The new action-adventure game “Hell is Us” takes players on a gripping journey through the war-torn country of Hadea. Set in the early 1990s, the game follows Rémi, a young man who returns to his homeland in search of his parents. Rémi was smuggled out of Hadea by his mother when he was just five years old and grew up in the Canadian foster system.
Hadea, a fictional European nation, has isolated itself from the rest of the world due to a devastating civil war. Rémi’s mission to find his parents becomes even more urgent as the conflict escalates. After being denied entry with a United Nations Peacekeeper mission, Rémi decides to venture into Hadea alone.
“Hell is Us” stands out for its unique navigation system that abandons traditional maps and quest markers. Players must rely on clues and directions gathered from NPCs and environmental cues to explore the game’s world. This approach creates a deeply immersive experience, making every step feel like an authentic adventure filled with both beauty and danger.
Exploring war-torn Hadea’s mysteries
The game’s combat system is challenging yet exhilarating. Rémi starts with a sword but soon acquires a pair of axes, allowing for varied combat styles.
The introduction of a tactical drone adds another layer to battles, enabling players to distract enemies or divide the battlefield to gain an advantage. As Rémi delves deeper into Hadea, he discovers that beyond the civil war, a darker and older force haunts the land. White, marble-like creatures with grotesque, hollow faces and jerking limbs emerge, transforming the game from a wartime narrative into a chilling, psychological experience.
Jonathan Jacques-Belletete, the Creative Director and Art Director at Rogue Factor, describes “Hell is Us” as a “throwback to games from the 1990s.” The game encourages players to make their own discoveries rather than being guided through the experience. Jacques-Belletete emphasizes that while the game is meant to be enjoyable, it offers a balanced challenge that requires problem-solving skills. “Hell is Us” promises a visually striking and atmospheric gaming experience that challenges players both intellectually and emotionally.
The game is set for release in 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
