Hellbound: Survival Mode
- November 22, 2019
- Saibot Studios
- 1h median play time
Get on Steam90's style First Person Shooter, 20 years later.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Fast-paced gameplay reminiscent of classic shooters like DOOM and Quake.
- Great graphics and sound design that enhance the nostalgic experience.
- Fun and addictive, making it a good time-killer for players.
- Lacks content with only one survival mode and limited enemy variety.
- Performance issues, especially with frame rate drops during intense gameplay.
- No campaign mode available yet, leaving players wanting more depth.
- graphics146 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are a mix of nostalgic '90s aesthetics and modern enhancements, with many players appreciating the retro feel combined with improved visuals. However, performance issues are common, with some users experiencing lag and low frame rates even on lower settings. Overall, while the graphics are generally well-received, there are calls for better optimization and more variety in visual elements.
“The graphics are amazing on my rig!”
“The graphics, models, and sounds are amazing.”
“The visuals scream doom, but the gameplay is more like Sam (sprinting, ironsights, enemy behaviour).”
“Doesn't run too well, I had to play on the lowest graphics because otherwise it was laggy as hell.”
“The visuals are serviceable, they don't look bad but the bland stereotypical hell aesthetic with no interesting spin on it coupled with the forgettable enemies that blend together doesn't help the game.”
“The graphics suck, the gore sucks and the map too.”
- gameplay119 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its fast-paced, chaotic action reminiscent of classic '90s first-person shooters like Doom, featuring smooth controls and satisfying gunplay. While many players appreciate the nostalgic graphics and intense combat, some criticize the limited mechanics and repetitive nature of the gameplay, suggesting it may become stale over time. Overall, the game offers an engaging experience for fans of retro FPS games, though it may not fully meet the expectations of those seeking more depth and variety.
“The gameplay is as fast and furious as a demon on a caffeine high, and the graphics are delightfully old-school, making every pixel an explosion of ‘90s glory.”
“The gameplay is smooth, controls are precise, there was no lag, weapons felt great, nice job on recoil and handling, very fast-paced, filled with over-the-top wet work (blood) lots of it.”
“Awesome fast-paced gameplay with big guns and even bigger bad guys.”
“Gameplay was stale really quick.”
“The gameplay is boring and easy, the graphics suck, the gore sucks, and the map too.”
“Overall it leads to a lot of repetition in the gameplay.”
- music53 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread praise for its energetic and fitting soundtrack, reminiscent of classic titles like Doom and Painkiller, enhancing the fast-paced gameplay and atmosphere. However, some players noted that the music can become repetitive over time, leading them to prefer their own playlists. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong point, contributing significantly to the game's nostalgic and intense experience.
“Wicked awesome soundtrack that keeps you pumping rounds and grinding teeth till the sun comes up.”
“I opened the game, heard the music, and thought 'yes...this is exactly what I need.'”
“The music is awesome and, like the game setting, feels like it was very inspired by the recent Doom game, with the weapons being like Doom 2 but different at the same time.”
“The music is repetitive and becomes annoying after a while.”
“Still not such a high score for audio since there is a lack in variety of sounds and music.”
“Plus, the music got a bit repetitive.”
- optimization52 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback from players. While some report smooth performance on high-end systems, many others experience significant frame drops and performance issues, particularly on lower-end hardware or during intense gameplay moments. There is a consensus that the game requires further optimization to enhance the experience, especially for those with less powerful setups.
“The game runs smoothly on high FPS and high refresh rate monitors, which adds greatly to the gameplay experience.”
“Unfortunately for people with 165/240Hz monitors, it is capped to only 144 FPS, which it consistently holds on my 1070 Ti. However, only using 2-3 GB of VRAM means the game should run the more common 1080p 60 FPS well on cheap RX 580 4GB GPUs, so I would say it is optimized well enough by 2019 standards.”
“I haven't experienced any of the performance issues that other commenters are reporting.”
“In theory, this game should be able to run; however, there is so much happening on screen or in the background that is so poorly optimized. Even at the lowest settings, everything moves at a snail's pace.”
“My only complaint with this game is the performance. I have more than the necessary specs to play it, but I can't. I need to drop the internal resolution to minimum because enemies don't drop my framerate, but the environment has something, making drops from 50-40 fps to 5 fps.”
“If you have a very high-end PC, you may be able to play this game at around 60-70 fps. If you have anything other than a high-end PC, prepare to play the game in slideshow mode. Overall, it's a fun game; it just sucks that the optimization is terrible.”
- story35 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's current state lacks a substantial story, with many users noting it primarily features random enemy encounters in a circular arena format, reminiscent of survival modes rather than a narrative-driven experience. While some express hope for a future story mode and campaign, the absence of a compelling storyline has led to comparisons with more polished titles like Doom, leaving players wanting more depth and content. Overall, the consensus is that the game would benefit significantly from a well-developed story to enhance its gameplay experience.
“Epic story.”
“Overall while I do like to compare it to Doom, I do think this has a chance of being more than just a 'Doom clone' and I'm very excited to see where this will go story/gameplay wise.”
“A storyline to this would be amazing.”
“This is pretty much Doom but no story or anything, just survive for as long as you can.”
“The story mode is currently not present in Hellbound, but the devs are working on it (and still sometimes publish smaller updates to the survival mode).”
“This is a game where you have to shoot to kill and die peacefully, no BS, no story.”
- stability10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while many players report smooth performance and minimal glitches, some have encountered significant bugs, particularly in menus and gameplay mechanics. A few users noted specific issues like model glitches and unresponsive menus, but most agree that these do not detract significantly from the overall experience.
“Runs great on Proton.”
“Runs great, looks great, sounds great.”
“I reviewed this a while back calling it buggy and glitchy, which I still stand by!”
“Buggy, repetitive, unoptimized, and opens a weblink to the game's Kickstarter on each quit.”
“Couldn't really play the game due to menus still being too buggy and extremely low sensitivity made it rather frustrating to play since I couldn't get into the options screen.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is viewed as mixed; while some players find it infinitely replayable due to its survival mode and potential for user-generated content, others feel it offers only minor replay value unless focused on competing for high scores. Enhancements like a level editor could significantly boost its longevity and replayability.
“This game is infinitely replayable.”
“Only survival mode and still very fun and replayable!”
“The game has a lot of replay value, especially if it includes a level editor for creating maps, campaigns, and survival maps.”
“This game offers minor replayability unless you want to try to compete for the highest scores on the global ranking.”
“Replay value: 3/10.”
“The replay value is quite low, making it hard to justify multiple playthroughs.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising its nostalgic, old-school action and immersive graphics, particularly in survival mode, while others find it uninspired and tedious due to repetitive mechanics. The fluid movement and fitting music enhance the experience, appealing to fans of classic shooters, though there are noted areas for improvement, such as weapon feedback and gore effects. Overall, the game has potential to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for 90s-style brutality.
“Love the graphics and atmosphere.”
“My experience with the survival mode of Hellbound was great; the game feels nice, the weapons feel good, the graphics are pretty (especially the particles), and the overall atmosphere in the arena looked great.”
“I liked the atmosphere of non-stop old-styled action in the hell (literally there).”
“I understand that this is just a demo game, but everything about the controls, weapons, and general atmosphere feels so uninspired.”
“Rather than developing a challenging atmosphere, it forces the player to restart the mission upon death, generating a sense of tedium and broken flow.”
“This game is for all of us: the old and bitter ones craving that 90's uncompromising brutality, and the young ones yet to experience the atmosphere of facemelting savagery this game offers.”
- monetization6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of "Hellbound" has been criticized as a cash grab, with many reviewers noting that the free game serves primarily as an advertisement for a larger, crowdfunded project. While it avoids aggressive microtransactions and anti-consumer practices, the presence of ads and a lack of genuine design effort detracts from the overall experience, leading to a perception of soullessness in its execution.
“The game avoids the pitfalls of excessive microtransactions, providing a fair experience for all players.”
“I appreciate that the monetization model is transparent and doesn't pressure players into spending money.”
“It's refreshing to see a game that prioritizes player experience over aggressive monetization strategies.”
“Such glaring design issues and the general soullessness of Hellbound lead me to believe that nobody took the time to actually play the game - Hellbound is nothing more than a weak-willed and ill-executed cash grab.”
“Also, this free game is really just an advertisement for their upcoming game; consider it a demo.”
“Pandering and advertising rather than good design and passion.”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is highlighted by its absurd and unexpected moments, such as the playful commentary after completing the main objectives and the amusing interactions between enemies. Players appreciate the nostalgic nod to 90s shooters, with a blend of gore and comedic cutscenes that enhance the overall fun experience. While it may not reach the comedic heights of some classics, it still delivers plenty of laughs and entertaining chaos.
“Made me laugh! Once you unlock the 5 weapons—starting AK, baseball bat, shotgun, minigun, and rocket launcher—you've finished the game, and then it says, 'Well, sh*t, they're done, what now?' and all the enemies become buff totems.”
“The fact that enemies can kill each other is very interesting and can lead to really funny moments.”
“This is attempting to reflect the 90s era shooters, so I am just looking for some gory fun and hilarious/awesome cutscenes.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious at times, requiring significant effort to progress. However, the introduction of bunny hopping mechanics adds a dynamic element, enhancing vertical movement and making the otherwise flat levels feel more engaging and fast-paced. The energetic soundtrack also contributes to the overall experience, keeping players motivated during grinding sessions.
“Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
“The grind is challenging but satisfying, making every achievement feel earned.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The gameplay feels tedious until you start bunny hopping. That's right, this game has bunny hops straight from Quake to an extreme level. Often, you get so fast it becomes difficult to avoid the lava, and then you slam into an enemy or thorny tendril, slowing down and thinking, 'Damn, who put that there?' I must go faster. The vertical movement from the bunny hops makes the boring flat level look much better and the otherwise slow feeling combat feel more fast-paced.”
“Grinding feels like a chore rather than an engaging part of the game.”
