Huntdown is gripping, challenging, 1980s goodness on Android

Huntdown immediately grabs your attention. Over a fully voice-acted narrative introduction, the game's opening scene features static pixel art images that fade in and out. This is the 21st Century, but things are rapidly going south in this dystopian society. Mega-corporations are competing for power against rampaging gangs, and war has left society in chaos. Bounty hunters are at the margins of both these factions and will kill anyone who is willing to pay the right price.It's a mix of Mad Max and Bladerunner. This game has that 80s feel, from the synthwave soundtrack to neon-lit, bombed out, graffitied cities. I was hooked in no time and haven’t stopped playing the game since. This action platformer is going to be on our top 10 list of Android games. VPN Deals: A lifetime license costs $16, and monthly plans start at $1. To navigate this harsh new world, you will take on the roles of Anna Conda, John Sawyer, or, my personal favorite: Mow Man. You will be working for Wolfmother and go on the hunt to eradicate all unsavory heathens by brute force.Source: Rachel Mogan/Android CentralHuntdown reminds me of legendary games like Contra. However, it feels fair. Although the game can be controlled via Bluetooth, I prefer touchscreen controls. There is a virtual dpad in the lower left corner. Three main action buttons are located in your lower right corner. Two smaller buttons can be found above them for sub-weapons or special actions. Jump, shoot, weapon swap, or "activate" depending on the case, are your main actions. Sub actions include taking a quick dash, throwing kunai, and grenades. Although the controls were easy to use, I was unable to make out any of the inputs. In heated situations such as boss battles, I often accidentally shot rather than jumped. I also struggled to use my smaller dash button effectively. My thumb sometimes obscured the enemy's view and I was able to get them out of my way before they could kill me. This is not to say that touchscreen controls aren't good, but I recommend using a controller if you have one. It will make your gameplay more enjoyable.Source: Rachel Mogan/Android CentralTo survive in this chaotic world, you will need to use every tool at your disposal, including crowbars and grenades. The gameplay is difficult enough without worrying about controls. You must constantly monitor your surroundings for new threats, weapons, or secret treasures. Enemies are quick to attack and can quickly make it difficult to see the best way to approach new areas. To keep the baddies at bay, your main focus should be on maximising your movement (dash and jump, and crouch), covering, and creating the right environment. You can sometimes take out entire groups of enemies if you plan well enough. If you are too slow, they may run out of range and attack you before you can take them out. Blindly running in will almost always get you killed.Source: Google PlayThe levels are small (new levels took me between 5-10 minutes to complete). They also have periodic checkpoints that replenish your health. However, it is not easy to survive to the next checkpoint. There are only a few health points available to you and enemies that have been killed don't often drop any health packs. Huntdown's chaotic gameplay is perfectly matched by its gritty, humorous, and exaggerated atmosphere. The game's most exciting aspect is the variety of weapons and fighting styles that your enemies can use against you. You will be attacked by vicious dogs, while others will use bats and crowbars. There are many guns you can steal, including shotguns, submachine guns and automatic rifles. Huntdown's addictive gameplay is only one aspect of the game. Huntdown also succeeds in its atmosphere. The game is gritty but has a funny side. Foes are ridiculously exaggerated, with leather and mohawks. This adds to the overall feeling of a chaotic future. This was also inspired by the 1980s.Source: Rachel Mogan/Android CentralThe soundtrack is also outstanding. It features driving percussion, synths for hours, and classic arcade sound effects that give the game a gritty, pulpy 80s vibe. Audio effects give every kill a satisfying, tangible impact. Huntdown's synthwave soundtrack is one of my favorites. Graphically, it looks amazing and can be translated to mobile very well. (Huntdown was released originally for PC in 2020). It features a bright color palette and fun character designs. The backgrounds are very detailed and I was reminded of movies like Akira or The Warriors many times. Although it's not necessary, a phone with large display capabilities could bring these stunning graphics to life. Huntdown's first level and the demo are available through the Play Store. After that, you will need to pay $8.99 to unlock the full version. Story Mode has 20 levels, while Arcade Mode is infinite. You can replay the game by collecting all collectibles and making perfect runs at each level. Huntdown is a great game. There are no ads after buying the full game. Huntdown is the perfect choice if you are looking for a wild, raucous experience that mixes mayhem with sci-fi noir style.