Hell is Us is one of the most unusual video games to be found in the catalogue of next-generation consoles. Its premise, based on war and the importance of family, makes it unlike anything seen before, which is why it has attracted so much attention from the public who have seen some of its promotional material, as it is one of those releases that leaves no one indifferent after just a few minutes of play.

Although it is a game whose main mechanics are based on action, the development team seeks to move away from the classic stereotypes that define games of this genre. One of its main virtues is eliminating the characteristic map and compass, so that the player finds themselves lost in its world, in the purest style of soulslike games, where dangers lurk and uncertainty reigns about what may happen on the next screen. For this reason, Hell is Us has positioned itself as one of those special games that could be the big surprise of 2025 when no one was expecting it, but which could become the title that everyone needs.

Survival in a supernatural environment

Hell is Us lives up to its name, as the world in which it takes place looks like hell itself. Set in a region ravaged by civil war, supernatural creatures begin to emerge, threatening to destroy everything in their path, making it a video game that brings together many concepts and manages to combine them in a compelling setting to create something unique and very special.

The protagonist, however, is not a trained warrior or a mercenary. He is a man returning home in search of answers about a mysterious event that has torn his family apart. In this context, exploration and overcoming obstacles feel less like a playful challenge and more like a vital necessity. The settings, based on real locations of past conflicts, become a labyrinth of ruins where danger can lurk around every corner. The oppressive atmosphere and lack of direct information force the player to be in a constant state of alert, studying the environment to find clues and a safe path, which raises the tension to unexpected levels. There are no bright indicators to point out the objective, no arrows to guide you; only the harsh reality of a world in decay.

Combat, although at the core of the gameplay, aims to be visceral and direct. The protagonist uses weapons scattered throughout the environment that adapt to his fighting style, which implies a constant learning curve. Combat is not a mere succession of attacks and dodges, but a brutal and frenetic dance where every move counts and a mistake can be fatal. This, coupled with the lack of an easy healing system, forces players to be cautious and plan their moves in advance.

The weight of decisions and a cryptic narrative

Hell is Us gameplay is not just about action, but also has a strong narrative component that is revealed cryptically through exploration of the world. The game does not stop to tell you its story with expository cutscenes, but invites you to discover it through the ruins, objects and mysterious phenomena that lurk in every corner. The story unfolds in a non-linear way, and it is up to the player to piece together the clues to understand what has happened in that place and what the fate of his family is.

The player's decisions have a real impact on the development of the plot. Throughout the adventure, the protagonist will face moral dilemmas that will affect not only the course of the story, but also the other characters' perception of him. The ambiguity of morality is a central theme in the game, and there are no easy answers or right paths. Each choice can have unexpected consequences, giving the game great replay value. Family ties are the driving force behind the protagonist, and the game explores the fine line between survival and personal sacrifice.

Its unique setting, lack of direct guidance, and focus on exploration and survival make it a title that could be the big surprise of 2025. Hell is Us is unlike anything seen to date, and its courage in exploring new paths in the industry is admirable. With gameplay that feels raw and brutal, a narrative that is discovered through exploration, and a world that resembles hell on earth, this game has the potential to become an unforgettable experience. Its promise to combine visceral action with a personal story about the importance of family in a war-torn environment makes it one of the most interesting offerings of the upcoming season, and one that deserves our full attention.