Arc System Works has officially announced that Hunter X Hunter: Nen X Impact, a highly anticipated 3v3 fighting game, has been delayed from its original 2024 release window to 2025. It is unwelcoming fans of Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter X Hunter, a manga that has captured audiences since its debut in 1998.
The publisher cited the need to implement rollback netcode as a primary reason for the delay, aiming to enhance the online multiplayer experience. While delays are common in the gaming industry, this announcement has heightened expectations, especially considering the rise of online gaming and the need for smooth, lag-free gameplay.
In the statement released on Twitter, Arc System wrote: “We sincerely apologise for the trouble caused to the players looking forward to Hunter X Hunter: Nen X Impact’s release. This delay is so that we can implement a rollback netcode for release. We made this decision out of concern that players would not be able to fully enjoy the game in a state where some players would encounter issues with online play, given the nature of fighting games. The release date will be announced at a later time.”
Hunter X Hunter: Nen X Impact Rollback Netcode Issue
Hunter X Hunter: Nen X Impact was announced in 2024 and quickly gained traction in the fighting game community. As a 3v3 tag fighter featuring iconic characters from manga and anime, the game is under Eighting, the studio known for Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 and Naruto: Clash of Ninja. At EVO 2024, fans got glimpses of the game’s roster, featuring 16 characters at launch, including fan favourites like Gon, Killua, Hisoka, and Meruem.
Despite the excitement, Arc System Works disheartedly announced a delay to the game to 2025, specifically to implement a rollback netcode.
Rollback netcode is a technology that improves the quality of online matches by reducing latency and making gameplay feel more like a local offline experience. “We want players to enjoy Hunter X Hunter: Nen X Impact without encountering issues in their online matches,” the development team explained in their official statement. While this decision has pushed back the release, it reflects a growing trend in fighting games to prioritise seamless online experiences.
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Hunter X Hunter: Nen X Impact Roster and Gameplay
As mentioned above, Nen X Impact will feature 16 playable characters at launch. It is a relatively modest roster for a team-based fighter. Some confirmed characters include Gon, Killua, Chrollo, Netero, and Razor, all hailing from the Hunter X Hunter universe. While some fans may find the initial roster size underwhelming compared to other fighting games like Street Fighter 6 or Tekken 8, Arc System Works may expand the roster through post-launch DLC, a common practice in the fighting game genre.
The game draws heavily from the Greed Island arc of the manga, a fan-favourite storyline, and will feature tight, combo-heavy gameplay similar to other tag fighters. Axel Nicolás Bosso, a reviewer at Gamescom 2024, had the opportunity to play the game’s demo and described it as a “solid 3v3 fighter” focusing on precision.
However, he expressed concerns about the game’s broader appeal, citing its simplistic art style and steep learning curve. Despite these concerns, the fighting game community seems optimistic, especially given the developer’s pedigree and the overall positive reception from early impressions.
Hunter X Hunter: Nen X Impact Continues the Upbringing of Anime Games
While Hunter X Hunter: Nen X Impact is generating buzz, it’s not the only anime fighting game on the horizon. Dragon Ball: Sparking ZERO! is set to launch this month, offering fans a brawler featuring iconic characters like Goku and Vegeta. Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is also slated for early 2025, giving players another chance to experience a team-based fighter in the anime genre. These games join a crowded market, including established franchises like Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter 6, which will receive new DLC characters in 2025.
Despite the crowded field, Nen X Impact has a unique appeal as it focuses on Hunter X Hunter’s richly developed characters and complex Nen abilities. The rollback netcode implementation will also align with modern fighting game standards, ensuring a smoother experience for competitive players. As fans eagerly await more news on the title, and while the delay is frustrating, it seems like a necessary step to ensure the game meets expectations.
Closing Notes
While the delay of Hunter X Hunter: Nen X Impact is undoubtedly disappointing, it highlights Arc System Works’ commitment to delivering a polished, enjoyable experience. The implementation of rollback netcode should ensure that fans of the series and the fighting game community alike can enjoy seamless online matches when the game eventually launches in 2025.
With a promising roster, tight gameplay, and a focus on the beloved Hunter X Hunter universe, Nen X Impact is poised to be a standout title when it finally releases. For now, fans will need to wait a little longer, but if the delay results in a better game, we won’t mind waiting.
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