Hellboy, the beloved comic book character created by Mike Mignola, has finally received a new video game adaptation after a long wait. Hellboy: Web of Wyrd brings the iconic character and his world to life in a rogue-lite action-packed adventure. Developed by British studio Upstream Arcade, the game aims to capture the essence of Mignola’s art style while providing players with an engaging and challenging gameplay experience. The game’s story revolves around Hellboy and the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.) as they investigate a mysterious dimension known as the Wyrd. The Wyrd is accessed through the enigmatic Butterfly House, which serves as a staging ground for missions within this nightmarish realm. As Hellboy, players must navigate through the procedurally generated biomes of the Wyrd, battling mythical creatures and uncovering the secrets of this otherworldly dimension.
One of the standout features of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd is its stunning visual presentation. The cel-shaded graphics beautifully emulate the distinct art style of Mike Mignola’s comics. Each frame feels like a panel brought to life, with striking colors contrasting against deep black shadows. The characters and environments are meticulously designed, appearing as if they have been sculpted with thickly painted outlines. The attention to detail and faithfulness to the source material are evident throughout the game, creating a truly immersive experience for comics fans.
Hellboy: Web of Wyrd takes a unique approach to the rogue-lite genre by introducing distinct chapters within the game. Instead of trying to complete the entire game in a single run, players progress through five different biomes, each with its own aesthetic and set of challenges. Initially, the goal is to defeat the boss in each biome. Once all five bosses have been defeated, players embark on a final run, facing new obstacles and a structure guarded by waves of enemies. This progression system adds a sense of accomplishment and variety to the gameplay, keeping it fresh and engaging.
Combat is at the core of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd, and it delivers a satisfying and visceral experience. Hellboy’s melee-focused combat emphasizes his brute strength and the power of his iconic Right Hand of Doom. Each blow feels weighty and impactful, immersing players in the world of Hellboy. Dodging, parrying, and blocking attacks are crucial to survival, as the scarcity of healing options makes every encounter fraught with danger. The combat mechanics require players to learn enemy attack patterns and react accordingly, rewarding skillful evasion and counterattacks.
In addition to Hellboy’s mighty fist, players can utilize a single gun and equip various charms to enhance their combat abilities. Firearms add depth to the combat system, allowing players to weaken enemy defenses and create opportunities for devastating blows. Charms, on the other hand, provide limited-use abilities such as repelling enemies or negating incoming attacks. Upgrades play a significant role in the game, with players able to improve weapons, charms, and Hellboy’s physical attributes. This progression system allows players to customize their playstyle and tackle the challenges of the Wyrd in their own unique way.
The Wyrd is a nightmarish dimension filled with deadly creatures and treacherous environments. Hellboy: Web of Wyrd features five distinct biomes, each with its own thematic elements and enemy types. From ancient ruins inhabited by armored knights to sunken cities infested with amphibious monsters, the biomes offer a diverse and visually captivating experience. The enemy variety and attack patterns keep players on their toes, providing a constant and rewarding challenge as they navigate through the Wyrd.
Upstream Arcade has demonstrated a deep reverence for the source material throughout Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. From the faithful recreation of Mike Mignola’s art style to the voice acting performance of Lance Reddick as Hellboy, every aspect of the game reflects a genuine appreciation for the Hellboy comics. The attention to detail extends beyond the visuals, with the game capturing the character’s personality and mannerisms, making it a truly immersive experience for fans and newcomers alike.
While Hellboy: Web of Wyrd excels in many areas, it does have some shortcomings. The roguelite structure, although unique, may appeal to only some players. The repetitive nature of the gameplay and the lack of significant variation in combat encounters can lead to moments of tedium. Additionally, technical issues such as camera problems and glitches with the frame trick effect can detract from the overall experience. These flaws, however, do not diminish the game’s strengths and the enjoyment it offers.
Hellboy: Web of Wyrd is a visually stunning and faithful adaptation of Mike Mignola’s beloved comics. The game successfully captures the essence of Hellboy’s world, providing players with an immersive and engaging experience. While it may not be flawless, the weighty combat, unique progression system, and meticulous attention to detail make it a worthy addition to the Hellboy video game legacy. For fans of the comics and those seeking an action-packed adventure, Hellboy: Web of Wyrd is a game that should not be missed.
