Basic Information
- Official English Name: Pantsu Hunter: Back to the 90s
- Developer & Publisher: Sometimes You, Evgeniy Kolpakov
- Release Dates: August 28, 2019 (NA), November 10, 2021 (EU)
- Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
- Genre Tags: Adventure, Visual Novel, Puzzle
- Social Media: Twitter (@PantsuHunter), Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/PantsuHunter)
In-Depth Review
Pantsu Hunter: Back to the 90s is a controversial blend of visual novel and point-and-click adventure that leans heavily into its 90s anime aesthetic. Players take on the role of Kenji, a university student using unconventional methods (analyzing underwear) to understand women’s personalities. While the retro-inspired visuals and synth-heavy soundtrack evoke nostalgia, the gameplay often feels marred by frustrating trial-and-error puzzles and shallow character development.
The narrative follows Kenji’s interactions with four distinct female characters, each requiring specific strategies to collect their undergarments. However, the lack of meaningful dialogue choices and repetitive puzzle mechanics lead to a disjointed experience. Critics highlight the game’s failure to balance its quirky premise with engaging storytelling, resulting in a narrative that feels both exploitative and underdeveloped.
Despite its flaws, the game’s dedication to replicating 90s anime tropes—complete with animated backgrounds and period-specific references—might appeal to niche audiences. However, the short runtime (around 3-5 hours) and lack of depth in character relationships make it a challenging recommendation beyond die-hard fans of retro visual novels.
**Key Features**
- Nostalgic 90s anime art style with period-specific animations
- 18 collectible underwear items tied to character backstories
- Multiple endings influenced by player choices
- English voice acting for female characters
- Original synth soundtrack
**Final Verdict**
Pantsu Hunter: Back to the 90s delivers a visually engaging but narratively uneven experience. While its aesthetic and soundtrack are standout features, the game’s reliance on instant-death puzzles and lack of meaningful character development hold it back from reaching its full potential. Recommended for fans of retro anime visuals seeking a lighthearted, albeit flawed, visual novel experience.
Game Link: Pantsu Hunter: Back to the 90s