As a long-time fighting game enthusiast and a HUNTERxHUNTER fan who’s suffered through more than a few forgettable anime tie-ins, Arc System Works dropping a free Steam demo for HUNTERxHUNTER NENxIMPACT immediately grabbed my attention. We’re talking about the studio behind Guilty Gear and BlazBlue finally tackling one of shonen’s most beloved universes in a proper 3v3 tag fighter-so naturally, I had to dive in and see if this is just another cash-in or the real deal for both FGC diehards and anime fans alike.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Arc System Works |
| Release Date | July 17, 2025 |
| Genres | 2D Fighting, Tag-Team, Anime |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch |
I’ve seen countless anime fighting games launch with big promises—then fall flat when it comes to gameplay depth or fan service. So when ArcSys, a studio known for meticulous animation and competitive mechanics, announced NENxIMPACT, I was cautiously optimistic. The free demo is our first real look at whether they’re actually respecting both fighting game fundamentals and the source material, or just cashing in on the HxH name.
This early build lets you fight as six central characters—Gon, Killua, Leorio, Kurapika, Hisoka, and Netero—in tag-based 3v3 battles. Modes are limited to Versus and Training, which is pretty standard for a pre-launch demo. But what matters is how these Nen showdowns actually play. ArcSys has nailed fast, expressive combat in their other anime fighters, and even with just a handful of fighters, there’s a solid sense of character differentiation and flashy tag mechanics that hint at more depth to come.
Of course, anyone expecting deep roster surprises or the full anime spectacle out of the demo will have to temper expectations. This is a tightly curated slice—no fan-favorite villains or wild Nen transformations (yet). That said, the character selection covers core archetypes: brawler (Gon), trickster (Hisoka), support (Leorio), and more. It’s a promising foundation, but I’m curious if ArcSys can avoid the classic anime fighter trap: nailing surface-level fan service at the expense of a truly competitive experience.
It’s also worth noting that, despite the PC-first demo, ArcSys is pushing pre-orders across all platforms and promising a PS5 demo “soon.” That move will annoy console purists, but it’s a smart play for building early PC hype and getting feedback from the FGC’s most vocal segment. The price point is right in line with other major anime fighters—€59.99 for the standard edition and a pricier Deluxe and Limited Edition for collectors (because of course there is), which won’t surprise anyone who’s seen Bandai Namco’s business model in action.
The announcement emphasizes the series’ legacy—over 84 million manga volumes sold, massive anime fandom, and a reputation for smart, creative fights. I’m watching closely to see if this game will do justice to the strategic Nen battles HxH fans love or fall into the usual “button-mash until the super meter fills” routine you see in shallower tie-ins.
If ArcSys delivers on the tag mechanics and keeps the competitive scene front and center, NENxIMPACT could finally give HxH the fighting game it deserves—one that stands with Dragon Ball FighterZ and Granblue Fantasy Versus, not just a quick nostalgia fix. As always, the demo is where hype meets reality, and this first taste is promising but leaves big questions about roster depth, balance, and long-term support.
With ArcSys at the helm and clear signals they’re treating HxH with more respect than most licensed games get, this demo is a must-try for any fighting game or anime fan. It’s a chance to see if that storied “Nen system” can actually translate into layered, mind-game-heavy brawls or if it’ll just be another flashy-but-forgettable crossover. For seasoned FGC players, the early access via Steam is a welcome nod, but let’s hope that console players aren’t left waiting too long or feeling like second-class citizens.
Anyone who’s been burned by half-baked anime fighters (and I’ve played plenty) knows how rare it is to get both fan service and tournament-level gameplay. This is ArcSys’s shot to prove they’re not just cashing in on the HxH brand, but actually building a future staple for competitive play. I’ll be keeping a close eye on how the devs respond to demo feedback—and whether they reveal more of the roster before launch.
TL;DR: Arc System Works is betting big on HUNTERxHUNTER NENxIMPACT, and the free Steam demo is our first real test drive. The core gameplay feels solid and characterful, but it’s still early days: will this be a true genre contender, or just another forgettable anime tie-in? If you love fighting games or HxH, it’s absolutely worth a try—but keep your expectations measured until we see more of the roster and long-term plans.
Source: Arc System Works via GamesPress