HellIsUs, developed by Rogue Factor and published by Nacon, released on 2025-09-04, presents a stunningly designed but structurally simple action-adventure. Set in the fictional Hadea, the game follows Rémi Letam through a haunting landscape torn by civil war and supernatural events.
Design and Setting
The game excels with its richly designed world and compelling narrative backdrop. Hadea is embroiled in ethnic and religious strife between the Palomists and Sabineans, setting a stage that resonates with real-world conflicts. However, the game's narrative relies heavily on lore dumps, sometimes overshadowing its atmospheric design.
Combat and Gameplay
Combat in HellIsUs is straightforward, featuring melee, drone, and glyph systems. While the combination of drone distractions and lymbic combat delivers a satisfying flow, the game suffers from limited enemy types, resulting in repetitive encounters. Despite robust combat mechanics, repetitive battles detract from its overall appeal.
Exploration and Puzzles
HellIsUs engages players with frequent puzzles and exploration. Although levels lack traditional maps, the compact design and rewarding exploration offer engaging experiences. Linear zones like the Auriga Museum underscore the game's potential, marrying design and narrative seamlessly. The abandonment of maps adds a layer of exploration akin to discovery.
Overall, HellIsUs combines a vivid world and thematic depth with simplistic combat. Imaginative level design and narrative intricacies make its best moments memorable, yet the game faces challenges from repetitive gameplay and an overburdened timeloop system.
