Irem underwater shmup, adapted from the arcade game. Successfully oppressive atmosphere, varied enemies, memorable bosses. Visually polished, immediately approachable. An overlooked title that fully deserves its place in the Saturn library.
Your verdict
Category
Shooter1 player12+
Co-op
Description
Horizontal underwater shoot-'em-up in which a combat submarine battles enemy fleets. Published by Irem, released in Europe in 1997. Main submarine with missiles and torpedoes plus collectible power-ups, imposing end-of-level bosses, simultaneous two-player mode, detailed visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack. Saturn port of the 1993 Irem arcade.
Irem's horizontal submarine shmup ported to Saturn, this PAL version appeared in 1997 under the short-lived Kokopeli label, which helped keep the European run small. The game holds solid respect among shooter fans for its mood and massive bosses. Its value combines the arcade reputation of In the Hunt, the scarcity of the PAL disc, and the distinct aura of this combat submarine within the console's shmup catalogue.
Is In the Hunt still worth playing in 2026?
In the Hunt is an Irem horizontal shoot'em up in which you pilot a combat submarine against enemy fleets, in a post-apocalyptic universe with sumptuous, detailed pixel art. The measured pace proper to submarine combat, the submarine's particular inertia and the heavy atmosphere make it a shmup with a strong identity, demanding but memorable. The high difficulty calls for perseverance. For fans of atypical retro horizontal shooters and polished art direction, it is a singular gem, by the creators of Metal Slug.
