Hell Is Us (PC) Review

Hell Is Us is an atypical action-adventure game that embraces old-school design philosophies in a modern light, creating a unique and hauntingly dark slow burn of an experience.

As a massive fan of the Deus Ex reboot games, I was thrilled to find out that Hell Us‘s art direction has Jonathan Jacques-Belletête at the helm as the Creative Director and art lead for the game, the same person responsible for bringing Deus Ex to life. Instead of a futuristic mechanized world, Hell is Us takes place in the 90s and features a grounded aesthetic juxtaposed with unearthly entities called Hollow Walkers that look akin to contemporary surrealist statutes come to life.

Leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5, Hell is Us is an often gorgeous game set in the fictional country of Hadea. The vast semi-open world, which opens up after the first chapter, features a wide gamut of unique biomes, including serene vistas, forests, and towns that contrast with the often dark and oppressive dungeons that make up the world of Hell is Us.

“Hell Is Us nails its sense of place, with believable characters and environments on top of a deluge of world-building elements that slowly come to light from the darkness of its unsettling world.”

Hell is Us nails its sense of place, with believable characters and environments on top of a deluge of world-building elements that slowly come to light from the darkness of its unsettling world. As Remi, players uncover his past after he infiltrates back into Hadea, bent on finding his family and the reason behind his forced exodus from the autarky society.

On the heels of a civil war, on top of the lands under siege by the threat of the Hollow Walkers, Hell Is Us is an often hostile place, but one also full of hope. Thanks to its cast of human characters that offer the player deep and interconnected narrative beats, Hell Is Us features detective sleuthing adventure game elements that make up a lot of its gameplay.

At its core, Hell Is Us splits gameplay into two distinct forms: combat and problem-solving through context clues, environmental puzzles and conversations with NPCs. Developer Nacon and studio Rogue Factor describe this hands-off approach as “Player Plattering”: forgoing quest and objective markers, as well as a map or persistent UI, and instead placing trust in players to discover where to go on their own.

The lack of objective markers or hand-holding may feel daunting for players used to conventional action-adventure games. Still, Hell Is Us includes systems that challenge without overwhelming, making each discovery and moment of progress that much more satisfying. Despite not being a fan of puzzle-heavy adventures, I found myself compelled to push forward. Thanks to the game’s balanced design, none of the puzzle sequences felt excessive or drawn out. With monster-infested overworlds, dank dungeons and an eclectic cast of characters, Hell Is Us often feels like a darker, more mature take on The Legend of Zelda.

The game also features a robust RPG system for Remi’s loadout and combat abilities. Players can choose from a variety of weapons, including axes, swords and polearms, alongside powerful augments for their drone companion. The drone itself has unique attacks and debuffs that help even the odds against hordes of monsters. Instead of traditional elemental affinities, Hell Is Us ties gear to emotions: weapons carry colour-coded affinities linked to concepts such as grief, rage and ecstasy.

Weapons level up the more they are used. At the same time, the game supplies Remi with a steady flow of new gear, encouraging experimentation while still allowing players to rely on their preferred weapons to carry them through most of the adventure. In terms of difficulty, Hell Is Us is far more forgiving than titles such as Dark Souls or Elden Ring. Its combat remains tense and rewarding, however, preserving a similar sense of discovery without the same level of punishment.

“At its core, Hell Is Us is a masterfully realized action-adventure game that puts the emphasis back on player agency.”

Beyond the main story, Hell Is Us offers a range of side quests that raise the player’s standing as a good Samaritan, a system that may have narrative consequences. The side content is thoughtfully designed, often requiring players to revisit earlier areas with new knowledge or trade items. This loop gives the game a touch of Metroidvania design, adding to the sense of reward and progression.

At its core, Hell Is Us is a masterfully realized action-adventure game that puts the emphasis back on player agency, making it a must-play for those who enjoy the challenge of finding their own way. Players seeking a more straightforward experience may not find it appealing, but even with the aid of a guide, the game remains rewarding thanks to its solid combat and grounded sense of place.