Hunt the Night (PS5) Review: A Brutal 16-Bit Soulslike That Demands Your Best

Developed by Moonlight Games and published by Dangen Entertainment, Hunt the Night is a retro-style dark fantasy action-RPG that arrives on PS5 on February 26, 2026, three years after its PC debut. In this top-down 16-bit adventure, you play as Vesper, a Stalker (a hunter) harnessing dark powers to combat the encroaching Night that unleashes horrors upon the dying world of Medhram during its Ninth Age. Humanity clings to daylight, but as shadows consume the light, Vesper embarks on a quest to collect seal pieces, break the cycle of annihilation, and redeem her traitorous father's legacy.

The story unfolds subtly through environmental storytelling, NPC dialogues at the central hub (Crow's Nest), and collectible "feathers" that reveal tragic lore about Medhram's history, the Stalkers' futile stand, and Vesper's inner turmoil. Vesper, herself, is a mute, determined warrior bonded with Umbra, a shadowy spirit companion who aids in traversal (like teleporting across gaps) and shares telepathic banter that deepens her character, hinting at a pact blurring her humanity. Key allies include Dalia (for healing upgrades), Zylax and Isaac (weapon enhancements), and Beatrice, among other beleaguered Stalkers whose backstories enrich the grim atmosphere.

The Gameplay ...

From the main menu, you'll find that options include standard audio/visual tweaks, and access to the New Game story mode, and the post-launch Prime Hunts bonus mode. The latter being a harder challenge variant for endgame replay with tougher beasts and better rewards. Some of the bosses in that bonus mode also hail from other indies like "Count Lucanor", "Lost Ruins", and "Bug Fables". These boss battles are timed challenges where the proper loadout means the difference from death and victory. Something that costs coins which are afforded to you before going into the fray. The core story mode playthrough, on the flipside, revolves around "Hunts", or accepting missions at Crow's Nest to track and slay massive Night beasts across labyrinthine, mapless dungeons like Grimwood, Velomere, and the Consumed Kingdom.

Combat in the game is action-oriented very much like a Soulslike, demanding precise timing in fast-paced, top-down battles. You can dodge-roll through telegraphed attacks, mix melee sword swings, pistol shots, and dark energy spells (fueled by a depletable bar), all while managing stamina. Vesper's mechanics, the sum of them, emphasize versatility. The dash, for example, is used for evasion/positioning, Umbra for utility, and switchable loadouts. Equipment management shines with customizable weapons (upgradable at the Apothecary), armor, and relics/moonstones bought with coins from foes and Hunts, and found in-game through chests. You can tailor builds for strength, agility, or magic. Post-Hunt rewards expand health/dark energy bars. Allowing you to spend Noctilium on upgrades, healing Roses, or gear. Key items unlock paths via switches and other mechanisms, while feathers provide lore and minor buffs.

Progression in-game is structured around 10+ Hunts, gating new areas and abilities in a semi-linear Metroidvania web of backtracking. A task made challenging due to no map, instant-death pits (respawn at room start), and brutal bosses with multi-phase patterns. Save points restore Roses/heal, refill energy, and allow for fast-travel between hubs, but reset to your last save point on death. Losing unbanked currency is your classic risk-reward affair. Other features like the hub for upgrades and lore chats encourage deliberate pacing amid the tension.

The Presentation ...

Presentation captivates with gothic 16-bit pixel art including detailed environments (grotesque castles, bubbling voids, Winter wastelands), with dynamic lighting casting realistic shadows (revealing stealthy foes), and fluid animations. The PS5 version runs smoothly despite the game being so graphically detailed. The soundtrack, itself, is a haunting and moody composition, featuring orchestral synths while blending creepy ambiance with punchy boss themes that amplify the horror.

The Verdict ...

Hunt the Night nails its punishing challenge, though frustrating midgame mazes and spikes in difficulty test patience, but responsive controls and build variety make triumphs euphoric. Playability works well for skilled players, though having no map punishes casuals. Replay value soars via Prime Hunts, and multiple builds/Hunts making the adventure last 20+ hours easily.

I recommend "Hunt the Knight" for Soulslike veterans craving 2D "Bloodborne" vibes with "Castlevania" style exploration. Grab it if you thrive on tight combat and grim lore.