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Metal: Hellsinger

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

2022

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Shooter, Music and Dance, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableSep 15, 2022

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperThe Outsiders

Overview

Strike terror into the hearts of demons and devils as you fight your way through eight Hells. Metal: Hellsinger is a rhythm FPS, brimming with diabolical enemies, powerful weapons, and metal music. Set out on an infernal journey in order to achieve the purest of goals: Vengeance.

Elsewhere

6.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Metal: Hellsinger impresses with its engaging premise and standout voice acting, particularly Troy Baker's role as Paz, but critics agree that the story is weak and clichéd. While the animated cutscenes enhance the visual experience, the minimalistic narrative fails to engage emotionally, often relegated to a backdrop for gameplay. Many reviewers suggest that a more developed plot would significantly improve the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Metal: Hellsinger has garnered some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its premise and character design. Reviewers like GameSpew and Hardcore Gamer highlight the engaging concept of playing as The Unknown, a demon seeking to reclaim her stolen voice from the Red Judge. The voice acting, especially by Troy Baker as the companion skull Paz, has been praised for adding a layer of charm and humor to the narrative, as noted by critics such as TheSixthAxis and COGconnected. Additionally, some critics, like Twinfinite, appreciated the animated cutscenes that accompany the story, providing a visually appealing backdrop to the gameplay and enhancing the overall experience. However, the consensus among critics is that the story is not particularly strong or memorable. Many reviewers, including Push Square and Gfinity, describe the narrative as minimalistic or threadbare, often relegated to a secondary role behind the gameplay. The storytelling is frequently criticized for being simplistic and filled with clichés, as noted by Game Rant and VG247, leading to a lack of emotional engagement. Critics like GameCritics and Guardian pointed out that the plot feels poorly explained, with motivations that seem thin and unconvincing, which detracts from the potential depth of the character arcs and overall narrative. Overall, the critics seem to agree that while Metal: Hellsinger has an intriguing premise and some enjoyable elements, its story ultimately takes a backseat to the gameplay experience. The narrative is often described as a mere vehicle for the action, with many reviewers, such as Pure Xbox and The Loadout, suggesting that the game would benefit from a more developed plot. Despite the engaging voice acting and visual presentation, the story's lack of depth and reliance on familiar tropes has left many players feeling uninvested, as echoed by multiple critics across different platforms.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Metal: Hellsinger delivers a groundbreaking fusion of first-person shooting and rhythm gameplay, earning accolades for its beat-matching mechanics and heavy metal soundtrack that enhance combat immersion and reward tempo consistency. Critics praise its weapon variety and strategic elements like the fury meter, though some note that the rhythm focus can feel limiting and the normal difficulty may lack challenge. Overall, despite minor drawbacks, it’s a fast-paced, addictive experience likely to captivate fans of both genres.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Metal: Hellsinger has garnered a largely positive reception among critics, with many praising its innovative blend of first-person shooting and rhythm mechanics. Reviewers like Digital Trends and IGN highlighted the unique twist of beat-matching gameplay, which encourages players to synchronize their actions with the heavy metal soundtrack. Critics from Gaming Nexus and Screen Rant noted that this rhythm-based approach not only enhances the immersion but also rewards players for maintaining tempo, leading to higher damage outputs and a more engaging combat experience. The variety of weapons and the strategic elements introduced through mechanics like the fury meter and score multipliers were also frequently mentioned, with outlets like Jeuxvideo.com and PC Gamer emphasizing the depth these features add to the gameplay. However, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks that could affect the overall experience. For instance, New Game Network and Hey Poor Player mentioned that while the rhythm mechanics are engaging, they can also feel restrictive and may limit player creativity during combat. Additionally, the combat was described as not particularly challenging on normal difficulty, which could lead to a lack of engagement for some players seeking a more intense experience. Critics like GameSpew and Twinfinite noted that the strict adherence to rhythm might be a point of contention, as it could frustrate players who prefer a more traditional FPS approach without the added pressure of timing their actions to the beat. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Metal: Hellsinger successfully merges rhythm and shooting mechanics to create a fresh and enjoyable experience. While there are concerns regarding the game's potential lack of variety and challenge, the majority of reviewers, including those from Hardcore Gamer and GamingTrend, found the gameplay to be fast-paced, addictive, and rewarding. The innovative rhythm-based combat has been well-received, making it a standout title in the genre, particularly for players who appreciate the synergy between music and gameplay. Critics agree that despite its few shortcomings, the game offers a unique and satisfying experience that is likely to resonate with fans of both first-person shooters and rhythm games alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Metal: Hellsinger boasts a striking art style and heavy metal aesthetic, earning praise for its engaging environments and smooth performance. Critics laud its visuals as reminiscent of iconic metal album covers. However, the game falters with repetitive designs and a lack of diversity in environments and boss encounters, leaving many feeling that it doesn’t fully deliver on its visual potential. While visually appealing, it ultimately misses the mark for players craving a richer, more varied experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Metal: Hellsinger have garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly for their unique stylization and the overall aesthetic appeal. Many reviewers noted the game's ability to craft visually engaging environments that resonate with the heavy metal theme. For instance, critics from Jeuxvideo.com and Digital Trends highlighted the apocalyptic landscapes and well-designed monsters, describing the visuals as reminiscent of a metal album cover brought to life. The game’s smooth framerate and effective lighting on PS5 were also praised by TheSixthAxis, while Pure Xbox commended the well-designed levels and clear visuals that maintain a crisp presentation amidst chaotic battles. Overall, the artistic direction, which some likened to the works of Iron Maiden or Metallica, has been recognized for its creativity and engaging style. However, despite these positive aspects, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the game's visual design. A recurring theme in the reviews is the lack of variety and repetitiveness in the environments. PlayStation Country and Push Square criticized the stages for their muddy color palettes and similar designs that blur together, leading to a sense of monotony. Critics like Gaming Age and Guardian echoed these sentiments, noting that boss designs lack diversity and that the overall visual experience does not match the quality of the audio. This sentiment was further supported by Press Start Australia, which stated that the environments feel indifferent and repetitive after prolonged gameplay, indicating a missed opportunity for more dynamic visual storytelling. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Metal: Hellsinger excels in creating a visually striking atmosphere with its unique art style, it ultimately suffers from a lack of environmental diversity and repetitive design elements. Many reviewers, including Game Rant and NME, acknowledged the game's ability to capture the essence of the Doom franchise but lamented the limited variety in level design and enemy encounters. The game is praised for its engaging aesthetic, yet critics like IGN and Telegraph pointed out that it falls short of delivering a visually stimulating experience that matches its ambitious themes. Thus, while the graphics and visual design are commendable in concept, they may not fully satisfy players seeking a more varied and immersive visual journey.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Metal: Hellsinger delivers a masterful soundtrack that critics hail as a standout feature, blending original metal tracks and iconic vocals from artists like Serj Tankian and Matt Heafy. The music dynamically escalates with gameplay, enhancing immersion and player performance. While praised for its cohesiveness and rhythmic integration, some reviews note issues like cluttered sound design in later levels and a desire for more track variety. Despite minor critiques, the game's exceptional sound design solidifies its status as a must-play for metal fans and rhythm game enthusiasts alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Metal: Hellsinger have garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, many of whom describe the soundtrack as a masterpiece. Reviewers like Hardcore Gamer and Digital Trends highlight the fantastic blend of original metal songs and standout vocal performances from renowned artists such as Serj Tankian and Matt Heafy. Critics from IGN and Pure Xbox emphasize the dynamic nature of the music, which intensifies with gameplay actions, creating an immersive experience that enhances the overall gameplay. The soundtrack, composed by Two Feathers, is frequently praised for its cohesiveness and ability to complement the game's rhythm-based mechanics, as noted by GameCritics and New Game Network. The integration of music into the gameplay is seen as a unique feature that elevates the experience, with many critics, including those from Shacknews and PC Gamer, pointing out how the music drives player performance and adds layers of excitement to the action. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics have pointed out a few drawbacks. The Loadout mentioned that while the music is fantastic, the last level's sound design felt cluttered, which detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, Noisy Pixel raised a concern regarding the limited number of tracks available in the main package, suggesting that players might desire more variety. Some reviews, like that of COGconnected, noted that while the music channels different styles of metal, it could lack variety in tempo and texture over time. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack is generally well-received, there are areas where it could have been further refined to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Metal: Hellsinger features an exceptional sound design and music that significantly contributes to its success as a rhythm-based shooter. The majority of reviewers, including those from GameSkinny and GamingTrend, agree that the soundtrack is not only a standout feature but also integral to the gameplay, creating a trance-like atmosphere that keeps players engaged. The collaboration with high-profile metal artists and the dynamic nature of the music have been particularly praised, leading to a strong recommendation for the game among metal fans and gamers alike. The combination of powerful sound effects, rhythmic gameplay, and a stellar soundtrack has positioned Metal: Hellsinger as a notable title in the genre, with critics widely celebrating its achievements in sound design and music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Metal: Hellsinger's voice acting is a double-edged sword. Critics rave about Troy Baker and Jennifer Hale's performances, praising their contributions to the game's atmosphere and synergy with the heavy metal soundtrack. However, others find the narration cheesy and tonally inconsistent, with Baker's delivery drawing mixed reviews. Overall, while many celebrate the voice work as a key element of the game, significant critiques hint at a disconnect that could break immersion for some players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Metal: Hellsinger has garnered significant praise from various critics, primarily highlighting the contributions of Troy Baker and Jennifer Hale. Critics such as Game Informer and Gaming Nexus commend Baker's portrayal of the skull character Paz, emphasizing how his performance enhances the game's atmosphere and storytelling. TheSixthAxis also notes the strong synergy between the voice work and the heavy metal soundtrack, which adds gravitas to the narrative. Additionally, GameSkinny and Shacknews echo this sentiment, applauding the expert voice acting that enriches the overall gaming experience. The presence of a talented roster, including Randy Blythe and Hale, further elevates the game's appeal, particularly for fans of the metal genre, as noted by ComicBook. However, not all reviews are favorable regarding the voice acting. Critics from GameCritics and Hey Poor Player express concerns about the narration, describing it as cheesy and disconnected from the game's overall tone. Digital Trends points out a tonal inconsistency, suggesting that Baker's slow southern drawl clashes with the game's nightmarish gameplay. IGN also critiques Baker's delivery, stating it lacks humor or variation, which may detract from the experience for some players. This divergence in opinion indicates that while many appreciate the voice acting, others find it less effective or even grating. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided response to the voice acting in Metal: Hellsinger. While many reviewers, including Game Informer and Pure Xbox, celebrate the performances as integral to the game's narrative and atmosphere, others, like GameCritics and IGN, highlight significant drawbacks that may affect immersion. This mixed reception suggests that the voice acting, particularly Baker's performance, resonates well with a substantial audience but also leaves room for criticism regarding its execution and tonal alignment with the gameplay.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Metal: Hellsinger impresses with smooth performance across PS5 and Xbox Series X, praised for responsive controls and optimization options. PC version dazzles with visuals but suffers from FPS drops and lag, hindering gameplay. While critics note minor concerns on all platforms, the overall reception is positive, highlighting the game's potential despite some technical hiccups.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Metal: Hellsinger has garnered a generally positive reception across various gaming platforms. On the PS5, TheSixthAxis praised the game for its smooth framerate and responsive aiming, highlighting the benefits of adjusting sensitivity for an optimal experience. The Xbox Series X also received commendations from multiple critics, including MondoXbox, who noted the smooth technical performance and the availability of performance and resolution modes. Pure Xbox further emphasized the game's fine-tuning options for audio and video latency, while Generación Xbox rated the performance highly, despite mentioning gameplay limitations. On PC, Checkpoint Gaming celebrated the spectacular performance and high-quality visuals, with GameWatcher reporting a smooth experience on high-end hardware. However, there are notable drawbacks that critics have pointed out for each platform. On the PS5, while TheSixthAxis did not mention significant issues, the lack of a detailed critique may imply that there are minor concerns that go unaddressed. For the Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox highlighted limited attempts per phase as a drawback, which could hinder gameplay flow. On PC, the criticisms are more pronounced, with COGconnected noting lag with controller use, which detracts from the experience. ComicBook and Comicbook.com both reported scattered FPS drops and repetitiveness, indicating that while the overall experience is enjoyable, there are technical hiccups that could frustrate players. Additionally, VG247 mentioned user experience issues with desync and calibration, while VGC pointed out AI problems that affect gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Metal: Hellsinger performs well across all platforms, with each having its strengths and weaknesses. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are praised for their smooth performance and control options, while the PC version shines with high-quality visuals but faces issues like FPS drops and lag. Critics like MondoXbox and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the technical capabilities of the game, but the concerns raised, especially on PC, indicate that there is room for improvement. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many reviewers enjoying the game and recognizing its potential for further refinement.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Metal: Hellsinger impresses critics with its replayability thanks to time challenges, unlockable sigils, and addictive gameplay that encourages mastery. Unique challenges, like Torments, add variety, but concerns about its short campaign (6-8 hours) and potential repetitiveness (limited enemy variety and linear design) could dampen long-term engagement. Overall, while it has strong replay incentives, some players may crave deeper experiences.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Metal: Hellsinger is largely positive among critics, who highlight various features that enhance its replayability. Many reviewers, such as GameSpew and Gaming Nexus, appreciate the inclusion of time-based challenges, unlockable sigils, and multiple difficulty levels, which encourage players to revisit levels for better scores and leaderboard rankings. Critics like PlayStation Country and Pure Xbox emphasize the addictive nature of the gameplay and the desire to master each level, suggesting that the game's design fosters a compelling incentive for repeated play. Additionally, the introduction of unique challenges called Torments, as mentioned by MondoXbox and Digital Trends, adds depth and variety to the gameplay, further enhancing the replay experience. However, several critics also point out significant drawbacks that may limit long-term engagement with the game. Many reviewers, including Push Square and IGN, note the relatively short campaign length of around 6-8 hours, which could make the price tag feel steep for some players. Critics like ComicBook and PC Gamer express concerns about the potential repetitiveness of gameplay, citing a lack of enemy variety and linear level design that might diminish the excitement of replaying levels over time. Additionally, while optional challenges and leaderboards provide some replay value, critics such as Press Start Australia argue that the overall replayability may not be substantial enough to keep players invested in the long run. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Metal: Hellsinger offers a solid foundation for replayability through its competitive scoring system and various challenges, as highlighted by Game Informer and Shacknews. However, the game's short length and potential for repetitiveness, as noted by Oyungezer and Game Rant, raise concerns about its long-term appeal. Overall, while the game has many features that encourage replay, its limitations may leave some players wanting more depth and variety in their experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment towards Metal: Hellsinger from the critics is largely positive, highlighting its unique blend of rhythm-based gameplay and heavy metal music. Many reviewers, such as Impulsegamer and GameSpew, praise the game for its engaging campaign and epic soundtrack, making it a must-play for fans of the genre. Critics like VGC and PC Gamer commend the addictive gameplay and replayability, while Game Informer appreciates the game's ability to deliver a solid experience with its fast-paced shooting mechanics. The game's ambitious concept, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and IGN Japan, is recognized for its successful execution, providing a thrilling experience that resonates well with its target audience. However, the reviews also point out several drawbacks that may affect the overall enjoyment of the game. Critics like Push Square and Digital Trends mention that while the core mechanics are strong, other elements such as level variety and storytelling are somewhat lacking. Many reviewers, including GAMINGbible and PlayStation Country, note the game's brevity and repetitive boss designs as areas that could use improvement. Additionally, some critics like Gfinity and Gaming Nexus highlight issues with enemy variety and AI, suggesting that these shortcomings could detract from the overall experience for some players. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Metal: Hellsinger is an innovative and enjoyable title that successfully merges rhythm and shooting mechanics, appealing especially to metal music fans. While there are notable criticisms regarding its content depth and variety, the game's strong core mechanics and captivating soundtrack overshadow these issues for many players. Critics like Slant Magazine and Comicbook.com encapsulate this sentiment by emphasizing the game's potential to inspire future titles in this genre mashup, indicating that Metal: Hellsinger is not just a good game, but a significant contribution to the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

Metal: Hellsinger earns high praise for its innovative blend of rhythm-based gameplay and heavy metal music, delivering an engaging campaign and epic soundtrack. Critics commend its addictive mechanics and replayability, making it a must-play for metal fans. However, criticisms arise regarding level variety, storytelling, and enemy design, with some finding it a bit short and repetitive. Overall, it stands out as a fresh and impactful title in gaming, despite its flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

124 reviews found

Gaming Age

Xbox Series X

Sep 16, 2022