Nacon announced Hell is Us back in 2022, but since then, the game has gone radio silent, fading from players' memories. Many thought it was a new game when it reappeared with a gameplay trailer during Sony's latest State of Play. To ensure Hell is Us isn't forgotten again, Nacon and developer Rogue Factor release more material, starting with an extended 15-minute gameplay preview.
The preview is accompanied by Rogue Factor's creative and art director, Jonathan Jacques-Belletete. As the trailer plays in the background, the director comments on the game, explaining its setting and the experience he wants to deliver to players. He mentions that there's no "hand-holding," and players are left to take complete control of their own exploration, suggesting Hell is Us carries some soulslike elements, much like other games that have tried to replicate this formula, such as the remarkable Lies of P.
Hell is Us promises to be a third-person action-adventure experience that blends intense combat with rewarding exploration. The game is structured in a semi-open world filled with mysteries and enigmatic creatures. The environments aren't just decorative—they play a crucial role in the narrative, offering clues and hints, but without traditional markers. The director notes that listening carefully to what NPCs say is essential, as their words provide valuable and authentic information on your next steps and how to proceed.
The central theme of Hell is Us is that human violence is a perpetual cycle fueled by human emotions and passions. – Jonathan Jacques-Belletete, Creative Director.
Players will venture into a fictional European nation called Hadea, set in an alternate 1990s. It's a country torn apart by civil war, isolated from the rest of the world, and the place where the main character, Rémi, fled as a child. Besides the civil war, the region is also plagued by a calamity that has unleashed supernatural creatures. Rémi will wield swords, spears, and axes to battle these monsters, but he'll also have the support of a drone. Regarding combat, Hell is Us features a paced-out action RPG system with stamina management and some featured skills. While the game doesn't mention the soulslike genre anywhere, it's simply oozing the same mechanics.
Hell is Us is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC sometime in 2025. If you're intrigued by the theme, keep an eye on our comparator to secure the best deals on Hell is Us once an official release date is announced.
answering the message of