Hell is Us

Definitely, a hidden gem of 2025. Period. If you liked Control, Prey, Dead Space, Weird West (not in terms of their genres but *atmosphere*) then you'll probably like this one. Don't listen to the media: this is NOT souls-like, this is NOT action-oriented "RPG". Absolutely not. This game is something between action-adventure with focus on environmental clues/puzzles under some heavy influence of immersive sim. Extremely addictive, feels good, feels great if you are tired of modern AAA slop when every minute every character yaps about everything like "it is behind you" and "there is a button somewhere", the map is covered with check boxes and markers. What to like: - Extensive done in-game lore, writers did great there; it is both interesting to uncover and get deep dive into; - Environmental storytelling gives chills due to how depressing and realistic it paints the whole picture; - In-game lore and events draw inspiration from some real-world events but don't not tell what is right and what is wrong; - In-game factions done great: architecture, paintings on the walls, symbols -- every element is crafted with attention to details; - Main quest itself is good and gives 80s sci-fi fantasy vibes; do not spoil the story if you want to enjoy it; - Side-quests are optional but very satisfying to solve as they feel like they really affect in-game NPCs' lives; - Every location is different, hand-made and play-tested well: at first they feel like a maze but then you remember how to navigate them by local POIs; - No garbage "collect them all" quests, no garbage "slay N monsters" quests; - There are just 2 or 3 "somewhat boring" side-quests but most of them are really interesting; - NPCs do look like normal people and there is no sugarcoating at all, even the protagonist has no special powers or abilities, neither he is the chosen one or something supernatural himself; - Graphics are great, yes, there are some "greasy" UE5 looks here and there but overall it is nicely done; also performance is good (comparable to E33 as it uses the same engine); - Audio/sound design, reminds Prey (2020) in terms of "retro-future" feel and transitional effects; also OST is available to purchase in Steam and I'd recommend to do that (full 4 albums in great quality). What not to like: - Combat is clunky at first BUT enjoyable later, this feels like it is almost good but needed some polishing before release (focus mechanic is PITA when you are weak at first gear level, some weapons are not responsive and feel non-impactful); - Some quests ARE time-locked at Act 1 but you won't get any clue about this because some other quests that you'll get are NOT solvable in Act 1, this feels little unfair; - Maps are clever and very well done in terms of pacing but there are places when a fallen tree becomes a roadblock just because you can't jump in the game. Neutral: - Enemy variety: I actually liked the fact there are no thousands of enemy types, just 3 or 4 classes that get somewhat more and more powerful later in the game; combat is NOT the focus of this game and that's great as it has much more to give to the player; - Almost zero boss fights: finally, NOT a game when the whole design team eats their monthly budget just to make some boss "more interesting" while catering to souls connoisseurs; yes, there are some bossfights and this is alright; - No NG+ and replayability: you can miss some minor items, NPCs and quests but overall there is nothing new to do next time in the game; this is OK as it feels as a complete, solid story to "read once and enjoy it".