Hell is Us

If you're looking for a different challenge, a game that forces you to observe, fight smart, and be involved every step of the way, Hell Is Us is a title worth your attention. You might not have expected it, but here's a dark horse that has a lot to say this year.

Upsetting and relevant as it often is, Hell Is Us isn’t exactly pointedly angry about right-wing fanaticism, genocide, and how easily populations can be manipulated. Regardless of why that is, perhaps it’s enough for us to know what the people whom Rémi encounters across his journey think of those things. The game allows you to ask anyone their thoughts on Hadea, the civil war, and more, and their reactions range from the empathic to the hateful. It’s an unusual show of maturity for a video game not to shy away from themes of racism and fanaticism, as well as the actual consequences of war, and in that respect and more, it certainly lives up to its title.

While the combat leaves something to be desired, particularly when it comes to variety, Hell Is Us’ exploration of the cycles of violence and combat carries the whole experience.

Despite some obvious flaws (especially in the combat department), Hell is Us is a good action-adventure game that shines particularly brightly thanks to its atmosphere and its ability to surprise the player. Rogue Factor has managed to create a rather unique blend of exploration, action, and puzzles, supported by a technique that commands respect. In short, if you're looking for a game at the crossroads of the genre, we recommend it. Be careful, however, if you have high expectations in terms of action-RPG or puzzles.

A compelling and absorbing action game free of handholding, Hell is Us pulls you in with a gritty narrative and setting, then holds your attention with smart puzzles, solid combat, and a dark, dystopian story.