Hell Is Us is one of the most talked-about action-adventure games of 2025, developed by Rogue Factor and published by Nacon. Built on Unreal Engine 5, it combines atmospheric exploration, soulslike combat, and a cryptic narrative set in a war-torn land haunted by supernatural forces. Here’s our full detailed review of Hell Is Us, covering its story, graphics, gameplay mechanics, combat system, strengths, and weaknesses.
Hell Is Us Story and Setting
The game takes place in the fictional country of Hadea, torn apart by civil war and a mysterious Calamity. You play as Rémi, a man returning home in search of his missing parents, only to find the land plagued by both human conflict and monstrous horrors.
The narrative is delivered through environmental storytelling, cryptic puzzles, and fragmented dialogue. Themes of trauma, grief, and the brutality of war are ever-present, with enemies and locations often serving as metaphors for emotional scars.
While the mystery is engaging, some critics argue the story loses momentum near the end, with Rémi’s character arc feeling underdeveloped. Still, for players who enjoy piecing together lore, the ambiguity adds depth.
Graphics and Atmosphere
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Hell Is Us is visually stunning. From eerie forests and ruined villages to blood-stained battlefields, every environment feels alive with symbolism.
Highlights include:
- Painterly visuals that guide exploration.
- Haunting lighting effects and shadow work.
- Detailed environmental cues, such as wind chimes or scattered relics.
The audio design further enhances immersion. Whispering winds, echoes, and subtle sound cues not only build atmosphere but also help players navigate without traditional maps or waypoints. The soundtrack, often compared to Silent Hill, adds a chilling backdrop.
Gameplay and Exploration
Unlike most modern games, Hell Is Us avoids handholding. There’s no minimap, compass, or quest markers. Instead, players must rely on NPC hints, environmental details, and intuition to progress.
- Exploration feels organic – for example, wind chimes might signal the right path.
- Puzzles are complex and symbolic, sometimes requiring community collaboration to solve.
- Lore is discovered through ruins, memorials, and artifacts rather than direct exposition.
This design can feel refreshing for players seeking challenge, though it may frustrate those used to clear objectives.
Combat System and Difficulty
Combat in Hell Is Us takes inspiration from soulslike games but with its own twists:
- Melee combat with stamina-based attacks, parries, and dodge-rolls.
- Healing Pulse mechanic requires perfect timing to restore health—no consumables like potions.
- Stamina tied to health, meaning taking damage reduces your combat efficiency.
- Enemy timeloops: Monsters respawn in cursed zones until players defeat them and “purify” the area.
Difficulty settings—Lenient, Balanced, and Merciless—can be adjusted at any time, making it more approachable for newcomers while still satisfying hardcore players.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Pros
✅ Gorgeous Unreal Engine 5 visuals and haunting atmosphere
✅ Immersive exploration without handholding
✅ Unique combat mechanics like the Healing Pulse
✅ Deep symbolic storytelling and puzzle design
✅ Adjustable difficulty and accessibility options
Cons
❌ Combat can feel repetitive with limited enemy variety
❌ Story pacing falters near the end
❌ Lack of guidance may frustrate casual players
❌ Minor performance drops and small UI text issues
Hell Is Us is not a game for everyone, but it stands out as one of 2025’s boldest releases. Its refusal to handhold players, focus on atmospheric storytelling, and innovative combat mechanics make it a unique experience.
If you enjoy soulslike combat, exploration-heavy gameplay, and cryptic storytelling, Hell Is Us is worth playing. However, if you prefer straightforward objectives and cinematic narrative delivery, its design might feel frustrating.
Rating: 8/10 – A haunting and ambitious adventure that rewards patience, curiosity, and skill.
✅ Hell Is Us is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).
