Jupiter Hell transports players to the depths of spaces that answer to hell. With a turn based rogue like playstyle, players have the chance to kick ass against waves of demonic enemies in a unique way. Play as a soldier with hilarious dialogue, exciting scenes, and appropriate soundtrack. Brought to the gaming world by ChaosForge, join us as we check out and review this “hellish” game.
Death = Death
Every new attempt at the game tasks the player with naming their character. The reason for this being that way is the game features permadeath. As a result of this, they will have to reattempt the game completely from scratch if they die. There are several games that feature this, but paired with Jupiter Hell and its difficulty it adds an element of challenge. The levels of the game are procedurally generated, so with each death the player loses everything from weapons to skills. In some roguelike games it works to memorize enemies and paths but this is not the case for Jupiter Hell and it will leave the player facing new challenges with each resurrection.
Intriguing Classes
In Jupiter Hell, there are three separate classes Marine, Scout, and Technician. Classes can be changed at the start of every new run. The Marine features a tank like gameplay experience which focuses on optimized healing from med kits and an array of weapons to help hammer home the extremely stereotypical balls of steel marine image.
On the contrary, the Technician utilizes hacking and other items in order to carry out a less aggressive approach to the run. Additionally, one of the main perks of the technician is being able to employ a smoke screen allowing the player to slink away or inflict damage whilst the enemy is confused.
Lastly, the scout allows for a stealth focused gameplay experience. Being able to activate abilities and level them up as the game progresses. One skill allows the player to be invisible and adds an intriguing aspect of game play. Additionally, if the player is frustrated being a marine or technician switching to this unique class will give a fresh and unique experience to the game.
Graphics
Graphically the top down 3D style complements the 80’s Sci-fi vibe. However, after several times traversing the procedurally generated levels it did seem every level was more or less the same. Roguelike focused games can fall into this trap and Jupiter Hell has seemingly done the same. A difference in drab corridors and sterile loading bays could be replaced with some other interesting locations.
Additionally, the visuals can present as quite dark. The games’ visual style is increasingly hard to look at as the camera often presents difficulties. For example, its difficult to see some enemies when the game has such a dark shade and the camera then pulls back to behind a wall. Despite, this once the player has played through a few levels this seems to not matter as much.
Turn-Based Gameplay
Although, Jupiter Hell is classed as having turn based combat, its not similar to the traditional scheduled turns. Turns are determined by the individual skills of the marine. For example, if you have levelled up your reload speed, you will be able to get extra shots and reloads in before being challenged. It’s a good idea to keep this in mind when selecting skills and classes.
Tactical Combat
Players may find the routine of reloading after every single fight tedious. However, the tactical strategizing that leads to this is an enjoyable feature. Players can move to certain tiles and think their attack through depending on enemy position and their own position. Cover like most games is essential if you don’t want to end up dead, and as was aforementioned you will be permanently dead. However, certain skills will help complement your playstyle and your tactical thinking. Skills to help dodging, enhance combat, and having a better chance of cover are all features.
Player progression is determined by the person playing. Ultimately a person can improve after several executive tries of a particular run. The game does have difficulty settings, for example beginner level to seasoned rogue like veteran. The game is difficult and does have moments where the player will be cursing like a sailor. Jupiter Hell is a game that the player will experience mistakes and will be punished. There is a feeling of accomplishment after dealing with a wave. Despite this, it would be quickly challenged by a timely death.
Thank you
As always thank you for joining us for VIBES review on Jupiter Hell. Check out the trailer below and decide for yourself if this is is a game for you to sample. Jupiter Hell is available here on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/811320/Jupiter_Hell/
VIBES SCORE
7/10
26, Indie Game connoisseur. Also a hamster mum, fiancée & working in the addiction field. Gaming and writing are my escape and comfort for when the world gets too much!
