Review: Hell Is Us (Switch 2) - Thought-Provoking, Admirable, And Frustrating By Design
Hell Is Us on Nintendo Switch 2 is featured in a game review that enters ongoing industry discourse about AAA game design philosophy. The game has become a focal point in a conversation sparked by Insomniac’s Wolverine, which has faced significant criticism from players for its claustrophobic linearity and design patterns that heavily guide progression through visual cues such as yellow paint markers and environmental indicators.
In contrast, Hell Is Us employs a design philosophy centered on player trust and agency, deliberately avoiding hand-holding mechanics that have become prevalent in modern AAA titles. According to the review, the game is thought-provoking and admirable in its design approach, though its commitment to this philosophy intentionally creates frustrations for players—a deliberate design choice rather than a flaw. This positioning makes Hell Is Us a notable counterpoint in the evolving debate about how contemporary games balance accessibility with meaningful player autonomy, reflecting broader questions about the direction of AAA game design in the current industry landscape.