Hellboy: From Movies to Video Games
When you think of Hellboy, the movies with Ron Perlman come to mind. Perlman perfected the character like no one else, making it memorable for fans who may never have encountered Hellboy otherwise. As a fan myself, I’m grateful for the introduction these movies provided, leading me to explore the expansive universe created around Hellboy.
Last year, a game adaptation of Mike Mignola’s Hellboy comic was announced, and it was a surprise that there was nothing to compare it to, apart from a cameo in Injustice 2. How would the series translate into a medium like video games? The answer is mostly well, with a few issues along the way. Nevertheless, Hellboy Web of Wyrd serves as a solid introduction to the game series.
Translating the Comic’s Animation
One of the first things you’ll notice about Hellboy Web of Wyrd is how well the comic’s animation translates into a video game. The game successfully brings the comic book style to life, capturing the gloomy and intense atmosphere that fans would expect. However, the gameplay, which utilizes a roguelike style, becomes repetitive despite occasional moments of brilliance.
The game is set in the titular universe of Hellboy, a world filled with various dangers. As the protagonist, voiced by the late Lance Reddick, you are tasked with investigating the Wyrd. The Wyrd is somehow connected to The Butterfly House, an occultist’s creation that has mysteriously appeared. With the help of allies from the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BRPD), you set up camp and explore this mysterious place.
In the Wyrd, you’ll face continual challenges and rooms with specific requirements to progress. Each room offers a mix of puzzles, enemies, and other obstacles that you must overcome. To move forward, you’ll need to acquire new skills. Navigating the Wyrd can be confusing at times, but the Mediterranean-themed environment ties into the game’s narrative. The gameplay loop is enjoyable, with room-by-room exploration and intense combat encounters. If you’ve played games like Hades, you’ll feel at home in the Wyrd.
Combat and Clunky Mechanics
The combat in Hellboy Web of Wyrd can be satisfying, albeit a bit clunky. The gameplay is relatively simple, as Hellboy is a powerful brawler who relies on brute force. You’ll quickly figure out the rhythm of the combat system, pummeling enemies with heavy and light attacks. It’s rewarding to deal out damage and time dodges and blocks to avoid incoming hazards. However, these defensive mechanics feel out of place for a nearly indestructible character like Hellboy, and the lack of challenge can make combat feel repetitive.
The game is front-loaded with exciting content that gradually becomes more extensive. However, some sections require revisiting, and this can disrupt the flow and make the game feel like a chore. Upgrading abilities adds depth to combat, but it’s hard to feel vulnerable or threatened when playing as a nearly invincible character like Hellboy.
An Experience Worth Remembering?
Hellboy Web of Wyrd starts strong but falters in delivering a truly memorable experience. The visual style, faithful to the comics, is impressive, and the combat has its moments. However, the roguelite elements fall flat, and the lack of variety outside of battles is a drawback. While the game sets a solid foundation for a potential sequel, it doesn’t quite reach its full potential.
Hellboy Web of Wyrd provides a worthwhile introduction to the game series, but it falls short of being a standout experience. Nevertheless, fans of Hellboy and the comics may still find enjoyment in this adaptation.