'HUNTER×HUNTER NEN×IMPACT' Preview and Interview

Anime Expo took over the Los Angeles Convention Center over the 4th of July weekend. This event is the largest anime convention in North America, attracting anime fans from around the world. Arc System Works gave fans of the hit anime series HUNTER x HUNTER a chance to demo their newest game, HUNTERxHUNTER NENxIMPACT in the exhibit hall of the convention center. We were able to demo the game as well. Afterward, we spoke with Tomoyasu Miyazaki, Bushiroad Games Operating Officer, about the game coming later this year.

Tomoyasu Miyazaki Talks About HUNTERxHUNTER NENxIMPACT Creation Process

hunterxhunter nenximpact poster — Image courtesy of Arc System Works

During Anime Expo, Arc System Works held the first North American demos of the HUNTERxHUNTER NENxIMPACT game at their Exhibit Hall Booth #929. The game is based on the anime HUNTER x HUNTER and is a 3 versus 3 team and assist fighting game. The game will debut for the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam this year.

Through a translator, Tomoyasu Miyazaki explained to us that he was the most excited for attendees to actually play the game. They get to experience not only a fighting game and not just HUNTER x HUNTER, but the combination of the two in an enjoyable experience.

HUNTER x HUNTER has a strong fan base and has been an important part of the anime and manga world since the late 90’s. The world of HUNTER x HUNTER is by Yoshihiro Togashi, and the manga has been published on and off since 1998. An original anime was released in 1999. A reboot returned in 2011 and ran until 2014.

We asked what the process looks like bringing this series to life in the way of a video game. Miyazaki talked about how important it is to respect the original source material when translating it to something new. Then, they find the most appealing part of the source material. The most appropriate way to bring those elements together in this case is through a fighting game.

Positive Fan Reactions and Gameplay

hunterxhunter gameplay — Image courtesy of Arc System Works

Arc System Works’ HUNERxHUNTER NENxIMPACT is an action-filled fighting game that is fun for both casual and veteran fighting game players. The controls are fairly simple to figure out. However, that does not take away the fun of figuring out epic combinations that take down your opponent’s team. Choose three of your favorite characters to join your team and channel your NEN! Tomoyasu Miyazaki believes that fans will enjoy the action that HUNTER x HUNTER can bring. Using a video game platform, they can bring that action to life.

Tomoyasu Miyazaki mentioned that there is a G.I card collection game included in HUNTERxHUNTER NENxIMPACT. Players can do battle using those cards as well. This is something new that they are bringing for this specific title. And to him, it is a very fun addition to the game.

Author

Maddie Morrow

Maddie Morrow (she/they) plays a vital role on the Temple of Geek Team. As a jack-of-all-trades and Creative Director, she actively participates in nearly every project and facet of the organization. From fostering community and interviewing on red carpets, to managing backend operations, Maddie contributes across almost every department. Find her on Instagram and TikTok at @maddie_whovian and on Twitter @mad_whovian
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Maddie Morrow

Maddie Morrow (she/they) plays a vital role on the Temple of Geek Team. As a jack-of-all-trades and Creative Director, she actively participates in nearly every project and facet of the organization. From fostering community and interviewing on red carpets, to managing backend operations, Maddie contributes across almost every department. Find her on Instagram and TikTok at @maddie_whovian and on Twitter @mad_whovian