Death Stranding meets Helldivers in new indie isometric shooter

Today, developer Full Metal Bagel Games announced Hell Express, a co-op PvE isometric shooter about delivering packages between the worlds of the living and the dead. This is an atmospheric, story-driven game with a unique art style that quickly makes it stand out. Just from the first trailer which only gives a first glimpse at gameplay, this game promises mind-bending locations, horror elements, along with a heart-felt narrative. In many ways, it looks a lot like Helldivers 1, with the supernatural sci-fi atmosphere and package delivering of Death Stranding.

Delivery action game Hell Express announced, transport packages between worlds

The name Hell Express comes from the in-game company that sends armed couriers to Limbo. This strange world between life and death is full of disturbing anomalies. A few moments from the announcement trailer showed the player running through a room full of cubicles, driving a combat-ready RV, and stumbling upon unexpected places. The trailer did not give us a look at what gameplay would be like with multiple players, but while Hell Express does accommodate singleplayer experiences as well, it can support up to four players.

From the game’s Steam page (where you can wishlist it now): “…you’ll choose from a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and personal motives.” Artwork from the Steam page gives us a look at who these characters could be. One character stands much taller than the rest, covered in thick armor, and hefting what looks like a massive flamethrower. Another is carrying a huge hammer, suggesting that at least one of these characters may have a melee focus rather than just ranged weaponry.

The trailer also revealed an array of different enemies the players will encounter. From the hordes of humanoid-like creatures shambling towards you, to larger insectoid-like beasts with a giant mouth and human hands for teeth. Then there was also another type of enemy that carries a massive shield, pushing towards the player to protect them from incoming shots. At this point, it’s too early to tell what a boss monster might be, if the types of enemies will change with each mission, or if many of the same enemies will pop up regularly. As this is the first gameplay trailer for Hell Express, we will have to be patient to learn more.

While the gameplay of Hell Express is something that has been seen before, the world and atmosphere this game establishes could be enough to draw players in. There are elements of sci-fi along with supernatural horror that combine well into a world I am curious to explore. A moment near the end of the trailer shows the world of Limbo fading away to a normal apartment as the package is delivered. This gives me the impression that the world of Limbo is something that exists parallel to the real world, and can be accessed from anywhere, not just a certain location like a portal or something. I am not only interested to see how this world functions but also the story this gameplay will be wrapped around.

Death Stranding

November 8, 2019

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• indie games
• isometric / top-down shooters
• horror (games)