We had almost forgotten about its existence, yet “Hell is Us” stands out as one of the most impressive sensations from the State of Play dedicated to the Tokyo Game Show 2024. Developed by Rogue Factor studio for French publisher Nacon, Hell is Us has indeed showcased its gameplay, demonstrating that the game is both ambitious and highly promising. With Jonathan Jacques-Belletête leading the project, there’s plenty to be excited about, as he previously worked on Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. His new objective is to unveil his latest universe. Hell is Us will follow a soldier clad in a long cape, hood, and rectangular sword as they embark on a journey to uncover their origins across various regions of a war-torn country. This self-sufficient land harbors a significant secret: the recent emergence of supernatural creatures that evoke the ancient stelae and monuments of the region.
Furthermore, the game presents a unique approach to game design through the concept known as “player-plattering”. This idea differs from “silver-plattering”, which involves overly detailed explanations and providing all answers directly to players. With Hell is Us, the studio aimed to return to the roots of adventure games by encouraging exploration and critical thinking while eliminating traditional forms of assistance. In this game, there are no detailed maps, quest markers, or compasses to indicate points of interest; instead, players must rely on their intuition, observational skills, and reasoning to advance in the adventure and uncover the secrets of these enigmatic lands.
The release of Hell is Us is anticipated for 2025 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
