In a surprise announcement for manga, anime, and fighting game fans alike, Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact has just been revealed by Japanese publisher Bushiroad Games. However, the release date, launch platforms, and gameplay remain a mystery.
We do know, however, that it is being developed by Eighting, the Japanese studio that previously worked on other fighting titles like Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 alongside Capcom and co-developed DNF Duel with Arc System Works. Eighting also provided additional development on Pikmin 4 and Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate.
Eighting has the pedigree to convincingly pull this off. Nonetheless, there is no official confirmation on whether this is indeed an arena fighter, as suggested by the announcement.
Judging by the non-taxing cell-shaded visuals, Eighting may be developing this for all major platforms, including the Switch, given its past experience with Nintendo on porting Pikmin 3 to the console and co-developing last year’s hit, Pikmin 4.
Anime fans will be equally excited by this announcement. The Hunter x Hunter trailer features the main cast, including fan favorites Gon, Killua, Kurapika, Leorio, Hisoka, Netero, and no doubt many other supporting characters (fingers crossed that Zeno Zoldyck will also be featured). Hunter x Hunter, penned by mangaka Yoshihiro Togashi, is one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed manga and anime series of all time. Unfortunately, the gaming scene has yet to receive a decent adaptation of Togashi’s beloved characters.
Togashi’s other equally beloved work, Yu Yu Hakusho, is currently experiencing a renaissance through the hit live-action Netflix adaptation, which is currently the biggest debut of a Japanese series on streaming services.
Anime-based fighting games have generally been a hit-and-miss affair. Standouts like Dragon Ball FighterZ and Under Night In-Birth have respectfully adapted the source material and provided hours of fighting fun due to their deep mechanics, whereas others have skipped on detail to solely capitalize on IP popularity.
We hope that Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact can also bring the acclaimed series back into the spotlight as a veritable adaptation and standout fighting game. Eighting has the experience and opportunity to make things right. We’ll update you once Bushiroad tells us more.
More Smash Jump: Check out Brandon’s details on the upcoming February fighting anime release, Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash, and get ready to cozy up with Hidden Through Time 2 as it launches January 25!
