Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Initial release date: May 14, 2024
Developers: Zynga, NaturalMotion
Mode:Â Multiplayer video game
License:Â proprietary license
Composer:Â Gordy Haab
Genres: Shooter game, Fighting game
Think back to February 17th, 2021. We get a teaser for Zynga’s Star Wars: Hunters, a team-based hero combatant. Fast forward to 2022, when the corporation reveals the game’s postponement. Now, in 2024, the game is available for free on iOS and Nintendo Switch, and it was well worth the wait. It’s a lot of fun and, so far, incredibly effective. Let us activate those targeting computers and discuss Star Wars: Hunters.
As previously said, Hunters is an Overwatch-style hero arena fighter. Your goal might range from winning objectives for a set period of time to killing as many opponents as possible in order to achieve a goal. What distinguishes this game from others (at least for me) are the heroes and settings you fight in.
I’m a great Star Wars fan, so seeing maps of Tatooine and the forest moon of Endor got me thrilled right away. We did get a hint of some of the characters in Hunters, such as Rieve, in the novel Hunters: Battle for the Arena, which was released in March 2023. Multiple Hunters characters make their debut appearances there. It’s worth reading if you enjoy the game and want to learn more about the characters and world-building behind Hunters.
The characters are all unique and fascinating enough to attempt at least once or twice while determining what type of playstyle you wish to pursue in competitive play. So far, I’ve appreciated Zaina, the New Republic’s support; Imara Vex, a Bounty Hunter with a high damage output; and Sentinel, an Imperial Stormtrooper determined to show the Galaxy what Imperial Stormtroopers can accomplish with his tanky size and railgun. Each of these personalities contributes something unique to the table. Aran Tal, Diago, Skora, Grozz, J-3DI, Rieve, Utooni, Sprocket, Charr, and Slingshot are currently available as playable characters.
Some characters are locked when you start the game. You begin by playing in a small group while you learn the game. Hunters features a Hunter’s Path progression that unlocks characters as you acquire enough Hunter Tokens during gameplay. If you’re eager or attempt a character in an event like Matchup Mixup (more on that later), you can unlock them with crystals earned through progression or purchased from the game store. I would recommend using the Hunter’s Path to ensure that you completely grasp a character before going on to the next one.
Along with the Hunter’s Path, you can purchase the Arena Pass, which currently unlocks Aran Tal, a Mandalorian dual pistol fighter with exceptional movement abilities who dies rapidly in the middle of a fight. Beyond the character, you’ll gain access to credits, crystals, and cosmetics. It’s worthwhile for anyone seeking to acquire all of the game’s stuff because it provides a large number of items as you progress.
Given the platforms on which it runs, the game looks fantastic, and given the little online lag, I’m pleased with the results. While the images aren’t particularly amazing, they are attractive and amusing, and they fit well within the Star Wars universe. On top of that, I’m just glad the game works properly. I have yet to crash or observe any glitching through walls, and most characters are balanced. So, even if the graphics are a touch simple at times, I’ll take the game working this well from the start, especially since it’s free to play.
Moving on, you currently have three main modes: events, casual, and ranked.
Events are game kinds with a twist: you will be assigned random characters during your battle. This is wonderful for forcing oneself to try new characters, and you can level up the ones you use even if you don’t own them yet.
Casual is where I try out specific characters before advancing to ranked. It includes the game types Squad Brawl, Dynamic Control, Power Control, and Trophy Chase. Squad Brawl is simple: get more kills than the opposing team while striving to reach a certain number. In Dynamic Control, your goal is to control moving points on the map, therefore you must keep your head on a swivel to find the next place. Power Control has three particular control points, and you will earn points as you control them. If you have two points, you will get them more rapidly. Finally, Trophy Chase is a game in which a player on your team holds the little robot for as long as possible, and you earn more points for doing so. During that period, you won’t be able to perform to your full potential, so give it to a colleague who can move quickly.
These game styles are really entertaining and fast-paced. So yet, there are no stages with several rounds; once you reach a certain threshold, you’re done. If the teams are deadlocked at the conclusion, there will be overtime, but in my experience, this usually ends fast.
Finally, there’s the Ranked mode. I don’t usually play ranked games, but I joined up with a friend because I wanted to be able to discuss it. We ended up performing well, with me reaching Bronzium I before going on to Chromium. This was after winning 13 of 15 ranked matches. Not terrible, and it was enjoyable to form teams with friends.
Let’s talk about matchmaking now, because it was quite simple to bring my group together across many platforms. You log in with a Zynga account, gather everyone’s information, and you’re ready to begin. I played on my Nintendo Switch from Georgia, USA, while one of my buddies was in Scotland and the other in Los Angeles. In the 15-20 matches we played, we never had lag spikes or anyone disconnecting. The only thing we discovered was that if someone on their phone switches to another app for any length of time, they will be booted from the party. Not a big deal because sending invites is rapid, but it became an issue a couple times while I was streaming the game.
Despite being a free game, Star Wars: Hunters succeeds with its simple gameplay, fast-paced games, and unique Star Wars characters. You can try it now on the Nintendo Switch and iOS smartphones.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 85%
Controls – 88%
Aesthetics – 90%
Content – 82%
Accessibility – 87%
Value – 85%
Overall Rating – 86%
EXCELLENT!
Summary: Star Wars: Hunters delivers a thrilling and visually immersive experience, drawing players into intense battles with a diverse cast of characters. The game excels in both aesthetics and controls, offering an accessible yet challenging arena shooter. While the gameplay is engaging, the lack of variety in objectives could lead to some repetitiveness over time. However, the game’s strengths in presentation and gameplay make it a standout title in the Star Wars gaming universe, providing fans and newcomers alike with plenty of action-packed fun.