Video games are absolutely amazing because they allow players to visit all sorts of fictional places, from beautiful fantasy worlds to strange sci-fi planets. However, one of the most used sites in the industry is none other than hell itself, a place in the afterlife where depraved souls are sent to be punished.
For decades, developers have used this ominous concept to create some of the most disturbing, shocking, and/or epic locations in their video games. Whether it's just a few levels or the entire duration of the adventure, the following titles are notorious for allowing players to literally go to hell. Various alternate iterations from other cultures, such as the Underworld from Greek mythology, were also considered for this list.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
A surreal adventure in the world of demons
The Demon world is one of the most important places in the tradition Devil May Cry series and at the same time Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening is not the only play in which Dante visits this place, it is certainly the most memorable and notable. Not only does he end up in the belly of the mighty Leviathan (which is explicitly stated to be part of the demon world), but he also goes to that hellish place after Arkham breaks its seal and opens the relevant gate.
Despite the game's insane and over-the-top writing, this version of Demon World is surprisingly menacing with surreal backgrounds that make every location look like a living painting. While there, Dante must face several powerful demons, including all of the game's previous bosses (AKA “Lost Souls”), Arkham's powerful final form, and his own twin, Vergil, in an intense but tragic final battle.
Dante's Inferno
Dante's perilous quest to rescue his wife
Dante from Devil May Cry is not the only person with that name to visit a version of Hell, as Dante, the title character of Dante's Infernohe is also forced to travel there to save his wife Beatrice. This title is loosely based on Dante Alighieri Divine comedy and as a result features one of the most fascinating and unique versions of hell ever created for video games.
Like the original poem, hell in Dante's Inferno it is divided into nine circles, all of which have their own unique atmosphere and geography. This keeps the adventure interesting and engaging while allowing the player to face a variety of historical figures and dangerous demons. Some of the circles are particularly notorious for featuring grotesque imagery, making this hack-and-slash adventure feel even more ominous than it already is.
God of War 3
Kratos goes to the underworld and kills Hades himself
No one will be surprised that Underworld was a key part God of War series from the very beginning, as Kratos was forced to go there on numerous occasions, including the very first game. However, the third entry in the original trilogy, God of War 3is a notorious exception, as this is the first time he finally comes face to face with the God of the Dead himself, Hades.
Kratos falls into the Underworld at the beginning of the game, shortly after defeating Poseidon, and the lost souls of the River Styx strip him of all the powers, weapons, and abilities he gained in his previous adventure. The rest of the level looks just as creepy and twisted as the previous one God of War games, but the PS3's HD graphics made it look more detailed than ever before. Kratos is finally able to escape the Underworld at the end of the level after defeating and killing Hades in one of the most challenging but enjoyable boss battles in the game.
Bayonetta 2
A stylish witch descends into hell to save her friend's soul
IN Bayonetta series, the title character battles the corrupt angels of Paradiso by making pacts with the powerful demons of Hell. However, these evil creatures are not her friends, and she ends up having to travel to their place of origin in her second adventure after Gommorah steals Jeanne's soul and sends her there.
IN Bayonetta 2angels and Paradiso are represented in white and gold, while demons and Inferno are represented in red and purple, giving each location its own distinct identity. Needless to say, Inferno looks absolutely incredible (in both the Wii U and Nintendo Switch versions of the game) and is filled to the brim with powerful demons that Bayonetta must defeat to save her friend, including Insidious, Phantasmaraneae, and Alraune.
Doom Eternal
The Doom Slayer must go to Hell to save Earth
whole Fate franchise is synonymous with the concept of going to hell, with the modern reboot trilogy presenting one of the most chaotic and disturbing representations of the place. The Doom Slayer visited Hell on more than one occasion, but his various visits to Doom Eternal are definitely the most interesting.
While this game mostly takes place on Earth (which has been overrun by demons after the events of DOOM), the Doom Slayer has to go to Hell to retrieve the Sentinel's power source, though he also returns later in Ancient Gods DLC. While Hell is obviously filled with powerful demons and terrifying places that are filled with blood and guts everywhere, ripping and tearing these evil beings in their own home is always incredibly satisfying.
Helltaker
Perfect for anyone who likes seeing demon girls in suits
Not all games that feature hell have to be violent and/or action-packed, as this iconic place of the afterlife can also be the backdrop for something more fun and light-hearted. Completely developed by Łukasz Piskorz, Helltaker is a free-to-play indie game that went viral in 2020 thanks to its unique premise and charming hand-drawn art style.
IN Helltakerto which the titular playable character travels Hell to create his own harem of demon girls dressed in suits. To achieve this, he must solve various grid-based puzzles in which he must avoid traps and obtain keys. Although this concept may sound somewhat illogical at first glance, Helltaker is a surprisingly fun, inventive and charming little game that anyone can enjoy, not to mention that its writing and presentation really set it apart from other hellish titles.
Hades
Zagreus' legendary quest to escape from the underworld
Hades
10/10
- Released
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September 17, 2020
While Underworld from Greek mythology has appeared in countless video games, Hades is definitely the most popular because almost the entire game takes place in the realm of the dead. In order to get out of the underworld and reach Mount Olympus, the son of Hades, Zagreus, must fight his way through hordes of enemies using various abilities and weapons.
When it comes to presentation, Supergiant Games never disappoints HadesThe depiction of the underworld is colorful, beautiful and ominous, not to mention that the game's roguelike structure allows the player to visit different locations and fight different enemies and bosses. In addition to all this, Zagreus can also meet and interact with many characters in the underworld, including Greek gods (like Nyx or Thanatos) and Cerberus (whom he can pet).
A rhythmic journey through eight hells
The iconography of Hell has not only served as a source of inspiration for various game designers, but also for many talented musicians, especially those who specialize in the Metal genre. Metal: Hellsinger perfectly reflects how Hell inspired both mediums, as it is a rhythmic first-person shooter in which the power of the player character's shots are increased when synchronized with its excellent heavy metal soundtrack. But of course, the more effective the player is in fighting to the beat, the more intense the background music will be.
in terms of tradition, Metal: Hellsinger tells the story of the Unknown, a person who descends into Hell and must fight her way through its eight circles to regain her memories and her voice. Unlike other games (and the like Dante's Inferno), this version of hell isn't all blood and fire, as each circle has its own theme and presentation, adding some much-needed variety to this already epic musical adventure. Plus, the designs of the demons are pretty terrifying, which makes them all the more rewarding to set to a metal beat.
