HELLNIGHT

HELLNIGHT is this super obscure horror game that few people know about. It's like, from that era in the '90s where everyone was trying to make their own RESIDENT EVIL or SILENT HILL, but this one went in a totally different and kinda weird direction. The vibe is super unique, it's set in a futuristic Tokyo where everyone's gone underground into these massive subway tunnels called The Mesh, and there's a doomsday cult trying to summon a dark messiah, hence the Japanese name . You play as this girl Naomi, who was in a subway crash and you quickly find out you're basically monster chow.

The craziest part? You can't fight back at all, zero combat. Your entire gameplay loop is just running and hiding from these messed up monsters. It's basically the granny of games like Amnesia or OUTLAST, way before those were even a thing. You gotta rely on sound a lot, listening for creepy footsteps and monster roars in the distance to figure out which hallway is safe. It makes you so paranoid and the atmosphere is honestly top tier because of it.

You're not totally alone tho. You pick up companions along the way who follow you and can, like, barely distract the monsters for a few seconds. They're all weird stereotypical but charming anime-like characters but the real stars are the monsters. They have fancy names like «that which whispers» and «that which judges» and they look like creepy artist dummies or something. It ain't always outright scary but it's deeply unsettling in a way that sticks with you.

The graphics are pretty standard PS1 fare, lots of drab and repetitive corridors, but honestly, that kinda adds to the feeling of being lost and completely isolated. Where the game really pops is in its cutscenes which are gory and effective, and its absolutely banger soundtrack. Really, the music is incredible. It's like a mix of creepy ambient noise and get this… sitar music. It somehow works perfectly and makes exploring the tunnels way more intense.

The story gets pretty wild towards the end, with a big twist about Naomi herself and this trippy psychedelic final area called The Hive that feels like a secret level from DOOM. There are multiple endings based on who survives and the choices you make which gives it some replay value but the main game is crazy short. You can beat it in two hours if you know what you're doing.

It's a shame this game is so forgotten. It's definitely janky and has its dull moments, but it's got so much charm and so many creative ideas.

Download

The static of The Mesh is already humming through your screen. Don't bother looking for a weapon, your only choice is to click your chosen version's download button lurking in the shadows below and let the data stream pull you into the depths. If you prefer a more subtle entry, let your chosen version's QR code transmit the signal directly into your device. It will manifest as a quiet, unassuming icon on your HOME Menu, a dormant gateway to the underground. From the silence, a soft, hypnotic chime will eventually whisper, a lonely melody from the other side of the glass, calling you to begin your descent.

English | French | German

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