Jul 2022
Welcome aboard the Irid Novo, a space station that’s seen better days—which is saying something, considering it’s orbiting a giant black hole. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like an overworked janitor with a very bad day, Hellpoint is the game for you. With combat mechanics that will have you throwing your controller (100% scientifically accurate), Hellpoint is a soulslike that brings its own flavor of existential dread and thrillingly punishing gameplay to your PS5. So grab your joypads, buckle your seatbelts, and let’s dive into this cosmic mess!
In Hellpoint, combat is the name of the game, and it’s all about dealing with hostile foes eager to make a stylish hat out of your corpse. The player has access to light and strong attacks, along with an evade mechanic that you’ll need to master unless you want to get turned into a smear on the floor. The save system is zany, as players can only save their progress at what they call ‘breaches.’ Think of them as second chances, but also as epic mini-heart attacks whenever you step away from a boss fight. Enemies respawn after a certain period, which might make you question your existence after you’ve died for the umpteenth time. Up to two healing injections can be carried, and the healing gauge refills by dealing damage to enemies, making it a curious mix of aggression and self-preservation—a dance of death that would make any choreographer proud. Exploration is deeply integrated, with secret doors, hidden treasures, and enigmas lurking just around the corner. Don’t be surprised if you spend half your time jumping off ledges hoping to find something useful (or just falling to your doom). Plus, this game is officially classified as a ‘Soulslike,’ so if you’ve experienced the thrill of losing your hard-earned progress in another game of this genre, congratulations—you’re in for more of the same here.
Graphically, Hellpoint embraces a beautifully grotesque aesthetic that screams ‘Futuristic Gothic Horror’. Imagine if Dark Souls and Event Horizon had a baby, and you’ll get a pretty good idea. The visuals are powered by the Unity engine, which means they are capable of delivering some jaw-dropping, mind-bending graphics—once the game actually runs smoothly, that is. Unfortunately, players have reported occasional frame drops and bugs that might make you feel like you’re back in time trying to fix a VHS player. Blasting enemies in a cosmic purgatory filled with lovely godless creatures while inadvertently experiencing a slight slow motion can make you question your life choices. Still, the overall aesthetic is a strong point, full of dark corners, eerie lighting, and enough lore to create a thirst for knowledge—or at least a desire to Google everything it all means.
Hellpoint manages to capture the essence of the Soulslike genre, while also adding in a delicious sci-fi twist that’s almost intoxicating. Its technical aspects show promise, but it’s as if the developers are still turning the dials on this cosmic opus to refine the experience. With a release on the PS5, many gamers are flocking to Irid Novo to uncover its secrets, yet they must bear in mind the occasional hiccup that might send them spiraling into frustration. The challenging gameplay will either turn you into a literary scholar of game mechanics, forever dissecting your failures, or simply feed your addiction for dying repeatedly in new and creative ways. Prepare to enter this hauntingly beautiful abyss as you tackle and explore the chilling corridors of Hellpoint—just remember to bring some extra lives and perhaps an emotional support snack. It might get weird. Heck, it already is weird. But that’s just space and video games for you!
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