Is $2.99 a good deal for a PSX disc only of In The Hunt?...

[PC Engine Fan X!]

I was at my local Gamestop yesterday (1-14-06) and spotted two rare USA PSX shmup titles:

The first one was SCEA released "The Raiden Project" (disc only) @ $14.99

and

the second one was the Irem "In The Hunt" @ $2.99 (disc only)

I realize that finding either PSX shmups (or both for that matter) in a used game store, the odds are going to be very slim...given the fact that the USA version of "The Raiden Project" came out in September 1995 at the same time of the U.S. PSX console debut and U.S. version release came out in 1996 -- the odds are going to be very slim given that one is looking for a 1st generation & 2nd generation PSX shmup titles (The Raiden Project & In The Hunt USA version PSX titles).

Sure, I could've gotten the USA PSX version of "In The Hunt" for a mere $19.99 brand new from the local Kaybee Toys store back in October 1998 but decided that I really just wanted a brand new PSX copy of The Raiden Project instead. I didn't realize that finding a used copy of USA version of "In the Hunt" (either in original big boxed jewel case or simply as a solitary game disc) was going to much harder to find as it is now January 2006.

Of course, there's always eBay and the chance to pay much higher prices for a excellent or mint condition complete copies of USA PSX versions of "The Raiden Project" & "In The Hunt" games -- meaning comes with original game disc, original manual and original big jewel CD case.

I'll just have to pick up a Irem "In The Hunt" Jamma PCB to compare to it's PSX iteration.

How does the original Jamma PCB of "In The Hunt" compare to the PSX version?

It's been ages as I've played the actual "In The Hunt" arcade game...I do recall that it got a very limited USA arcade PCB distribution release -- those lucky shmuppers enough to try it out were in for a special visual treat that is simply breathtaking to behold. You just don't see arcade shmups with super detailed foreground and background like "In The Hunt" anymore. It's a shame that Irem never did release an arcade sequel to "In The Hunt"...it would've been cool to have played that one. ^_~

And wasn't the original "In The Hunt" arcade PCB developers the same team that went on to make the classic Nazca produced Metal Slug on the Neo-Geo MVS hardware?

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[neorichieb1971]

I believe the PS1 iteration of ITH was the best console port. I have seen the PCB but I've never seen them side by side to make close comparisons.

Its possible the PS1 port has some missing frames here and there as was usually the case in that era.

For $3 its worth it if you just want to play it.

[iatneH]

http://forum.shmups.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=110

Some old discussion here...

You have my personal recommendation :)

[LoneSage]

And wasn't the original "In The Hunt" arcade PCB developers the same team that went on to make the classic Nazca produced Metal Slug on the Neo-Geo MVS hardware?

Don't forget about Neo Turf Masters, and I think a bunch of them even worked on Gunforce 2. Nazca, masters of their craft.

In the Hunt is amazing, the attention-to-detail continues to blow me away to this day. To think this game came out in 1994 is crazy, as its graphics are a testament to its beauty.

Pick it up, and don't regret it.

[Ganelon]

Those are average going prices for the games. In the Hunt has practically no demand so you can get complete copies for $5. Raiden Project may be about $5 cheaper than normal at $15 disc-only though.

[kennyrh]

In the Hunt is a very underrated shooter IMHO. The notion of blasting stuff underwater AND above the surface can get pretty intense later on in the game.

The graphics kinda remind me of the Metal Slug series . . .but certainly a bargain at the price, mate . . .

[Andi]

In the Hunt is amazing, the attention-to-detail continues to blow me away to this day. To think this game came out in 1994 is crazy, as its graphics are a testament to its beauty.

Pick it up, and don't regret it.

The Saturn version has some hella slowdown at nearly every part of the game. Despite this, I still enjoy it. That's testament to how fun this game is.

[superhitachi4]

The Saturn version has some hella slowdown at nearly every part of the game. Despite this, I still enjoy it. That's testament to how fun this game is.

Agreed. I have the Saturn version, and still play it quite a bit. There's slow down, but it's a great game. As others said, the graphics are superb for their time. I've never played the PSX port, but I'd say pick it up.

[vtmobius]

Seeing as how I just bought the Raiden Project off of ebay mint for $50 I'd say pick it up. I didn't know In the Hunt came out for US. I'll have to buy it.

[undamned]

Is $2.99 a good deal for a PSX disc only of In The Hunt?

It seriously took more effort to write your thread opener than "going out on a limb" and just paying the $2.99.
-ud

[Andi]

It seriously took more effort to write your thread opener than "going out on a limb" and just paying the $2.99.
-ud

Undamned obviously doesn't understand the value of three bucks. Sheesh. Everytime you get $3 that you don't want, just mail it to me.

[Eight One]

Just think...you can have the arcade experience and more for 12 credits.

[Shatterhand]

Is the PSX version easier than the arcade on default settings?

My neighobours son was here today, he is 12 years old and he just can't keep quiet... so my mother asked me to play some games with him, and he had never played a shmup before... and he just loved the (After credit-feeding through Batrider, he asked me "Do you have any other games like this?" )

Anyway, going back on topic, I was playing In The Hunt with him on MAME... I wasnt very concentrated or nothing (We were just credit feeding), and I hadn't played this game for ages.

I do own the PSX version too, which I played for a fair time a couple of years ago. I remember what spot I had never get past with 1 credit.... while playing the arcade version, for many times I was just thinking "Goddamn, this game is ridiculous hard....." ... and then I begun to wonder if the section which was my dying point in the PSX version wasn't presente in the arcade one... as I was going through the levels, I just kept thinking "There's no way I could had beaten this without dying..."

And then I reached the spot... its level 5 boss (The one in the ruins, where you have to let the stones fall on his head to kill him).... today I reached there using "just" 12 continues... TWELVE GODDAMN continues... how the hell I ever managed to reach that spot with just 1 credit in the PSX version ?

Is the PSX version easier, or I just got crappier with time? (Or maybe just lost the feeling of it)

[Shatterhand]

And wasn't the original "In The Hunt" arcade PCB developers the same team that went on to make the classic Nazca produced Metal Slug on the Neo-Geo MVS hardware?

Don't forget about Neo Turf Masters, and I think a bunch of them even worked on Gunforce 2. Nazca, masters of their craft.

In the Hunt is amazing, the attention-to-detail continues to blow me away to this day. To think this game came out in 1994 is crazy, as its graphics are a testament to its beauty.

Pick it up, and don't regret it.

I also believe some of them have worked in Armed Police Unit Gallop (AKA Cosmic Cop). The graphics style is the same as In The Hunt and Metal Slug.