Bounty Hounds Online

Bounty Hounds Online is a 3D sci-fi MMORPG set on the distant world of Clear Sky, a planet still dealing with the fallout of a massive war against alien forces. You play as a hired gun, one of the so-called Bounty Hounds, taking contracts that range from routine extermination work to missions that hint at bigger secrets. Combat leans on an action-forward style where every class can swap between melee and ranged tools, and your customizable robotic companion (a CTU) functions as both a sidekick and a key part of your build.

Publisher: Suba Games
Playerbase: Shut Down
Type: Sci-Fi MMORPG
Release Date: August 30, 2011
PvP: Duels / Faction Wars / Legion Wars
Pros: +Fast, responsive combat. +Strong visual presentation for its era. +Robot companion system adds real depth.
Cons: -Questing and grinding can feel samey. -Finding active servers and groups is difficult.

Overview

Bounty Hounds Online Overview

Bounty Hounds Online is a 3D sci-fi MMORPG inspired by Namco Bandai’s 2006 PSP action RPG, Bounty Hounds. The online version shifts the focus toward persistent progression on Clear Sky, where mercenary outfits arrive from across the galaxy to stabilize the region after an intergalactic conflict. While the premise is straightforward, the game uses it to funnel players into a steady loop of missions, alien encounters, instanced content, and competitive modes.

At character creation you choose from five classes, Agent, Gunner, Sentinel, Medtech, and Trooper. Each has a distinct role and skill set, but the game avoids hard weapon restrictions by letting all classes equip both melee and ranged options. That flexibility is part of what gives BHO its identity, moment-to-moment combat feels more like a light action RPG than a traditional tab-target MMO.

The other defining system is the CTU (Combat Tactical Unit). These robot companions can transform into different combat forms and can be upgraded over time, effectively acting as a second layer of customization. In practice, CTUs help smooth out solo play, add utility in group content, and give players another progression track beyond simply chasing gear.

Bounty Hounds Online Key Features:

  • Five Classes: Agent, Gunner, Sentinel, Medtech, Trooper – Choose from five distinct archetypes with different strengths and toolkits, while still having access to a shared pool of futuristic melee and ranged weaponry.
  • In-depth Pet System – CTUs serve as transformable robotic partners that can be improved and tailored to complement your playstyle in combat.
  • PvP Events – Jump into structured PvP formats, including team-based battles and 1v1 duels, to pursue PvP gear and status.
  • Mulitplayer Dungeons – Party up and enter 6-player instanced dungeons for tougher encounters and chances at higher-end equipment.
  • Crafting system – Use the R&D (Research and Development) interface to develop items that support progression and build planning.

Bounty Hounds Online Screenshots

Bounty Hounds Online Featured Video

Bounty Hounds Online - Official Gameplay Trailer

Full Review

Bounty Hounds Online Review

Bounty Hounds Online’s best quality is how immediately playable it feels. Movement and attacks are snappy, and the game’s willingness to let every class mix close-range and long-range weapons creates a flexible combat rhythm. Instead of being locked into a single distance or a rigid rotation, you are encouraged to swap tools depending on enemy type, positioning, and cooldowns. For a sci-fi MMO of its time, it also delivers a fairly polished look, with readable effects and a clean, futuristic aesthetic that supports the setting.

Class design is easy to understand, which makes it approachable. Agent and Gunner lean toward damage and mobility, Sentinel and Trooper provide sturdier frontline options, and Medtech fills a support role. Even so, the CTU companion system is what often defines your “real” build. Your robot can cover gaps in your kit, add pressure in fights, and contribute utility that changes how you approach both PvE and PvP. This is one of the more satisfying pet implementations in the genre because it feels integrated rather than cosmetic.

The main drawback is that much of the PvE structure relies on familiar MMO pacing: mission hubs, repeated enemy types, and long stretches of similar objectives. When the combat is clicking, that repetition is easier to forgive, but the content loop can still become predictable, especially if you are pushing levels quickly. Instanced dungeons help break up the routine and provide better reasons to coordinate, but they still depend heavily on having other players available.

PvP offers multiple formats, including duels, faction conflicts, and larger legion-focused battles. The combat system supports PvP well since weapon swapping and CTU choices can create mind games and quick swings in momentum. However, the long-term experience is heavily tied to population and matchmaking, and with the game’s status and history, finding consistently active competition is not always realistic.

Overall, Bounty Hounds Online is easiest to recommend as a curiosity for players who enjoy older action-leaning MMORPGs and want to see a distinctive take on companions and class flexibility. At its best, it delivers satisfying sci-fi combat and a pet system with real mechanical value. At its worst, it can feel grindy and difficult to enjoy without a healthy community.

Links

Bounty Hounds Online Links

Bounty Hounds Online Official Site
Bounty Hounds Online Wiki [Database/Guides]

System Requirements

Bounty Hounds Online System Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Operating System: Windows XP SP3
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz
Video Card: Nvidia GeForce 6600 GT / ATI Radeon X1650
RAM: 1 GB
Hard Disk Space: 10 GB

Recommended Requirements:

Operating System: Windows XP SP3 / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.6 GHz
Video Card: Nvidia GeForce 9600 GT / ATI Radeon 3600 HD
RAM: 2 GB
Hard Disk Space: 10 GB or more

Music

Bounty Hounds Online Music & Soundtrack

Additional Info

Bounty Hounds Online Additional Information

Developer: XPEC Entertainment
Publisher: SUBA games (US), INNO Games (EU), Latte Game (EU)

Closed Beta: August 5, 2011
Open Beta: July 18, 2014

Development History / Background:

Bounty Hounds Online was created by XPEC Entertainment and adapts the universe of Bandai Namco’s PSP title, Bounty Hounds, into an online MMORPG format. Over the years it has been operated by different regional publishers due to IP restrictions and territory locking, with SUBA Games handling the US version and Inno Games operating in Europe at one point. The European publishing rights later moved to Latte Game, and that version was greenlit for Steam, indicating plans for a Steam release limited to Europe.

The game has supported multiple languages, including English, German, Spanish, and Chinese, but availability has not been consistent across all countries.