Drive Me to Hell
- January 4, 2024
- MadBug
- 2h median play time
"Drive Me to Hell" is a first-person driving horror game with PS1 style low poly graphics. Race through eerie landscapes, evade hellish monsters and demonic obstacles, and use the honk button to survive a 20 to 40 minute playthrough. Will you make it out or end up in hell? Note: The above text is a summary of the game's description and I do not have any personal experience playing the game.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique blend of driving and horror elements, creating an engaging experience.
- The retro PS1 aesthetic and low-poly graphics effectively contribute to the game's atmosphere.
- Despite its short length, the game provides some genuinely creepy moments and entertaining gameplay.
- The game is very short, typically lasting only 20-40 minutes, which may leave players wanting more.
- Driving controls can feel floaty and unresponsive, making it challenging to navigate obstacles effectively.
- The story lacks depth and replay value, with predictable twists and limited player choices.
- gameplay28 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity and accessibility, making it suitable for a wide audience, though it has been noted for its linearity and predictability. Driving mechanics are generally described as tight and engaging, despite some criticism regarding input lag and a floaty feel. Overall, the game offers a unique experience with appealing visuals, though it may not satisfy those seeking depth in driving mechanics.
“The gameplay is simple but still fairly engaging, and the chunky polygons make for some fantastic visuals.”
“Main gameplay is the driving which has tight controls, if not at times rapidly responsive (especially the brakes).”
“Although the game takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete, it’s great in terms of gameplay and its uniqueness.”
“Linear, obvious twist that was basically spoiled within the first minute of gameplay, the driving is mediocre, too much input lag and the sound design is dreadful.”
“The driving mechanics aren't particularly sophisticated and have a bit of a floaty feel but this is more a walking sim on wheels than a racing game, so that's forgivable.”
“I suppose it's reasonably priced at $2 for 1/2 hour of gameplay, but you should probably see if you can get it on sale.”
- story22 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally perceived as basic and linear, with predictable outcomes that do not change based on player choices. While some players appreciated the simple narrative and its surreal atmosphere, others felt it lacked depth and engagement, ultimately leading to mixed recommendations. Overall, the story serves as a backdrop rather than a driving force of the game.
“I'll give this a positive rating just because the little 'story' or what there is of it, was a nice touch.”
“I hoped for a better driving experience and some more things to do besides actual driving, but after all I really enjoyed the simple story and the surreal atmosphere of hell.”
“Story-wise, it is very basic and I had already figured out what happened by the ending.”
“It's a linear story and your actions (or inactions) don't change anything no matter what you try.”
“The game was a fun short rollercoaster ride with a simple story.”
- graphics22 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's graphics have received positive feedback for their engaging and visually appealing design, featuring chunky polygons and a lo-fi PSX aesthetic that enhances the horror experience. While some players appreciate the retro style, others note that the low resolution may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the visuals effectively complement the gameplay, transitioning from serene environments to unsettling, hellish landscapes.
“The gameplay is simple but still fairly engaging, and the chunky polygons make for some fantastic visuals.”
“I liked this game, very cool graphics and great idea with solid execution.”
“Low resolution retro graphics may turn off some players.”
“The game has a lo-fi PSX aesthetic that actually makes your undead tormentors all the more horrible. The reason that the PSX aesthetic is so popular with the horror crowd is that it's a genre that thrives on the player filling in the gaps with their own fears. When visual fidelity is lacking, a horror enjoyer can really lean in with their imagination to assume the worst.”
“The game effectively changes from an exploratory escape game where the player is driving through highways and desolate cities, to avoiding obstacles and hauntings as the player creepily delves into a hellish world that draws visuals from a 'Hellraiser' twisted world.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its personality and surreal qualities, effectively immersing players in a unique experience. However, the combination of narrow paths and limited visibility can lead to frustration, particularly during fast-paced driving segments. Overall, while the atmosphere is engaging, some players wished for a more refined driving experience and additional gameplay elements.
“The atmosphere is pretty great and while the controls feel kind of twitchy, it's not bad.”
“I hoped for a better driving experience and some more things to do besides actual driving, but after all I really enjoyed the simple story and the surreal atmosphere of hell.”
“This approach can work well for atmosphere, and it does, but it also adds a fair bit of frustration when you need to drive fast, non-stop, on reasonably narrow paths, or risk falling off a cliff. When you can barely see in front of you, dodging obstacles that lead to falling off a cliff and dying feels more than a bit unfair.”
“I hoped for a better driving experience and some more things to do besides actual driving, but I really enjoyed the simple story and the surreal atmosphere of hell.”
“Nice and short with lots of personality and atmosphere.”
- humor7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its humor, with players finding certain scary scenes amusing rather than frightening. The visual hauntings and ghost appearances are described as well-executed yet occasionally humorous, adding a lighthearted touch to the overall experience.
“Personally, I found some of the scary scenes quite funny!”
“While I did not find the game relatively scary, there were some good visual hauntings and the appearance of the ghosts was done well, if not a little funny on occasion.”
“The sprinkling of a bit of humor in the game is a nice touch too.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is criticized for its lack of replayability, with many users noting its short length and minimal content. Suggestions for improvement include adding more levels, different vehicles, and features like timers or achievements to enhance replay value. While some recommend experiencing the opening again, the consensus is that the game does not offer much incentive for repeated playthroughs.
“The game is very short, and I'd say it has little to no replay value at all.”
“The game has no replayability, but I would recommend the opening at least once more.”
“It could use some more levels, different cars, maybe a timer for replay value, and achievements.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as decent, complementing the graphics and story, but it does not significantly enhance the overall experience. Despite its positive attributes, some users still hesitate to recommend the game.
“The graphics, music, and the idea behind the story are great.”
“Music: decent”
“Music: decent”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight that grinding in the game can be intense and challenging, often requiring players to navigate perilous obstacles that can lead to failure. The need for multiple attempts or "second lives" suggests that the grinding aspect can be both demanding and punishing.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Grinding feels like a never-ending chore that detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes it feel more like a job than a fun gaming experience.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report that the game's stability is compromised by frequent glitches, which detract from the overall experience and contribute to a perception of the game being shorter than it actually is.
“I get that it's short, but it's made shorter by the glitches.”