Hell is Us: First Look

I love it when game studios share commentary. It’s fascinating to get the insights from the team during a games development and learn more about the challenges of the process. In this 15 minute exclusive Creative Director Jonathan Jacques-Belletête walks players through key elements of the game, including its combat, narrative design, and unique exploration mechanics. With Hell is Us slated for release in 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5 here’s everything I’ve learned from the first real look at the game.

A Dark Tale of a War-Torn Homeland

Set in the fictional country of Hadea, Hell is Us plunges players into a brutal world ravaged by civil war. You step into the shoes of Remi, a man returning to his birthplace after many years away, driven by a quest for answers about his mysterious past. The game’s story blends intense, personal stakes with a broader narrative about a hermit nation in turmoil. Hadea’s isolationist nature, paired with the devastation of war, creates an eerie backdrop filled with untold dangers and dark secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Unlike many action-adventure games, Hell is Us leans into atmosphere and world-building. The trailer highlights the stark landscapes and haunting visuals that give players a sense of the oppressive tension within Hadea. As the story unfolds, players will explore a land steeped in history, where ancient dungeons and forgotten relics hold clues to Remi’s past—and possibly, his future.

Combat That Challenges Without Punishing

One of the key takeaways from the gameplay reveal is that Hell is Us offers a carefully balanced combat system. According to Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, this isn’t a “souls-like” game, despite some of its demanding mechanics. The goal isn’t to frustrate players but to encourage them to master a diverse range of weapons and strategies.

From what we’ve seen, combat involves learning enemy patterns and responding with precision. There’s no room for button-mashing here—players must pay close attention to their surroundings and the moves of their adversaries. Remi will have access to a variety of weapons, each offering different styles of attack. Players will need to learn how to balance these tools in battle, with each encounter feeling unique.

An intriguing addition to the gameplay is KAPI, a drone that supports Remi during fights. Whether it’s distracting enemies or launching special attacks, KAPI plays an essential role in combat strategy, adding an extra layer of depth to the overall experience.

Exploration Redefined: “Player Plattering”

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Hell is Us is its approach to exploration, which the developers refer to as “player-plattering.” This design philosophy removes many of the hand-holding elements seen in other open-world games. Gone are the quest markers, GPS-style maps, and step-by-step objectives. Instead, players are encouraged to explore Hadea using their instincts and curiosity.

The world of Hell is Us is filled with points of interest and secrets, but you won’t find a mini-map littered with icons directing you where to go next. Instead, players must rely on environmental cues and their sense of adventure to uncover hidden dungeons and locations rich with history. The developers have placed emphasis on creating an organic experience, where players are rewarded for their curiosity with deeper understanding of the world and its lore.

Jacques-Belletête teases that more details on this “player-plattering” approach will be revealed in future updates, but from what we’ve seen so far, this system promises to offer a fresh take on open-world exploration, letting players forge their own path through the game’s dense, war-torn landscapes.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With its dark, atmospheric setting, thoughtful combat system, and innovative exploration mechanics, Hell is Us is shaping up to be a highly anticipated release for 2025. Xbox Series X|S players will undoubtedly be drawn to its mix of strategic combat and immersive storytelling. The trailer suggests that Rogue Factor and NACON are crafting a game that refuses to hold players’ hands, instead offering a deeply engaging experience that rewards exploration, skill, and patience.

For fans of action-adventure games looking for something with a little more depth, Hell is Us looks like it could provide just that. Keep an eye on Gaming Debugged for future updates and gameplay reveals as the 2025 release date approaches.