In the ever-evolving landscape of action-adventure gaming, few titles have sparked as much curiosity and debate as Hell Is Us. Released on August 12, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the game quickly became a talking point among fans and critics alike, not least because it straddles the line between the increasingly popular soulslike genre and something altogether its own. As TechRadar aptly noted in their September 1, 2025, review, "Hell Is Us feels like a game that can't quite decide whether it wants to be a soulslike or not, but the result is still a fantastic experience that is compelling and worthy of high praise."
Let’s get one thing straight: Hell Is Us is not a traditional soulslike. While it borrows elements from FromSoftware’s genre-defining epics—think dodge-rolls, stamina-based combat, and a world dripping with ominous atmosphere—it doesn’t fully commit to the formula. Instead, developer Rogue Factor has crafted a game that takes what it needs from the likes of Dark Souls and Bloodborne and leaves the rest behind, forging its own path through a twisted, realistic setting. The result? A solid action-adventure with a dark, compelling world, even if it doesn’t always reach the heights of its inspirations.
The story unfolds in Hadea, a fictional, war-torn nation reminiscent of Eastern European conflict zones. It’s a setting that feels both bleak and vividly realized, with the scars of a long, brutal civil war etched into every bombed-out village and crumbling ruin. The two main religious factions, the traditionalist Palomists and the zealous Sabinians, have been locked in a deadly struggle, culminating in atrocities that the game doesn’t shy away from depicting. There’s even a thinly veiled UN analogue, the Organized Nations, whose blue-helmeted peacekeepers add an extra layer of unsettling realism. According to TechRadar, "the setting certainly echoes events like the Bosnian War, the Georgian Civil War, and the Croatian War of Independence."
Into this chaos steps Remi, the game’s protagonist, whose personal quest is to find the parents he was separated from as a child. But if you’re hoping for a hero brimming with charisma, you might be disappointed. As TechRadar’s reviewer put it, Remi is "as interesting as drying paint." He’s a cold, brooding figure, a diagnosed sociopath with a military past, which explains his stoic reaction to the horrors around him—but doesn’t make him the most compelling lead. Still, the supporting cast, from sardonic war journalist Tania to kindly Abbot Jaffer, injects much-needed humanity and authenticity into the narrative.
The real intrigue, though, lies beneath the surface. The civil war is just a backdrop for a stranger, more sinister threat: an outbreak of bizarre, violent creatures, a shadowy black-ops group, and an ancient religious order with secrets to hide. The game’s story is told through a mix of environmental storytelling, cutscenes, and dialogue with non-player characters (NPCs), offering both main plot progression and optional world-building. There’s a framing device, too, with Remi being interrogated by a particularly unsavory character—adding a noirish edge to the proceedings.
Gameplay-wise, Hell Is Us strikes a careful balance between action, puzzles, and exploration. The combat is where the soulslike DNA shines brightest: block, dodge, and parry mechanics are front and center, with stamina management tied directly to your health bar. Every action feels weighty, and even a single mistake can turn the tide of battle. Yet the game is more forgiving than its soulslike cousins, offering three difficulty levels (Lenient, Balanced, Merciless) that can be further tweaked for enemy health, damage, and aggression. As TechRadar points out, "on ‘Lenient’ difficulty, even someone who has never played a soulslike before could have a good time here."
One of the game’s more innovative features is its healing system. Instead of the ubiquitous refillable flask, healing is tied to combat: dealing damage to enemies releases particles that form a ring around Remi, and a quick button press restores health. Miss the window, and the opportunity vanishes. This mechanic adds a welcome layer of risk and reward, encouraging aggressive play without making things too easy.
Special abilities add further depth. Remi can equip glyphs (which act like spells), powerful relics with long cooldowns, and programs for his owl-like drone companion. With up to eleven abilities slotted at once, there’s room for experimentation—even if, as the reviewer admits, the lack of a traditional stat system limits true RPG buildcrafting. The drone, which doubles as a flashlight and scouting tool, can even be used to launch devastating attacks, keeping combat fresh if not always perfectly balanced.
Unfortunately, not everything hits the mark. The game’s biggest criticisms revolve around a lack of variety. Enemy types are limited, with only five main "Hollow Walker" variants and three tiers of threat. Boss fights, a staple of the genre, are surprisingly scarce—just four in total, with a final boss that feels anticlimactic. Weapon selection is similarly sparse, though upgrades and elemental affinities (Grief, Rage, Terror, Elation) offer some customization. As TechRadar notes, "if you're the sort of gamer who enjoys experimenting with every new weapon you find, you might be disappointed here."
Still, the world itself is a triumph. Hadea is as beautiful as it is bleak, with Unreal Engine 5 powering everything from dank caves to vibrant fields of flowers. The game runs smoothly across platforms, and accessibility options abound: colorblind modes, adjustable HUD, and a directional audio indicator for hearing-impaired players all make for a more inclusive experience.
Exploration is encouraged, with side-quests often discovered through overheard conversations or chance encounters. There’s little handholding—no world map, no objective markers—so players must rely on Remi’s tablet, which logs key information and lore. Puzzles range from simple to moderately challenging, rarely overstaying their welcome. And while the game can be harsh, there’s no real penalty for death; you respawn at the last checkpoint, and enemies stay dead unless you leave the area, in which case you can permanently clear regions by collapsing "Timeloops."
Perhaps the most divisive aspect is the game’s length and pacing. The third act is notably brief, culminating in an underwhelming final battle and a ten-minute cutscene that leaves things open for future DLC or a sequel. As TechRadar’s reviewer laments, "the biggest issue I have with the game is that I want more, which is quite the double-edged sword."
For all its flaws, Hell Is Us stands as a compelling entry in the action-adventure genre, offering a unique blend of soulslike combat, grim storytelling, and engaging exploration. It may not redefine the genre, but for those willing to brave its dark world, there’s plenty to discover—and perhaps, just enough to leave you wanting more.
