Bounty Hunter 2024 is a remaster of the 2002 title of the same name. At the time, the original received mixed reviews from gamers and critics alike. Roll on 22 years, and the reception will be equally tepid. Disappointingly, the action feels stuck in its ways. Moreover, the clunk bounty system and repetitive gameplay are cumbersome and underwhelming. Yet, the story is interesting, and I like how it links in with the backstory from Attack of the Clones. Accordingly, if you are a fan of the films, you’ll enjoy the lore and the impressive character references.
Aspyr developed and published this action-adventure game. Furthermore, it is a single-player title from a third-person perspective. As the game progresses, you will gather new skills and enjoy some basic platforming elements. What’s more, there is plenty of combat, loads of missions, and an array of characters to interact with. Disappointingly, though, the gameplay is extremely linear and the path to success isn’t always obvious. When this happens, you have to waste time finding a solution or you have to grab a walkthrough to find a minor tunnel or grate to cut.
Bounty Hunter 2024 tells a fantastic Sci-Fi tale.
I love it when a game runs side-by-side with a much-loved film franchise. Bounty Hunter 2024 does this with every aspect of its lore-rich plot. Consequently, fans will adore every lore-laced moment and the ability to see other aspects of the story that they may have otherwise missed. Additionally, there is a sense of creative licence as the developer allows you to complete each bounty mission or ignore them at will. Effectively, you can let your blaster do the talking or take a more refined and considered approach.
The gameplay revolves around an ex-Mandalorian warrior called Jango Fett. This mercenary has been hired by the Sith Lord, Darth Tyranus, to eliminate the Dark Jedi, Komari Vosa. This mission should be straightforward, but many twists and turns and plenty of chapters of action stand between you and victory. Furthermore, there is a fantastic conspiracy to unravel, various criminal syndicates to tackle, and an old rival to deal with. In short, it keeps you on your toes despite the repetitive action.
6 chapters and plenty of gunfights.
I’d love to tell you that Bounty Hunter 2024 is an intense experience with plenty of depth. Sadly, I cannot, as 6 chapters, focus on a similar gameplay loop. As you explore each portion of the story, you are tasked with exploring a range of strange sci-fi locations. Each area looks unique, but the stage design and progression elements are very similar. You must overcome basic platforming tests and use your blaster to great effect. Each battle comprises a set of goons and a leader who needs to be taken in dead or alive. If you manage to capture them, you’ll earn more credits and have a sense of greater reward. Either way, it doesn’t impact proceedings too much, so feel free to do as you wish.
If you are not shooting or capturing your foes, you are creating new pathways to explore each maze-like zone. The tunnels can be used to avoid detection and your thermal laser lets you cut through an array of pesky grates. Alternatively, if you cannot get by with stealth, use your flamethrower, dual blasters, or handy Whipcord to get by. Finally, if a platform seems out of reach, you must use your trusty jetpack. This tricky tool requires pinpoint accuracy. Subsequently, some patience and a plan will help you to overcome any problems.
It is not a modern title.
Unlike other incredible remasters, I do not think Bounty Hunter 2024 translates well for a modern audience. Unfortunately, much of the action is clunky, slow, and dull. Moreover, the bounty hunter system breaks up a sense of immersion as you slow down the action and hope to find your intended victim. Undoubtedly, Star Wars fans will hate this impression, and they will adore it, no matter the shortcomings. However, everyone else will see past the wonderful story to identify the glaring issues.
Bounty Hunter 2024 retains the original visual charm.
When it was first released, the graphics were heralded as well polished, which was a triumph for the development team. Unfortunately, I cannot say it has aged well. Even though it has had a minor polish, it is blocky, chunky, and desperately stuck in its ways. What’s more, the textures are rough, and the animation is sluggish and tough to look at. I know graphics don’t define a gaming experience, but I cannot overlook how dated this title looks. On the plus side, I didn’t have any technical issues and the game ran smoothly from a performance aspect. Yet, I’m not sure if this is enough to overcome the glaring problems.
Where this excels is its fine audio. Every layer of the soundtrack and the sound effects transport you to the Star Wars universe. There is a sense of drama and despair as the ominous tracks play out. Furthermore, the sound effects are loud, shrill, and wonderfully sci-fi. Subsequently, they work perfectly with the theme and the action that unfolds.
Clunky controls.
The UI and the inputs weren’t as responsive as I hoped for. Scrolling through your weapons or using your visor to select the bounty scanner, feels arduous. What’s more, the platforming layers are telegraphed and everything feels on rails. This feeling matches the linear gameplay and the sense of restriction. As such, if you expect a free-flowing game, this will leave you wanting.
If you enjoy exploring each chapter, you will find a smattering of replay value and longevity. There are plenty of bounties to collect and mistakes are easily made. However, this aspect of the game can be completely ignored and you may bum-rush from one chapter to another if you wish. If you take this approach, you will easily fly through each element and your Star Wars experience will be concluded in no time.
Bounty Hunter 2024 wasn’t for me.
I feel like I’ve picked this title to pieces and perhaps that isn’t fair. I know that fans of the original and Star Wars lovers will fall for its dated charms. Yet, I don’t think it will be well-received by any other gamer. Unfortunately, much of the action doesn’t hit modern standards and this doesn’t compare to many of this year’s remastered titles. Accordingly, I begrudgingly recommend buying it here! (Based solely on the Star Wars aspect.) Can you prove your worth and eliminate a Dark Jedi? Master your skills, take down each syndicate, and complete your mission.
It’s a long review going over the same points you find online about the original release.
It seems to me you’re mostly rambling about the game being dated.
The game is exactly as it was when it originally released, because… that’s the whole point of a remaster!
The port has some camera and sensitivity issues but overall it runs great and the mnk support is decent.
And yeah no, I don’t think the game is trying to make new fans and that’s fine because it’s always great to see old games being updated/preserved.
Overall your review is pretty pessimistic mostly focusing on how old the game is lol
And you said it’s a remake, when it’s not.
Hi Diego,
First, thanks for your passionate comment. I’ll try to cover each point you make.
You state that I cover points previously made online. Unfortunately, as this is a remaster, many of those points are still relevant. I played the original, and I find the same problems to be present now. Accordingly, it would be remiss of me to not highlight them. Regarding rambling, I tried to fully cover each section of the game. I appreciate this may not be for everyone, but this is my style.
I understand the point of a remaster and I changed my wording to represent this. Consequently, I appreciate you pointing this out. Furthermore, as it is a remaster that stays true to the original, the original faults can be highlighted as per my first paragraph in this reply.
I’m guessing by mnk you mean mouse and keyboard. I used a gamepad so I can’t comment. If I’ve misunderstood this, please let me know. If the mouse and keyboard support is good, that’s great for PC gamers.
Regarding new fans, I clearly highlight that this will be loved by people who enjoyed the original and Star Wars lovers. I simply don’t think it resonates with modern audiences. I’d like to think Aspyr would like to make new fans as this would improve their revenue.
My review was critical, not pessimistic. I highlighted the positives, but there are too many negatives to be ignored. I try to remain positive in my reviews, but Bounty Hunter 2024 disappointed me. Finally, you are right, I shouldn’t have stated it was a remake as it is clearly a remaster. This has been rectified.
I’m glad you enjoyed the game and I hope for Aspyr’s sake that this gets a good return. However, if it wasn’t a Star Wars title, it would never have been remastered.
Thanks,
Dan