This is a wild one. I downloaded the Hell is Us demo on a whim, and I’m really glad I did. At the most basic, you can say it’s some kind of Dark Souls-lite, at least regarding the fighting. What makes Hell is Us more than it looks is the very mysterious setting that I can best describe as something between the books Roadside Picnic, and the Southern Reach Trilogy. I found the atmosphere thick and weird, with a dark, foreboding tone that engulfs the whole experience in this strange land.
Strange happenings
While I found the atmosphere and scenery great, I’m not entirely sold on the plot transition. You go from a grounded setting to suddenly wielding a huge anime sword, fighting albino demons from hell. It kinda works, though. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have enjoyed the demo, but I’m just not 100% sold on it yet. However, the mystery of the setting weighs out, so I’m hooked regardless.
When it comes to gameplay, what truly sets itself apart from other big titles, is that they ditch the minimap (maps in general I believe), and floating markers. Having the player rely on exploration and actually following instructions to find locations and secrets. It’s incredibly refreshing to play a bigger production that is designed like this. The immersion factor alone is off the scale by forcing the player to do the investigating instead of being served everything on a platter. Big props for having the balls to do this.
Another design decision that I enjoy, is that the game is not open-world. It’s hub-based, with contained areas, but open for you to explore however you want. From a personal preference, I find this approach so much better than an open-world that either feels empty, or fake with arbitrary mini-games every five seconds not to bore the player. This management of maps also gives the designer a finer way to control what the player sees and interacts with. So, while you don’t have a map, the area is not endless, which makes it easier to navigate and remember.
Finally, what makes me hyped is that the art director from one of my favorite games (Deus Ex: Human Revolution) Jonathan Jacques-Belletête is working on Hell is Us. That’s not all, the voice actor of Adam Jensen (Elias Toufexis), makes a return to voice the lead in Hell is Us. Great stuff all around!
If you want to try the game yourself, make sure to download it before June 16th. Apparently, it will be removed on that date. On release date, it’s set to be released in about two months!
Thanks for reading.
/Thomas
Tom's Gaming Vault 