Hellboy: Web of Wyrd: A Unique and Exciting Action Brawler

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd is an exciting over-the-shoulder action brawler developed by Upstream Arcade, a UK indie studio. This thrilling game is set in 1980s Argentina and follows Hellboy as he enters the mysterious Butterfly House to save a missing BRPD agent. At Gamescom 2023, we had the opportunity to experience a brief hands-on with Web of Wyrd, playing approximately 20 minutes of the game’s early stages.

Exploring Procedurally Generated Levels in Distinct Biomes

Players will fight their way through a series of procedurally generated levels that take place in various distinct biomes. Each biome has its own unique story, allowing players to uncover a wider mystery as they progress. Web of Wyrd presents an original story that is separate from the established Hellboy canon, but it still includes nods to the events and lore found in the iconic comic’s original 1990s run.

Authentic Art Style and Immersive Gameplay

Web of Wyrd is developed in collaboration with Dark Horse Comics and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. The game successfully captures Mignola’s distinct art style, with its thick border and vibrant colors, by utilizing cel-shaded 3D graphics. Special moves in the game prompt freeze frames reminiscent of comic book pages, further enhancing the immersive experience.

Charming Features and Upgrades

In Web of Wyrd, players can choose from a selection of weapons and charms at the beginning of each run. Weapons range from Hellboy’s iconic revolver to a shotgun and grenade launcher. Charms bestow special powers that operate on a cooldown, such as repelling enemies with a wave of energy when surrounded. Both weapons and charms can be permanently upgraded at the Butterfly House, the game’s hub world, and modified mid-run to enhance Hellboy’s abilities.

Strategic Combat and Reactive World

The combat in Web of Wyrd emphasizes Hellboy’s brutish strength, with slow yet powerful attacks that reward thoughtful play. Players can utilize environmental elements like rubble to attack enemies and employ dodges, parries, and blocks to defend themselves. The game also introduces a “Toughness” meter, which mitigates damage but leaves players vulnerable if it is completely broken.

Replay Value and Engaging Storytelling

Web of Wyrd features a hub area called the Butterfly House, where NPCs populate the surroundings. The game draws inspiration from Hades, as previously visited biomes may transform and reshape as players progress through the story. This provides an additional incentive to replay older biomes, adding depth and replayability. The game’s reactive world aims to tell an engaging story within the roguelike structure, creating a captivating experience for fans of Hellboy and Hades alike.

Release Date and Platforms

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd will be available on October 4, 2023, for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Don’t miss out on this highly anticipated game that promises to deliver an exciting and immersive experience. Please note that any products mentioned or featured on this site were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may receive a share of the revenue if you make a purchase.