FromSoftware carved out an entirely new genre in its wake, with the success of Demon’s Souls and its spiritual successor, Dark Souls. In the decade that came after, many have tried to imitate the formula that is the Souls-like genre, but many have failed. This year, Hellpoint from Canadian indie developer Cradle Games aims to do the genre justice.
Initially launched as a Kickstarter campaign back in April 2017, the sci-fi horror action RPG was originally set to release in February 2018, but was set back with multiple delays. This time, it seems set to finally launch on 16 April 2020.
While Hellpoint is, without question, a Souls-like game, with a third-person POV, timing-based controls and ridiculously difficult gameplay, what sets it apart is its setting and tone. Set in Irid Novo, a derelict space station, players have to hack and slash their way through all manner of dreaded interdimensional monstrosities to survive.
Sure, the likes of The Surge have attempted a sci-fi Souls-like, but unlike its rather vibrant tone, Cradle Games seemed more intent on delivering a much more visceral and gloomy atmosphere that is more aligned to FromSoftware’s visual style (and even id Software’s Doom) with this game.
Despite taking many cues from FromSoftware, what sets Hellpoint apart is its split-screen local multiplayer, which allows you to delve into the darkest pits of Irid Novo with a friend. Online co-op is also supported, as is PVP.
Hellpoint releases on 16 April 2020 on Steam, PS4, and Xbox One.
Marion has a serious RPG addiction. Sometimes it bleeds into real life; he forgets to sleep because he thinks he has a Witcher’s body clock. Forgive him in advance if he suddenly blurts out terms such as “Mind Flayer” and “Magic Missile”, because never once does he stop thinking about his next Dungeons & Dragons game.
Si Jia
Jake Su
