Hell is Us Preview
In the world of gaming, few experiences offer the same level of immersion, mystery, and sense of unease as Hell is Us. Developed by Rogue Factor, who have been working on this for 5 years with a dedicated studio of 55 members, this upcoming action-adventure game sets a new bar for exploration and combat. With its gripping narrative, deeply atmospheric setting, and focus on investigation, Hell is Us promises to be a journey that will keep players on edge, questioning the darkness that lurks within humanity.
Releasing on September 4th with early access available on September 1st through the Deluxe Edition, Hell is Us invites players to dive into a war-torn, semi-open world filled with mystery and danger. Set in the fictional city of Hadea, Hell is Us will challenge everything you know about modern gaming conventions, pushing you to explore, discover, and survive in a world where the real hell is the one created by humanity itself.
A World of Discovery and Tension
Set in the year 1991, Hell is Us takes place in a nation torn apart by civil war. The story centers around Remi, a character born into this turmoil but smuggled out as a child by his parents. As an adult, Remi sets off on a quest to uncover the truth about his family and the mysterious calamity that has left the country ravaged by war. But this isn’t just a story about finding family—it’s a dark exploration of human nature, with themes of conflict, loss, and the emotional toll of war.
Unlike most modern games that lead you by the hand, Hell is Us features a semi-open world with no quest markers. The game adopts an old-school approach, where exploration and attention to detail are key. Players must pay close attention to what NPCs tell them; the stories they share are more than just flavour, they often contain crucial clues or even start new missions. This method of storytelling is a refreshing throwback to a time when the player had to piece together the narrative themselves, making each discovery feel earned.
Melee Combat with a Risk-Reward System
The core gameplay of Hell is Us revolves around fluid and visceral melee combat, enhanced by RPG elements. Remi’s standard attack moves include basic melee and charged melee attacks, with the option to parry enemy strikes. But it’s the risk-reward mechanic of the combat that sets the game apart. If you land a hit on an enemy without taking damage yourself, you get a brief window of opportunity to heal. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy to combat, allowing you to recover health during tough fights, but at the risk of exposing yourself to more damage.
Healing items are sparse, making each opportunity to heal a valuable and tense moment. With stamina tied to your health bar, players must carefully balance their health and stamina, especially when dealing with tougher enemies that drain their resources.
Drone Assistance and Tactical Options
For those who prefer a tactical approach to combat, Remi’s drone companion provides valuable assistance. The drone can distract enemies, allowing you to sneak in for a critical hit or create openings for a strategic advantage. The use of the drone adds another layer of depth to combat, offering a variety of ways to tackle challenges and make the most out of every situation.
Puzzles, Exploration, and Environmental Storytelling
One of the standout features of Hell is Us is the emphasis on exploration and puzzles. With no quest markers to guide you, the game leans heavily on environmental storytelling and clues gathered from NPCs and hidden scripts found around the world. Each puzzle you encounter feels rewarding once solved, and the satisfaction of piecing together the game’s many mysteries is part of the charm.
The world itself is a character in Hell is Us. From unsettling enemy designs to the eerie beauty of Hadea’s environments, every corner of the game world is filled with secrets waiting to be uncovered. The setting, while dark and unsettling, also has moments of haunting beauty, creating a contrast that keeps players engaged and invested in the world.
The Dark Side of Human Nature
At its core, Hell is Us confronts players with the darker side of humanity. The civil war, the aftermath of a family’s destruction, and the eerie, alien-like enemies all point to a central theme: war and human conflict are as much of a hell as any literal underworld. The game forces players to reflect on the consequences of violence, betrayal, and war while also highlighting the strength and resilience of those who fight to survive in such a world.
With a fully realized world and an emphasis on personal discovery, Hell is Us stands out as a game that doesn’t just want you to play it—it wants you to live it. Every interaction, every choice, and every investigation matters, and the game’s unpredictability keeps you constantly on your toes.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Hell is Us?
As the game nears its official release, many questions remain. How deep does the mystery go? What hidden truths will Remi uncover about his family and the country’s downfall? And, perhaps most importantly, how will the game’s challenging mechanics and immersive world come together to create an unforgettable experience?
Fans of dark, atmospheric adventures with a focus on exploration, storytelling, and tough combat mechanics will find Hell is Us to be a must-play. The combination of its mature themes, strategic gameplay, and haunting environment promises a deeply engaging journey that will leave players eagerly searching for answers at every turn.
Are You Ready to Uncover the Truth?
Hell is Us isn't just about completing quests—it's about delving deep into the heart of a world ravaged by conflict and uncovering the secrets that lie beneath. Will you embrace the challenge and explore every dark corner of Hadea? Or will you succumb to the mysteries that await, leaving you lost in their haunting beauty?
Hell is Us will be part of the June Steam Next Fest, and the game’s demo will be live ahead of time starting Monday, June 2nd at 4PM CEST / 7AM PDT /10AM EDT. It will contain around 1-1.5 hours of gameplay.
