This review contains spoilers
Metal Hellsinger is a game that manages to entertain through its runtime, but still leave me feeling a bit unsatisfied. As far as debuts go I've played worse, but I've also have played far better.
Biggest standout of Hellsinger is of course it's phenomenal soundtrack. While I'm not the biggest metalhead, every track fit well and whenever the vocals kicked in (at max combo which was an awesome decision) it made the levels that much more enjoyable to get through. Also don't have much to complain about as far as main gameplay mechanics go, with everything working pretty well to accommodate a rhythm based shooter (besides the execution being a bit awkward but satisfying mechanic that rewards a more methodical play style). Finally the PC Port is buttery smooth, being a consistent 100+ FPS experience that ran smooth throughout the 6+ hour journey with no bugs to speak of.
If I had to say what Hellsingers biggest issue is It would absolutely go to how thinly spread this game is. For how short of an experience it is the repetition sets in as fast as the second level, with each level being the same cookie cutter arena-arena-boss design that doesn't do much to standout besides the occasional new weapon or enemy (sometimes with a warning but many times without which is so odd). Biggest offender would have to go to the bosses, with each being the exact same song and dance until the finale, who also just kinda sucks and doesn't really feel all that satisfying (a shame since Jennifer Hale does a phenomenal job as always). While I praised the general gameplay for being good I can't say the same for the weapons, with a good half of the loadout being a bit ass (being forced into using the Skull and Sword doesn't help matters) and some mechanics like the ammo/sigils being a bit of an afterthought. Final thing to say is the story has some neat ideas but also just exists, with the Hellsinger being a purely silent protag that doesn't do much besides be angry (a shame since the entire journey is about her getting her voice back).
The Outsiders have managed to create a pretty solid experience with Hellsinger and I'm excited to see how they elaborate with the eventual sequel. Lots to improve so hopefully Hellsinger 2 can settle itself with the other indie FPS greats such as Dusk.
7/10
Biggest standout of Hellsinger is of course it's phenomenal soundtrack. While I'm not the biggest metalhead, every track fit well and whenever the vocals kicked in (at max combo which was an awesome decision) it made the levels that much more enjoyable to get through. Also don't have much to complain about as far as main gameplay mechanics go, with everything working pretty well to accommodate a rhythm based shooter (besides the execution being a bit awkward but satisfying mechanic that rewards a more methodical play style). Finally the PC Port is buttery smooth, being a consistent 100+ FPS experience that ran smooth throughout the 6+ hour journey with no bugs to speak of.
If I had to say what Hellsingers biggest issue is It would absolutely go to how thinly spread this game is. For how short of an experience it is the repetition sets in as fast as the second level, with each level being the same cookie cutter arena-arena-boss design that doesn't do much to standout besides the occasional new weapon or enemy (sometimes with a warning but many times without which is so odd). Biggest offender would have to go to the bosses, with each being the exact same song and dance until the finale, who also just kinda sucks and doesn't really feel all that satisfying (a shame since Jennifer Hale does a phenomenal job as always). While I praised the general gameplay for being good I can't say the same for the weapons, with a good half of the loadout being a bit ass (being forced into using the Skull and Sword doesn't help matters) and some mechanics like the ammo/sigils being a bit of an afterthought. Final thing to say is the story has some neat ideas but also just exists, with the Hellsinger being a purely silent protag that doesn't do much besides be angry (a shame since the entire journey is about her getting her voice back).
The Outsiders have managed to create a pretty solid experience with Hellsinger and I'm excited to see how they elaborate with the eventual sequel. Lots to improve so hopefully Hellsinger 2 can settle itself with the other indie FPS greats such as Dusk.
7/10