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

When Hell Is Us was first revealed, it was shrouded in mystery, characterized by its dark, brooding atmosphere that evoked vibes reminiscent of Silent Hill and Souls-like games. This intrigue captured the interest of many players, and fortunately, the developers soon unveiled an extended gameplay showcase.

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

Set in the early 1990s, Hell Is Us follows the silent protagonist, Rémi, on his quest to find his parents in Hadea, a fictional country ravaged by civil war. He seeks to uncover the reasons behind their decision to smuggle him out years ago and confront them for leaving him to navigate this journey alone. The world is filled with mysteries and clues, emphasizing the developers’ goal of allowing players to piece together what happened in Hadea.

Narrative elements are intricately woven throughout the environment, from the chimes in the forest left by a concerned father guiding his children home to the nearly abandoned buildings that tell their own stories, as well as the mysterious dungeon-like areas hinting at what lies ahead.

Exploration in Hell Is Us: A Return to Classic Mechanics

The exploration mechanics in Hell Is Us aim to offer a unique experience, as the developers have opted for a minimalist approach. There will be no quest markers, minimaps, or directional assistance—just straightforward exploration that rewards attentiveness to the surroundings.

An example from the showcase illustrates this approach: a character provides verbal directions, and players must intuitively navigate the environment and overcome obstacles. This bold choice enhances the investigative nature of the game, compelling players to actively engage in piecing together the narrative.

The game features a "journal" system that serves as a digital notepad for players to record details and utilize the gathered information to determine their next steps. Players also have a drone companion named KAPI, which assists in exploration by scanning for clues and translating texts, as well as aiding in combat.

Overall, Hell Is Us offers players a vast area to explore freely with minimal guidance, encouraging them to rely on environmental cues, clues, and NPC interactions as they progress through the game.

Combat Mechanics in Hell Is Us

The combat system in Hell Is Us has been clarified as not being a Souls-like experience, but rather a mid-core third-person action game that leans more toward hack-and-slash gameplay, similar to titles like Darksiders and Black Myth: Wukong. This results in fast-paced and engaging combat, described by the developers as “satisfyingly crunchy.”

Players will encounter various enemies known as Hollow Walkers, each with distinct tiers of strength. While the combat won't be overly punishing, mastering the system will be essential to effectively tackle these foes.

In addition to the glowing blade showcased in the initial trailer, players can expect a variety of melee weapons, including axes and greatswords. The drone can also be used offensively, providing abilities like powerful forward charges or distractions during combat.

So there you have it, our comprehensive coverage of the story, exploration, and combat details for Hell Is Us. The game is slated for release in 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for further updates on its development.