Basic Information
- Official English Title: Whacking Hell!
- Developer & Publisher: Sanuk Games SARL
- Release Dates:
- North America: June 13, 2024 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC)
- Europe: June 13, 2024 (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC)
- Asia: June 20, 2024 (PlayStation 4/5)
- Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store)
- Genre Tags: Arcade, Action, Roguelite, Top-Down Shooter
- Social Media Links:
- Twitter: @SanukGames
- Steam Page: Whacking Hell! on Steam
- Official Website: Sanuk Games
Deep Dive Review
Whacking Hell! bursts onto the scene as a chaotic 2D top-down shooter with roguelite elements, challenging players to survive waves of hellish creatures while upgrading their arsenals. Developed by Sanuk Games, this fast-paced action title blends strategic progression with relentless combat, appealing to fans of Vampire Survivors and Enter the Gungeon.
Combat and Progression
The core gameplay centers around mowing down hordes of monsters across three distinct chapters, each filled with dozens of enemy waves and formidable bosses. Players select from five unlockable characters and weapons (bow, sword, hammer, etc.), each offering unique starting stats and combat styles. For instance, the initial character heals 3 HP per second up to 15 HP, while others prioritize damage output.
As enemies fall, they drop souls, gold, wood, and iron—resources used to upgrade village facilities like the Blacksmith (unlocks weapons) and Town Hall (enhances character stats). Between runs, players can invest in permanent upgrades, such as increased EXP gain or weapon tiers, fostering long-term progression.
Visuals and Sound Design
The game’s gothic aesthetic stands out, with large, detailed enemy sprites and an isometric camera angle that immerses players in the carnage. While the visual style draws comparisons to The Darkest Dungeon, the tighter zoom and unique perspective occasionally lead to hitbox inconsistencies, a minor frustration during intense encounters. The soundtrack, featuring brooding organ melodies, complements the apocalyptic theme, though some players may opt for background music over the in-game audio.
Replayability and Challenges
Though lacking the depth of genre leaders, Whacking Hell! maintains engagement through its grind-based economy and optional corruption runs. These harder modes, unlocked via the Church building, introduce modifiers like reduced healing drops or increased mini-boss spawns, rewarding players with better resources for overcoming tougher challenges. However, the game’s short campaign (three chapters) and limited post-completion content may deter completionists seeking prolonged play sessions.
Performance and Accessibility
Running on modest hardware (8GB RAM, DX10 GPU), the game ensures accessibility across budget PCs. Controls are intuitive, with keyboard/gamepad support and responsive character movement. The absence of complex tutorials allows newcomers to jump in quickly, though veterans of the genre may find the weapon scaling less explosive compared to competitors.
With its addictive loop and rewarding upgrades, Whacking Hell! delivers a solid if not groundbreaking roguelite experience, ideal for casual players seeking quick action-packed sessions. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, its polished mechanics and visual charm make it a worthy addition to any bullet hell enthusiast’s library.
Game Link: Whacking Hell!
