The gaming community has been actively debating whether Hell is Us qualifies as a true Soulslike since its release. While developer Rogue Factor insists it isn’t, many players and reviewers continue to compare it to FromSoftware’s masterpieces thanks to its oppressive atmosphere and challenging combat.
Set in the war-torn country of Hadea, players take control of Rémi, a soldier searching for his parents amid civil war and supernatural invasion. With its haunting tone and methodical battles, the game immediately invites Soulslike comparisons—but does it truly belong in that category? Let’s break it down.
Combat Mechanics: Soulslike Foundations With Twists
Stamina-Health Link System
-
Punishing Mechanic: Losing health also lowers maximum stamina, making combat harsher than traditional Soulslikes.
-
Strategic Depth: Players are encouraged to avoid damage at all costs, as even a single hit snowballs into reduced offensive and defensive capabilities.
Defense Options
-
Parry System: A generous parry window with enemy attack telegraphs (red glow), reminiscent of Sekiro.
-
Dodge Limitations: Dodging pivots rather than rolls, leading to positional traps in group encounters.
Weapon System: Emotional Depth Over Variety
-
Four Weapon Types: Sword, twin axes, polearm, greatsword.
-
Weapon Progression: Experience through use, rewarding specialization.
-
Emotional Enhancements: Weapons align with emotions (Grief, Rage, Terror, Elation), but differences often feel subtle.
Healing Pulse: A Blend of Nioh and Bloodborne
-
Nioh’s Ki Pulse: Successful hits release particles absorbed via timing.
-
Bloodborne’s Rally: Absorbed energy restores health, rewarding aggression.
-
Risk-Reward Balance: Encourages aggressive but tactical play over reliance on healing items.
Enemy Design: The Weakest Link
-
Repetitive Encounters: Limited humanoid enemy types and palette swaps.
-
Haze Mechanics: Emotional manifestations add flair but sometimes feel like artificial difficulty.
-
Boss Encounters: Too few epic boss battles compared to Soulslike standards.
Exploration & Progression: A True Departure
-
No Maps or Markers: Exploration is fully player-driven.
-
Investigation System: Rémi’s tablet records clues as an organic quest log.
-
Puzzle Emphasis: Ranges from easy to moderately challenging, prioritizing brains over reflexes.
Developer’s Vision: A “Souls-Unlike” Game
-
Artistic Intent: Director Jonathan Jacques-Belletête describes combat as hack-and-slash inspired, not Soulslike.
-
Accessibility Options: Difficulty sliders for health, aggression, and damage → a direct contrast to FromSoftware’s rigid approach.
-
Narrative Style: Proper cutscenes and dialogues replace environmental-only storytelling.
Comparison Table: Hell is Us vs Popular Soulslikes
| Feature | Hell is Us | Dark Souls / Bloodborne | Sekiro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stamina System | Health-stamina linked | Separate stamina | No stamina, posture instead |
| Healing Mechanic | Healing Pulse (Nioh + Rally hybrid) | Estus / Blood Vials | Healing gourd |
| Combat Pace | Slower, punishing when hit | Methodical, dodge-focused | Aggressive, parry-focused |
| Enemy Variety | Limited, repetitive | Broad enemy roster | Diverse, unique |
| Exploration | No maps, puzzle-driven | Mapless, combat-driven | Linear stealth/exploration |
| Difficulty | Adjustable sliders | Fixed | Fixed |
| Narrative | Cutscenes + dialogues | Minimal, environmental | Minimal, environmental |
Pros & Cons of Hell is Us
Soulslike Elements Present
-
Stamina management with punishing consequences.
-
Parry-focused combat with timing challenges.
-
Oppressive, dark atmosphere.
Where It Diverges
-
Puzzle-driven progression instead of combat dominance.
-
Accessibility options and flexible difficulty.
-
Limited enemy and boss variety.
-
Narrative-forward storytelling.
Conclusion: A Hybrid Worth Trying
Hell is Us blends Soulslike DNA with fresh innovations like the stamina-health link and Healing Pulse, while also departing through puzzle-heavy exploration and adjustable difficulty. Hardcore Souls veterans may find it lacking in enemy and boss diversity, but players looking for a hybrid action-adventure with haunting atmosphere will discover a compelling new experience.
FAQs About Hell is Us
Q: Is Hell is Us a Soulslike?
A: No. While it borrows mechanics from Soulslikes, the developer calls it a “Souls-Unlike” and leans more toward hack-and-slash accessibility.
Q: How difficult is Hell is Us?
A: It includes customizable difficulty sliders for enemy health, damage, and aggression, making it more approachable than traditional Soulslikes.
Q: Does Hell is Us have bosses?
A: Yes, but only a handful compared to the epic boss rosters in Dark Souls or Sekiro.
Q: What makes Hell is Us unique?
A: Its stamina-health link system, Healing Pulse mechanic, and puzzle-driven exploration without maps or markers.
Community Links & Related Articles:
Looking for more insights or want to join discussions on Hell is Us? Check out these communities:
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on review copies of Hell is Us played before the September 4, 2025 release. The game may receive updates that adjust combat balance and mechanics post-launch.
Comments
Post a Comment