HunterX: code name T [Review]
Orange Popcorn’s HunterX: code name T is a metroidvania soulslike that fails to stand out.
If you’ve played another soulslike metroidvania like Blasphemous, you’ll know what to expect from Orange Popcorn’s HunterX: code name T. The game sticks to the formula well enough, but isn’t notable in any way over similar games.
In HunterX: code name T, you must explore a large map of interconnected biomes, finding new abilities along the way that will grant access to areas you couldn’t get to before. From the Souls side of the family, the game inherits a focus on hand to hand combat. You’re able to parry enemy strikes, a skill that quickly becomes essential to survival as enemies get harder. Parries, blocking, and dash dodges use up stamina that will regenerate over time. Combat is unforgiving. And as you’d expect, getting killed makes you drop all your currency.
You can use your currency to upgrade individual stats, affecting hit points, magic power, attack power, and stamina. Leveling earns skill points to unlock abilities; only then the game begins to feel better to play, after a couple hours or so of unlocking moves that mix up combat. I can understand awarding abilities such as an air dash or a double jump after some time, especially since it’s necessary to make the metroidvania formula work. However, it doesn’t make sense to lock something as elementary as the ability to attack twice while in the air behind a few layers of the skill tree. Even after these upgrades, the combat doesn’t have any flair. It’s still just about making sure you parry or dodge as you get your hits in.
The art direction doesn’t push any boundaries, either. Characters designs are in a generic anime style. Hunter X: code name T’s 3D graphics look like they come from a past console generation, dated even for the Nintendo Switch. Environments are bland and lack detail that would give the game far more personality.
The generic art direction is coupled with an uninteresting story. I didn’t find it compelling, perhaps because I haven’t played the game’s 2022 prequel, HunterX, but I consider that a flaw. A game’s story should stand on its own or at least be engaging in its own right. Thankfully, story scenes are short and you don’t have to pay any attention to them to enjoy the game.
HunterX: code name T isn’t a bad game, it’s just forgettable compared to other games in the genre. If you’re looking for a close combat metroidvania soulslike, I’d suggest checking out Blasphemous, Hollow Knight, or Moonscars instead.
HunterX: code name T is available now on PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch.
Overall Score: 6/10
Played on: Nintendo Switch
