Hellboy: The Science of Evil

While the world of cinema has not always been kind to comic-based properties looking to captivate a larger market. However, the video game industry has always been a haven of sorts for IP’s like this. Hellboy however, has seen moderate success in the field of cinema already, with our Fraiser Crane looking devil offering a showcase of action and nuanced humour that many enjoyed. So it seems appropriate that a developer has been given the task of bringing Hellboy to live in video game form in Hellboy The Science of Evil.

This game plays like other hack and slash titles such as Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence and NieR: Automata. However, maintains its own personality as a game based within the Hellboy comic universe. This game aims to do the source material justice and provide a fun interactive experience. However, is this game capable of raising hell, or simply being hell to play. We find out in our review of Hellboy: The Science of Evil.

A Living Hell

Ok, so let’s cover the positive aspects of this game. Firstly, Ron Pearlman returns to narrate and play the role of Hellboy in this feature. A feature that offers a certain level of professionalism and authenticity to this project. Plus, for the time of release, the visuals while rough around the edges at times, are for the most part acceptable. The environments are in keeping with the theme of the Hellboy universe and the enemies are too. However, that is about as much praise as we can muster.

So on the negative side, the game has a story that can barely be referred to as such. The narrative is strung together by Pearlman who provides exposition wherever possible. However, he might as well not bother as this plot is bare-bones, not offering any of the refined writing or nuances that the comics provide.

Then as for the gameplay, which provides some of the most one note moments in the history of hack and slash titles and we include the Dynasty Warriors series when we say that. The game will have you smash the X button to have Hellboy sluggishly smash through repetitive enemies. All of which is mandatory to proceed because obviously the game has invisible walls which only disappear when the enemy waves have been destroyed.

Then when you manage to work your way through these stale encounters, you’ll get to fight a boss battle. These have the potential to offer relief in an otherwise boring game but they only serve to patronise the player. The boss battles are laughably easy and the fixed camera angle does nothing to help the situation. In truth, the camera probably provides the most nuanced challenge in the whole game.

The Verdict

Overall, there are some things that fans of the Hellboy series will enjoy. Plus, if you have perhaps never played a hack and slash title before, you may be fooled into believing this this is a competent entry in the genre.

Pros:

• Ron Pearlman reprises his role
• Visuals are decent for the time of release

Cons:

• Mind numbingly boring gameplay
• Terrible fixed camera angles
• A pointless story that lacks any cohesion