Rising Hell is a simple game – possibly too simple for some. Fortunately, it gets the basics right. Calling Rising Hell a vertical 2D action platformer roguelike makes it seem far more elaborate than it actually is. You just have …
Rising Hell is a simple game – possibly too simple for some. Fortunately, it gets the basics right.
Calling Rising Hell a vertical 2D action platformer roguelike makes it seem far more elaborate than it actually is.
You just have to climb up increasingly difficult small stages, destroying enemies and avoiding obstacles until you die. Then you go back and try again, and hopefully do a little better.
This basic formula is enlivened by stages often throwing bosses your way, as well as a range of different environmental hazards including rising lava and spinning wall mounted saws.
But what helps Rising Hell avoid getting dull fast is that the controls and combat are spot on. Both elements are simple – you don’t have many attacks – but it all feels incredibly tactile. From wall jumping to smashing multiple enemies in a combo attack, it never feels half-baked or underwhelming.
It’s satisfying, immediate, and rarely frustrating. The fact the camera is zoomed out so much also helps no end. This means you can clearly see what perils await and plan accordingly.
Death is therefore almost always because of your lack of skill or inability to put together a suitable strategy.
There’s also an upgrade system in place. This relies on you harvesting souls you receive from destroying enemies. You can then spend these on a range of perks including more powerful attacks or the ability to respawn in the same spot if you die.
Choosing what you equip offers a welcome layer of depth to proceedings, although these upgrades don’t hang around if you die – unless blight is used, which can also unlock new characters and change your key weapon (which can be a short-range melee punch or a long-range gun, for example).
Rising Hell has moderately simple ambitions and fulfills them with aplomb. Sensibly priced and well presented, it’s an easy recommendation if you’re after an action platformer with a more satanic edge.
