Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Hell: A Cyberpunk Thriller delivers a classic point-and-click adventure experience rooted in narrative exploration and puzzle-solving. Players guide Gideon Eshanti and Rachel Braque through a series of interconnected environments, interacting with characters, items, and environmental details to progress. The interface is intuitive, with clickable hotspots and inventory management that rarely feels cumbersome—an important plus for newcomers to the genre.

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The puzzles range from straightforward logic challenges to more elaborate gear-combination and dialogue-based quests. While some puzzles may feel dated by modern standards, they encourage careful observation of the richly detailed backgrounds and attentive dialogue. There’s a rewarding sense of discovery in piecing together clues, especially when unearthing hidden compartments or decrypting demon-run devices.

One notable strength is the dual-protagonist mechanic: you’ll switch between Gideon and Rachel at key story junctures, using their unique skills and knowledge to solve puzzles. This dynamic adds variety to the gameplay loop and keeps each chapter feeling fresh. It also underscores the partnership between the two characters, making their survival in hell feel like a true collaborative effort.

Movement is deliberately paced, emphasizing atmospheric immersion over action-packed sequences. The absence of time limits or combat encounters means you can explore at your own pace—perfect for players who relish detailed exploration and story-driven adventures rather than twitch-based challenges.

Graphics

Graphically, Hell: A Cyberpunk Thriller showcases beautifully pre-rendered backgrounds that artfully blend gritty urban decay with surreal infernal landscapes. Each setting—from neon-lit city alleys patrolled by demon enforcers to hellish caverns scorched by infernal flames—boasts high-resolution textures and meticulous environmental design.

The game’s FMV (full-motion video) sequences stand out as its visual centerpiece. Live-action cut scenes featuring costumed actors against chroma-keyed backdrops lend a distinct ’90s cyberpunk vibe. While the production values reflect the era of CD-ROM adventure games, the atmospheric lighting and practical effects still hold up, creating a visceral sense of dread and intrigue.

Character portraits and dialogue windows are crisply rendered, with facial expressions that, though sometimes stiff, effectively convey the protagonists’ fear, determination, and occasional dark humor. Subtle cinematic camera angles during key conversations heighten dramatic tension and showcase the game’s commitment to a movie-like presentation.

Although there are moments where resolution constraints and fixed camera perspectives feel dated, these are minor quibbles next to the overall aesthetic impact. The juxtaposition of cybernetic urban sprawl and infernal imagery gives Hell: A Cyberpunk Thriller a uniquely unsettling yet compelling visual identity.

Story

The narrative premise—a near-future Earth where the Hand of God controls access to an actual Hell—sets the stage for a gripping blend of cyberpunk conspiracy and supernatural horror. You step into the shoes of Gideon Eshanti and Rachel Braque, government operatives whose lives are upended when their employers turn assassins. The story kicks off with pulse-pounding urgency as the couple narrowly escapes death, only to find themselves trapped in the abyss they once helped manage.

Hell’s lore is an intriguing mix of theology and high-tech intrigue. Demons traverse both realms on clandestine missions, while human criminals are exiled to Hell instead of conventional incarceration. This twist on the afterlife spins a web of moral ambiguity: is Hell a prison, a battleground, or an exploited resource? As Gideon and Rachel navigate the infernal hierarchy, you uncover layers of corruption within the Hand of God, raising questions about power, redemption, and the nature of evil.

Dialogue plays a central role, with branching conversations that can reward curiosity and careful listening. Key NPCs—from fallen archons to rogue researchers—provide cryptic clues and moral quandaries. The evolving relationship between the two protagonists is woven seamlessly into the main plot, making every discovery feel personal rather than purely procedural.

Plot twists abound, from hidden identities to betrayals that blur the line between ally and adversary. While some revelations may follow familiar noir-adventure tropes, the hellish backdrop and cyberpunk trappings give each twist an unexpected edge. By the time you reach the finale, the stakes feel profoundly human, even amidst demonic armies and otherworldly machinations.

Overall Experience

Hell: A Cyberpunk Thriller is a memorable entry in the point-and-click genre, offering a distinctive fusion of cyberpunk aesthetics and supernatural suspense. Its deliberate pacing and emphasis on story-driven exploration make it ideal for players who value atmosphere and narrative depth over action-heavy gameplay.

The game’s strengths—detailed environments, FMV cut-scenes, and a morally complex storyline—combine to create an immersive experience that lingers after the credits roll. While some mechanics may feel a touch old-school, they contribute to the game’s nostalgic charm and reinforce the sense of a bygone adventure era.

Audio design, featuring a synth-driven score and ambient soundscapes, further elevates the immersion. Voice performances, though occasionally campy, capture the protagonists’ plight with earnest intensity. Subtitles and clear UI elements ensure that language barriers aren’t a hindrance to following the rich narrative.

For those intrigued by a dark, cerebral journey through a demon-haunted future, Hell: A Cyberpunk Thriller offers a compelling ride. It may not cater to fans of fast-paced action, but its blend of puzzle-solving, atmospheric world-building, and moral ambiguity makes it a must-play for adventure aficionados seeking something off the beaten path.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10