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.

In spite of that, though, the foundations of Hell is Us are rock solid. A follow-up game would allow for the combat systems to be refined, and for the story and world to be built out more. And whilst it’s not a perfect first game, many series really hit their stride in a sequel and I would love to see what developer Rogue Factor could do with this world further down the line.

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.

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.

Hell Is Us is a game of two tales. One of a gripping world with devastating stories of humanity and lack thereof, challenging the player to truly think about their actions, understand the morbidly beautiful world around them, be able to solve intriguing puzzles and challenges without holding their hand, including the soulslike-inspired combat itself. The other tale, however, is of aimless wandering, tons of trial and error, getting stuck on some convoluted multi-level puzzle in some needlessly large and maze-like area, or dying to to some clunky combat features in some oddly designed areas. Such incredible highs with such frustrating lows are a rare sight, and your overall enjoyment of the game will largely depend on how much you tolerate the latter. I still feel like recommending Hell Is Us, to some people at least, because it is a unique experience worth digging into. Just, remember to arm yourself with a lot of patience – and maybe a guide or two.