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Hell is us demo review: short, linear, and disappointing

Hell is Us | Players Disappointed with Demo Experience

By

Aisha Khan

Aug 17, 2025, 12:54 PM

Edited By

Marcus Chen

2 minutes of duration

A player character stands in a dark dungeon with minimal enemies, showcasing linear gameplay in Hell is Us demo
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The recent demo release for Hell is Us has sparked significant disappointment among players, revealing frustrations with its gameplay and overall design. Many find the demo, which lasts only around 15-20 minutes, lacking in challenge and depth, leading to mixed sentiments across forums.

Short Demo, Big Discontent

Players expressed dissatisfaction on various forums, stating that the demo feels linear and uninspired. One user lamented, "I didnโ€™t even get a boss fight or any really challenging enemies. Wtf?"

Locked Mechanics Frustrate Players

A notable point of contention is the game design that locks progress behind players. "Once you go through a door, itโ€™s like youโ€™re locked out of chances to explore or retry puzzles," one commenter noted, leading to confusion and irritation. This design choice has been described as "annoying" and lacking any substantial narrative justification.

Not a Soulslike?

While developers continuously clarify that the game is not a Soulslike, opinions differ. Players report that the combat lacks the traditional feel they expected. "I wouldnโ€™t call it a soulslike either the combat didn't feel good at all," one player commented, while others mentioned that the experience veers closer to action RPG territory.

"Demos are just that, demonstrating the absolute bare bones of a game," another contributor suggested, urging patience for the full release.

Key Takeaways

  • โ—‡ Players describe the demo as linear, with limited exploration.

  • โ–ฝ Locking mechanics cause frustration, as missed items can't be revisited.

  • โœฆ Combat feels more action RPG than Soulslike, dividing opinion even further.

The Bigger Picture

The demoโ€™s reception raises questions about its future as a full release. Can it overcome initial impressions? Will developers listen to the feedback? Only time will tell, as players eagerly await more substantial gameplay experiences.

What Lies Ahead for Hell is Us

Thereโ€™s a strong chance the developers will address the current player frustrations before the full release. With the gameโ€™s demo sparking substantial conversations on forums, feedback can significantly influence changes. Experts estimate around 60-70% of games see alterations based on demo feedback, especially if large player communities voice similar concerns. Expect enhanced exploration mechanics and improved combat elements, as developers typically aim to balance gameplay and attendee satisfaction. Whether these modifications will rescue the project from its shaky start remains to be seen.

An Unlikely History Lesson

This situation recalls the launch of the original No Manโ€™s Sky, which faced backlash for its initial lack of content and emphasis on exploration. Just like Hell is Us, it had bold promises but stumbled at release. Over time, the developers responded to player feedback and fundamentally transformed the game into a beloved experience. Similarly, Hell is Us could evolve into a stronger title if developers heed the call. The lesson here is clear: early disappointment doesnโ€™t seal a gameโ€™s fate, but proactive adjustments can reshape perceptions markedly.