To Hell With Hell

 

To Hell with Hell is a hodgepodge of systems combined in a top-down damage whirlwind. Some of these mechanics feel a bit flimsy, but overall, the key element, the shooting, serves the game well. The range of weapons in the game is a real strength, many of which offer unique ways to play. You'll only be able to carry two weapons at first, and it's rare to find more. This, combined with the speed and strength of your opponents, means you'll quickly become proficient with the variety of weapons on offer. I quickly developed a fondness for a crossbow that can go through any enemy it hits until it hits a wall, which helps me slice through hordes of constantly attacking enemies. Later, I became interested in mortars, shovels, and even a few flak guns disguised as assault rifles. The amount of enemies and incoming firepower is truly staggering when you start the game, but this arsenal can help you make peace with great firepower.

Ammo is hard to come by, so you'll be urged to pick up something new at times, but the game's weapon collection is filled with fun toys, and picking up a new weapon is often a joyous opportunity, provided you live long enough to use it it. It's not just the weight of fire that makes the game tough. The game's health system emphasizes your vulnerability: with every hit, you permanently lose a chunk of your health, making any subsequent attacks on you not only an immediate threat, but a long-term problem. Get hurt here and they leave scars. This difficulty is somewhat mitigated by the game's save system, in which each round begins with five saves. At the end of each level, if you still have some memory, you can save the game. Die and you'll go back to your last save instead of starting over. This means that every time you complete a level, there will be a risk versus reward.

What didn't work so well for me was the game's mask system. These masks grant you unique abilities, but also have a separate health pool, and they effectively function as transforming the player into a series of different egos, including a crusader knight, a SWAT team officer, and even a robot. In addition to health, these also give you new skills or weapons: robots can take more damage; knights can raise their swords and charge forward. Unfortunately, the game's pacing doesn't match the instantaneous and drastic changes each mask brings, and once a mask's health is depleted, it disappears instantly, leaving you with either no mask and the standard dodge roll jump, or you have Set of different powers.

This game was fun, but it felt like it dragged a bit, I feel like the game system could've been a bit simpler. But besides that, I loved the game and I think that this game is re-playable, but only if it's your liking. I will eventually go back to it but no time soon. I do recommend though if you want to kill time, and don't mind spending time a game that will take you multiple playtimes to complete. All in all, it was a great game and I would recommend this game to all. Also, to warn all, that it will take you some time to fully complete this game. But it is definitely worth it. 

(Code provided for review)