Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Hellforces is a classic first-person 3D shooter that puts fast reflexes and tactical weapon choice at the forefront. From the opening moments, you’re thrust into a gauntlet of supernatural foes and soulless zombies, forcing you to switch fluidly between pistols, shotguns, assault rifles, and an arsenal of 24 unique weapons. Each firearm handles differently—some pack a punch in close quarters, while others shine at longer ranges—so you’ll spend as much time selecting the right tool for the job as you will pulling the trigger.

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Beyond weapons, Hellforces offers an array of special equipment that spices up the action. Night vision goggles let you navigate the pitch-black sewers, binoculars help you scout distant cultist encampments, and movement sensors announce approaching hordes. These gadgets encourage you to think like a battlefield commander, balancing ammo conservation against occasional high-stakes firefights where every round counts.

The level design leans toward linear progression, guiding you through city streets, underground labs, dank sewers, and hellish temples in a steady march toward the final portal. While some players may crave open-world exploration, this focused structure keeps the pace brisk and the tension high—especially when your ammo is low and demons pour in from all sides. Occasional secret rooms and alternate pathways reward thorough exploration, adding a light puzzle element to an otherwise run-and-gun formula.

For those who prefer multiplayer, Hellforces includes LAN support for classic deathmatch and cooperative play. Squads of friends can team up to clear levels together or duke it out demon-slaying style in arena maps. Though matchmaking is limited by local network requirements, the old-school LAN option will appeal to nostalgic fans wanting to recreate the communal shooter nights of yesteryear.

Graphics

Visually, Hellforces leans into gritty, atmospheric environments to deliver its apocalyptic setting. City streets are strewn with debris, abandoned cars, and flickering streetlights, while labs and temples pulsate with ominous red and green lighting. Textures can appear dated compared to modern titles, yet the art direction does an excellent job of evoking dread and urgency in every corridor.

Demonic designs range from shambling, stitched-together zombies to horned, winged horrors that swoop down from ceilings. Enemy animations are fluid enough to convey their weight and ferocity, though at times the frame rate dips in the most chaotic battles. These hiccups rarely undermine gameplay, but users with lower-end hardware might need to tweak settings for a smoother experience.

Weapon models are detailed, with distinct silhouettes that help you identify arms in the heat of combat. Muzzle flashes, shell casings, and ragdoll effects when enemies fall all contribute to a visceral shooting experience. Particle effects—blood spatters, fireballs, and electrical discharges—add flair without overwhelming the screen, striking a solid balance between spectacle and clarity.

Environmental hazards, such as leaking chemical barrels or unstable walkways, are rendered convincingly and often serve as traps you can exploit. Lighting effects, in particular, enhance the horror vibe: corridors bathed in unnatural hues hint at hidden dangers, while sudden darkness forces you to rely on gear like night vision, increasing immersion.

Story

Hellforces opens in a near-future Earth besieged by a disastrous energy experiment that siphoned human souls for power. This cataclysm sets the stage for Baphomet’s rise, as the demon cult of Lucifer exploits global chaos to open a gate for their master. You don’t just fight mindless undead—you’re racing the clock to prevent apocalypse-level evil from crossing into our world.

Your avatar, bartender Steven Geist, is motivated by a personal stake: his ex-girlfriend, now a drug addict, vanishes after attending a cult gathering. This personal loss gives narrative weight to the mission, transforming your journey from “save the world” to “save someone you love.” Along the way, you uncover cultist propaganda, witness corrupted experiments, and piece together Baphomet’s ritual plans.

Cutscenes are sparse but effective, using brief exchanges and environmental storytelling to keep you invested without dragging the pace. Voice acting ranges from serviceable to standout, especially when portraying Steven’s frustration and determination. Side notes—old newspapers, cult pamphlets, and lab documents—flesh out the backstory, rewarding players who pause to inspect their surroundings.

While the plot follows familiar horror tropes, Hellforces injects enough originality through its soul-energy premise and demon-summoning ceremonies. The sense of descending deeper into hellish territory is palpable, culminating in tense confrontations with cult leaders and grotesque bosses that feel earned after hours of battling through lesser underlings.

Overall Experience

Hellforces delivers a satisfying blend of classic shooter mechanics and horror atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for fans of retro-inspired FPS games. Its combination of fast-paced combat, diverse weaponry, and moody environments keeps you engaged from start to finish. Although the presentation shows its age in spots, the core gameplay loop of “explore, fight, upgrade, repeat” remains compelling.

The linear level design ensures you always know where to go next, yet hidden areas and collectible lore items offer enough side content to reward exploration. Special equipment like night vision and movement sensors keeps each stage feeling fresh, as you alternate between running gunfights and stealthy reconnaissance. Cooperative LAN play extends replayability, especially if you have a local group eager for demon-slaying sessions.

Storywise, Hellforces might not win awards for narrative innovation, but it delivers an effective horror-action arc centered on a relatable protagonist. Steven Geist’s personal stakes add emotional resonance, helping the game transcend mindless monster-shooting. Environmental storytelling and strategic cutscenes ensure the plot unfolds at a pace that complements the gameplay rather than interrupting it.

In the end, Hellforces stands as a robust entry in the traditional FPS catalog—ideal for players who appreciate straightforward shooting mechanics infused with dark, supernatural elements. While it may lack some polish of modern blockbusters, its gritty charm, weapon variety, and demon-filled thrills make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking an old-school horror-shooter experience.

Retro Replay Score

5.3/10