The Hunt for Atari 8-bit computers | Review

Special actions
As the game progresses, advanced skills such as jumping and camouflage are unlocked, giving you an advantage in combat. Managing these skills is crucial in the later levels, as they allow you to overcome obstacles and more aggressive enemies.

Power system
Each action consumes energy points, which are represented by a unique system of star-shaped icons (in the Yautja language): eight rays indicate 4 energy points; six rays indicate 3; and three rays indicate 2 or 1 point. This system forces each move to be timed precisely, as energy points are limited and are needed to move, attack, and use special abilities.

THE PREY

In «The Hunt», the primary prey are human soldiers and attack dogs, each with unique abilities and weaknesses that require distraction and ambush tactics. Enemies include:

• Soldier with knife: The weakest enemy, it attacks instantly when nearby and can detect the Predator if it is in an adjacent square.
• Soldier with rifle: Before firing, you must switch to an aiming position. To do so, you need to be aligned in a straight line with the Predator and within 2-5 tiles of it, making it a serious threat.
• Soldier with grenade: Throws a grenade every three turns, not caring if it damages other enemies. Its attack range is up to 24 squares, affecting everything that is near the impact.
• Attack dog: With double movement speed, it attacks instantly when near the Predator, even if it is in cloaked mode and in an adjacent cell.
• Soldier with flamethrower: Its attack range is 1 to 4 squares, and it releases a burst of fire when it is aligned in a straight line with the Predator. It does not fire if there are soldiers in the way, but it does not show the same consideration for dogs.

THE BONUS BOX

During his hunt, the Predator may encounter a Bonus Box containing valuable resources. These boxes provide temporary buffs or additional energy, useful for facing more powerful enemies or overcoming complex missions. Available resources include:

• Greater health: Increases current and maximum health by 1 point, up to a maximum of 8 points.
• Grappling hook jump distance: Increases jump distance by 1 square, although with greater energy consumption.
• Spear throwing distance: Increases the range of the spear by 1 square, at an additional energy cost.
• Reduce cloaking costs: Reduces the energy cost of the camouflage ability by 1 point, to a minimum of 3 points.
• More energy per kill: Increases energy regeneration by 1 point for each enemy killed in close combat.
• Greater energy: Increases maximum and current energy by 1 point, up to a maximum of 18 points.
• Gain health on triple close kill: Available from level V onwards; eliminate three enemies in close combat in a single turn to receive an additional health bonus.
• Attack does not disable cloak: Available from level X; allows you to attack in close combat without deactivating camouflage.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The achievement system in «The Hunt» rewards not only players who master combat but also those who overcome challenges with creativity and adaptability. These challenges, which increase the Predator's score and prestige, are earned by completing specific objectives, such as:

• First Blood: Eliminate at least one enemy.
• Young Blood: Awarded upon reaching level V.
• Blooded: Achievement obtained by reaching level X.
• Victorious: Complete the game to receive this achievement.
• Brawler: Eliminate three enemies in a single turn in close combat.
• Veteran: Avoid collecting 8 bonuses in one match to get this achievement.
• Pacifist: Reach level V without killing any enemies.
• No Spear Win: Complete the game without using the spear.
• No Jump Win: Complete the game without jumping.
• No Cloak Win: Complete the game without using camouflage.
• No Damage Taken: Reach the last level without losing health.

SCORES

The scoring system in «The Hunt» rewards precision and skill in combat, encouraging a strategic approach where every decision is crucial to maximizing the score. Actions and their points are detailed below:

• +1 point for each enemy eliminated in close combat, with a progressive bonus: eliminating 1 enemy grants 1 point; 2 enemies grant 3 points (1+2); and eliminating 3 grants 6 points (1+2+3).
• +2 points for not taking the Bonus Box on the map, multiplied by the current level.
• +1 point for each damage received, without the score falling below zero.
• +10 points for each achievement obtained in the game.

STRATEGIES

To maximize your combat opportunities, you may choose to forgo the spear and use the Predator's arm blades instead.

Although movement is usually enabled in six directions, certain terrain restrictions will force you to plan your movements precisely.


Avoiding enemy grenades is essential, as their explosions cover several directions, and their range can cause serious injuries if not evaded properly.

EVALUATION

While the visual aesthetics evoke titles such as «Ultima», providing an immersive and nostalgic experience, the powerful soundtrack reinforces the atmosphere of tension and danger in each level. In the same vein, the opening animations, showing the arrival of the Yautja on Earth, along with the remarkable title screen, add depth to the narrative.


The randomness of «The Hunt» allows for a unique experience in each playthrough, enriching combat and puzzles with variations that add dynamism and maintain interest throughout. The game structure, with limited and randomized boards, is reminiscent of classic strategy games, and the RPG-style skill system provides a tactical layer that players must exploit to the fullest.

More than just a tribute to the iconic film and comic book series, «The Hunt» stands out as one of the best experiences in the Atari 8-bit catalogue, for its daring mix of genres and its setting faithful to the relentless alien hunter.