Hey ! Welcome to my first ever videogame « express review » in English. After doing the demo more than 15 times, I can finally talk about the full game. Metal Hellsinger is a shooting slash rhythm game. It’s an excellent idea if done right. Given the number of runs I did on the demo, and the fact that I immediately started a new run after beating the full game, expect a very positive article. In fact, Metal Hellsinger might just be my favorite game of the year so far.

The story is simple. It takes a step back to let us enjoy the gameplay, but it is intriguing enough to make us want to see the ending. You are The Unknown. You have been trapped, and your voice has been stolen by the Red Judge, ruler of the Eight Hells. You goal is therefore to tear through the Eight Hells in order to take back what’s yours. I really liked the ending. It was quite unexpected and is a good sign of where things might go if this game is successful enough. (FINGERS CROSSED)

Now let’s talk about the gameplay. It’s Metal Hellsinger’s biggest strength. That gameplay loop will make you want to return again, again and again. You can move around the levels just like any other shooting game, except you are feeling the pulse of the hell you’re into. That pulse is connected to the music you’re hearing. Move and attack on the rhythm for extra damage and bonuses.

However, it’s clearly a rhythm game before a shooting game. There’s an « Easy » mode that is less punishing when it comes to rhythm errors, but it also lowers the difficulty. It’s up to you to decide what and how you want to play, and if you want to play. Not every game is for everyone, I’m just giving my personal opinion on this particular one. Also, it might be obvious to most of you, but there’s « Metal » in the title and it is set in Hell, so even though music modding just came out, make sure your taste aligns with what the game offers.

Personally, I loved the fact that headbanging literally helped me stay in the rhythm. It’s like they expect you to do it. It helped a lot, and given the quality of the soundtrack, I was headbanging before even realizing that it was helping me.

On a slightly less positive note, I found the handling a bit overwhelming at times on more crowded moments and certain bosses. It might just be a personal issue but I just wanted to put it out there. It didn’t ruin the experience at all. Also, I chose not to play on Easy so there’s that.

In short, Metal Hellsinger is my biggest surprise of this year, an instant favorite. It’s an excellent rhythm game that will give me hours of enjoyment on the long term. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but you can feel the passion and dedication that went into crafting something really special. I recommend it to any rhythm game fan, and to anyone who might be tempted by a new kind of experience.

PROS	CONS
– THE MUSIC – Calibrating helps with rhythm errors, check the settings – An excellent rhythm and action game – The score system makes you want to replay	– Handling might be tough at times for some

VERDICT : 9/10

★★★★★ – HALL OF FAME

BONUS – Gameplay video by yours truly (on the demo)