In the Hunt: A Submarine Shoot-’Em-Up for Arcade and PSX

 

Release Dates and Platforms

In the Hunt debuted in arcades in April 1993 and was later ported to home consoles and PC throughout the mid-1990s. In 2019, Hamster’s Arcade Archives series brought it to modern platforms like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

Platform	Release Date	Region
Arcade	April 1993	Worldwide
PlayStation	10 Nov 1995	Japan
PlayStation	22 Mar 1996	North America
PlayStation	1996	Europe
Sega Saturn	15 Dec 1995	Japan
Sega Saturn	4 Jun 1996	North America
Sega Saturn	June 1996	Europe
Windows (PC)	March 1997	Japan
Switch, PS4	2019	Digital re-release

Game Story

Post-apocalyptic Earth lies submerged after the Dark Anarchy Society (D.A.S.) melts the polar ice caps with magnetic doomsday devices. Survivors form the United Ocean Garrison and secretly build the Hydro Fober Grampus, codenamed “Granvia,” to infiltrate D.A.S. waters and destroy their superweapon “Yugusukyuure.” Depending on player count and continues used, the game offers four dramatically different endings, from heroic escape to underwater death matches between rival captains.

Game Mechanics

• Side-scrolling shooter set entirely underwater, blending R-Type’s strategic pacing with Metal Slug’s explosive action.

• Free-scrolling controls let players move the Granvia at their own pace rather than fixed forced scrolling.

• Multi-directional attacks:

  • Forward torpedoes defeat most threats in one hit.

  • Upward missiles engage enemies above or surface craft.

  • Depth charges sink and detonate on contact with underwater foes.

• Collect power-ups to cycle through new weapons like machine guns, wave cannons, and “cracker” scatter shots.

• Red star-embossed orbs grant bonus points; 100 orbs reward an extra life.

• Supports simultaneous two-player co-op for shared-screen submarine warfare.

Graphics

In the Hunt’s detailed pixel art and richly animated sprites were handled by Akio Oyabu’s team at Irem, showcasing destructible scenery, looming underwater bosses, and dramatic surface explosions that prefigure Metal Slug’s signature style. Critics praised its visual fidelity, though some home ports experienced slowdown when too many sprites filled the screen.

Audio

The roar of torpedoes, muffled underwater explosions, and frantic percussion give the soundtrack a cinematic feel. While tracks like the first stage’s theme earn acclaim for catchy melodies, other compositions lean toward generic shooter fare. Originally, composer “HIYA!” was slated to score the game before being reassigned, contributing to the mix of standout and filler tunes.

Sales and Legacy

Exact sales figures for In the Hunt have never been officially disclosed, yet the game forged a cult following—especially in Japan—earning home conversions, PC ports, and modern digital reissues. Its enduring appeal lies less in blockbuster numbers than in its singular vision of undersea combat and its role as a creative springboard for the future Metal Slug team.

Why It’s a Unique Shooter

• Entirely submarine-based, eschewing the space motifs common in ‘90s shooters.

• Player-driven scrolling adds a tactical layer: push forward for speed, pull back to dodge.

• Multi-directional armaments and power-up cycling deepen combat strategy.

• Cooperative two-player mode lets friends dive into the same flooded battlefield.

• Precursor to Metal Slug: the same Irem veterans later founded Nazca Corporation.

Why It’s Worth Trying Today

• Modern ports on Switch and PS4 via Arcade Archives deliver authentic arcade action with optional save states and screen filters.

• Its blend of deliberate pace, precise shooting, and environmental storytelling still feels fresh amid fast-paced vertical shooters.

• As a historical touchstone, it reveals the early creative sparks that ignited one of arcades’ most beloved franchises.

• Six richly designed stages, multiple endings, and hidden scoring secrets reward repeated playthroughs.

Divergent Insights:

• The unreleased SNES conversion shown at CES 1994 highlights how platforms shaped arcade-to-home adaptations.

• Hardcore Gaming 101 notes that In the Hunt’s slowdown, once a technical flaw, now serves as a brief slo-mo showcase of its lush sprite work.

• Collecting every stage’s hidden “cracker” power-up and mastering the co-op deathmatch ending remains a badge of honor among shooter aficionados.