Jupiter Hell

Jupiter Hell is at first glance a weird title. Released March 2019 for Windows, Linux, and macOS, the game mixes shooters, zombies, RPG, roguelikes, and turn-based combat features. This odd creation was developed and published by ChaosForge is also seen from a birds-eye-view, top-down view, which just adds to how unique this game is. Regarded with overwhelmingly positive reviews, Jupiter Hell is a unique game if there ever was one.

Bullets, Bad Guys, and Bloodlust

Jupiter Hell’s developer ChaosForege has a very vast experience with roguelikes since most of its projects are roguelikes. If you have ever played any other games from them you’ll quickly learn that this is the best title they have put forth so far.

It really doesn’t take long to understand that the Doom franchise has enormous influence here. From the heavy metal soundtrack to the demonic monstrosities you fight against, Jupiter Hell describes itself as a spiritual successor of Doom the Roguelike, and it is.

The premise is fairly simple, there is a solitary space marine stranded on the moons of Jupiter. While he is there he encounters hordes of demonic creatures, zombies, monsters, and enemies up to no good. You progress by navigating the procedurally generated levels and blasting your way through them. The 90’s Sci-Fi influences are seen through the visuals, color choices, and technologies chosen to further the story.

An Approachable Roguelike

Roguelikes are not an inviting or forgiving genre. Striking a good balance between entertaining, and making players hate your game is hard. As with most roguelikes, Jupiter Hell has a permadeath feature that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. This is expanded by the multiple events that randomly appear, and the adaptive story arcs available for exploration. If there is one thing for which this game is to be praised is for its accessibility and nearly-flawless simplistic approach to the genre.

Playing Jupiter Hell is an adventure in all of its modes and difficulties. While Challenge Mode, Trial Mode, and Nightmare Mode are all fun experiences, the game is at its best in its default mode. Creating your own strategies to destroy a variety of enemies is highly addictive. There are so many skills, weapons, upgrades, and unique battles or scenarios that you’ll constantly find yourself saying “Just one more run”. The game also has Legendary boss battles that are immensely fun, even if they feel unfair at times, they aren’t. Players will seldomly feel there was just no way to progress, spotting your mistakes and adapting is enjoyable, and necessary since any mistake might end your run.

Conclusion

Jupiter Hell is a turn-based roguelike that rarely feels like a turn-based game for how extremely fast-paced it is. At times you will even forget there is a turn-based game being played amidst all the heavy metal and slaughter going on, but once you die you will quickly remember.

PROS:

• Accessible Roguelike
• Action Centered, Fast-Paced Game
• Boss Fights are Fun
• Soundtrack is Awesome
• Highly Addictive
• Fair Difficulty

CONS:

• Top-Down View is Odd at First
• Permadeath Can Be Frustrating for Some
• Story Could Be More Well-Developed
• Other Game Modes Aren’t As Fun