HUNTDOWN: OVERTIME — Everything We Know

No one was spending time at the arcade going through a deep, emotional story. We were there for the action; the more nonsensical it was, the better. As long as the adrenaline kept flowing, the challenge kept taunting us, and rewards kept flooding in, we were all good to be cashing in the coins. And that’s the feel that Huntdown achieved, winning itself near-perfect reviews and recognition. 

A modern-day retro game done the right way that fully captures the authentic spirit and chaos of the old days. And now, a second game, or prequel more rightly, is upon us. Expect the same level of violence for the sake of it. The same nonstop action, running and gunning down mobs and gangsters in future Detroit. You’re a badass, cyborg bounty hunter whose sole purpose is wiping out the scum.

Buckle up, while we dive deep into everything we know about Huntdown: Overtime so far.

What is HUNTDOWN: OVERTIME?

Huntdown: Overtime is an upcoming action-platformer, with a dashing retro, 16-bit aesthetic and addictive arcade gameplay. It’s a run ‘n gun game, with fast-paced melee and ranged attacks, and tons of guns for your loadout. The first game, while an indie title, captured many hearts and souls with its pulpy ‘80s action movie feel. Its roguelite gameplay felt well-balanced, with a constant stream of goodies and upgrades. Meanwhile, its level design ensured a refreshing run every time you died and had to start again. 

Other aspects of the music also felt really well done. Metal music banging through your ears, and a varied, playable roster. But that’s changed in Huntdown: Overtime, which has only one lead: bounty hunter John Sawyer. We’re also looking forward to a more polished playthrough, with even more toys to play with, and lots of chaotic, intense action against the gangsters of 2084 Detroit. It’s years ahead into the future, but crime rates are higher than they’ve ever been. Greedy corporations have taken advantage of the chaos, flooding the streets with violent profiteers. 

Bounty hunters are making a killing, literally. But you’re one special bounty hunter, a cyborg, Robocop-style. While your cybernetic upgrade comes with its perks, it doesn’t stop you from dying and having to redo runs a la roguelite. Yet, with every fresh run, you’ll have better tools and tricks up your sleeve to clear out the crime-ridden Detroit streets. Let’s break it down further.

Story

It’s a mad, mad world out in future Detroit. Crime is at an all-time high. Gangs are an infestation in the streets. While bounty hunters are making a killing, one John Sawyer stands out. He keeps coming back to life, thanks to cybernetic upgrades. And hence, the roguelite loop: hunting enemies, dying, upgrading, on repeat. It’s a story servicing the gameplay, not necessarily a mind-blowing one. Perhaps even nonsensical, just for the fun of spraying bullets throughout Detroit. 

Gameplay

Here’s where Huntdown: Overtime shines most, in the combat re-runs. Moment-to-moment gameplay brings with it fast-paced, intense action. You’re running and gunning every enemy in sight, in a violent rampage akin to VHS-era action films. But, the core combat system holds its own, with smooth, seamless control systems. Even with all the chaos, the mechanics are simple to grasp, but tough to master. They power you through brutal gang and boss encounters, in a deadly roguelite loop you can’t help wanting to beat. 

Runs have bounty hunting at heart, with bringing bounties alive earning you greater rewards. A most exciting proposal, indeed, that keeps you on high alert, even as you blast through enemy-infested levels. The goal is to get as far as you can, with the newly unlocked upgrades for every run. Your body will transform into a cyborg legend the more you die. So, your efforts are never for naught. 

It’s all a familiar loop for roguelite fans. Except Huntdown: Overtime looks well polished. Its neon-soaked streets and abandoned wastelands are fun retro rides. They are varied enough, with multiple paths you can take and a procedurally generated world. Whether you’re a gunslinger or blunt force fighter, you should be able to craft and master your unique playstyle, with the steady stream of unlocks and upgrades. “Hundreds of combinations,” Steam says, whether reinforced limbs or experimental cyborg abilities. 

Every run feels fresh and rewarding, pushing you to adjust your strategy and challenge yourself to cruise through without taking damage.

Development

Huntdown: Overtime is Easy Trigger Games and Coffee Stain Publishing’s baby. The second go-around at a retro-modern action-platformer. Interestingly, they have chosen to launch the game into Early Access first, aiming to refine the gameplay with your feedback and deliver the most satisfying playthrough. 

It’s interesting how the devs continue to expertly master the first game’s ‘80s B-movie retro-modern aesthetics, no doubt even more meticulously finessed in the sequel.

Trailer

Do watch Huntdown: Overtime’s announcement trailer before anything else. It’ll give you the most accurate idea of the graphics and gameplay to expect. Much of the gameplay shown seems complete, with run ‘n gun sequences shown against the featured baddies of dystopian Detroit. It looks retro, polished, but most importantly, one hell of an “action movie” blast.

Release Date, Platforms, & Editions

Huntdown: Overtime is planned to launch into Steam Early Access in the second quarter of 2026. Not too far away, but unfortunately, we aren’t sure how long the Early Access period will last. The devs assure us that the Early Access version is “feature complete.” So, it should be pretty close to the final game, at least with regard to the weapons, character upgrades, and core gameplay. 

Do add the game to your Steam wishlist, so you can be a part of the community giving feedback. Alternatively, joining the game’s Discord channel will give you more direct communication with the devs. For now, the Early Access version will launch on PC platforms, with no editions currently known. But it’s likely it’ll port over to PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and mobile platforms, as did Huntdown, which also had a Collector’s edition. All these pending updates can be kept track of via the official social media handle here.