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Hellraiser: Revival hands-on: A smart, brutal survival horror

Lena Fischer 2 min read

Saber Interactive's Hellraiser: Revival demo showcases a first- person survival horror with large puzzle areas and brutal gore, distinct from classic open- world tropes.

Hellraiser: Revival hands-on: A smart, brutal survival horror
GAMES

Saber Interactive revealed a hands-on demo of Hellraiser: Revival at Summer Game Fest, marking a significant moment for fans of the horror franchise. This release stands out as the first video game ever based on the Hellraiser property, offering a new way to experience the iconic lore. Players can expect a shift away from traditional survival horror tropes, with a focus on large, interconnected environments rather than open-world exploration. The demo highlighted how the game uses environmental feedback to heighten tension, making it a distinct entry in the genre.

Developer insights reveal large interconnected puzzle areas

The title is a first-person survival horror game that combines puzzle-solving with combat mechanics. Developer Tim Willits, the Chief Creative Officer at Saber Interactive, clarified that the game is not open-world. Instead, it features large areas where players must complete significant puzzles to progress. The developers designed the game to feature large, interconnected areas rather than an open world, creating a focused experience that reflects the confined atmosphere of the original films.

A key feature showcased in the demo is a looping corridor mechanic that changes based on player actions. Environmental shifts in these corridors reflect success or failure, creating a dynamic sense of tension as the game progresses. The demo featured a looping corridor mechanic where environmental changes reflected player success or failure, a design intended to increase tension through player choices. The integration of these mechanics supports the game's goal of delivering a smart and brutal horror experience.

Hellraiser: Revival emphasizes brutal gore and violence to maintain the core identity of the franchise. Todd Hollenshead, Head of Publishing at Saber, stated that the team did not want to shy away from the intense elements that define Hellraiser. Executive producer Todd Hollenshead emphasized that the team prioritized maintaining the franchise's core identity, particularly regarding the depiction of gore and violence. Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that the game distinguishes itself from classic survival horror by integrating significant puzzle-solving within its large areas.

Source: Hellraiser, PCGAMESN

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