As a longtime fan of Hellboy, it’s surprising to me how few video game adaptations there are of this beloved character. There are so many aspects of Hellboy that make him compelling, from his appearance to the supernatural world he inhabits, filled with themes of loneliness, discrimination, and the pursuit of a higher purpose. Spending seven hours with Web of Wyrd made me realize the difficulties involved in translating such a complex work into an interactive game. While it captures the visual style of the graphic novels, it sacrifices substantial storytelling and character development for a low-stakes, action-packed experience that fails to give Hellboy the depth he deserves.
Visually, Web of Wyrd is stunning, reminiscent of the dark and grumpy aesthetic of the Hellboy books. The bold lines, flat shades, and simplistic faces are faithful to the series, and the use of shadows and lighting enhances the eerie atmosphere. Navigating the parallel dimension of Wyrd is a visual treat, with European expressionist influences evident in every twisted branch and monstrous creature.
Capturing the Essence of Hellboy
As someone who has given my own voice to Hellboy’s iconic characters in my head, it took some time for me to warm up to the cast of Web of Wyrd. However, each agent, ghost, and goblin adds to the noir-meets-silly-macabre style that Hellboy is known for, bringing the world of the comics to life in a believable way. The standout performance comes from Lance Reddick, voicing Hellboy with his smooth and precise cadence. While the supporting cast is solid, I couldn’t help but miss familiar Hellboy characters like Liz Sherman and Abe Sapien.
An Entertaining but Flawed Story
The plot of Web of Wyrd would fit well within the pages of a Hellboy comic. Set in the haunted Butterfly House, the BPRD works to unravel the mysteries of the Wyrd. Hellboy fights his way through this ever-changing universe, while the rest of the team observes and analyzes his progress. The engaging dialogue from the comics is present, but the introspection and meaningful events that make Hellboy such a multi-dimensional character are lacking. Instead, action takes center stage, resulting in a story that is intriguing but fails to stand out among the best Hellboy tales.
The Wyrd is divided into four levels with different themed environments, such as a Mediterranean kingdom or a shadowy English forest. Unfortunately, these environments don’t offer much variety in terms of gameplay. While the rooms and events change with each playthrough, the overall experience feels repetitive, with little incentive to explore every nook and cranny. The multi-leveled labyrinth of each world becomes predictable after a while, and the relatively short duration of each run is a welcome aspect compared to other run-based games.
A Fun but Lacking Combat System
The combat in Web of Wyrd aligns well with Hellboy’s style, providing enjoyable encounters with the creatures of the Wyrd. Combat mechanics are simple, with light and heavy attacks used to wear down enemies’ regenerating toughness. The charging heavy attack, which allows you to bounce enemies off walls, is satisfying and helps build up stun gauges. Dodging and blocking are essential strategies, as enemies telegraph their moves, and the difficulty doesn’t pose a significant challenge. Even the smaller enemies, designed to distract you, offer little actual threat.
Web of Wyrd is, without a doubt, the easiest roguelite I’ve ever played. Even after numerous runs and upgrades, I never came close to failing a run. The lack of challenge and difficulty options diminishes the overall experience. Although the combat remains enjoyable due to its sound and visual design, the absence of a formidable opponent leaves much to be desired.
A Missed Opportunity
Web of Wyrd delivers a visually stunning Hellboy experience that captures the essence of Mike Mignola’s creation. However, its lackluster storytelling, repetitive gameplay, and underwhelming difficulty prevent it from standing out among other Hellboy adaptations. While it provides some entertainment for fans of the comics, it fails to fully realize the potential of this beloved character and his world.