Hell Is Us Developers Reveal Gameplay, Story, and Combat During Extended Gameplay Showcase

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I find myself captivated by the intrigue surrounding “Hell Is Us“. The enigmatic atmosphere reminiscent of Silent Hill and Souls-like games has me hooked, and the recent extended gameplay showcase only served to fuel my anticipation.


Initially, when Hell Is Us was initially unveiled, it was enveloped in a veil of mystery due to its ominous, brooding ambiance that echoed the mood of Silent Hill and Souls-like games. This air of enigma piqued the curiosity of numerous gamers, and luckily for us, the developers later presented an extended gameplay demonstration.

During this showcase, Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, the Creative Director at Rogue Factor, provided insights into their upcoming game, which deviates from anything we’ve seen recently (including Souls-Likes). Let’s explore what was shared.

Overview of the Story and Narrative in Hell Is Us

In the ’90s, the game Hell Is Us introduces us to Rémi, a silent protagonist, who embarks on a mission to locate his long-lost parents in the troubled nation of Hadea, a fictional land torn apart by war. His journey aims to reveal why they secretly sent him away years before and to confront them for abandoning him during this challenging time. The game world is rich with puzzles and enigmas, reflecting the creators’ intention to let players unravel the story of Hadea piece by piece.

Hell Is Us Developers Reveal Gameplay, Story, and Combat During Extended Gameplay Showcase

The story unfolds in the surroundings, with wind chimes echoing in the woods signaling a caring parent guiding his kids back home, old, half-forgotten structures narrating their tales, and shadowy, underground-like places teasing glimpses of what’s to come.

Exploration in Hell Is Us: A Return to Classic Mechanics

In the game “Hell Is Us,” the designers intend to create a distinctive gaming experience by adopting a simplistic style. You won’t find any quest indicators, maps, or navigational help; instead, you’ll be immersed in unassisted exploration that rewards careful observation of your environment.

Hell Is Us Developers Reveal Gameplay, Story, and Combat During Extended Gameplay Showcase

In this demonstration, a character gives spoken instructions, and players need to figure out how to move around the setting and conquer challenges on their own. This daring decision adds depth to the game’s detective-like atmosphere, encouraging players to actively participate in unraveling the storyline.

In this game, there’s a “journal” system acting like a digital notepad for players to jot down details and make use of the collected information to decide their future moves. Additionally, players are accompanied by a drone named KAPI, who helps with exploration by searching for hints, translating texts, and offering aid during battles.

Hell Is Us Developers Reveal Gameplay, Story, and Combat During Extended Gameplay Showcase

Essentially, Hell Is Us allows gamers to roam extensively without much direction, prompting them to depend on their surroundings, hints, and non-player character encounters for guidance as they advance in the game.

Combat Mechanics in Hell Is Us

In Hell Is Us, the battle system is explained differently from being Souls-like, instead, it’s categorized as a mid-tier third-person action game with a focus on hack-and-slash style gameplay. This resembles games such as Darksiders and Black Myth: Wukong. Consequently, the combat is swift and immersive, with developers using the term “deliciously crunchy” to describe the experience.

Hell Is Us Developers Reveal Gameplay, Story, and Combat During Extended Gameplay Showcase

In the game, players will face different types of enemies called Hollow Walkers, each having unique levels of power. Although the battles aren’t excessively tough, learning and perfecting the combat system is crucial for successfully dealing with these adversaries.

Beyond the luminous sword displayed in the first teaser, players will encounter an assortment of melee weapons such as axes and greatswords. Notably, the drone serves not only as a tool but also as a weapon, offering capabilities like forceful charges or creating diversions during battle.

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2024-09-30 20:13