In a time when it’s becoming difficult for computer games to reinvent themselves—or even to evoke genuine emotion—I immediately jumped at the chance to explore the new game Hell is Us. What drew me to the challenge was the invitation to explore this new world without a compass, map, or extra help from the developers. I embraced the challenge and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
Hell is Us, developed by Rogue Factor and published by Nacon, is a third-person action-adventure game that combines intense combat with the thrill of an immersive exploration experience.
The most important feature is that there is no map and no quest markers. You must rely on your instincts and try to figure out where to go, in a unique experience that uses innovative writing and level design to let you make decisions independently and act according to your instincts while exploring. What you discover is yours alone.
The story centers on your character, Rémi, a soldier returning to his war-torn country to find his missing parents, who sent him away long ago. In addition to the civil war dividing the country, the region suffers from a mysterious disaster that has spawned supernatural creatures no modern weapon can defeat. Very early on, you receive a personal drone and a special sword, with which (and a few other weapons) you will fight the supernatural creatures appearing along the way and try to unravel the island’s mystery.
As mentioned, the game chooses not to reveal the plot in a modular fashion. You must discover clues, read detailed notes, converse with characters (and sometimes interpret what they say) to piece together the overall picture of what happened. The world is semi-open, consisting of several massive regions connected by vehicle traversal. But be aware that these regions are huge, and without knowing the correct direction or location, the ending can be tragic. Make good use of the scattered safe points on the island to avoid losing important progress in character development and strengthening.
The main storyline can be completed in 20–30 hours of gameplay, but there are plenty of side quests you must find yourself that are definitely worth doing. Visually, the world is stunning and feels very alive.
In summary, Hell is Us is an action-adventure game offering a demanding and unique experience: There are no navigation aids or target markers—you must feel, interpret, and explore on your own. The plot combines human conflict with supernatural elements and strange phenomena. The graphics, design, and atmosphere are very strong, but the combat system suffers from repetition and clumsiness. It is an ambitious game with much uniqueness, though not perfect—highly recommended for those willing to explore and immerse themselves in its world, less so for those seeking constant intense action.
A copy of the game was received from Edlee United, the official importer of the game in Israel.