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MONSTER

Hellpoint

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Hellpoint
Item: Hellpoint
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Horror, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJul 30, 2020

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

DeveloperCradle Games

Overview

Hellpoint is a dark sci fi action RPG set in the aftermath of a massive quantum cataclysm. Every living being quickly lost their mind as their memories and bodies were merged with alternate versions of themselves from parallel universes. The accident also attracted entities of immense power that should have been left alone, in the depth of other dimensions.

Elsewhere

5.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Hellpoint's narrative dazzles with atmospheric cosmic horror and immersive environmental storytelling, evoking Dark Souls and Event Horizon through fragmented lore and player-driven discovery. Yet, its cryptic, opaque structure and underdeveloped plot frustrate many, polarizing fans of Soulslike titles who crave mystery over clarity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

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

The critics generally praise Hellpoint’s narrative for its atmospheric depth and creative use of environmental storytelling. Many highlight the game’s ability to evoke cosmic horror through its setting—a space station orbiting a black hole—paired with fragmented lore that invites player interpretation. Cultured Vultures and Gameblog.fr commend the eerie, mysterious tone, likening it to Dark Souls and Event Horizon, while Everyeye.it and Wccftech appreciate the intricate, exploration-driven narrative that weaves in themes of cosmic entities, cults, and the enigmatic "Author." The minimalistic approach, where players piece together the story through logs, terminals, and environmental cues, is seen as a strength by several reviewers. Finger Guns acknowledges the game’s focus on gameplay over plot, noting that the protagonist’s ambiguous origins and the "Merge" event create an intriguing framework for discovery. This emphasis on atmosphere and player-driven exploration resonates with critics who value immersive, non-linear storytelling. However, numerous reviews criticize Hellpoint’s narrative for being overly cryptic and lacking clarity. Metro GameCentral and RPG Site describe the plot as "extremely opaque," with players struggling to grasp their role or the game’s central conflicts. The fragmented nature of the story, while praised by some, is seen as a drawback by others, such as Screen Rant and GameSpace, who argue that the lack of exposition leads to confusion and frustration. Critics like PlayStation Universe and MGG Spain note that the narrative feels underdeveloped compared to its inspirations, with sparse dialogue and minimal character development. The reliance on environmental storytelling, while appreciated by some, is criticized for being "useless" or overly obscure, as highlighted by God is a Geek and RPGamer. Additionally, the game’s focus on exploration over coherent plot progression leaves many reviewers feeling disconnected from the story, despite its atmospheric strengths. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Hellpoint’s narrative is a polarizing element, balancing atmospheric brilliance with structural shortcomings. While several reviewers, including Cultured Vultures and Everyeye.it, celebrate its unique approach to storytelling through environmental cues and cosmic horror, others like Metro GameCentral and RPG Site find it frustratingly opaque. The game’s reliance on player interpretation and fragmented lore appeals to fans of Soulslike titles but alienates those seeking a more direct narrative. Despite mixed reactions, the story’s emphasis on atmosphere and exploration is consistently acknowledged as a defining feature, even if its complexity and lack of clarity prevent it from fully resonating with all players. As noted by Wccftech and Multiplayer.it, the narrative’s strength lies in its ability to immerse players in a mysterious world, even if it occasionally sacrifices accessibility for enigma.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Hellpoint nails the Soulsborne essence with faithful mechanics and challenging combat but suffers from unpolished flaws, repetitive design, and a lack of innovation, offering a competent yet derivative experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Hellpoint is widely praised for its faithful homage to the Soulsborne formula, with many critics highlighting its adherence to classic mechanics. Cultured Vultures and Metro GameCentral note the game’s familiar controls, stamina management, and difficulty curve reminiscent of From Software titles, while Gameblog.fr and Universo Nintendo commend unique elements like verticality, healing systems tied to attacks, and dimensional rifts. The inclusion of dynamic mechanics such as the orbital clock system (Digitally Downloaded) and co-op features (Gameblog.fr, TheXboxHub) adds variety, and weapon customization, stat progression, and boss fights are frequently lauded for their depth and strategic potential. Finger Guns and RPG Site emphasize the game’s challenging combat and flexible playstyles, while GameMAG and TrueGaming appreciate its skill-based progression and authentic Soulslike feel. These positives underscore Hellpoint’s success in capturing the essence of its inspirations. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. Issues like unrefined mechanics—such as poor dodge responsiveness (Digitally Downloaded), clunky controls on Switch (Cubed3), and floaty movement (Gamers Heroes)—are frequently cited, alongside repetitive enemy AI (Gamers Heroes, Meristation) and technical bugs (Gameblog.fr, GameSpace). The difficulty curve is criticized for being unfairly harsh early on (Finger Guns) or unevenly punishing (RPG Site), while systems like fast travel (Finger Guns) and inventory management (XboxAddict) are deemed cumbersome. Critics like Noisy Pixel and Multiplayer.it note a lack of innovation, with Hellpoint often described as derivative compared to other Soulslikes. Additionally, the game’s confusing world design (RPG Site) and inconsistent enemy difficulty (MGG Spain) further undermine its potential, creating a mixed experience despite its strong foundation. Overall, critics agree that Hellpoint is a competent but unoriginal Soulslike that leans heavily on its inspirations while introducing minor twists. While it excels in replicating the challenging combat, resource management, and exploration of Dark Souls (Cultured Vultures, Metro GameCentral), its technical shortcomings and repetitive design elements prevent it from standing out. The game’s strengths lie in its faithful mechanics and unique systems like the Black Hole Clock (Digitally Downloaded) and co-op play (TheXboxHub), but these are often overshadowed by flaws such as poor polish and lack of innovation (PlayStation Universe, Noisy Pixel). Despite mixed reception, Hellpoint remains a noteworthy entry for fans of the genre, offering a familiar yet imperfect experience that balances praise with criticism across its core gameplay elements.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Hellpoint’s visuals blend atmospheric creativity with eerie sci-fi horror, showcasing varied environments and striking color palettes, but technical issues like poor textures, framerate hitches, and repetitive design dilute its impact, resulting in a haunting yet flawed experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

The graphics and visual design of Hellpoint received mixed but generally positive feedback, with several critics praising its atmospheric creativity and unique aesthetic. Gameblog.fr highlighted the game’s "varied environments" and "effective lighting," noting the imaginative blend of sci-fi, cyberpunk, and horror elements. Screen Rant commended the use of darkness to create eerie atmospheres, particularly emphasizing distinct color palettes in areas like the purple-hued Alma Mater and orange-lit Embassy. RPG Site praised the "dark, tense environments" and memorable set pieces such as the tower and black hole, while GameSpace called the visuals a "visual treat" with "colorful sci-fi aesthetic" and "spectacular vistas." These reviews underscored the game’s ability to evoke tension through its design, even if technical limitations occasionally hindered execution. However, numerous critics pointed out significant technical and artistic shortcomings. Cultured Vultures criticized poor textures, framerate hitches, and overly dark environments that obscured details, comparing the visuals unfavorably to FromSoftware’s work. Finger Guns noted repetitive environments despite the game’s unique setting, while Metro GameCentral called the art design "unimpressive" and likened it to an Xbox 360 title with texture pop-in issues. Nintendo Life and Starbit highlighted the Switch port’s graphical downgrade, citing low-resolution textures and performance problems, while Meristation criticized outdated graphics and lighting flaws. Additionally, RPGamer and TheGamer mentioned technical glitches, such as awkward enemy animations and framerate drops, which undermined the game’s visual cohesion. These critiques revealed a recurring theme of missed potential due to optimization issues and lack of polish. Overall, critics acknowledged Hellpoint’s ambitious atmospheric design and creative world-building but agreed that technical limitations and repetitive elements detracted from its visual impact. While Gameblog.fr, Screen Rant, and GameSpace celebrated the game’s eerie sci-fi horror aesthetic and environmental creativity, others like Cultured Vultures and Metro GameCentral emphasized its shortcomings in graphical fidelity and originality. The consensus leaned toward a "mixed" verdict: the game succeeded in crafting an immersive, unsettling atmosphere through its design choices, but its technical flaws and lack of visual variety prevented it from fully realizing its potential. Despite these issues, many reviewers recognized the effort behind its unique art direction, suggesting that Hellpoint is more about mood than polished graphics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Hellpoint’s sound design masterfully builds an oppressive, immersive atmosphere with eerie ambient noises and detailed audio cues, but its generic effects, inconsistent audio, and underwhelming score undermine its horror potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

85%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design of Hellpoint receives widespread praise for its immersive and atmospheric qualities, with multiple critics highlighting its ability to enhance the game’s eerie tone. Gameblog.fr emphasizes the “strong” audio cues, such as detailed boot sounds and metallic echoes, which contribute to a sense of immersion. Screen Rant notes that the reliance on sound effects over a musical score effectively amplifies the game’s unsettling atmosphere, particularly when experienced with headphones at night. Similarly, Generación Xbox praises the “chilling soundtrack” that heightens tension in key moments, while Meristation and RPGamer commend the detailed character movement sounds and oppressive silence, which create an immersive, claustrophobic environment. TheXboxHub and XBLA Fans also highlight ambient noises like creaking metal and screeching pipes as integral to the game’s oppressive mood, reinforcing its horror elements through environmental audio. Despite these strengths, several critics point out notable shortcomings in the sound design and music. TheGamer criticizes the “generic” effects and technical issues like missing sound cues, which disrupt immersion, while TrueGaming finds the boss fight soundtrack “functional but lacking impact.” XboxAddict reports inconsistent audio, particularly in co-op sessions, with cutouts that detract from the experience. Meristation’s observation of “sudden silence when running” as an odd design choice underscores a lack of consistency in pacing and tension. Additionally, RPGamer and Screen Rant note that while environmental sounds are effective, the musical composition is not a standout feature, leaving some critics feeling the game fails to fully capitalize on its audio potential. TheXboxHub’s omission of specific music details further suggests a reliance on ambient noise over a cohesive score. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Hellpoint’s sound design excels in creating an immersive, atmospheric experience through environmental audio and subtle musical cues, but its music falls short of being memorable or impactful. While Gameblog.fr, Screen Rant, and Generación Xbox praise the eerie atmosphere and technical execution, others like TheGamer, TrueGaming, and XboxAddict highlight flaws such as generic effects, inconsistent audio, and a lack of emotional resonance in the score. Despite these mixed reactions, most agree that the sound design is a core strength, even if it doesn’t fully elevate the game to the horror standards set by titles like Dead Space. The balance between ambient tension and musical underachievement reflects a game that prioritizes atmosphere over auditory memorability, leaving its audio legacy as a mix of effective but unremarkable elements.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Hellpoint's technical issues across all platforms ruined its polish, with PS4 and Switch ports especially plagued by crashes, lag, and unstable online play, while even Xbox and PC faced frame-rate hiccups and bugs that made the game feel unfinished and unplayable.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

48%

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

The technical performance of Hellpoint varies significantly across platforms, with some systems showing relative stability despite broader issues. On the Xbox One, critics like Generación Xbox noted generally good optimization, citing quick load times and stable frame rates, though occasional drops were mentioned. The PC version received more balanced feedback, with GameMAG acknowledging that while early launch issues plagued PS4, PC performance was "more acceptable" despite minor glitches. For the Nintendo Switch, Cubed3 and TouchArcade highlighted some technical shortcomings, but the platform’s port wasn’t as severely criticized as others. However, these positives were overshadowed by broader systemic problems across all platforms. The negatives for Hellpoint’s technical performance were widespread and severe. On PS4, multiple critics—such as Finger Guns, Metro GameCentral, and RPG Site—cited frame-rate drops, input lag, crashes, and unstable online functionality as major hindrances. The Nintendo Switch faced similar issues, with Nintendo Life and Universo Nintendo condemning the port for "severe" technical flaws like lag, long load times, and unresponsive controls during boss fights. On PC, while some critics like God is a Geek and MGG Spain noted smoother performance compared to consoles, issues like inventory bugs and combat glitches persisted. The Xbox One was not immune either; TrueGaming and XboxAddict criticized frame-rate inconsistencies, AI flaws, and co-op-related problems, though Generación Xbox offered a more lenient assessment of its optimization. Overall, the consensus among critics was that Hellpoint suffered from significant technical shortcomings across all platforms, with PS4 and Switch ports being the most problematic. While Xbox One saw relatively better optimization, even it faced issues like frame-rate instability and co-op quirks. The PC version, though more stable, still had notable bugs and performance hiccups. Critics like RPG Site and Wccftech emphasized that these flaws were persistent and impacted core gameplay mechanics, with many noting that the game felt "unfinished" or "in beta." Despite some post-launch patches hinted at by developers, the technical issues were widely seen as a major barrier to enjoyment, with Metro GameCentral and Finger Guns explicitly stating that they ruined their experience. The lack of cross-platform consistency further compounded the frustration, leaving many reviewers disappointed by the game’s polish and optimization.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Hellpoint’s replayability hinges on exploration incentives and varied mechanics, but punishing difficulty, repetitive design, and technical flaws undermine its longevity, leaving critics divided between praise for secrets and co-op and frustration over unoriginality and grind.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

44%

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

The reviewers who highlight positive aspects of Hellpoint’s replay value emphasize its structural elements that encourage multiple playthroughs. Everyeye.it notes the presence of New Game Plus, multiple endings, and optional content, while Wccftech praises the game’s secrets, hidden areas, and secret bosses, which motivated them to revisit the world. Multiplayer.it and RPGamer also commend the variety in exploration paths, dynamic enemy scaling, and different builds that justify repeated sessions. Additionally, Switch Player and TrueGaming point to co-op features, non-linear storytelling, and a vast, secret-filled world as incentives for players to return. These critics argue that Hellpoint’s design, while not groundbreaking, offers enough depth through exploration and varied mechanics to sustain interest beyond the initial campaign. However, several reviewers criticize Hellpoint for its limitations in replayability. Finger Guns highlights technical issues and a punishing difficulty curve that deter repeated playthroughs, while Metro GameCentral and MGG Spain argue the game feels overfamiliar and lacks innovation, leading to repetitive design. Cubed3 and Nintendo Life point to unexciting level design, tedious progression systems, and a lack of clear guidance as major drawbacks. Meristation and TheGamer describe the experience as forgettable or overly grindy, with technical flaws and unclear mechanics reducing long-term appeal. Critics like God is a Geek and Malditos Nerds also note that while the game offers exploration and multiple bosses, its lack of originality and unambitious design diminish its replay value, making it less engaging for sustained play. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging Hellpoint’s potential for replayability despite significant flaws. While some praise its exploration incentives, multiple endings, and varied playstyles (as noted by Everyeye.it, Wccftech, and Multiplayer.it), others argue that technical issues, repetitive content, and a lack of innovation undermine its longevity (as highlighted by Finger Guns, Metro GameCentral, and TheGamer). The game’s design encourages players to revisit areas for secrets or different builds, but the combination of punishing difficulty, unclear mechanics, and a short campaign runtime creates a divide in how critics perceive its replay value. Ultimately, Hellpoint offers enough structural variety to justify multiple playthroughs for some, but its flaws prevent it from being a standout title in terms of long-term engagement.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

The overall verdict on Hellpoint highlights its strengths as a Souls-like experience, particularly its atmospheric depth, creative sci-fi elements, and engaging combat. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Gameblog.fr praise its "strong atmosphere" and "unique mechanics," emphasizing its ability to capture the essence of Dark Souls through challenging gameplay and immersive world-building. The game’s exploration, secrets, and co-op features are frequently noted as standout aspects, with Wccftech and Universo Nintendo highlighting its sci-fi design and rewarding depth for fans willing to overlook flaws. Additionally, RPG Site and GameSpace acknowledge its visual and audio strengths, suggesting it offers a satisfying experience despite imperfections. These positives underscore Hellpoint’s potential as a niche but compelling entry in the genre. However, the game faces significant criticism for technical issues, repetitive design, and underdeveloped mechanics. Finger Guns and TouchArcade both condemn its "poor optimization" and "frustrating mechanics," with the latter giving it a 2.5/5 due to performance flaws. Gamers Heroes and Metro GameCentral criticize its "unrefined execution" and "underdeveloped mechanics," while Digitally Downloaded and MGG Spain note its lack of originality and narrative depth. Repetitive level design, unclear exploration, and inconsistent difficulty are recurring complaints, with Cubed3 calling it a "mediocre Souls-like" and Noisy Pixel labeling it an "uninspired clone." These flaws collectively hinder the game’s ability to fully realize its ambitious concepts, leaving many critics divided on its overall quality. Despite mixed reception, the consensus among reviewers is that Hellpoint is a flawed but worthwhile experience for Souls-like enthusiasts. While Cultured Vultures and Gameblog.fr recommend it as a "dignified entry" despite shortcomings, others like Gamers Heroes advise caution, calling it an "easy skip" in its current state. The game’s technical issues and design inconsistencies are seen as major barriers, but its atmospheric ambition and Soulsborne spirit resonate with fans. Critics like RPG Site and TheGamer acknowledge its potential, suggesting it could appeal to dedicated players willing to overlook flaws. Ultimately, Hellpoint is viewed as a mixed bag—praised for its creativity and challenge but hindered by polish and execution issues, making it a niche recommendation rather than a must-play title.

TL;DR

Hellpoint is a flawed but compelling Souls-like with haunting atmosphere, inventive sci-fi design, and rewarding combat—yet clunky mechanics, repetitive levels, and technical hiccups tarnish its ambition, making it a risky gamble for fans willing to overlook imperfections.

MONSTER

Reviews

95 reviews found

Malditos Nerds

Aug 11, 2020