Chris InglisHell Clock is a combination of roguelike and aRPG, developed by Rogue Snail and published by Mad Mushroom, and launches on Steam on July 22. The game fuses the addictive grind of an action RPG with the unforgiving, ever-changing nature of a roguelike, all while introducing a relentless ticking timer that puts added pressure to your dungeon dive. This isn’t just about slaying demons; it’s a frantic race against the sands of time.
The story of Hell Clock sets itself apart with its unique and compelling backdrop: a dark fantasy reimagining of the 19th-century War of Canudos in Brazil. As Pajeú, a warrior on a mission to rescue his mentor, The Counselor, you delve into a world steeped in this brutal historical conflict. The game’s fully voiced dialogue in both English and Brazilian Portuguese further immerses you in this rich cultural tapestry.
Like many aRPG veterans, my first few hours in Hell Clock were spent in familiar territory. I meticulously cleared every enemy, explored every nook for hidden loot, and optimised my gold acquisition. My goal was to maximize power by picking up temporary bonuses while maximising my gold input. However, the titular Hell Clock in the top left corner of the UI, which I didn’t notice at first, became my most formidable foe. Repeated deaths, not from overwhelming enemy numbers, but from the timer hitting zero, forced me to rethink my strategy and playstyle.
The constant countdown is a fundamental design choice that reshapes your entire approach. The leisurely pace of traditional aRPG farming gives way to a desperate, strategic sprint. You quickly learn to prioritise which engagements are worth your precious seconds. Smaller groups of mobs become obstacles to rush past, while larger, more critical threats demand swift, decisive action. I also moved away from direct damage spells to AoE ones so I could clear groups of mobs quicker.
Combat in Hell Clock is fluid and fast-paced, offering a diverse arsenal of abilities. Whether you prefer lightning-fast knife strikes, the crushing power of Canudos’ great bell, or raining down rapid-fire death with your trusty sidearm, there’s a playstyle to discover. Gold acquired during runs can be invested at angel statues to buff core stats, adding another layer of in-run progression.
The game pushed me to shed the collector’s mentality for minor loot and gold, in favour of the greater, more impactful goal of progressing deeper through the levels and quest objectives to progress the story and unlock new gameplay elements like the reliquary. This tension between methodical exploration and frantic speed creates an exciting and engaging gameplay loop, creating that familiar ‘just one more run’ hook to keep you going back for more and to test new items and strategies.
The skill tree is notably extensive, offering a wealth of general upgrades like potion potency, health and mana increases, and physical damage resistance, alongside game-changing abilities that can extend your timer or even allow you to skip previously cleared floors. The relic system further enhances your character, providing permanent stat boosts and secondary effects for your active skills, ensuring that each successive run feels fresh and offers new opportunities for powerful synergies.
Hell Clock utilises isometric comic book-style visuals, reminiscent of titles like Darkest Dungeon but with its own distinct identity, creating a dark and atmospheric world. This is complemented by excellent sound design and a soundtrack that perfectly sets the mood between intense combat encounters. The aesthetic and auditory experience contributes to the game’s immersive quality.
Overall, Hell Clock is more than just an ARPG roguelike; it challenges your perceptions of progression and efficiency. With its deep skill build-crafting and the constant, exhilarating pressure of the ticking clock, and loot to collect or purchase with souls after each run, Hell Clock is a game that will keep you coming back for “just one more run.”
This review utilised a key provided by Mad Mushroom and Hell Clock launches on Steam on July 22, 2025.
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