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Hellboy: Web of Wyrd

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd
Item: Hellboy: Web of Wyrd
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Fighting, Single Player

AvailableOct 18, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperUpstream Arcade

Overview

Hellboy Web of Wyrd is a roguelite action adventure with an original story created in partnership with Dark Horse Comics and creator Mike Mignola. When an agent goes missing, Hellboy investigates. Prepare for monstrous toe-to-toe brawling

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd features an authentic storyline that resonates with the comic's essence, garnering praise for its supernatural weirdness and dark humor. However, many critics slam it as lacking depth and engagement, viewing the narrative as a mere backdrop for combat rather than a compelling tale. While there are some intriguing twists, the overall sentiment is that the story fails to fully leverage the rich lore and character potential of the Hellboy universe.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

The opinions of critics regarding the story of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd reveal some notable strengths. Several reviewers, such as GameSpew and ComicBook, highlight the game's narrative as being authentic to the Hellboy comics, with a storyline that involves Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. investigating the mysterious Butterfly House and the alternate dimension of Wyrd. Critics like TheSixthAxis and Gamereactor UK praise the story for its supernatural weirdness and dark humor, suggesting that it captures the essence of the Hellboy universe effectively. Furthermore, the involvement of Mike Mignola and Dark Horse Comics in crafting the narrative adds a layer of credibility and authenticity that many critics, including GameGrin and CGMagazine, appreciate. However, despite these positives, there are significant criticisms regarding the depth and engagement of the story. Many reviewers, including CD-Action and Everyeye.it, describe the narrative as lackluster, with some suggesting it serves merely as a backdrop for combat rather than a compelling story. Critics like Metro GameCentral and GameSpot express that the storytelling is incoherent and predictable, failing to provide the rich character development and emotional weight that fans might expect from a Hellboy narrative. Additionally, several critics, including Softpedia and SpazioGames, lament the underdevelopment of characters and the overall plot, indicating that it does not do justice to the original comics. Overall, the consensus among critics appears to be mixed. While some appreciate the nostalgic and authentic elements of the story, others find it lacking in depth and engagement. Critics such as TechRadar Gaming and TRG mention that the narrative has some well-thought-out twists and turns, but many others, like Game Rant and Checkpoint Gaming, argue that it feels more like a serviceable backdrop than a meaningful experience. Ultimately, while Hellboy: Web of Wyrd has its moments of intrigue and authenticity, the prevailing sentiment is that the story does not fully capitalize on the rich lore and character potential of the Hellboy franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd offers promising combat mechanics, praised for its engaging melee and strategic elements. However, critics overwhelmingly find the gameplay lacking depth, repetitive, and frustrating due to clunky controls and monotonous level design. Despite some unique roguelike features, the game ultimately fails to deliver a compelling experience, with many calling it unambitious and shallow. Moments of fun exist, but they’re overshadowed by significant flaws that hinder player engagement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

55%

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

The gameplay of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd has garnered some praise from critics, particularly regarding its potential for engaging combat. For instance, GameSpew highlights the "intimate" nature of melee combat, emphasizing the strategic elements involved, such as the ability to perform combos and strong attacks. Similarly, GGRecon notes that the combat can be "engaging and fun," particularly during one-on-one encounters with larger enemies. Some critics, like Worth Playing, point out that the combat system allows for a mix of MOBA and Souls-like elements, which can be enjoyable for newcomers to the genre. Additionally, the roguelike structure, while criticized by many, is acknowledged by some as a means to provide a unique gameplay loop that involves navigating through procedurally generated levels. However, the overall sentiment regarding the gameplay is predominantly negative, with numerous critics pointing out significant flaws. Many reviews describe the combat as "simple," "repetitive," and "lacking depth," with CD-Action and PlayStation LifeStyle both noting that the combat system fails to engage players due to its ease of mastery and lack of challenge. Critics like Gfinity and God is a Geek mention issues with clunky controls and sluggish combat, which detract from the overall experience. The level design has also been criticized for being monotonous and unvaried, leading to a sense of boredom during gameplay, as highlighted by Everyeye.it and Metro GameCentral. Furthermore, the roguelike elements are seen as poorly implemented, with multiple critics noting that they lead to frustrating experiences, especially upon death where players must restart multi-level stages. The overall consensus among critics is that while Hellboy: Web of Wyrd has a foundation for enjoyable combat, it ultimately falls short due to repetitive mechanics, lack of depth, and frustrating controls. The game is seen as unambitious and shallow, with critics like GamingTrend and SpazioGames emphasizing its simplicity as a detriment rather than a strength. The repetitive nature of the gameplay loop, combined with issues such as camera problems and inconsistent mechanics, leads to a frustrating experience that fails to capture the engaging potential of its roguelike structure. In summary, while there are moments of fun and potential in the gameplay, the overwhelming feedback suggests that Hellboy: Web of Wyrd struggles to maintain player engagement and deliver a satisfying gaming experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd impresses with a faithful adaptation of Mike Mignola's comic art style, earning praise for its striking cel-shaded visuals and atmospheric design. However, critics are divided, citing performance issues, glitchy animations, and repetitive environments as major drawbacks. While fans of the comics may appreciate the aesthetics, technical shortcomings undermine the overall experience, leading to a mixed reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

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 Hellboy: Web of Wyrd have garnered considerable praise from critics, particularly for their faithful representation of Mike Mignola's iconic comic art style. Reviewers such as CD-Action and Metro GameCentral highlight the game's unique graphic style, noting how it closely resembles the original comics, contributing positively to the overall aesthetic. Many critics, including Gfinity and PlayStation LifeStyle, commend the cel-shaded visuals for their striking colors and bold outlines, effectively capturing the essence of the Hellboy universe. The game's artistic direction is celebrated for its ability to evoke the comic book feel, with critics like ComicBook and GameSpot emphasizing the stunning visual fidelity and atmospheric qualities that resonate with fans of the source material. However, not all feedback is positive, as several critics point out significant shortcomings in the game's visual execution. Everyeye.it expresses disappointment, suggesting that while the visual design attempts to replicate Mignola's style, it ultimately falls short, leading to a lackluster graphical presentation. Others, such as PlayStation Universe and Game Rant, echo concerns regarding performance issues, including frame rate inconsistencies and glitchy animations that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, some reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and GameOver.gr criticize the repetitive environments and lack of visual variety, which can diminish the impact of the otherwise captivating art style. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a mixed sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. While many reviewers appreciate the game's successful adaptation of Mignola's art style and the striking visual presentation, there are notable criticisms regarding performance issues and a lack of polish. Critics such as Vandal and TheSixthAxis affirm that the visuals are a highlight of the experience, particularly for fans of the comics, yet others caution that the game's repetitive elements and technical shortcomings can detract from its visual achievements. This duality in opinions suggests that while the game excels in aesthetic fidelity, it struggles with execution and consistency, leaving a divided impression among the gaming community.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd features standout voice acting, particularly from the late Lance Reddick, enhancing character depth and immersion. Critics praise the atmospheric music for complementing the game’s visuals, though many find it repetitive and generic. While the sound design adds to the gameplay experience, it lacks memorable tracks and variation, leading to a mixed reception overall. The voice acting shines, but the audio elements may not leave a lasting impact on players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd have garnered a mixed but generally favorable reception from critics. A significant highlight across multiple reviews is the voice acting, particularly the performance of the late Lance Reddick, which many reviewers, including GameSpew and Noisy Pixel, praised for adding depth and authenticity to the character of Hellboy. The atmospheric music was noted by critics like Softpedia and CGMagazine as fitting the surreal world of the game, enhancing immersion and complementing the visuals. Additionally, SECTOR.sk pointed out that the sound design and music are excellent overall, contributing positively to the gaming experience despite some shortcomings. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music. Several reviewers, such as CD-Action and TheXboxHub, described the music as atmospheric yet repetitive and generic, lacking memorable tracks that could elevate the gameplay experience. Critics like ComicBook and GameCritics mentioned that the voice acting, while good, could also feel repetitive and lacking in variation, detracting from the overall experience. Furthermore, some reviews, including those from Games.cz and GameOver.gr, pointed out that certain aspects of the sound design were mediocre or lacking, with some areas of the game reportedly having no music at all. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while the voice acting—especially Reddick's performance—stands out as a significant strength, the music and sound design are more divisive. Many critics appreciate the atmospheric qualities and the way the audio complements the gameplay, but there is a recurring sentiment that the music could be more memorable and varied. As noted by critics like Vandal and Hey Poor Player, the sound design enhances combat but can be forgettable, suggesting that while the audio elements contribute to the game's atmosphere, they may not leave a lasting impression on players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Lance Reddick's voice acting in Hellboy: Web of Wyrd has received considerable acclaim for its charisma and depth, with many critics praising his ability to embody the character without mimicking Ron Perlman. However, some reviewers found his performance repetitive and lacking distinctiveness, leading to mixed reactions. While the majority celebrate Reddick's portrayal as a highlight of the game, a notable minority feels it falls short of capturing Hellboy's iconic essence. Overall, opinions vary, but Reddick's performance is largely viewed as a strong asset to the game's narrative.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Hellboy: Web of Wyrd, particularly the performance of Lance Reddick as Hellboy, has garnered significant praise from various critics. Many reviewers, including CD-Action and PlayStation Universe, highlight Reddick's charismatic portrayal, which adds depth and personality to the character, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Critics such as TechRadar Gaming and Screen Rant commend Reddick for his authenticity and ability to capture the essence of Hellboy without imitating previous portrayals, notably that of Ron Perlman. The emotional depth and poignant delivery noted by Hey Poor Player and the seamless transition between different tones highlighted by ZTGD further emphasize Reddick's strong performance, making it a standout aspect of the game. However, not all feedback is positive. Some critics, like ComicBook and Gaming Age, express disappointment in Reddick's performance, describing it as repetitive and lacking distinct delivery, which detracts from the immersive experience. The absence of Ron Perlman is felt by several reviewers, including Games.cz, who argue that Reddick's portrayal, while commendable, does not fully capture the iconic essence of the character. Additionally, GameSpot criticizes the overall quality of voice acting in the game, labeling it as lacking substance, particularly in NPC conversations. This mixed feedback indicates a divide in how Reddick's performance is perceived, with some finding it exceptional and others feeling it falls short. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of Lance Reddick's voice acting in Hellboy: Web of Wyrd, despite some dissenting opinions. While many reviewers, such as Gfinity and TheXboxHub, celebrate Reddick's ability to bring Hellboy to life with charisma and depth, a notable minority voices concerns about repetitiveness and the absence of Perlman's iconic portrayal. The performance is generally seen as a strong point in the game, contributing positively to the character's development and the overall narrative, though it is clear that opinions vary on its effectiveness and impact.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd struggles with technical performance across platforms. While PC and Xbox Series X have moments of stability, major issues plague PS5 with severe bugs, input lag, and frustrating gameplay. Critics report crashes on PC and gameplay bugs on Xbox, leading to a consensus that the game needs urgent updates and polish to improve the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

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

The technical performance of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd varies across platforms, with some positive notes to highlight. On PC, Games.cz mentioned that the technical performance is generally acceptable, with only minor crashes at the beginning but no significant issues during the main campaign. Additionally, Worth Playing noted that the game runs at a native resolution of 1280x800 and achieves a stable 60fps, which is commendable. On Xbox Series X, XboxAddict pointed out that while there are minor visual draw-in issues, the overall technical performance is deemed acceptable. This suggests that the game has the potential to deliver a satisfactory experience on these platforms, despite some underlying issues. However, the negatives across all platforms are more pronounced and concerning. On PS5, critics like CD-Action and Everyeye.it reported significant technical issues, including bugs that disrupt gameplay and input lag that makes the game frustrating to play. Gfinity added that stuttering loading screens and choppy frame rates contribute to the game's technical shortcomings. On PC, several reviewers, including Screen Rant and PCGamesN, highlighted crashes and a general lack of stability, which detracts from the overall experience. The Xbox Series X also faces its share of problems, with TheXboxHub noting gameplay bugs and delayed button responses, while Xbox Tavern mentioned a critical saving issue that resulted in lost progress. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms leans towards a negative sentiment regarding the technical performance of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. While some reviewers found moments of stability and acceptable performance, the overwhelming feedback points to a game that is riddled with bugs, crashes, and input issues. The need for significant polish and updates is evident, especially on PS5, where multiple reviewers highlighted severe technical problems. The mixed reviews on PC suggest that while some players may have a smoother experience, many others are likely to encounter frustrating technical difficulties. In summary, the technical performance of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd requires urgent attention to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd garners mixed reviews on replay value. Some critics praise its roguelike elements and procedural generation for keeping gameplay fresh, while others slam its repetitive nature and lack of variety, making each playthrough feel monotonous. Despite promising upgrade systems, many reviewers find the game fails to provide meaningful content to encourage repeated play, leading to a lukewarm reception overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

58%

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

The opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd reveal a nuanced perspective, highlighting some positive aspects of the game. Several reviewers, such as God is a Geek and CGMagazine, commend the roguelike elements that encourage players to engage with the game multiple times. The procedural generation of environments, noted by Areajugones, offers a semblance of novelty with each playthrough, allowing players to uncover new secrets and challenges. Additionally, the progression system, as discussed by GameSpew and Gamer Escape, provides opportunities for upgrades and enhancements that can entice players to dive back into the action. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's replay value, pointing out its repetitive nature and lack of variety. CD-Action and Everyeye.it emphasize that while the roguelite mechanics allow for replayability, the gameplay can quickly become monotonous, leading to diminished interest over time. Critics like Metro GameCentral and SECTOR.sk echo this sentiment, stating that the shallow gameplay and inadequate challenge make replaying feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience. The consensus among many reviewers, including Gfinity and SpazioGames, is that the game fails to provide enough meaningful upgrades or engaging content to keep players coming back. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Hellboy: Web of Wyrd possesses some redeeming qualities in its roguelike structure and upgrade systems, these elements are overshadowed by the game's repetitive gameplay and lack of variety. Critics such as TechRadar Gaming and TheSixthAxis highlight that the formulaic nature and limited character progression significantly hinder the game's replay value. As a result, while there are aspects that may appeal to dedicated fans of the genre, many reviewers agree that the game does not offer sufficient incentives for repeated play, leading to a generally lukewarm reception regarding its replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

The overall sentiment regarding Hellboy: Web of Wyrd reveals a mixed bag of opinions, with several critics highlighting some positive aspects of the game. Many reviewers, such as Comicbook.com and GGRecon, praised the game's impressive visuals and authentic representation of the Hellboy universe, noting that it captures the aesthetic of the comics effectively. GameSpot also pointed out that the combat, while somewhat barebones, is punchy and calculated, making it worth experiencing. Additionally, Worth Playing and Gamer Escape found the game to be enjoyable, particularly for newcomers to the genre, suggesting that it offers a solid experience for fans of the franchise. However, the negatives dominate the discourse, with a significant number of critics expressing disappointment in the game's execution. Everyeye.it described it as "insufficient in almost every aspect," while Metro GameCentral labeled it one of the worst games of 2023. Many reviewers, including PlayStation LifeStyle and Digitally Downloaded, criticized the gameplay for being shallow, repetitive, and lacking in challenge. Vandal echoed this sentiment, stating that the game fails to do justice to its source material, despite some redeeming qualities. The consensus among critics like GameOver.gr and IGN is that the game suffers from a lack of depth and innovation, ultimately leading to a disappointing experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Hellboy: Web of Wyrd is a missed opportunity that does not fully capitalize on its source material's potential. While there are commendable elements, such as the visuals and some engaging aspects of the story, the game is plagued by repetitive gameplay and shallow mechanics, as noted by TechRadar Gaming and GameGrin. Many reviewers, including Gaming Age and Softpedia, believe that the game fails to provide a satisfying experience, leading to a general recommendation that it may only appeal to die-hard Hellboy fans rather than a broader audience. The overwhelming sentiment suggests that while the game has its moments, it ultimately falls short of expectations and does not deliver a compelling roguelike experience.

TL;DR

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd garners mixed reviews, praised for its visuals and authentic comic representation, but ultimately criticized for shallow, repetitive gameplay. While some enjoy its charm, many deem it a missed opportunity that fails to deliver depth and innovation, making it appealing mainly to die-hard fans rather than a wider audience.

MONSTER

Reviews

78 reviews found

CGMagazine

Oct 18, 2023