Hunter x Hunter: Level Up! Unearthing Every Video Game Reference in the Beloved Anime and Manga
The Introduction
Hunter x Hunter, the brainchild of Yoshihiro Togashi, has captivated audiences for decades with its intricate plotlines, memorable characters, and breathtaking fight sequences. But beyond the surface lies a hidden layer of brilliance – a treasure trove of video game references woven seamlessly into the anime and manga’s DNA. Togashi, a known enthusiast of gaming culture, sprinkles his masterpiece with subtle nods and blatant homages, enriching the Hunter x Hunter universe and creating a unique experience for fans of both mediums. This article delves deep into the world of Hunter x Hunter, unearthing every possible video game reference, from subtle character nods to entire story arcs that mimic gaming mechanics, showcasing the creative genius behind one of the most beloved series of all time.
The Early Game: Hints of Pixels and Power-Ups
Even in its early stages, Hunter x Hunter drops breadcrumbs for keen-eyed viewers. The Hunter Exam arc, the series’ introductory quest, subtly mirrors the character creation process found in many role-playing games. Aspiring Hunters are tested in various skills, from endurance and agility to mental fortitude, echoing the stat distribution that gamers meticulously pore over when crafting their virtual avatars. Netero’s seemingly whimsical training game, forcing Gon and Killua to repeat simple actions, bears resemblance to puzzle games that require intense focus and memorization. The challenges presented throughout the exam, ranging from navigating treacherous mazes to surviving perilous environments, function as “levels” that must be conquered to advance, mirroring the structure of countless video games.
The Heavens Arena arc intensifies the gaming parallels, drawing heavily from the fighting game genre. The tiered structure of the arena, where fighters climb the ranks by winning matches, mirrors the ladder system prevalent in many competitive fighting games. Characters are introduced, each possessing unique fighting styles and special abilities, subtly reminiscent of character rosters and tiered rankings. The concept of Nen abilities developing and evolving with training mirrors the unlockable moves and character progression systems found in many fighting games. The pursuit of power, the constant striving to improve, and the strategic depth of combat all pay homage to the complex world of digital fisticuffs.
The journey to the Zoldyck family estate, with its various obstacles and trials, further emphasizes the gaming influence. The testing gate, requiring immense physical strength to open, serves as a classic “boss battle” guarding access to the next stage. The treacherous grounds and vigilant servants can be seen as environmental hazards and enemy encounters, all designed to test the players’ (or in this case, Gon’s and Killua’s) perseverance and skill. These challenges, structured as sequential hurdles, subtly emulate the level design and progression commonly found in adventure and action games.
Greed Island: The Ultimate Game World
Without a doubt, the Greed Island arc is the pinnacle of video game references in Hunter x Hunter. The entire arc revolves around a virtual reality game, purchased for an exorbitant price, that traps players inside a meticulously crafted world filled with quests, monsters, and unique mechanics. The very premise of Greed Island is a direct homage to the burgeoning VR gaming scene and the allure of escapism that video games provide.
The game’s structure is undeniably influenced by classic MMORPGs. Game Masters, the creators and administrators of Greed Island, function as real-world counterparts to game developers, responsible for maintaining the game’s balance, designing challenges, and ensuring a fair and engaging experience for players. The CARD system, where items, spells, and abilities are represented by cards, is a clever abstraction of inventory management and skill trees found in countless RPGs. Players collect cards, combine them, and use them strategically to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies, mimicking the deck-building and strategic combat systems found in card-based video games.
Greed Island boasts a main quest, a central storyline that drives players forward, and numerous side quests, offering opportunities for exploration, reward, and character development. The game’s objectives, whether collecting specific items, defeating powerful monsters, or completing tasks for non-player characters (NPCs), directly mirror the quest-driven gameplay found in most RPGs. The interaction between players, including player versus player (PvP) combat and cooperative team-ups, reflects the social dynamics and emergent gameplay that define online multiplayer games. Even the consequence of death within the game, though not permanent in the literal sense, carries weight and influences the players’ strategies and decisions, adding a layer of realism and tension.
Specific elements within Greed Island echo particular games. The names of items and spells, the designs of certain monsters, and the overall aesthetic draw inspiration from the Dragon Quest series, a seminal RPG franchise that has undoubtedly influenced Togashi’s creative vision. Beyond Dragon Quest, subtle nods to other RPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger can be found in the arc’s characters, storylines, and world-building, creating a tapestry of gaming influences.
Razor, the Game Master overseeing certain challenges on Greed Island, presents a particularly compelling example of a boss battle. His dodgeball game against Gon and his friends embodies the difficulty and strategic complexity of challenging encounters in video games. Razor’s Devil Dodgers function as formidable opponents, each possessing unique abilities and requiring careful planning and execution to defeat, mirroring the boss battles that test players’ skills and strategies.
Continuing the Game: Further References Throughout the Series
While Greed Island stands as the most overt example, video game references continue to permeate Hunter x Hunter even after the arc concludes. The Chimera Ant arc, with its focus on evolution and power scaling, can be interpreted through a gaming lens. The Nen abilities of various characters can be viewed as distinct “character classes,” each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and specializations. The progression and development of these abilities, often achieved through training and overcoming challenges, mirrors the leveling up system found in many RPGs. The Chimera Ants’ ability to acquire and adapt to new Nen abilities, further blurring the line between species, emphasizes the “game-breaking” potential of exploiting glitches and loopholes in game mechanics.
The Succession Contest arc in the manga, characterized by its complex rules, intricate political maneuvering, and strategic gameplay, draws parallels to grand strategy and board games. Each prince possesses unique abilities and resources, engaging in a multi-faceted power struggle that requires careful planning, alliances, and calculated risks. The arc’s emphasis on long-term planning, resource management, and political maneuvering resembles the intricate gameplay found in strategy games like Civilization or Crusader Kings.
Even outside these major arcs, subtle video game references can be found throughout the series. Character names, specific actions, and poses occasionally evoke iconic characters or moves from various video games. While these references may be less explicit, they add to the overall impression that Togashi’s love for gaming is deeply embedded in his creative process.
Togashi’s Passion: A Gamer’s Touch
Yoshihiro Togashi’s affection for video games is well-documented. He has been known to take hiatuses from his work, often attributed to health concerns, but also rumored to involve indulging in his gaming hobby. While concrete quotes directly linking specific games to Hunter x Hunter might be scarce, his known enthusiasm for the medium strongly suggests that his experiences with video games have profoundly shaped his storytelling and character development. His other renowned work, Yu Yu Hakusho, also hints at a gaming influence, featuring tournament arcs and power-up sequences that bear similarities to classic fighting games.
The Lasting Impact: Blending Worlds
The integration of video game references in Hunter x Hunter elevates the series beyond a simple action-adventure story. These references enhance the world-building, adding layers of complexity and making the series more relatable to audiences familiar with gaming culture. The use of gaming tropes provides a familiar framework for understanding complex concepts, making the series accessible to a wider audience, regardless of their gaming background. The seamless blending of these two mediums contributes to Hunter x Hunter’s unique charm and enduring appeal, cementing its place as a true masterpiece.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, Hunter x Hunter is far more than just an anime or manga; it’s a love letter to gaming culture. The numerous video game references woven throughout the series, from the subtle nods in the early arcs to the full-blown virtual world of Greed Island, demonstrate Togashi’s passion for the medium and his ability to seamlessly blend it with his own creative vision. Hunter x Hunter stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary storytelling, showcasing how the fusion of different art forms can create something truly unique and unforgettable. By understanding and appreciating the video game influences within Hunter x Hunter, fans can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the brilliance of Togashi’s work and the enduring legacy of this beloved series.
