Games can be set in all sorts of different places. They can take place in fantasy worlds, outer space, the sea, or different continents. They can also be set in Hell, which is one of the more interesting locations because, by definition, it’s a terrible place to be. There is usually fire, lava, demons, and perhaps Satan himself down in the underworld.
So, a typical visit to this place is filled with strife. But there can also be plenty of excitement, too. Just look at the Doom games, as they often take you to Hell for some thrilling levels. The following games don’t just throw you into Hell for certain sequences, though. Instead, you spend most of the adventure in the fiery underworld.
7 afterparty
Most video games set in Hell have you battling demons on battlegrounds surrounded by bubbling lava. Afterparty is different, though. In this game, Hell resembles more of a college town that’s filled with bars and people looking to party.
The two protagonists also like to have some alcohol-induced fun. Yet, they aren’t too happy when they suddenly find themselves in the underworld. To get out of their predicament, they must out-drink Satan. But before they do, they need to earn the right to try. Gameplay is mostly about walking around and talking to people. The alcohol you drink impacts the latter, as it allows you to say things a sober person wouldn’t say.
6 Shadows Of The Damned
Things quickly go wrong for the main protagonist Garcia Hotspur at the start of Shadows Of The Damned. An attack on his home leads to the Lord Of Demons abducting his girlfriend and promising to do terrible things to her.
Thankfully, though, Garcia is a demon hunter, so he might be the only one capable of saving the woman. Thus, he heads to the underworld to get her back. Along the way, he fights a bunch of demonic creatures and spouts plenty of phallic humor. The title deserves to be mentioned among the most underrated games of the 21st century.
In Metal: Hellsinger, you play as a lost soul who intends to get revenge on the ruler of Hell, The Red Judge. That is easier said than done, though, as they need to first travel to different parts of the underworld and defeat the monsters there. Only then can they face the ultimate boss.
It’s a dangerous adventure, but at least you can listen to some metal tunes along the way. This is because Metal: Hellsinger contains rhythm game elements. You’re encouraged to shoot to the beat, and the more your bullets sync up with the music, the more satisfying the experience.
4 Dread Templar
Dread Templar doesn’t put much focus on storytelling. All you need to know is that you’re a killing machine that embarks on a revenge mission in Hell. The title is much more about the combat, which is an homage to classic first-person shooters like Doom.
It’s incredibly fast-paced, as you’re in perpetual motion while facing the many forces of the underworld. Your arsenal is filled with all sorts of dangerous weapons that give you a chance against the most deadly monsters that Hell has to offer.
3 Saints Row: Gat Out Of Hell
While playing the first two Saints Row, fans probably didn’t envision the series would eventually use Hell as a setting. Yet, in Gat Out Of Hell, the boss gets taken there by Satan. The lord of the underworld intends to make the customizable boss marry his daughter. This causes Johnny Gat and Kinzie Kensington to visit Hell on a rescue mission.
It’s a very different tale from the gang warfare storylines from the early games. In fact, it’s quite a different overall experience, as the playable characters gain demonic powers. For example, they can grow wings that let them fly around the open world.
2 Hades
In Hades, not only is Hell the main setting, but it’s the protagonist Zagresu’s home. This is because he is the son of the god who runs the underworld, Hades. Zagresu isn’t happy with the situation, though, so he wants to escape the place. This forms the pattern of the game as you make repeated attempts to leave Hell in this roguelike title.
Every run is different as you make your way through various rooms battling the creatures that are trying to stop you from leaving. Not everyone in Hell is against you, though. The Olympians from Greek mythology are on your side.
1 Dante’s Inferno
The titular character in Dante’s Inferno is a Templar knight from The Crusades. He’s done some terrible things and is on the verge of being sent to Hell for them. But early in the adventure, he delays his own damnation by defeating the Grim Reaper. However, shortly afterwards, he heads to Hell anyway to rescue his beloved Beatrice.
While down there, he has to make his way through the Nine Circles of Hell. To accomplish this, he must do some platforming, puzzle-solving, and mostly fighting. That last one is made difficult because of all the deadly creatures he faces. Luckily, he carries a powerful scythe with him.