Hell is Us is a Hodgepodge of Video Game Genres

Hell is Us is a Hodgepodge of Video Game Genres

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a palpable sense of excitement when it comes to the upcoming release of “Hell is Us“. The game’s blend of genres and stylistic conventions is a tantalizing mix that has me on the edge of my seat.


During PlayStation’s recent State of Play event, viewers were given an in-depth glimpse into the Nacon-published game titled “Hell is Us“. The presentation highlighted the game’s eerie ambiance and intense close-combat scenes. While it’s challenging to judge its quality at this early stage, “Hell is Us” seems poised to be a robust title in the vein of Souls series games, though its inspirations might stretch beyond FromSoftware’s successful game design formula.

Action games that focus on melee combat have consistently been well-received by gamers, but their defining characteristics have evolved in recent years. It’s no wonder that these types of games often borrow elements from the soulslike subgenre, a style pioneered by “Demon’s Souls” in 2009 and refined in subsequent games by FromSoftware. This trend has its advantages and disadvantages: the foundation of the soulslike genre can support compelling gameplay, but many games fail to push beyond the innovations found in their predecessors. This can result in mediocre titles like “Enotria: The Last Song” as well as groundbreaking releases like “Lies of P”. Fingers crossed that “Hell is Us” falls into the category of the latter.

How Hell is Us Blends Genre and Stylistic Conventions

At first sight, “Hell is Us” might not appear extraordinary. As Rogue Factor’s debut original intellectual property, its premise – a catastrophic event that has transformed the world into a realm inhabited by bizarre and inexplicable monsters – may seem commonplace. However, upon closer inspection of its dramatic visual style and gameplay mechanics, it becomes evident that this game is making significant strides to set itself apart from other titles. Interestingly, it achieves this uniqueness through tribute and the fusion of various influences, which should give it a distinct character and persona.

Hell is Us’ Gameplay Is a Mix of Contemporary Action Games

This game, titled “Hell is Us“, embodies characteristics of the commonly prevalent soulslike genre, primarily emphasizing on deliberate melee combat with a hint of movement similar to strafing and one-on-one encounters inspired by iconic 3D games such as the original Zelda. The game’s Steam description highlights an array of weapons, implying potential for customization and Role-Playing Game (RPG) elements, which could foster a greater sense of versatility and player autonomy. However, “Hell is Us” seems to offer unique features as well, such as enhanced mobility through an in-game drone, special abilities, and intricate puzzles that may contribute to more engaging gameplay.

This game, aptly titled Hell is Us, will incorporate a semi-open environment, echoing traits of the Soulslike genre, offering ample opportunities for creative exploration and novelty.

The Setting and Aesthetic of Hell is Us

In the debut trailer for “Hell is Us“, we see striking visuals that bear a resemblance to recent games from Remedy Entertainment, such as “Control“. This game seems to share a narrative theme with monsters lurking within human minds, similar to ordinary people. The unique blend of contemporary, medieval, and sci-fi settings in the game echoes titles like many “Final Fantasy ” games and even more abstract ones like “Death Stranding“, which utilize apocalyptic themes to create a dreamlike and disquieting game environment. The equipment depicted as belonging to the player hints at a time-bending world design, a common element in numerous other productions.

In numerous games, it seems an excessive number of them lean on a enigmatic calamity as a narrative prop, capitalizing on the emotional impact of global devastation to stir feelings in players. However, the manner in which Hell is Us exploits motifs of war and monster aesthetics reminiscent of The Evil Within provides it with a significant chance to be unique or at least remarkable. Here’s to hoping that its diverse influences harmonize to create something extraordinary.

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2024-09-29 21:13