The new action RPG “Hell Is Us” takes players on a cryptic and ambitious journey through the war-torn fictional country of Hadea.
Why it matters: “Hell Is Us” attempts to explore the horrors of war through a unique blend of melee combat, investigation, and deep puzzles, creating an experience that is both confusing and compelling.
The details:
- Players navigate the intricacies of a conflict between the Palomists and Sabinians, immersed in dense lore and esoteric symbols.
- Combat aligns with the stamina-driven style popularized by “FromSoftware” titles, while also incorporating detective elements through a retrofuturistic datapad.
- The game’s visuals depict a grim reflection of war’s impact, with haunting scenes and bizarre creatures that coalesce into a dream-like experience.
- Despite its ambitious scope, “Hell Is Us” suffers from uneven execution, with a generic protagonist and repetitive plot sequences.
What they’re saying:
- “With an incredibly dense lore and labyrinthine level design, Hell Is Us is a captivating experience. The game takes its solid (but tough) combat and chin-scratching puzzles and elevates them with a century-spanning mystery that goes deeper and deeper.” – Review excerpt
- “Hell is Us might not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer clear objectives. You will spend a lot of your time figuring out what to do next, piecing together what clues you might have missed.” – Review excerpt
The other side: Some reviewers note that the game’s combat becomes rote after extended play, and the narrative lacks the necessary intrigue to keep players fully engaged.
What’s next: “Hell Is Us” launches on September 4th on PS5, Xbox, and PC, offering players a challenging and atmospheric experience that aims to articulate the enduring and devastating impact of violent conflict.
