Hell is Us Demo: A Dark Adventure That Redefines Horror Exploration
If you’re looking for a new game that will give you chills in all the right ways, Hell is Us should definitely be on your radar. The recently released demo lets players step into a haunting, war-torn world that’s as mysterious as it is terrifying. Whether you’re a fan of dark adventure or just want to test your nerves, this title promises plenty of surprises—and you might want to keep the lights on while playing!
- First impressions from the Hell is Us demo
- Atmospheric world and unsettling enemies
- Combat system details and healing mechanics
- User-driven exploration with no quest markers
- Demo available on Steam until June 16
- Full release set for September 4 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X
Step Into the Strange World of Hadea
In Hell is Us, you play as Remi, traveling through the fictional country of Hadea, which is torn apart by civil war. Your main goal? Search for your missing parents. But right from the start, the atmosphere is heavy and truly chilling. There’s no shortage of intense moments, and the game wastes no time throwing you into the unknown. Early on, you’ll meet a farmer who quickly fills you in on the dire situation—let’s just say things are looking grim for Hadea’s people.
Unsettling Encounters and Eerie Soundtrack
As you explore the ominous forests, you’ll notice the soundtrack—think Returnal vibes—that only adds to the tension.
Eventually, Remi stumbles into ancient ruins that once served as a dungeon. Here, the demo delivers its first real “oh, shit!” moment: a creepy, white, marionette-like enemy with a black circle for a face appears, sending shivers down your spine. A mysterious, masked woman jumps in to save you but meets a grim fate. Without much hesitation, Remi takes her poncho, drone, and a big glowing sword—and that’s when things really kick off.
Combat: Accessible Yet Demanding
The swordplay in Hell is Us is simple to learn, with third-person melee action that leans on stamina management. If you take hits, your max stamina drops, so playing carefully is rewarded. Healing is unique: as you attack, glowing particles circle Remi. When they form a ring, you can activate a healing pulse with your controller’s right bumper. It keeps you on your toes—timing the pulse isn’t easy, and keeping track of both enemies and particles can get tricky. Still, the combat feels more forgiving than typical Soulslikes, and dying is less punishing—enemies stay dead after you defeat them, so you can focus on exploring.
Exploration Without Hand-Holding
One standout feature is the lack of maps, compasses, or quest markers. Hell is Us encourages you to explore freely and discover secrets on your own. For example, after hearing about a farmer’s lost sons, you might find a note in the trenches mentioning their deaths and a stolen gold watch. If you return the watch to the farmer, you complete a “Good Deed”—all without any quest log or marker. The game hints that these actions could pay off later, making every discovery feel meaningful.
When and Where to Play
The Hell is Us demo is available on Steam until June 16, so now’s your chance to try it out. The full game is set to launch on September 4 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. If you’re into atmospheric adventures with a twist, Hell is Us is shaping up to be one of the year’s most intriguing releases.
