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The idea of hell fills many people with dread! Eternal torture and misery as a punishment for all the bad things you’ve done in life, oh the joys. However, for the demons that reside in this fiery hovel, it must be bliss. Yet, what would happen if there was one demon who had an irrelevant role? Well, this is exactly what happens in the amusing yet immature Hell Pie.
Developed by Sluggerfly GmbH and published by Headup GmbH, this is a 3D platform adventure title. What’s more, it is loaded with filthy language, obscene one-liners, and colourful characters. As such, it is aimed at a mature audience. Although, younger gamers may enjoy it on a shallow level. It is a solo experience that captures some of the best mechanics and well-trodden tropes from the genre. Consequently, platforming fans will adore the familiar gameplay and interesting levels.
Hell Pie tells an amusing story.
One of the greatest elements of Hell Pie is its ridiculous story. Never before have I felt sorry for a demon. However, there is always a first, and our protagonist deserves some sympathy for the way he is treated.
You control Nate, the “Demon of Bad Taste”. His role is belittled as bad taste and crude jokes are expected in the sinning capital of all existence. As such, his responsibilities are non-existent and the Devil decides to give him an important task. Nate must scour the overworld to find disgusting ingredients for Satan’s birthday cake.
This adventure spans many levels and is thwarted by danger. Yet, with the help of a sidekick and an array of special skills, he will overcome many obstacles and complete his task en route. You’ll encounter mini-games, massive chasms, collectables, and much, much more. You must use your skills and reactions to avoid every trap and complete every stage.
Hubs, collectables, and special abilities.
Platforming games tend to be vast and full of collectables. Accordingly, the number of things to do can become overwhelming. Fortunately, though, this issue is overcome by the introduction of central hubs. Subsequently, each level is accessed using the lifts located in the bowels of hell. You’ll use these to explore a range of vivid and interesting stages while hunting for those precious ingredients. Alongside this is a helpful list of collectables that keep track of your progress. This is awesome for completionists as the action never gets out of hand.
What I particularly enjoyed was the drip-fed mechanics that expanded Nate’s repertoire of skills. Alongside his ungodly powers, he is armed with a cherub sidekick called Nugget. This chunky and hideous fallen cherub expands our hero’s ability to jump, attack, and explore.
However, to make the most of the situation, you must gather an array of collectables. Each stage has unique items that will grant new horns with enhanced abilities. Alongside this, there are tins of meat that are used to improve Nate’s and Nuggets’ skill tree. By enhancing their powers, you’ll be able to soar around each level without a care in the world. This was beyond ridiculous, but I couldn’t help but love it. After all, what’s not to love about a truly stupid mechanic and a flying demon?
Hell Pie is laced with gruesome imagery.
The aforementioned horn upgrade is a prime example of the gruesome nature of Hell Pie. By ripping the horns off of a hapless sheep, you’ll gain new strengths. This cinematic was as gross and horrific as you can imagine. In fact, its gory nature will make you wince and giggle in equal measure. This shocking approach is seen across many levels as violence and gory undertones set the scene. Worry not, though, as it isn’t GTA levels of violence. No, instead, it is the hellish high jinx that helps to set the tone.
Talking of tone, the audio is blunt but energetic. With crude cinematic and often cutting dialogue, it may touch a nerve. However, I loved its guttural style and immature ways. This is further captured by the strange noise that emits from the hero and his sidekick. All in all, it’s a loud and amusing experience that matches the bright and gruesome theme.
Excellent controls.
With a high degree of precision and some tight spaces to traverse, Hell Pie needed accurate controls. Luckily, this is exactly what you get thanks to the responsive inputs and excellent layout. Furthermore, new mechanics are brilliantly explained. The incorporation of fun yet challenging mini-games explains how new skills work without being overbearing.
With so many collectables on offer, ingredients to gather, and skills to learn, there is plenty of longevity and replay value. Of course, the enjoyment factor is dependent on your love of shiny things and, if you are determined to find them all. Yet, I don’t know a platforming fan who dislikes this element. Subsequently, Hell Pie will tick many boxes for hardcore fans.
Hell Pie is rude, immature, but oh so glorious.
If you are a little childish but enjoy a challenge, Hell Pie will be right up your street. Its crude plot and silly gameplay will tickle that immature part of your brain. What’s more, its array of skills and collectables keeps the action fresh throughout. It’s for these reasons that I recommend you to buy it here! Can you become useful and do the Devil’s bidding? Collect the ingredients, learn new skills, and reign supreme in the overworld.
