Back in 2020 – in the midst of the good ol’ lockdown times – Easy Trigger Games scored a massive hit with Huntdown. The side-scrolling shooter has become a darling hit on the indie scene, with its run and gun action and sweet 80s style presentation. Since then, the team has been hard at work on a follow-up, and now you can get a taste of what it’s all about. Huntdown: Overtime is available on Steam via Early Access, and we were lucky enough to get an early taste.
You portray John Sawyer, a bounty hunter stuck in a cyberpunk world he didn’t make. He finds himself hunting down targets in an effort to stay alive, earning crucial upgrades along the way. But, as expected, it’s rough and tumble out there, as enemies come out in droves. Fortunately, he’s more than ready with firearms and melee weapons alike.
Like the original Huntdown, Overtime has style galore. It’s also one tough hombre, as you’ll no doubt die and come back for more. There are upgrades available, but, thus far, they’re a bit on the tough side to earn. Fortunately, Easy Trigger has time to fix this. I hope so, because the rest of the game holds up well. The presentation is once again top-notch, with its 2D visuals and stylish soundtrack. Plus the gameplay rocks.
If it can lighten up on the difficulty a bit, Huntdown: Overtime could become just as much of a hit as the original game. Looking forward to seeing more of it, especially with a debut on consoles.
Huntdown: Overtime Is Ready To Play
John Sawyer finds himself in a world he didn’t create, filled with dangerous criminals and prey that must be hunted down. Fortunately, he’s got the tools for the job, including a variety of firearms and melee tools. This helps him strike both up close and from afar, and utilizing a cover system that lets him keep safe from some firepower.
But Huntdown: Overtime, being as tough as the original game, guarantees death at some point. It’s inevitable, like any good roguelike game. Fortunately, you can purchase future upgrades to help John become better over the course of the game. The only real drawback here is that you’ll need to have enough currency to earn them. This is probably one of the toughest aspects of this Early Access game, which is in need of a little bit of balance. Not that to say it’s bad – those that love a challenge will eat this up – but it could use a little leniency.
That said, the short-term cash also comes in handy. You can use this in the in-game shop to purchase new goods and temporary upgrades. You do lose them after you die, but they motivate you to stay a little bit safer out there. Plus the later weaponry – including a bad-ass rocket launcher – come in handy for wiping the floor with your adversaries.
Some may not like the roguelike approach to Overtime, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It keeps the game interesting, with new challenges around every turn. And the option to either kill or arrest your targets is a nice touch, but the morality doesn’t weigh too much on you. It is nice to have the choice though.
The gameplay is excellent run-and-gun, with a good cover system and lots of cool techniques with the melee attacks. You can combine them to really fight back where you need to. Plus the map makes it easy to track down whatever targets are in the area, though the challenge remains in place.
Yeah, I like Huntdown: Overtime a lot. I just hope Easy Trigger Games, whenever they finish the game, gives it a wide release like they did with the original. It deserves a wider audience on consoles, and players would no doubt embrace it.
And, man, make it easier to buy stuff. The streets can’t be this tough, can they?
Huntdown: Overtime Brings a Stylish Presentation
Like the original game, Huntdown: Overtime channels a splendid 80s style. The side-scrolling action looks sensational throughout, like old-school brought back to life. The animations are fluid and brutal, and the backdrops really make you feel like you’re in the midst of New Detroit. They’re inspired and, more importantly, well put together.
Likewise, the soundtrack is once again a highlight. The 80s style tunes are unbeatable, and a pleasure to listen to. Plus the sound effects really come through like they should, with every thud and scream with your defeated foes crystal clear. Easy Trigger knows this territory, and it shows.
Huntdown: Overtime Is a Game Winner
There is still work to be done in the game’s Early Access stages. But, so far, Huntdown: Overtime feels just as good as the original release. It’s got excellent gunplay to it, along with plenty of upgrades. It also has a presentation that holds up as well as the original, as well as its roguelike approach. It could use a little easing up on the upgrade front, so the game is more approachable. But not bad otherwise.
Want to check it out for yourself? Download it on Steam here. And, hopefully, we’ll see a wider release when the game is good to go. Everyone should experience a little Overtime.
Thanks to Easy Trigger Games for providing us with an Early Access code! And yes, the game works great on Steam Deck!
Need more run and gun in your life? Read our comprehensive review of Run ‘n’ Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters from Bitmap Books!
