it's worst though. With the A and B buttons it's really not too bad, but when holding down C the game just can't handle the enemies on screen, plus two players shooting missiles in 4 directions. Now, I have not tried this with my Playstation version and I have no plans to (so perhaps someone else can), but I'd be interested to see how it goes. Might be better but I'm sure there would still be some slow-down in that 2 player mode as well.