Hell is Us

The reviews of Hell is Us consistently highlight its ambitious narrative and thematic depth, with many critics praising its exploration of war, morality, and human conflict. Gfinity and IGN France commend the game’s sci-fi setting in the war-torn fictional country of Hadea, noting its rich lore and themes of history, religion, and politics. GameBlast and XboxEra appreciate the game’s focus on personal growth and the protagonist’s journey, while TierraGamer and GamesRadar+ praise its environmental storytelling and player-driven discovery. The narrative’s emphasis on moral ambiguity, as highlighted by Gamekult and Multiplayer.it, and its reflection on real-world conflicts, as noted by Eurogamer and Multiplayer.it, are frequently cited as strengths. Critics like PSX Extreme and PlayUA also emphasize the emotional resonance of the story, with PSX Extreme calling it “emotionally resonant” and PlayUA noting its blend of personal drama and global catastrophe. These elements collectively paint a picture of a game that strives to be intellectually and thematically engaging. However, the narrative’s execution faces significant criticism, with many reviewers pointing to its uneven pacing, unresolved plot threads, and underdeveloped characters. IGN Benelux and CD-Action criticize the lack of depth and cohesive integration of supernatural and political elements, while Game Informer and GamePro Germany describe the story as “uneven” and “rushed.” GameMAG and Eurogamer specifically call the protagonist, Remi, “wooden” or “uninteresting,” undermining emotional investment. The conclusion is frequently deemed unsatisfying, with critics like IGN Benelux, GameBlast, and Slant Magazine noting abrupt endings or unresolved questions. Additionally, several reviewers, including Critical Hits and Cubed3, mention that the narrative’s complexity is hindered by slow pacing or a lack of character development. These flaws, while not detracting from the game’s thematic ambitions, are seen as critical shortcomings that prevent it from fully realizing its potential. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is one of cautious appreciation. While the game’s narrative is praised for its thematic richness and world-building, its execution is seen as inconsistent. Gfinity and IGN France acknowledge its compelling ideas, but reviewers like IGN Benelux and Game Informer argue that these ideas are not fully realized. The mixed reception reflects a divide between those who value the game’s ambition and atmospheric storytelling (e.g., Gamekult, XboxEra) and those who feel it falls short in character development and narrative cohesion (e.g., CD-Action, GameMAG). Ultimately, Hell is Us is viewed as a game with significant strengths in concept and setting but one that struggles to deliver a fully satisfying experience, leaving its legacy as a promising but flawed entry in the genre.

The gameplay of Hell is Us receives praise for its emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving, with many critics highlighting its immersive and challenging design. Several reviewers, such as Cultured Vultures and GamesRadar+, commend the game’s lack of hand-holding, which encourages players to rely on observation and intuition to navigate its world. IGN France and IGN Deutschland note the dynamic combat system and unique mechanics, such as weapon customization and stamina-based gameplay, which add depth to the action elements. GamesRadar+ and WellPlayed also appreciate the environmental storytelling and the way puzzles are integrated into the world, creating a sense of discovery. Additionally, GamesRadar+ and PlayStation Universe praise the absence of maps or waypoints, which they argue enhances immersion and rewards player curiosity. These positives suggest that the game’s design prioritizes player agency and creative problem-solving, making exploration a central and rewarding aspect of the experience. However, the combat mechanics and repetition in gameplay are frequently criticized. PLAY! Zine and IGN Benelux describe combat as basic, unengaging, and lacking variety, with Meristation and TheXboxHub noting that enemy variety is insufficient to maintain interest. Checkpoint Gaming and Cubed3 point out that combat becomes repetitive over time, while Gameliner and Gamereactor UK highlight its chaotic and unclear nature. Eurogamer and The Outerhaven mention that the lack of guidance, while intentional, can lead to frustration, particularly in dungeons or with poorly organized side quests. Multiplayer.it and MeuPlayStation also critique the limited progression systems and movement restrictions, which hinder exploration. These criticisms collectively point to a gameplay loop that, while ambitious in its design, struggles to balance its core elements effectively, leaving combat and navigation as weaker points. Despite mixed feedback, the overall consensus among critics is that Hell is Us is a game that prioritizes exploration and puzzle-solving over traditional action mechanics, with its strengths lying in its immersive world-building and creative challenges. While IGN and GamingTrend acknowledge the unique approach to player autonomy, they also note the trade-offs in terms of accessibility and engagement. The game’s reliance on environmental cues and player intuition is seen as both a virtue and a flaw, depending on the critic’s perspective. WellPlayed and TierraGamer highlight the evolving combat system and companion mechanics as redeeming qualities, but many agree that the lack of variety in enemies and repetitive combat diminishes the late-game experience. Ultimately, Hell is Us is viewed as a polarizing title that appeals to fans of challenging, open-ended design but falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging gameplay experience overall.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Hell is Us for their immersive and atmospheric qualities, with many highlighting its ability to evoke a haunting, war-torn world. IGN and Cultured Vultures commended the game’s "grim depiction of a war-torn world" and "impressive lighting and atmospheric design," respectively, while GameOver.gr and Push Square emphasized the "distinct areas with unique architectural styles" and "medieval churches and caves" that enhance immersion. The use of Unreal Engine 5 was frequently noted as a strength, with Atomix acknowledging its "realistic depiction of a war-torn environment" and IGN France calling it "impressive for a AA title." Critics like GamesRadar+ and Eurogamer praised the "strong atmosphere of despair" and "environments inspired by real-world conflicts," respectively, while Finger Guns and Gamesurf highlighted the "grim prettiness" and "haunting aesthetic" that align with the game’s narrative. The blend of modern and medieval aesthetics, as described by IGN Deutschland, and the "unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy" by WellPlayed further underscore the game’s artistic ambition and visual cohesion. However, several reviewers pointed out specific shortcomings in the visual design. Metro GameCentral and Multiplayer.it criticized the "odd appearance of enemies" and "lack of memorability" in character and monster designs, respectively, which they felt undermined the game’s realism and impact. Atomix and IGN noted a "lack of variety in locations and enemy types," while TierraGamer and ElDesmarque mentioned technical issues like "pop-in," "texture loading problems," and "performance issues on PS5." CD-Action and Gamekult pointed to the protagonist’s "lack of expressiveness" and "modest animations," respectively, as areas needing improvement. Additionally, some critics, such as Gamekult and GameMAG, observed that the level design felt "restrictive" compared to modern open-world games, and that the "unique style" occasionally clashed with technical polish. These critiques suggest that while the game’s visuals are compelling, certain elements—particularly enemy design and technical execution—fell short of expectations. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Hell is Us delivers a visually striking and atmospheric experience. The game’s ability to create a "haunting beauty" (Cultured Vultures) and "desolate beauty" (IGN Spain) was frequently lauded, as was its "captivating atmosphere" (Meristation) and "strong artistic direction" (Jeuxvideo.com). While some reviewers, like Gamekult and TierraGamer, acknowledged minor technical flaws, the majority viewed these as secondary to the game’s strengths in world-building and thematic expression. The combination of detailed environments, surreal aesthetics, and a cohesive dark tone—echoed by outlets such as GamesRadar+ and Cubed3—solidified Hell is Us as a visually impressive title, even if it wasn’t without its imperfections. The critiques, though valid, did not overshadow the general acclaim for its ability to immerse players in a bleak, emotionally resonant world.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Hell is Us for their immersive and atmospheric contributions. Reviewers consistently highlighted how the audio elements enhanced the game’s unsettling tone, with Cultured Vultures noting the "unsettling atmosphere" that keeps players on edge, and Gameliner celebrating the "raw sounds and diverse soundtrack" blending synthwave with dark ambiance. Eurogamer and IGN Benelux emphasized the "haunting score" and "unsettling audio cues" that deepen immersion, while XboxEra described the soundtrack as a "creepy yet beautiful backdrop" that amplifies the story’s emotional impact. The use of synth-heavy compositions, as noted by Gamekult and TierraGamer, effectively evoked a horror atmosphere, and critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Cubed3 praised the "haunting score" and "eerie" music for their role in amplifying the game’s sombre, oppressive mood. Additionally, the environmental sounds and combat effects, highlighted by Generación Xbox and Multiplayer.it, were seen as crucial to creating a believable and tense experience. While the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, some critics pointed to minor shortcomings. Atomix noted that the audio "fails to leave a lasting impression," lacking a strong identity despite its quality, while Jeuxvideo.com and IGN Deutschland mentioned the soundtrack’s "lack of variety" and "minimalistic" approach, which some found repetitive. Game8 criticized the "monotone" voice acting, and IGN France noted "inconsistent" vocal performances despite the "subtle soundtrack." Additionally, some reviewers, like Hobby Consolas, felt the synth-driven score was "not especially distinctive," and Game8’s mention of "disturbing enemy voices" suggested that while the audio was effective, it didn’t always elevate the experience beyond expectation. These critiques, though, were relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim for the game’s audio design. The overall consensus among critics is that Hell is Us features exceptional sound design and music that significantly enhance its atmospheric and emotional depth. While a few reviewers pointed to limitations in variety or voice acting, the majority celebrated the audio as a standout element. Cultured Vultures, Gameliner, and Eurogamer all emphasized how the soundtrack and soundscapes created an immersive, horror-driven experience, with IGN Benelux calling it "deeply immersive" and PlayStation Universe drawing comparisons to Silent Hill for its eerie quality. Even critics like Atomix, who noted the lack of a "strong identity," acknowledged the technical quality of the audio. The combination of synth-driven scores, ambient sound design, and effective environmental cues solidified the game’s reputation as a title where audio plays a pivotal role in shaping the player’s experience, making it a strong contender in the horror genre.

The voice acting in Hell is Us receives generally positive feedback, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Jeuxvideo.com praises it as "almost impeccable," emphasizing its contribution to the game’s atmosphere, while TheXboxHub commends Elias Toufexis for delivering a "solid performance" that keeps the story engaging despite clichéd dialogue. Gaming Age and GamingTrend also note that the voice cast, including NPCs, adds depth to characters and their stories, making emotional experiences feel genuine. Additionally, PlayStation Universe and PSX Extreme appreciate the "excellent" voice acting, with the latter crediting it for capturing the turmoil of Hadea’s characters and enhancing immersion. Hobby Consolas and Gfinity specifically laud Toufexis’s work, calling it "remarkable" and "recognizable," respectively, and acknowledging its role in grounding the narrative. These reviews collectively suggest that the voice acting is a notable asset, particularly in supporting the game’s thematic and emotional tone. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks. Gameliner criticizes the "awkward delivery and uncanny facial expressions" of many NPCs, while Atomix and CD-Action note that the protagonist’s monotone performance—though fitting the character—undermines engagement and charisma. Eurogamer and Invader similarly dismiss the main character, Rémi, as "uninteresting" and lacking depth, with IGN France describing the voice acting as "generally acceptable but lacking consistency." Gamekult raises concerns about the French localization, calling it "uneven" and recommending the English version instead, while Game8 and GameOver.gr highlight monotone delivery as a flaw that detracts from character connection. These critiques suggest that while some performances are strong, others fall short in conveying emotional nuance or character authenticity, creating a mixed experience for players. The overall consensus among critics is divided, with a clear emphasis on Elias Toufexis’s performance as a standout element. While many praise his work for adding depth and emotional resonance, others argue that the protagonist’s restrained or unengaging delivery limits the narrative’s impact. The game’s voice acting is seen as competent or even excellent in parts, but inconsistencies in character portrayal and localization quality—particularly in the French version—dilute its effectiveness. Despite these issues, several reviewers acknowledge that the voice work enhances the game’s atmosphere and storytelling, though it remains a polarizing aspect. TheXboxHub and Gaming Age note that the cast’s potential is sometimes underutilized, reflecting a broader tension between technical quality and narrative execution. Ultimately, the voice acting is a mixed bag, with strong moments overshadowed by recurring criticisms of monotony, depth, and localization.

The technical performance of Hell is Us receives generally positive feedback across platforms, with notable strengths on the Xbox Series X and PS5. On Xbox Series X, reviewers like TheXboxHub praised its "beautiful" performance with "impressive frame rate performance," while Generación Xbox highlighted the stability of performance mode, maintaining a steady frame rate. XboxEra noted the game is "generally polished" with few glitches, and Malditos Nerds acknowledged its solid functionality despite lacking standout technical features. For the PS5, Atomix and GameBlast emphasized smooth 60 FPS performance with minimal bugs, while PlaySense and Hey Poor Player praised the "4K at 60 FPS" performance mode and stability on the PS5 Pro. GameMAG also commended its "well-optimized" design with "minimal loading issues," and Meristation reported "no significant performance issues," contributing to a seamless experience. However, technical challenges are more pronounced on the PS5, with several critics pointing out specific flaws. ElDesmarque highlighted "poor draw distance and HDR brightness problems," while Gamesurf and TierraGamer noted frame drops in expansive environments. GamingTrend and Push Square mentioned stutters during combat, and Gfinity criticized "janky animations and clunky movement." GamesRadar+ pointed to "small text and navigation difficulties," and IGN Spain noted "occasional frame rate drops and sound issues." PLAY! Zine and Push Square specifically flagged performance issues on the base PS5 model, with Push Square noting "minor graphical pop-ins" despite overall stability. On PC, Jeuxvideo.com warned that the game is "more demanding," potentially affecting performance, though this was not explored in depth by other reviewers. Overall, the consensus leans toward Hell is Us being technically solid, particularly on the Xbox Series X, where it avoids major pitfalls and delivers consistent performance. The PS5 version, while mostly stable, faces more varied technical hurdles, with some critics like Atomix and GameBlast praising its smoothness, while others like ElDesmarque and TierraGamer highlighted persistent issues. The PC port, though less discussed, appears to demand higher resources, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com. Despite these differences, the game’s optimization is generally seen as effective, with GameMAG and PlaySense emphasizing its "well-optimized" and "mostly bug-free" nature. While the PS5’s technical shortcomings are more pronounced, the Xbox Series X’s performance remains a stronger contender, suggesting that the game’s technical foundation is robust but not without platform-specific quirks.

The overall sentiment toward the replay value of Hell is Us is mixed, with several critics highlighting its strengths in exploration, side content, and player-driven choices. Reviewers like Generación Xbox and Malditos Nerds emphasize that the game’s replayability stems from diverse combat approaches, exploration opportunities, and the ability to revisit save points to complete objectives or uncover secrets. Finger Guns and Gamekult praise the game’s rich world and hidden elements, suggesting that players may want to return to discover all mysteries or secrets. Gamers Heroes and GameSpew note that customization options, multiple paths, and flexible difficulty settings encourage repeated playthroughs, while MeuPlayStation points to the game’s substantial content, estimating 50 hours for completionists. These positives collectively indicate that Hell is Us offers a compelling foundation for replayability, particularly for fans of open-world design and puzzle-solving. However, the negatives surrounding replay value are equally significant, with many critics citing repetitive combat mechanics and a lack of enemy variety as major drawbacks. Checkpoint Gaming and ElDesmarque argue that the game’s repetitive combat and limited enemy encounters could diminish its appeal for multiple playthroughs, while XboxEra and Vandal mention that complexity and padding might deter players from revisiting the game. Gameliner and Gfinity note that the game’s demanding nature and lack of guidance could alienate some audiences, reducing their incentive to replay. Additionally, Game8 and The Outerhaven point to linear quest design and a main campaign that feels less engaging than side stories, which might make the experience feel stale after the first run. Invader and Gamereactor UK also highlight that the combat lacks depth and variety, further undermining long-term replayability. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among critics is that Hell is Us has moderate to decent replay value, contingent on player preferences. While IGN France and IGN Deutschland suggest that player choice and exploration offer potential for varied experiences, others like GameBlast and GamesRadar+ acknowledge that the absence of a New Game+ mode or significant post-story content limits its longevity. The game’s strengths in world-building and optional content are often offset by its gameplay shortcomings, creating a polarizing effect. Hobby Consolas and GamingTrend note that while the game’s secrets and flexibility are appealing, its repetitive elements and pacing issues may not satisfy all. Ultimately, the replay value hinges on whether players prioritize exploration and narrative over dynamic combat, with many reviewers agreeing that it’s a game best suited for those who enjoy its unique design but may struggle to justify multiple playthroughs for others.