Hell Is Us Review: Is The Action RPG Worth Playing?

Hey guys! Ready for a deep dive into Hell Is Us? This action RPG has been making waves, and we're here to give you the lowdown on whether it's worth your time. Let's get into it!

What is Hell Is Us?

Before we get to the review, let's talk about what Hell Is Us actually is. Developed by Rogue Factor and published by Nacon, this game throws you into a war-torn country plagued by mysterious creatures and internal conflict. You play as a character wielding a sword and a drone, uncovering the secrets of this dark world. The game emphasizes exploration and combat, but with a unique twist – minimal hand-holding. You're left to figure things out on your own, which can be both frustrating and rewarding. The setting is a blend of medieval and futuristic elements, creating a distinctive and unsettling atmosphere. This blend is crucial to the game’s identity, setting it apart from typical fantasy or sci-fi RPGs.

The narrative in Hell Is Us is intentionally opaque, and this ambiguity is a core part of the experience. The developers have chosen to present the story through environmental storytelling and cryptic dialogues, rather than explicit cutscenes and exposition. This approach can be polarizing; some players will appreciate the challenge of piecing together the narrative, while others may find it confusing and unsatisfying. The design philosophy here is reminiscent of games like Dark Souls, where much of the lore and story are hidden and require active engagement from the player to uncover. It is a game that respects the player’s intelligence, trusting them to interpret the world and events without heavy-handed guidance. This respect for player agency extends beyond the narrative into gameplay mechanics as well, fostering a sense of discovery and personal investment in the game world.

One of the most striking aspects of Hell Is Us is its visual design. The game employs a grim, muted color palette and detailed environments to create a sense of desolation and decay. The creature designs are particularly noteworthy, blending organic and mechanical elements in disturbing and imaginative ways. This visual style serves to reinforce the game’s themes of war, loss, and the dehumanizing effects of conflict. The art direction deliberately avoids the clichés of typical fantasy or sci-fi settings, opting for a more grounded and realistic aesthetic. This realism, combined with the fantastical elements, creates a unique and unsettling visual experience that is crucial to the game’s overall atmosphere. The visual presentation works hand in hand with the sound design to create a world that feels both oppressive and intriguing, drawing players deeper into its mysteries.

Gameplay: Unique and Challenging

The gameplay in Hell Is Us is where things get really interesting. The combat is deliberate and methodical, requiring you to time your attacks and dodges carefully. You're not just button-mashing your way to victory here. Your main weapon is a sword, and you also have a drone companion that helps you navigate and occasionally attack enemies. The drone is key to finding hidden paths and weak points in enemies, adding a strategic layer to the combat. The game's difficulty is another significant aspect of its design. Hell Is Us does not hold your hand; it throws you into the world and expects you to learn through trial and error. This can be frustrating at times, but it also makes victories feel incredibly rewarding.

Hell Is Us features a unique approach to exploration. There are no maps or waypoints to guide you. Instead, you must rely on your drone and your own sense of direction to navigate the world. This lack of guidance can be daunting, but it also encourages you to explore and discover the game's secrets at your own pace. The world is filled with hidden areas, challenging puzzles, and cryptic clues that reward careful observation and experimentation. This emphasis on player-driven exploration is a refreshing departure from the increasingly common trend of hand-holding in modern games. It encourages players to engage with the environment in a more meaningful way, fostering a sense of discovery and accomplishment. Each new area discovered, each puzzle solved, adds to the player's understanding of the world and its mysteries, making the journey through Hell Is Us a deeply personal and rewarding experience.

The game's combat system is designed to be both challenging and rewarding. Enemies are tough and unforgiving, requiring players to master the timing of their attacks and dodges. The limited resources and the scarcity of healing items add to the tension, making each encounter a strategic puzzle. The drone companion plays a crucial role in combat, providing support and revealing enemy weaknesses. Learning to effectively use the drone is essential for survival, adding another layer of complexity to the combat system. This deliberate and methodical approach to combat is a hallmark of the “Souls-like” genre, and Hell Is Us embraces this philosophy wholeheartedly. While the difficulty may be off-putting to some, it ultimately contributes to the game’s sense of accomplishment. Overcoming a challenging enemy or boss feels truly earned, and the satisfaction of mastering the combat system is immense.

Pros and Cons of Hell Is Us

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons to give you a clear picture.

Pros:

• Unique Atmosphere: The blend of medieval and futuristic elements creates a truly distinctive world.
• Challenging Combat: The deliberate and strategic combat system is rewarding once you master it.
• Exploration: The lack of hand-holding encourages you to explore and discover secrets.
• Intriguing Story: The cryptic narrative and environmental storytelling are compelling.
• Stunning Visuals: The game's art style and creature design are top-notch.

Cons:

• Difficulty: The lack of guidance and tough combat can be frustrating for some players.
• Opaque Story: The cryptic narrative may not appeal to those who prefer clear storytelling.
• Technical Issues: Some players have reported bugs and performance issues.

Let's dive deeper into these points. First off, the unique atmosphere is a major selling point. Hell Is Us doesn't just drop you into another generic fantasy world. The fusion of medieval weaponry with futuristic tech creates a setting that feels both familiar and alien. You're exploring ruins that could be from a forgotten kingdom, but then you stumble upon a piece of advanced technology. This juxtaposition keeps you guessing and adds a layer of intrigue that many games lack. The world itself feels like a character, with its own story to tell, and the visual design perfectly complements this atmosphere, making every location feel distinct and memorable. It is this meticulous attention to detail that helps Hell Is Us stand out in a crowded genre.

Moving on to the challenging combat, this is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the difficulty can be a barrier to entry for some players. The game demands patience and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. You'll die, a lot. But on the other hand, overcoming these challenges is incredibly rewarding. Each victory feels earned, and you genuinely improve as a player. The combat system is designed to be deliberate and strategic, requiring you to time your attacks, manage your stamina, and exploit enemy weaknesses. This isn't a game where you can just button-mash your way to success. You need to think, adapt, and strategize. For those who enjoy a challenge, Hell Is Us offers a deeply satisfying combat experience.

The emphasis on exploration in Hell Is Us is another strong point. The game doesn't hold your hand, and there are no maps or waypoints to guide you. This might sound daunting, but it encourages you to truly explore the world and discover its secrets. You'll need to rely on your own sense of direction and observation skills to find your way. This lack of hand-holding can be incredibly immersive, and it makes the world feel much larger and more mysterious. Discovering a hidden path or a secret area is a rewarding experience, and it adds to the sense of accomplishment that Hell Is Us excels at providing. This approach to exploration makes the game world feel like a living, breathing place, full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

The intriguing story is presented in a cryptic and unconventional way. Hell Is Us doesn't spoon-feed you the narrative. Instead, it relies on environmental storytelling and cryptic dialogues to convey the plot. This approach can be polarizing, but it also adds to the game's mystique. You're left to piece together the story yourself, interpreting the events and characters based on your own observations. This ambiguity can be frustrating at times, but it also makes the narrative feel more personal and engaging. The game trusts you to connect the dots, and this trust is ultimately rewarding. The story of Hell Is Us is one that lingers in your mind long after you've finished playing, prompting reflection and discussion.

Finally, the stunning visuals of Hell Is Us are a highlight. The game's art style is unique and memorable, blending medieval and futuristic elements in a way that is both beautiful and unsettling. The creature designs are particularly impressive, and the environments are richly detailed and atmospheric. The visual presentation perfectly complements the game's tone and themes, creating a world that is both captivating and disturbing. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the game's visuals, from the character models to the environments. This visual fidelity adds to the immersion and makes the world of Hell Is Us feel truly alive.

However, the difficulty can be a major drawback for some. The game's lack of guidance and tough combat can be overwhelming, especially for new players. The learning curve is steep, and you'll need to be patient and persistent to succeed. This difficulty is intentional, and it's a core part of the game's design. But it's important to be aware of this going in. If you're not a fan of challenging games, Hell Is Us might not be for you. The game demands a lot from its players, and it's not afraid to punish mistakes. But for those who are willing to embrace the challenge, the rewards are well worth the effort.

Similarly, the opaque story can be a point of contention. While some players will appreciate the cryptic narrative and environmental storytelling, others may find it frustrating and unsatisfying. If you prefer clear and straightforward storytelling, Hell Is Us might not be the game for you. The game doesn't provide easy answers, and it leaves much open to interpretation. This ambiguity is deliberate, and it's intended to encourage players to engage with the story on a deeper level. But it's also a risky approach, and it's one that won't appeal to everyone. The story of Hell Is Us is one that requires patience and a willingness to look beneath the surface.

Lastly, some players have reported technical issues, including bugs and performance problems. These issues can detract from the experience, and they're something to be aware of. While the developers have released patches to address some of these issues, it's possible that you'll encounter problems during your playthrough. These technical issues are unfortunate, but they don't necessarily ruin the game. If you're willing to overlook these problems, Hell Is Us still has a lot to offer. However, it's important to be aware of the potential for technical issues before you jump in.

Final Verdict: Is Hell Is Us Worth It?

So, the big question: Is Hell Is Us worth playing? If you're a fan of challenging action RPGs with a unique atmosphere and intriguing story, then absolutely. The game's difficulty and cryptic narrative might not be for everyone, but if you're willing to embrace the challenge, you'll find a rewarding and memorable experience. The unique blend of medieval and futuristic elements, combined with the deliberate combat and emphasis on exploration, sets Hell Is Us apart from other games in the genre. However, be aware of the potential technical issues before diving in.

In conclusion, Hell Is Us is a game that takes risks and doesn't always play it safe. This boldness is both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness. The game's unique vision and challenging gameplay will appeal to some players, while its difficulty and opacity will frustrate others. But one thing is certain: Hell Is Us is a game that will leave a lasting impression. It's a game that demands your attention and rewards your patience. If you're looking for something different, something challenging, and something thought-provoking, then Hell Is Us is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a journey that is as frustrating as it is rewarding.