City Hunter Review . Get Wild Again in This Definitive Retro Revival
https://www.geeksvsgeeks.com/2026/03/city-hunter-review-get-wild-again-in.html
What Is It?
Originally released in 1990 on the City Hunter for the PC Engine, this cult classic action title returns in 2026 as part of the franchise’s 40th anniversary celebration. Based on the legendary anime from Sunrise and the manga by Tsukasa Hojo, City Hunter follows Shinjuku’s most infamous “cleaner,” Ryo Saeba, as he takes on a sinister megacorporation in an original side story inspired by the series’ first season.
This is not just a straight port but includes some great updates. While the original version is fully intact and playable as it was in 1990, this new release also introduces Enhanced and Hard modes, as well as modern quality-of-life features, expanded localization, and even collectible physical editions courtesy of Red Art Games and Clouded Leopard Entertainment.
Originally released in 1990 on the City Hunter for the PC Engine, this cult classic action title returns in 2026 as part of the franchise’s 40th anniversary celebration. Based on the legendary anime from Sunrise and the manga by Tsukasa Hojo, City Hunter follows Shinjuku’s most infamous “cleaner,” Ryo Saeba, as he takes on a sinister megacorporation in an original side story inspired by the series’ first season.
This is not just a straight port but includes some great updates. While the original version is fully intact and playable as it was in 1990, this new release also introduces Enhanced and Hard modes, as well as modern quality-of-life features, expanded localization, and even collectible physical editions courtesy of Red Art Games and Clouded Leopard Entertainment.
For the first time ever, the game is officially available worldwide in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. It also includes a gallery mode, a music player featuring TM Network’s iconic “Get Wild,” and modern conveniences such as save states, rewind functionality, CRT filters, and multiple aspect ratios.
This is preservation with purpose.
This is preservation with purpose.
Gameplay
At its core, City Hunter is a 2D side-scrolling action game that blends platforming, shooting, and light adventure elements. Ryo navigates urban environments, confronts armed enemies, and battles screen-filling bosses with precise shooting mechanics that were ambitious for their time.
Playing the Original mode feels like stepping directly into 1990. Movement has weight, projectiles can feel slightly inconsistent, and difficulty spikes arrive without apology. It is a fascinating time capsule that shows both the ambition and limitations of early console adaptations.
At its core, City Hunter is a 2D side-scrolling action game that blends platforming, shooting, and light adventure elements. Ryo navigates urban environments, confronts armed enemies, and battles screen-filling bosses with precise shooting mechanics that were ambitious for their time.
Playing the Original mode feels like stepping directly into 1990. Movement has weight, projectiles can feel slightly inconsistent, and difficulty spikes arrive without apology. It is a fascinating time capsule that shows both the ambition and limitations of early console adaptations.
Enhanced Mode keeps the original structure intact but smooths out many frustrations. Controls feel more responsive, lag has been addressed, ineffective projectiles have been corrected, and numerous bugs have been fixed. The result is a version that plays closer to how you remember it rather than how it actually was.
Hard Mode is where things get especially interesting. Enemy speed increases. Hit boxes are adjusted. Damage values are rebalanced. Boss encounters evolve. Item placement changes. There is even an entirely new gameplay sequence added. It transforms City Hunter from a nostalgic revisit into a legitimate challenge for modern players.
The inclusion of rewind and save states is welcome, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with early 90s difficulty standards. Meanwhile, purists can disable assists and experience the full retro tension.
Presentation
Visually, City Hunter remains faithful to its PC Engine roots. Sprite work captures the look and tone of the anime era beautifully, with expressive character portraits and detailed urban backdrops that evoke late 80s Tokyo grit.
The CRT filter and multiple aspect ratio options allow players to tailor their experience, whether chasing nostalgia or preferring modern clarity. The inclusion of 3D models of the original box, card, and manual adds a thoughtful archival touch.
The music player is a standout bonus. Hearing TM Network’s “Get Wild,” the iconic ending theme from the anime, immediately anchors the experience in its source material. It is a smart and celebratory inclusion that fans will appreciate.
The gallery mode further strengthens the connection, featuring anime stills, key visuals, and original package illustrations. This release does not treat City Hunter as a simple retro port. It treats it as a piece of history.
Visually, City Hunter remains faithful to its PC Engine roots. Sprite work captures the look and tone of the anime era beautifully, with expressive character portraits and detailed urban backdrops that evoke late 80s Tokyo grit.
The CRT filter and multiple aspect ratio options allow players to tailor their experience, whether chasing nostalgia or preferring modern clarity. The inclusion of 3D models of the original box, card, and manual adds a thoughtful archival touch.
The music player is a standout bonus. Hearing TM Network’s “Get Wild,” the iconic ending theme from the anime, immediately anchors the experience in its source material. It is a smart and celebratory inclusion that fans will appreciate.
The gallery mode further strengthens the connection, featuring anime stills, key visuals, and original package illustrations. This release does not treat City Hunter as a simple retro port. It treats it as a piece of history.
For collectors, multiple physical editions are available on Nintendo Switch and PS5:
Standard Edition: Base game.
Deluxe Edition: Limited to 500 copies per platform, includes sleeve and 100t hammer keychain.
XYZ Edition: Alternate cover art box, steelcase, acrylic stand, original soundtrack CD, and 100t hammer keychain.
These editions celebrate the franchise’s legacy and will likely appeal strongly to long-time fans.
Parental Advice
City Hunter features gun combat, criminal themes, and references to assassination jobs consistent with the anime’s tone. While presented in pixel art style, the subject matter is deemed mature. But overall it really is not that bad, mostly due to its retro nature. Lets face it , we are used to a lot worse these days.
City Hunter features gun combat, criminal themes, and references to assassination jobs consistent with the anime’s tone. While presented in pixel art style, the subject matter is deemed mature. But overall it really is not that bad, mostly due to its retro nature. Lets face it , we are used to a lot worse these days.
Final Thoughts
City Hunter’s 2026 return is more than nostalgia. Considering I never owned PC Engine, never played the original or was familiar with the animated series it was based on, I still enjoyed this a lot for its retro roots. Looking at footage of the original it is clear this is a thoughtful restoration that respects its origins while meaningfully improving playability. The inclusion of multiple modes allows players to choose their preferred experience, whether they want pure authenticity or a refined challenge.
City Hunter’s 2026 return is more than nostalgia. Considering I never owned PC Engine, never played the original or was familiar with the animated series it was based on, I still enjoyed this a lot for its retro roots. Looking at footage of the original it is clear this is a thoughtful restoration that respects its origins while meaningfully improving playability. The inclusion of multiple modes allows players to choose their preferred experience, whether they want pure authenticity or a refined challenge.
Game: City Hunter
Developer: Red Art Games
Publisher: Clouded Leopard Entertainment
Release Date: February 26, 2026
Platforms: Nintendo Switch™2, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and P
ESRB Rating: M (17+ ) Drug Reference, Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive themes
Publisher: Clouded Leopard Entertainment
Release Date: February 26, 2026
Platforms: Nintendo Switch™2, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and P
ESRB Rating: M (17+ ) Drug Reference, Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive themes
MSRP: $24.99
About the writer: DadGeek (Rob) is the co-founder of GeeksVsGeeks. He is a product of the eighties and never let go of his geek interest and hobbies no matter how often someone told him to stop. His love for gaming and all things geek has been part of his parenting style and permeates throughout the whole family. A family of Geeks vs Geeks.
