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Hell is Us

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Hell is Us
Item: Hell is Us
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, RPG, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableSep 4, 2025

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5

DeveloperRogue Factor

Overview

If war is the closest we get to hell on earth, it's because Earth harbours the worst of demons: humankind. In an isolated country ravaged by infighting, discover the secrets of your past and deal with the repercussions of a mysterious calamity.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Hell is Us impresses with its rich, war-torn setting and deep themes of conflict and loss, earning praise for its immersive storytelling. However, critics blast its uneven pacing, lack of character depth, and muddled execution, leading to a rushed and unsatisfying conclusion. While the narrative framework shows great ambition, it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging experience, leaving players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Hell is Us has garnered praise from several critics for its unique setting and thematic depth. Many reviewers, such as Game8 and PSX Extreme, highlight the compelling backdrop of the war-torn fictional country of Hadea, which serves as a rich canvas for exploring complex themes like war, loss, and the human condition. Critics like Eurogamer and Gaming Age commend the narrative for its exploration of the cyclical nature of conflict and the moral ambiguities involved, emphasizing the emotional resonance of Remi's journey. The environmental storytelling approach, as noted by TierraGamer, allows players to engage with the narrative in a more immersive way, piecing together the story through exploration rather than traditional cutscenes. However, the narrative's execution has drawn significant criticism, with many reviewers pointing out its pacing issues and lack of character depth. Critics such as IGN Benelux and Gameliner express disappointment in the story's uneven pacing and failure to cohesively integrate its various elements, leading to a rushed and unsatisfying conclusion. The protagonist, Remi, is often described as lacking in depth, which diminishes the emotional impact of his journey, as noted by CD-Action and Gamereactor UK. Additionally, the muddled execution of thematic elements leaves many questions unanswered, as highlighted by Gfinity and Game Informer, making it difficult for players to remain fully invested in the narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Hell is Us presents a rich and intriguing narrative framework, it ultimately falls short in execution. Many reviewers appreciate the ambition of the story and its thematic explorations, but the slow pacing, uneven storytelling, and lack of character development detract from its potential. Critics like Malditos Nerds and IGN emphasize the importance of the narrative's dark themes, yet they also acknowledge the need for a more engaging and cohesive presentation. As a result, Hell is Us is seen as a game with a strong foundation that struggles to deliver a fully realized narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Hell is Us impresses with its exploration and puzzle-solving, earning praise for immersive environmental storytelling and organic gameplay. Critics note its lack of maps enhances immersion, though some find it frustrating. However, the combat is criticized as basic and repetitive, with limited enemy and weapon variety leading to monotonous encounters. Overall, opinions are split: while some celebrate its innovative approach, others are disappointed by shallow combat and navigation challenges, pointing to a unique experience that may not satisfy action-seekers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Hell is Us has garnered some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. Reviewers like Push Square and Meristation highlight the game's focus on environmental storytelling and the organic nature of exploration, which encourages players to engage deeply with the world around them. The absence of traditional maps and quest markers, as noted by critics such as Eurogamer and Gaming Age, is seen as a double-edged sword, but many appreciate the immersion it brings, allowing for a more intuitive and rewarding experience. The combat system, while critiqued for its simplicity, has been described by some, like Slant Magazine, as thrilling and rewarding for players who invest time in mastering it. However, the gameplay also suffers from significant drawbacks that many critics have pointed out. A common criticism is the lack of depth in combat mechanics, with several reviewers, including PLAY! Zine and CD-Action, describing the combat as basic and repetitive. The limited variety of enemies and weapons further exacerbates this issue, leading to encounters that feel monotonous over time, as echoed by Game Informer and Meristation. Additionally, the reliance on environmental cues and NPC interactions for navigation can lead to confusion and frustration, as noted by Multiplayer.it and IGN Spain, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear divide between those who appreciate the game's innovative approach to exploration and puzzle-solving and those who find the combat and navigation lacking. While titles like Eurogamer and Gfinity commend the organic exploration and puzzle design, many others, including IGN Benelux and Gamekult, express disappointment in the combat's superficiality and the repetitive nature of encounters. This dichotomy suggests that while Hell is Us offers a unique and engaging experience for players who value exploration and problem-solving, it may fall short for those seeking a more robust and varied combat system.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Hell is Us wows with stunning graphics and atmospheric design, winning acclaim for its haunting beauty and immersive environments powered by Unreal Engine 5. Critics praise the art direction and well-crafted settings that evoke a war-torn world, despite minor criticisms of character expressiveness and occasional technical glitches on PS5. Overall, the game succeeds in creating a captivating atmosphere that enhances its themes of despair, solidifying its visual design as a standout achievement in gaming.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

80%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Hell is Us have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising the game's impressive use of lighting and atmospheric design that effectively captures the tone of war. Reviewers from Cultured Vultures and Gameliner highlighted the game's haunting beauty and immersive environments, respectively, noting the strong art direction that conveys a devastated world. Critics such as Jeuxvideo.com and XboxEra also emphasized the game's stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, which contribute positively to the overall experience. The environments are described as well-crafted and varied, with a dark and melancholic tone that enhances the narrative, as noted by Generación Xbox and Malditos Nerds. Overall, the consensus is that the game successfully creates a captivating atmosphere that draws players into its grim world. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in the game's visual design. For instance, CD-Action and Game8 noted that while the environments and cutscenes are visually appealing, the protagonist's design lacks expressiveness and character detail. Additionally, ElDesmarque mentioned occasional graphical issues and performance problems on the PS5, which can detract from the overall visual experience. Metro GameCentral and Multiplayer.it also highlighted that while the environments are atmospheric, some character and monster designs may not be particularly memorable, potentially undermining the immersive experience that the game aims to achieve. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Hell is Us presents a visually striking and atmospheric experience that effectively conveys its themes of war and despair. While there are minor criticisms regarding character designs and occasional technical issues, the majority of reviewers agree that the game's graphics and visual design are strong points that enhance the overall experience. Critics like Push Square and PlayStation Universe encapsulate this sentiment by praising the detailed environments and haunting aesthetics, suggesting that the game's visual design is a significant achievement that contributes to its immersive narrative.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The sound design and music of Hell is Us have been widely praised for creating a haunting, immersive atmosphere that enhances the game's emotional depth. Critics commend the blend of synthwave and dark ambiance, alongside high-quality voice acting, particularly by Elias Toufexis. However, some note a lack of variety and occasional monotone delivery in the soundtrack. Overall, the audio elements are seen as a standout feature that significantly elevates the player's experience, despite minor critiques.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Hell is Us have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, who highlight their significant contribution to the game's unsettling atmosphere. Many reviewers, including Cultured Vultures and XboxEra, note that the audio elements keep players on edge, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. Critics like Gameliner and Eurogamer praise the raw sounds and diverse soundtrack, which blends synthwave with dark ambiance, creating a haunting backdrop that complements the gameplay. The voice acting has also received commendation, with Generación Xbox and GamingTrend mentioning the high quality and emotional depth brought forth by the performances, particularly by Elias Toufexis. Overall, the combination of effective combat sound effects and ambient music has been recognized as a key factor in immersing players into the game's world. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics did point out areas for improvement. Jeuxvideo.com mentioned that while the soundtrack is well-crafted, it lacks variety, which could detract from the overall experience. Additionally, Game8 noted that although the audio design is effective, the voice acting can sometimes come across as monotone. Critics like Hobby Consolas also suggested that while the synth-driven soundtrack fits the game’s context, it may not stand out as particularly remarkable. These critiques indicate that while the sound design and music are generally effective, there are elements that could benefit from greater diversity and dynamism. In conclusion, the overall sentiment among critics is highly favorable regarding the sound design and music of Hell is Us. The majority of reviewers agree that the audio elements significantly enhance the game's atmosphere, with many noting the haunting quality of the soundtrack and the immersive soundscapes. Critics such as IGN Benelux and PlayStation Universe emphasized how the sound design contributes to the horror elements and overall experience. While there are minor criticisms regarding variety and voice acting, the consensus is that the audio design is a standout feature that effectively engages players, making Hell is Us a compelling experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

"Hell is Us" features standout voice acting from Elias Toufexis as Remi, praised for adding emotional depth, but critics also highlight issues with his monotone delivery and lack of charisma. While some performances shine, inconsistencies and awkwardness in NPC voice work lead to a mixed overall impression, blending commendable moments with significant shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in "Hell is Us" has garnered a range of positive remarks, particularly highlighting the performance of Elias Toufexis as the protagonist, Remi. Critics such as Gamereactor UK and GamingTrend commend Toufexis for delivering a solid performance that adds emotional depth and enhances the overall experience of the game. This sentiment is echoed by Gfinity and Hobby Consolas, who also note that his portrayal brings a recognizable quality to the character amidst the grim setting of the game. Additionally, some reviewers, like Jeuxvideo.com, describe the voice acting as "almost impeccable," suggesting that it significantly contributes to the game's atmosphere and narrative engagement. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting that detract from the overall experience. Several critics, including CD-Action and Invader, point out that Remi’s character lacks charisma and depth, with some describing his delivery as monotone. This is further supported by Game8, which criticizes the voice acting for its lack of engagement, and PlayStation Universe, which acknowledges that while the overall voice acting is excellent, Remi's performance is a drawback. Additionally, Gameliner highlights mixed quality among NPCs, with some suffering from awkward delivery and uncanny expressions, indicating inconsistencies in the voice acting across the board. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the voice acting in "Hell is Us" has strong moments, particularly with Toufexis's performance, it is marred by issues of monotony and lack of character depth, especially in the protagonist. Critics like Generación Xbox and Cubed3 recognize the competence of the voice work, but the mixed reviews signal that the execution varies significantly, particularly among NPCs. The game seems to be a blend of commendable performances and notable shortcomings, leading to a fragmented perception of its voice acting quality.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Hell is Us" shines on Xbox Series X with solid performance and visuals, winning praise for stability. In contrast, the PS5 version suffers from inconsistent issues, including frame rate drops and graphical glitches. Overall, Xbox players enjoy a smoother experience, while PS5 users face technical frustrations—choose your platform wisely!

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of "Hell is Us" has garnered a mix of opinions across different gaming platforms, particularly the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. On the Xbox Series X, critics like Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub praised the game for its solid performance, highlighting a steady frame rate and impressive visuals even during intense combat scenarios. XboxEra noted the game's polished feel with few glitches, while Malditos Nerds acknowledged its good functionality and aesthetics, albeit without exceptional technical prowess. Overall, the Xbox Series X seems to provide a generally positive experience, with critics emphasizing its ability to maintain performance under demanding conditions. In contrast, the PlayStation 5 version has been met with a more varied response. While some reviewers, such as GameBlast and Meristation, reported smooth performance with no significant issues, others highlighted notable technical shortcomings. Critics like ElDesmarque pointed out problems with draw distance and HDR brightness, while Gamesurf and TierraGamer noted frame rate drops, particularly in expansive environments. Additionally, Gfinity criticized the game's animations and movement mechanics, suggesting that these issues detracted from the overall experience. This inconsistency in performance on the PS5 indicates that while many players may enjoy a stable experience, others may encounter frustrating technical problems. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that "Hell is Us" performs better on the Xbox Series X compared to the PlayStation 5, where performance issues are more frequently reported. While Xbox Series X players can expect a polished and enjoyable experience, PS5 players face a mixed bag of performance, with various reviewers noting frame rate drops, graphical glitches, and animation issues. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and IGN Spain acknowledged that while the game generally performs well, the occasional technical hiccup can detract from the immersion. As such, players may want to consider their platform of choice carefully, as the technical performance of "Hell is Us" varies significantly between the two consoles.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Hell is Us has compelling lore and a rich world that beckons exploration, enhancing its replay value. Reviewers praise the ability to revisit save points and tackle puzzles, while diverse combat approaches offer fresh experiences. However, repetitive combat and enemy encounters pose significant drawbacks, leading to concerns about overall replayability. Critics highlight pacing issues and linear quests that may limit players' desire for multiple playthroughs. In short, while the game teases intriguing exploration, its shortcomings in combat variety may leave players less inclined to return.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Hell is Us reveal some positive aspects that may entice players to revisit the game. Many reviewers highlight the game's rich world and engaging lore, which encourage exploration and discovery. For instance, Finger Guns emphasizes that the game fosters a sense of curiosity, suggesting high replayability as players may want to uncover all secrets and mysteries. Additionally, critics like Malditos Nerds and Game Informer note that the game allows players to return to previous save points to complete objectives and solve puzzles, indicating that there are avenues for exploration beyond the main narrative. Generación Xbox also points out that different approaches to combat and exploration can enhance replayability, even if the game isn't designed for infinite playtime. However, several critics express concerns about the game's replay value, particularly due to the repetitive nature of combat and enemy encounters. Cultured Vultures and Checkpoint Gaming both mention that the lack of variety in combat could significantly affect the overall replay value. Critics like XboxEra and Vandal echo this sentiment, noting that the complexity and padding in the game may deter players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Additionally, Game8 and Meristation highlight pacing issues and linear quest design, which can further limit the incentive for players to return after completing the main storyline. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a mixed sentiment regarding the replay value of Hell is Us. While there are elements that promote exploration and a compelling narrative, the repetitive combat and lack of enemy variety are significant drawbacks that many reviewers, including ElDesmarque and Gamereactor UK, believe could deter players from wanting to replay the game extensively. The game seems to offer a decent amount of content and optional quests, as noted by Gamekult and IGN Spain, but the overall experience may not be compelling enough for a substantial number of players to return, as indicated by Gfinity and PLAY! Zine. Thus, while there are opportunities for replay, the limitations in combat variety and design may overshadow the potential for a richer replay experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the overall sentiment regarding Hell is Us, it is evident that many critics appreciate the game's ambitious design and atmospheric storytelling. Reviewers like Gfinity and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the rich world-building and intriguing narrative elements, suggesting that the game successfully immerses players in its environment. Critics such as TierraGamer and ElDesmarque commend the game's exploration aspects, noting that it offers a unique experience for those who value storytelling and thematic depth. The game is also recognized for its bold approach to gameplay, with many reviewers, including Invader and Eurogamer, acknowledging its potential to challenge traditional gaming norms and appeal to a niche audience. However, despite these strengths, Hell is Us faces significant criticisms, particularly regarding its gameplay mechanics and narrative cohesion. Reviewers like IGN Benelux and PLAY! Zine express disappointment over the shallow gameplay and underwhelming combat mechanics, which detract from the overall experience. Many critics, including Metro GameCentral and GamePro Germany, point out issues with pacing, repetitive combat, and technical problems that hinder enjoyment. Furthermore, several reviews, such as those from Cubed3 and Gameliner, mention that the story loses momentum towards the end, leading to an unsatisfying conclusion that leaves players wanting more. The overall consensus among critics is that Hell is Us is a commendable effort that showcases a unique vision and strong thematic elements but is ultimately marred by gameplay flaws and narrative inconsistencies. While some, like Finger Guns and PSX Extreme, argue that the game's positives outweigh its negatives, many others maintain that the shortcomings prevent it from being a standout title. The mixed reviews suggest that while Hell is Us has the potential to resonate with players who appreciate deep narratives and exploration, it may not appeal to a broader audience due to its mechanical and storytelling issues.

TL;DR

Hell is Us impresses with its ambitious design and immersive storytelling, earning praise for rich world-building and exploration. However, it struggles with shallow gameplay, repetitive combat, and narrative inconsistencies, leading to mixed reviews. Critics agree it’s a unique effort but ultimately falls short of being a standout title, appealing mainly to niche players who prioritize thematic depth over gameplay mechanics.

MONSTER

Reviews

146 reviews found

Softpedia

Sep 2, 2025