Introduction
Metal: Hellsinger, released on September 15, 2022, takes players on an infernal journey where every shot, slash, and scream syncs to a hammering metal soundtrack. Developed by The Outsiders under David Goldfarb, this rhythm FPS carves a niche between high-octane shooters and music games. Meanwhile, reviews are glowing: 93% Very Positive recently and 96% Overwhelmingly Positive overall. Clearly, the community resonates with its frantic action and headbanging beats.
Storyline and Setting
You play as The Unknown, a tortured soul bent on vengeance against the Red Judge. As the journey unfolds, you traverse eight distinct Hells—from the frozen wastes of Voke to the maddening depths of Stygia—while uncovering lore narrated by Troy Baker. Although the premise is straightforward, the vivid realms and gritty voice work give the experience a cinematic quality reminiscent of dark fantasy RPGs.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Rhythm-Based Combat: Hit enemies on the beat to increase your “Fury” level. Consequently, higher Fury intensifies both music and damage output.
- Weapon Variety: Switch between melee (skull-clad blade) and ranged weapons. In addition, each weapon has a unique ultimate ability for devastating combos.
- Leviathan Mode: This roguelike-inspired survival arena lets you choose permanent upgrades between waves, thereby adding strategic depth.
- Difficulty and Accessibility: Multiple difficulty modes plus an indicator help you stay on beat. Even so, non-musicians can still ramp up the challenge.
Audio & Soundtrack
The soundtrack, crafted by Two Feathers with guest vocals from Serj Tankian, Randy Blythe, Alissa White-Gluz, and more, is undeniably the beating heart of Metal: Hellsinger. Furthermore, tracks evolve dynamically with your performance: flawless rhythm streaks layer guitars, drums, and choirs into a thunderous crescendo. As a result, this adaptive audio design rivals games like Doom Eternal and sets a new bar for rhythm integration in shooters.
Visuals & Art Style
Metal: Hellsinger’s stylized visuals strike a balance between hellish grime and comic-book flair. Specifically, demon designs range from grotesque to grotesquely awesome, and each Hell’s palette—icy blues of Voke, molten reds of Inferno—feels distinct. While it may not be as photorealistic as AAA shooters, its coherent aesthetic nonetheless supports the throbbing metal vibe.
Comparison with Similar Titles
In the rhythm-shooter subgenre, few games dare to combine full-scale gunplay with beat-matching. Here’s how Metal: Hellsinger stacks up:
- Crypt of the NecroDancer: 2D roguelike meets rhythm; Metal: Hellsinger ups the ante with first-person intensity and a major metal soundtrack.
- Doom Eternal: High-speed demon slaying with dynamic music. Metal: Hellsinger borrows the intensity but demands musical precision for max damage.
- Beat Saber: Pure rhythm slicing in VR. Hellsinger forgoes VR and abstract blocks, opting for full-on FPS arsenal and dark fantasy rules.
- Ultrakill: Retro shooter with over-the-top gore. While Ultrakill revels in flashy combos, Hellsinger channels its bloodlust through synchronized audio feedback.
Community Feedback & Reviews
Player sentiment highlights:
- Strengths:
- “Unmatched soundtrack synergy.”
- “Every kill feels like a power move.”
- “Leviathan mode adds replay value.”
- Weaknesses:
- “Story is serviceable but thin.”
- “Some weapon ultimates feel under-tuned.”
- “Occasional rhythm timing frustrations.”
Despite minor critiques, the overwhelmingly positive scores (96% of 13,302) underscore a community hungry for innovative blends of music and mayhem.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Metal: Hellsinger stands as a bold experiment that largely succeeds—melding the visceral thrills of an FPS with the pulse-pounding demands of a rhythm game. Although it may not dethrone established shooters on narrative depth, its technical polish, killer soundtrack, and replayable Leviathan mode make it a must-play for fans of both genres. Therefore, if you’ve ever wanted to feel like a metal god with an arsenal at your fingertips, prepare to slay to the beat.
