To Hell With The Ugly

About

"To Hell With the Ugly" is an adventure game set in a 1950s LA film noir setting, where you play as Rock Bailey, a handsome young man who was kidnapped and drugged outside a jazz club. After waking up in a strange hospital, Rocky discovers that something personal has been stolen from him and sets out for revenge. The game was a finalist in the 2023 IGF awards for "Excellence in Visual Arts."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

85%

Audience ScoreBased on 118 reviews

story40 positive mentions

character development2 negative mentions

The game features stunning art and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
The gameplay includes interesting puzzles and a unique blend of genres, such as turn-based combat and quick time events.
The narrative, while short, offers a bizarre and engaging story that keeps players intrigued throughout.

The main character is unlikable and lacks depth, making it hard for players to connect with the story.
The game is quite short, taking only about 3-4 hours to complete, which may not justify the price for some players.
The ending feels unsatisfying and abrupt, leaving players wanting more closure and character development.

story
92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
53%
4%
The story has received mixed reviews, with many praising its unique blend of noir and surreal elements, inspired by a 1940s French detective novel. While some players found the plot engaging and the characters well-realized, others criticized it for being short, lacking a satisfying conclusion, and feeling disjointed at times. Overall, the narrative is described as interesting and entertaining, but it may leave some players wanting more depth and resolution.
- “I definitely will read the book after this; the story so cleverly mixes noir, Doctor Moreau, and the 50s vibe. It is just captivating.”
- “The game tells the story of Rock Bailey, a real himbo, as he gets pulled into an increasingly strange case that takes some interesting twists and turns before arriving at a conclusion with some quite dark implications.”
- “Overall, it was a satisfying but short point-and-click adventure, with the plot and art style creating an odd but stylish and unique experience you won't find anywhere else.”
- “The story was very stinky and made the rest feel like a wasted opportunity.”
- “It just felt very disappointing to get all the cool setup and artistic stylings of the game and be let down by the blah story.”
- “Just the story doesn't have a proper ending, certainly not a good one.”
music
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
41%
7%
The music in the game is widely praised for its quality and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, with many reviewers noting its noir aesthetic and hypnotic qualities. Comparisons to classic soundtracks, such as that of "Grim Fandango," highlight its appeal, while the integration of music into gameplay elements adds to the immersive experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, complementing the game's stunning visuals and engaging story.
- “The game features amazing music and a noir aesthetic.”
- “Not only was the art style amazing, but I also fell in love with the soundtrack; the unexpected and hilarious plot was just the cherry on top.”
- “A brilliantly executed story with unique and beautiful art direction and a *chef's kiss* soundtrack!”
- “Tl;dr art, music, va, gameplay, puzzles, all ok.”
- “The ending is very weird and funny (in a bittersweet way), you get about four hours of play out of it for the price, but I honestly did have a lot of fun looking at the art and listening to the music.”
- “Solid music.”
graphics
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
36%
7%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning art style, which combines dark and whimsical elements, creating a unique visual experience reminiscent of film noir. Players appreciate the fluid animations and captivating aesthetics, often highlighting the game's character and charm. While the visuals are a standout feature, some reviews suggest that the gameplay and plot may not be as compelling, leaving a mixed overall impression.
- “The art style and the visuals are superb.”
- “It's an experience like no other, showcasing an art style that effortlessly blends dark and whimsical elements.”
- “For what it's worth, the game has a fantastic art style, fluid combat and animations, and a good soundtrack.”
- “So, not much to offer besides visuals and I can't stand the main character.”
- “The graphics and animations are done so poorly.”
- “Overall it was a satisfying but short point-and-click adventure, with the plot and art style creating an odd but stylish and unique experience you won't find anywhere else.”
gameplay
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
50%
8%
The gameplay is generally described as simple and somewhat generic, with a mix of point-and-click mechanics, turn-based combat, and quick time events that add some variety. While the puzzles are not particularly challenging, they contribute to a good rhythm and immersion in the story. Many reviewers feel that the $20 price tag for 2-4 hours of gameplay is steep, suggesting it may be better to purchase on sale, though the overall experience is enjoyable due to the strong visuals and soundtrack.
- “The game also includes QTE events and turn-based combat, which add variety to the gameplay and offer a refreshing change from reading and solving puzzles.”
- “Great style, gameplay is simple but works well with this type of game.”
- “The gameplay gives a good rhythm and immersion to the story without getting in the way.”
- “20$ for 2-3 hours of gameplay is a bit expensive, so for most people, it's better to buy it on sale, but even without a sale, most people won't be disappointed.”
- “The gameplay mechanics are relatively simple.”
- “Mini-games seem to be just a way of prolonging the play hours, not an actual mechanic.”
humor
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its unexpected and absurd plot, complemented by hilarious dialogues and a bittersweet ending. Players find the combination of stunning art, captivating music, and quick-paced gameplay to create a memorable and enjoyable experience, making it a standout in terms of comedic value. Overall, the game is described as funny and stylish, enhancing the overall enjoyment.
- “Not only was the art style amazing, but I also fell in love with the soundtrack; the unexpected and hilarious plot was just the cherry on top.”
- “Stunning art & animation, absurd story, hilarious dialogues, hypnotizing music.”
- “Very quick, but funny, fabulously stylish, memorable.”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its beautiful design, captivating music, and immersive storytelling, creating a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic games. Reviewers highlight the impressive art, engaging dialogue, and a "thick and sticky" ambiance that enhances the overall enjoyment, despite some noting that the experience feels brief.
- “Love the style, love the music, love the atmosphere and how the story dragged me in...but it goes by so quick!”
- “This is a great, atmospheric game, a great throwback to the times when games had a soul in them.”
- “Amazing art and animations, nice dialogue, thick and sticky atmosphere, great music, decent combat - everything about this game is just right.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users express disappointment in the emotional impact of the game, noting that the story feels incomplete and abruptly finished, which detracts from the overall experience.
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The reviews indicate a significant lack of character development, with multiple users expressing disappointment that none of the characters undergo any growth or change throughout the game.
- “There was no character development for anyone.”
- “There was no character development for anyone.”

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To Hell With The Ugly
$19.99
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3h Median play time

3h Average play time

3-3h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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