A Faithful Recreation with Modern Flair
Thirty-five years after its initial debut on March 2, 1990, this legendary action game transcends mere nostalgia, offering a blend of the familiar and the new. The developers have poured their passion into recreating the original’s essence while enhancing it for today’s gaming landscape.
Multiple Play Modes for Every Sweeper
The game offers three distinct modes, catering to different preferences:
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Original Mode: Experience the game exactly as it was in 1990, preserving the authentic challenge and feel that captivated players decades ago.
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Enhanced Mode: Enjoy a smoother, more responsive experience with modernized controls, making for a stress-free action adventure.
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Hard Mode: For the seasoned “sweepers” seeking a true test of skill, this mode builds upon the Enhanced Mode’s controls but features re-tuned enemy placements and AI algorithms.

“Get Wild” – The Soundtrack of Justice
No discussion of City Hunter is complete without mentioning TM NETWORK’s “Get Wild.” This definitive track, a cornerstone of the anime’s identity, is now dynamically integrated into the game, promising to ignite the same thrill and emotion that has resonated with fans for generations.

Enhanced Features and Collectibles
Quality-of-life improvements abound, including an anytime save/load function and a rewind feature to instantly correct mistakes. Visual settings allow players to customize their experience, from a “CRT filter” that replicates the look of classic arcade screens to adjustable aspect ratios. For collectors, a “3D Archive” offers a 360-degree view of the original package and manual, while a “Gallery” showcases rare original art and anime images.
The “COLLECTOR’S BOX”: A Treasure Trove for Fans
Alongside the standard digital and physical editions, a special “COLLECTOR’S BOX” is available, packed with exclusive merchandise that encapsulates the City Hunter universe. This limited edition package includes:
- The City Hunter packaged game.
- A special collector’s box.
- A steel case featuring key visuals from the anime and game, adorned with Ryo, Kaori, Saeko, and Umibozu.
- A message board keychain, faithfully replicating the iconic “XYZ” message board, with the game’s main visual on the reverse.
- Original acrylic stands depicting Ryo, Kaori, Saeko, and Umibozu in stylish pixel art, designed to recreate in-game backgrounds when displayed together.

“The inclusion of ‘Get Wild’ is truly a dream come true for fans,” commented one enthusiast online. “It’s not just a game; it’s a piece of our childhood come to life on modern consoles, perfectly blending nostalgia with new ways to play.”
Pricing and Availability
The game is available as a digital download and a physical standard edition for 3,960 yen (tax included). The “COLLECTOR’S BOX” is priced at 7,920 yen (tax included) for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Physical limited editions are available while supplies last.
Digital Purchase Links:
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Nintendo Switch: https://store-jp.nintendo.com/item/software/D70010000111615
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Nintendo Switch 2: https://store-jp.nintendo.com/item/software/D70010000111617
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PlayStation Store: https://www.playstation.com/ja-jp/games/city-hunter
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Steam Store: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3984650
Physical Purchase Links (Collector’s Box & Standard):
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Amazon.co.jp
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Switch version: https://amzn.asia/d/9gaQVBA
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PS5 version: https://amzn.asia/d/1Hhq7kA
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Rakuten Books
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Switch version: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18461068/
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PS5 version: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18461069/
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Joshin Denki
- PS5 version: https://joshinweb.jp/game/71482/4907940690413.html
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Nojima
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Bic Camera
- PS5 version: https://www.biccamera.com/bc/item/14700936/
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Yodobashi.com
The Enduring Legacy of City Hunter
City Hunter began as a manga by Tsukasa Hojo in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1985, celebrating its 40th anniversary on February 26, 2025. The story follows Ryo Saeba, a highly skilled but womanizing “sweeper,” and his partner Kaori Makimura, as they solve cases for clients who leave the mysterious “XYZ” message on a Shinjuku message board. This action-comedy has captivated fans worldwide.

The anime adaptation, which also spawned several sequel series and specials, gained immense popularity for its original storylines and dynamic action sequences involving firearms and vehicles.

“Get Wild,” released by TM NETWORK in 1987, became synonymous with the City Hunter anime. Its iconic intro, perfectly timed with the anime’s ending scenes, created a lasting impact, evolving into a national anime song beloved globally. The song’s cultural impact even led to the coining of terms like “Get Wild Taikin” (leaving work to the song’s beat) and gained attention with the “No-Charge Uncle” who won a gold medal in shooting, further cementing its place in Japanese pop culture.

Related Links:
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Game City Hunter Official Website: https://www.sun-denshi.co.jp/soft/cityhunter/
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City Hunter 40th Anniversary Site: https://cityhunter.jp/
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City Hunter Anime Information: https://www.sunrise-world.net/titles/pickup_080.php
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TM NETWORK Official Site: https://fanksintelligence.com/
This global launch of a beloved retro title, especially one infused with such significant cultural elements like “Get Wild,” highlights a growing trend in the gaming industry: the meticulous revival of classic Japanese IPs for a new generation. It signifies not just a nod to nostalgia but a strategic move to introduce these enduring characters and stories to a wider, international audience, potentially fostering new waves of appreciation for Japan’s rich creative heritage within the broader kawaii culture landscape.

