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Review of Hellnight on PlayStation

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Jun 1998
Cover image of Hellnight on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 11 Jun 1998
Genre: Survival horror
Developer: Dennou Eizou Seisakusho
Publisher: Atlus, Konami

Introduction

Welcome to "Hellnight", or as the cool kids in Japan call it, "Dark Messiah"-a game that's more about running away than bravado. This first-person survival horror title steals your ability to fight back, leaving you to navigate its terrifying mazes while actively channeling your inner Usain Bolt. It's like playing tag, but the stakes are much higher, and the monster could literally eat you alive. So, if your idea of a relaxing evening is sprinting from a mutant through some very dark tunnels, then grab your PlayStation and buckle up, my friend.

Gameplay

Imagine this: you're plodding through a near-apocalyptic Tokyo when you suddenly discover that some kind of horrible creature-a mutant with more issues than a family therapist can handle-wants to make you its next meal. Your job? Navigate through twisted tunnels called "The Mesh," itching to meet the surface, all while solving puzzles and running like a chicken whose head has just been cut off. One might argue that a solid cardio routine is essential if you plan to be successful in this dystopian nightmare. You initially team up with a young schoolgirl named Naomi and hit the ground sprinting-or rather, we should say slinking away from the only foe that'll ever try to end your run in Hellnight: "The Hybrid." Combat? Forget it! The only weapon at your disposal is sheer speed, which means you'll be panting from more than just physical exertion as you tear through these darkened nooks. As you progress, every decision matters. Choose your companions wisely because one fatal slip can lead to their brutal demise. If Naomi bites the dust, congratulations! You now have the chance to recruit someone else-like a serial killer or an angry Russian soldier-with whom you'll likely also bond through shared experiences of ducking and covering. Each companion brings something unique to the table or, in this case, to the sprint for survival. They can help stun the creature, but that's still a temporary solution-better hope you don't run into a wall while they do. And let's not pretend this is a leisurely stroll in the park; the game drains your stamina faster than your phone dies in a day! Exceeding your running limits turns the screen red in a not-so-subtle "hey, you're about to die" warning, further ramping up the pressure as you attempt to find a safe spot between all the chaos. Oops, did I mention that the minute you start paying any attention to the puzzles lurking in the 2D renderings of rooms, the monster's still out there waiting? Intense decisions are a required skill, guys! No doubt, the gameplay is grueling, infusing a good dose of challenge that ropes you in even while ravaging your sanity. The anxiety builds as you shuffle through pathways, decoding clues and solving puzzles, all under the persistent threat of what's lurking behind the next turn. For those fond of brainstorming ways around obstacles with about a billion eyes watching you can think of it as intense physical and mental multitasking. Take deep breaths-they're necessary.

Graphics

Let's talk about the visuals-while Hellnight isn't going to blow up your senses with cutting-edge graphics, it certainly sets an atmosphere that screams unsettling. The 3D mazes may resemble a fever dream and not-so-smooth polygons might remind you of trying to play with your childhood Lego set, only now they want to eat you! Check out those static 2D character renders! They pop into action when you interact with them, as if they're playing hide and seek with you every time you enter a room. By trapping you in 2D realms for puzzles, it shifts the gameplay experience, making it a stylized nod to the era it hails from-riddled with dread but nostalgic at the same time. Crucially, the game's ambiance feels like a funky old-school horror flick. Creepy sound effects sneak up on you like an old horror movie jump scare, setting the stage for your rabbit-like escapes. Just imagine: a sound echoes down the hall, and suddenly you remember your broken alarm clock is chilling a little too close-this is the essence of its charm, even if you want to punch a hole in the wall because you're still running from that one mutant extra from a bad B-movie.

Conclusion

To wrap it all up, Hellnight is not just an ordinary horror experience; it's a test of your cunning and speed. You either dodge expertly, complete those pesky puzzles, or embrace your inner coward as you sprint like a maniac, praying for survival. The game delivers a challenge that exceeds simply scaring you and consequently keeps you on your toes. In fact, if you fancy yourself a runner or just want to see how quickly you can spiral into a panic, get your hands on Hellnight. It may not be a perfect title, but the unique mechanics of survival through stealth and intelligence will leave you either thoroughly entertained or questioning your life choices. So gather your companions, ditch the guns, and prepare to have your patience and skills tested as you try to survive the craziness of Hellnight! Just remember, the end of the world isn't a reason to skip your cardio. Happy running!

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