Hell is Us review discussions have been heating up across gaming forums, and the verdict is surprisingly mixed for what many expected to be a sleeper hit. This atmospheric action-adventure dropped players into a mysterious world without handholding – but has that bold design choice paid off?
After diving deep into player feedback from Reddit’s gaming communities, I’ve gathered the most honest takes on what’s working and what isn’t in this enigmatic title.
The Atmosphere Everyone’s Talking About
Players consistently praise Hell is Us for its haunting atmosphere and world-building. One Reddit user who completed the game described it as having “tremendous potential” with visually appealing world design and fantastic atmosphere that could easily translate to television or film.
The game throws you into a war-torn landscape filled with supernatural threats, and it does so without the usual UI clutter. No minimap, no waypoints, no hand-holding – just you, your wits, and a mysterious world to explore. This design choice has resonated strongly with players seeking a more immersive experience.
Combat: The Biggest Point of Contention
Here’s where Hell is Us review discussions get heated. The combat system features a unique healing mechanic where dealing damage restores health, but only if you “cash in” after landing attacks without taking damage. While some players find this encouraging aggressive play, others describe it as frustrating.
The biggest complaint? Enemy variety is practically non-existent. Players report only five distinct enemy types throughout the entire experience, with many describing fights as repetitive and unmemorable. One player bluntly stated: “Enemy variety is basically non-existent, character movement and fluidity sucks, and there are almost 0 memorable fights.”
Exploration That Actually Rewards Curiosity
Despite combat issues, Hell is Us shines when it comes to exploration and puzzle-solving. The game encourages genuine investigation rather than following quest markers, creating moments of authentic discovery that feel increasingly rare in modern gaming.
Players appreciate having to manually note down codes and clues, though some find this tedious. The investigative elements and puzzles receive consistent praise, with one reviewer noting the game “doesn’t hold your hand, which I appreciated.”
Technical Performance: A Mixed Bag
Performance varies significantly across platforms. PS5 players report smooth gameplay in Performance mode with minor stutters during area transitions, while PC players struggle with optimization issues. Some report difficulty maintaining 60 FPS even on lower settings.
The PS5 Pro apparently delivers the best experience with minimal issues, but technical problems remain a concern for many players.
Story That Hooks Despite Rough Edges
Hell is Us review discussions consistently highlight the engaging narrative. Players describe the story as compelling enough to overlook other shortcomings, with rich lore and world-building that rewards attention to detail.
However, cutscene quality leaves much to be desired, particularly facial animations. The ending hints at a sequel, and many players express hope that future installments will address current issues while building on the strong foundation.
The Verdict from Real Players
Most Hell is Us reviews land somewhere between “flawed gem” and “missed opportunity.” Players who enjoy exploration-focused games with minimal guidance tend to appreciate what the game offers, while those seeking varied combat encounters leave disappointed.
One player’s 8/10 rating came with this caveat: “If they can refine the combat system, enhance enemy design, and improve cutscene quality, the next installment could truly be a masterpiece.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Hell is Us?
Players report completing Hell is Us in approximately 12-15 hours, depending on how thoroughly they explore the world and engage with side content.
Does Hell is Us have difficulty options?
Yes, Hell is Us includes adjustable difficulty settings, which players appreciate for tailoring the experience to their preferences.
Is Hell is Us actually a Soulslike game?
While it shares some DNA with Souls games, Hell is Us is more accurately described as an action-adventure with exploration focus rather than a traditional Soulslike.
How many boss fights are in Hell is Us?
The game features only two traditional boss battles across its three acts, which many players consider insufficient for the game’s length.
Can you play Hell is Us without a guide?
Absolutely – the game is designed to be played without external guides. The lack of waypoints is intentional, encouraging players to rely on environmental storytelling and exploration.
Is Hell is Us worth buying at full price?
Player opinions vary significantly. Those who value atmospheric exploration and unique design choices find value, while players seeking combat variety might want to wait for a sale.
Will there be a Hell is Us sequel?
The game’s ending strongly suggests sequel plans, though no official announcement has been made regarding future installments.
Final Thoughts
Hell is Us represents both the promise and pitfalls of ambitious indie development. While it stumbles with combat variety and technical polish, it succeeds in creating something genuinely different in today’s gaming landscape. Whether that’s enough depends entirely on what you value in your gaming experiences.
For players craving atmospheric exploration without handholding, Hell is Us offers a refreshingly challenging approach. Just don’t expect the combat to keep pace with the game’s stronger elements.