Title: Hell is Us – An Intriguing Dark Sci-Fi Odyssey That Invites Your Interest
In a time when numerous games guide you step by step, Hell is Us chooses a different path. Crafted by Rogue Factor and spearheaded by Jonathan Jacques-Belletête—previous art director of Deus Ex: Human Revolution—this forthcoming action-adventure title thrusts players into a chillingly immersive realm devoid of maps, quest indicators, or a compass. Instead, it delivers an engaging experience that celebrates exploration, intuition, and strategic thinking.
Scheduled for launch on September 4 for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, Hell is Us is shaping to be a tribute to the demanding, exploration-focused games of the 1990s.
A Realm Lacking Direction
Set in 1993 in the fictional, war-ravaged nation of Hadea—a secluded territory devastated by a fierce civil war and an enigmatic supernatural event dubbed the “Calamity.” This disaster has birthed ghostly white figures called Hollow Walkers, spectral beings resistant to ordinary weaponry and enveloped in enigma.
You assume the role of Rémy, a peacekeeper with the Organised Nations (akin to the UN), who goes off the grid to trace his roots in Hadea. Secretly taken out of the country as a child, Rémy returns to locate his parents and unravel the mysteries of his history. However, the journey is anything but simple. Lacking a map or goal indicators, players must depend on environmental hints, obscure dialogues, and their own keen observations to traverse the semi-open world.
A Tale of Enigma and Exploration
Rémy’s sole hint is that he hails from the quaint town of Jova, where his father was a blacksmith. As he delves further into the turmoil of Hadea, he stumbles upon ancient ruins, enigmatic symbols, and a weapon from a bygone era—his predominant means to defend himself against the Hollow Walkers. Accompanying him is KAPI, a drone that acts as both a translator and combat aide.
The story unfolds naturally. Instead of standard quests, players participate in “investigations,” a mind map system where clues are gathered and connected. Whether to pursue a lead or disregard it is entirely your decision. This non-linear narrative promotes players to explore leisurely and form their own interpretations.
Exploration Takes Precedence Over Instruction
Hell is Us is crafted to resurrect meaningful exploration. There are no luminous arrows or highlighted routes. If an NPC discusses wind chimes in a forest, you’ll need to seek them out yourself. If you encounter a locked door adorned with peculiar symbols, you’ll have to interpret ancient manuscripts with KAPI to gain access.
The game world is fragmented into various regions, each concealing its own secrets, subterranean dungeons, and age-old ruins. These locations are brimming with environmental storytelling, stone plaques in foreign scripts, and puzzles that invoke genuine contemplation. The developers have made it evident: if your instincts suggest something is obscured, there’s likely something there.
Combat: Strategic and Otherworldly
Combat in Hell is Us intertwines action with strategy. While it incorporates elements reminiscent of Souls-like titles—such as stamina management, dodging, and blocking—it’s designed to be more approachable and fast-paced. Rémy brandishes an assortment of melee weapons from another time, each unveiling unique powers unlocked by discovering glyphs scattered throughout the environment.
Combat is further augmented by KAPI, which can assist in crowd management, initiate special attacks, or even enhance stealth maneuvers. Enemies, particularly the Hollow Walkers, possess Hazes—colored energy forms that can amplify their strength. Effectively managing these Hazes and utilizing KAPI becomes crucial to surviving confrontations.
Dialogue and Trading
Though Rémy remains voiceless during the game, players can interact with NPCs by selecting investigation topics. These discussions often yield significant clues or pave the way for new revelations. Settlements like Jova act as information and trading hubs, where players can trade items and accumulate knowledge about the world and its denizens.
A Return to Challenge
Hell is Us is not suited for the timid. It’s a title that requires focus, patience, and a readiness to navigate aimlessly. However, for those who embrace its approach, the rewards are tremendous. The gratification from solving a puzzle without guidance, discovering a concealed path out of sheer curiosity, or piecing together a fragmented narrative—these represent the fundamental experiences Hell is Us aims to offer.
Final Reflections
Hell is Us stands as a daring counterbalance to contemporary gaming trends. It removes convenience in favor of immersion, relying on players to chart their own course through a beautifully desolate world. With its distinct amalgamation of dark sci-fi, psychological mystery, and strategic combat, it promises an unforgettable adventure for those willing to take the plunge.
Whether it becomes a cult classic or remains a niche curiosity is yet to be determined. But one thing is certain: Hell is Us