Hell is Us Review (Nintendo Switch 2)

In an era where open-world games fill your map with icons and constantly point you towards the next objective, Hell is Us feels almost rebellious. Developed by Rogue Factor, this dark action-adventure strips away many of the modern conveniences players have come to expect and instead asks you to rely on observation, curiosity, and your own instincts. The result is an experience that can be challenging, occasionally frustrating, but ultimately far more rewarding than many of its contemporaries. Rather than leading players by the hand, Hell is Us invites them to become active participants in its mysteries, creating an adventure that lingers long after the credits roll.

The story follows Rémi, a man returning to his homeland after years away in search of answers about his family and his past. What he finds is a nation devastated by civil war, its people divided by violence, fear, and old grudges. As if the conflict weren't enough, strange supernatural entities known only as the Hollow Walkers have emerged across the countryside, creatures seemingly untouched by conventional weapons and tied to an ancient mystery buried deep within the land.

What begins as a personal search soon evolves into something much larger. Rémi's journey takes him through abandoned villages, military checkpoints, forgotten ruins, and locations scarred by decades of bloodshed. The narrative cleverly blends intimate personal drama with wider themes surrounding human conflict, guilt, and the destructive cycles that societies often repeat. While some questions remain deliberately ambiguous, the story succeeds because it constantly encourages players to investigate, theorise, and piece together events themselves rather than simply delivering exposition through lengthy cutscenes.

The story also deserves praise for tackling heavier themes. Creative Director Jonathan Jacques-Belletête describes the game's central idea as the cyclical nature of human violence, and that theme runs throughout the experience. Rather than presenting a simple battle between good and evil, Hell is Us offers a world shaped by fear, conflict, and the consequences of human actions

The strongest aspect of Hell is Us is undoubtedly its approach to exploration. There are no glowing paths to follow, no towers to climb to reveal objectives, and no GPS-like marker telling you exactly where to go. Instead, conversations provide clues, journal entries offer hints, and environmental details become crucial sources of information. You might hear about a location hidden beyond a river crossing or learn about an important landmark from a local survivor, leaving it up to you to interpret the directions and discover it for yourself.

This design creates some genuinely memorable moments. Every new discovery feels earned, whether it's uncovering a hidden area, solving an environmental puzzle, or stumbling upon a key piece of lore. Exploration becomes an active process rather than a passive checklist. That being said, the system won't appeal to everyone. Players accustomed to constant guidance may occasionally find themselves wandering in circles or wondering if they've missed an important clue.

Combat revolves around close-range melee encounters against the game's unsettling supernatural creatures. Rémi can wield various weapons including swords, spears, and heavier arms, each offering their own attack speed, range, and tactical advantages. Victory is rarely achieved through mindless button mashing. Enemies hit hard, demand careful positioning, and often require players to learn attack patterns before committing to an offensive.

Adding another layer to the combat is Rémi's drone companion. Beyond providing support during battles, the drone plays a significant role in exploration and puzzle-solving, helping players interact with the environment in ways that wouldn't otherwise be possible. The combination of melee combat, environmental investigation, and drone-assisted mechanics helps keep gameplay varied throughout the adventure.

The enemy design deserves special mention. The Hollow Walkers are among the most visually striking creatures I've seen recently. Their abstract, almost statue-like appearance makes them feel genuinely alien compared to the zombies, demons, and monsters that populate so many modern action games. Facing them never quite loses its sense of unease, particularly when exploring isolated regions where danger can emerge from the fog without warning.

Visually, Hell is Us excels through atmosphere rather than spectacle. War-ravaged settlements, dense forests, crumbling ruins, and haunting supernatural locations create a world that feels both believable and deeply unsettling. The art direction consistently impresses, with every environment contributing to the game's oppressive mood. Nintendo Switch 2 handles the experience well, preserving the environmental detail and visual identity that make the world so captivating.

Despite its many strengths, Hell is Us isn't perfect. The lack of guidance can occasionally slow the pacing, and some players may find the backtracking or obscure objective design more irritating than immersive. Combat, while satisfying, can begin to feel repetitive during longer sessions, particularly when revisiting familiar enemy types.

Yet these shortcomings never overshadow what makes the game special. Few modern adventures trust players to this extent. Fewer still build an entire experience around exploration, observation, and personal discovery. Hell is Us stands apart because it understands that mystery is often more compelling than certainty.

Pros

• Deeply rewarding exploration and discovery

• Intriguing story filled with mystery and strong themes

• Unique no-map, no-marker philosophy

• Memorable creature and world design

• Satisfying combat supported by the drone mechanics

• Excellent atmosphere throughout

Cons

• Can occasionally feel directionless

• Some combat encounters become repetitive

• Pacing may be too slow for action-focused players

Hell is Us is a rare game that dares to trust its audience. Its compelling story, unconventional exploration systems, and haunting world create an experience that feels refreshingly distinct in today's gaming landscape. It won't be for everyone, but players willing to embrace its mysteries will discover one of the most thought-provoking and rewarding action-adventures available on Nintendo Switch 2.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Hell is Us is available now!