Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Hellboy: The Science of Evil delivers a satisfying brawler-style combat system that captures the raw power of Mike Mignola’s red-skinned hero. Players guide Hellboy through six distinct settings, from desolate Nazi research facilities to ancient demon caverns, using his signature Right Hand of Doom to pummel foes and smash through environmental obstacles. Combat feels weighty, and the ability to pick up barrels, debris, and even ragdoll enemies adds a visceral punch that keeps encounters fresh.

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Beyond straightforward brawling, the game introduces a handful of tactical options that set it apart from similar titles. Hellboy can grapple enemies in one-on-one finishers, toss foes as projectiles, or perform crowd-control moves to clear space. These mechanics encourage players to mix up their approach rather than relying on button-mashing alone. The inclusion of simple puzzles—such as moving debris to access hidden areas—further breaks up the action and provides brief mental respite between waves of demons.

Co-operative multiplayer enhances the gameplay loop by allowing two players to tackle reworked levels via ad-hoc WiFi. These shortened missions emphasize teamwork through puzzle-solving and joint combat scenarios, though each player’s score is tracked separately to maintain a light competitive edge. While local wireless co-op is a welcome feature, the absence of online support limits replayability if you don’t have a nearby partner.

The PSP’s unique combat system shines in handheld form, with responsive controls that adapt well to the smaller screen. Compared to its console counterparts on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, this version offers a streamlined experience—enemies and AI routines have been redesigned for shorter, tighter encounters. This ensures that Hellboy’s trademark brutality translates effectively to portable play.

Graphics

Visually, Hellboy: The Science of Evil faithfully channels the dark, gothic aesthetic of Mike Mignola’s comics. Environments are rendered with bold contrasts and heavy shadows, giving each level a brooding atmosphere. From mossy dungeon walls to fiery underground forges, the game’s art direction consistently captures the eerie sense of supernatural dread that fans expect.

Character models are surprisingly detailed for a PSP title. Hellboy’s muscular physique, hornless brow, and iconic Right Hand of Doom all look crisp and well-defined on the handheld display. Demons, Nazi officers, and Von Klempt’s grotesque creations each sport distinctive designs, ensuring you can quickly identify friend from foe in the heat of battle.

While the game doesn’t push the PSP’s hardware to its absolute limits, it maintains a stable frame rate even during the most chaotic fights. Special effects—such as fiery explosions, ethereal portals, and dust clouds—are handled with care, complementing the action without introducing slowdown. Load times remain reasonable, allowing players to stay immersed in the macabre world.

One minor drawback is occasional texture pop-in in more complex areas, particularly during transitions between indoor and outdoor segments. However, these moments are fleeting and do little to detract from the overall visual experience. The game’s presentation remains one of its stronger points, especially considering the constraints of portable hardware.

Story

Hellboy: The Science of Evil features an original narrative that stands apart from the films and animated series. In pursuit of the diabolical Professor Von Klempt, Hellboy traverses six unique locales—each harboring sinister experiments and occult mysteries. The plot weaves Nazi occultism with demonic lore, creating a compelling backdrop for Hellboy’s globe-trotting exploits.

Throughout the campaign, Hellboy encounters both familiar adversaries and brand-new threats, including genetically engineered monstrosities and ethereal spirits. Dialogue is delivered through comic-inspired panels and in-engine cutscenes, which strike a balance between exposition and action. While the writing occasionally leans into pulp tropes, it never feels out of character for the gruff, wisecracking hero.

Supporting characters—including B.P.R.D. agents—make cameo appearances, offering brief moments of levity and strategic assistance. These interactions deepen the sense that Hellboy is part of a larger paranormal investigative team, even if he spends most of the game working solo. The narrative pacing ensures each setting introduces fresh challenges and escalates the stakes as you close in on Von Klempt’s final lair.

Though the story doesn’t break new thematic ground, it provides enough twists and reveals to keep players engaged. Fans of the comics will appreciate the faithful incorporation of Mignola’s world-building, while newcomers can jump in without prior knowledge of Hellboy’s lore. Ultimately, the tale serves its purpose: guiding the player through a variety of action-packed missions with a coherent villain at the center.

Overall Experience

Hellboy: The Science of Evil offers a robust handheld adaptation of the beloved comic book hero. Its combination of bone-crushing combat, atmospheric visuals, and an original storyline delivers a portable action game that feels richer than typical PSP fare. The game’s six varied levels ensure you’ll never tire of smashing, grappling, and blasting your way through hordes of supernatural fiends.

Although the co-op mode is limited to local ad-hoc play, it adds significant replay value for those with nearby friends. The puzzles interspersed between fights provide strategic depth, preventing the experience from becoming monotonous. Meanwhile, the PSP-specific combat tweaks and level designs demonstrate thoughtful adaptation rather than a simple downscale of the console version.

Minor technical hiccups—such as texture pop-in and occasional camera angles—rarely disrupt the flow of gameplay. On balance, the advantages of portable Hellboy action far outweigh these small drawbacks. The game’s faithfulness to the source material and its willingness to experiment within the brawler genre make it a standout title on the handheld.

For comic fans and action enthusiasts alike, Hellboy: The Science of Evil stands as a highly recommended purchase. It captures the spirit of Mike Mignola’s creation while offering a challenging and engaging experience on the go. If you’ve been seeking a PSP game that pairs brutal combat with eerie, subterranean environments, this outing should top your wish list.

Retro Replay Score

5.4/10