Slain: Back from Hell Reviews

Game pissed me off but man was it such a fun and solid game.

[h3] 🎮 Detailed and Positive Review: Slain: Back from Hell [/h3] [code] [quote=Wendrex] Developer: Steel Mantis Genre: Action, Platformer, Metroidvania, Hack and Slash Release: 2016 (reworked version of the original Slain!) Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch ⚔️ Overview Slain: Back from Hell is a brutal, bloody tribute to classic action-platformers of the ‘80s and ‘90s, infused with a heavy metal aesthetic and a distinct gothic style. With precise combat, a haunting atmosphere, and a crushing soundtrack, the game stands out as a challenging, stylish, and artistically cohesive experience. 🧱 Gameplay The gameplay in Slain: Back from Hell focuses on melee combat that relies heavily on timing and strategy. Unlike many button mashers, this game demands: Timed parries and blocks: Essential for dealing with tougher enemies. Tactical use of magic: In addition to his sword, the protagonist Vroll can wield elemental spells (fire, ice, and necromancy) to overcome specific threats. Platforming challenges: Precise jumps, traps, and dynamic stages add a layer of difficulty reminiscent of retro classics. Though it's a demanding game, Slain rewards patience and learning, creating a satisfying cycle of trial and error similar to titles like Castlevania or Ghosts ‘n Goblins. 🎨 Art and Visual Style The pixel art in Slain is, without exaggeration, stunning. With detailed animations, shadowy visual effects, and a color palette that shifts between melancholy and hellish, the game commands attention with its memorable and distinct style. Gothic environments: Crumbling castles, blood-soaked crypts, and cursed forests — all crafted with remarkable detail. Enemy design: Grotesque monsters, skeletal knights, and infernal horrors perfectly complement the dark atmosphere. 🎸 Soundtrack One of the game’s biggest highlights is its heavy metal soundtrack, composed by Curt Victor Bryant (formerly of Celtic Frost). Each stage is driven by powerful riffs that boost adrenaline and perfectly match the intense combat. The music is not just background — it’s part of the game’s soul. There’s a tight synergy between the visual and musical tone, enhancing immersion. 🧛‍♂️ Story and Setting You play as Bathoryn, a cursed warrior risen from the grave to liberate six realms ruled by demonic overlords. The narrative is minimalist, but it fits the gameplay well, featuring sarcastic dialogue and references to gothic lore and metal culture. ✅ Highlights Striking visual and audio identity Tough but rewarding challenge for hardcore fans Tactical and satisfying combat Richly designed environments Good length for the genre (~6–8h) ❗ Improvements over the original (Slain!) It’s important to note that the game was re-released as Back from Hell after criticism of the initial Slain! version. This rework significantly improved: Performance and controls Combat balancing Objective clarity and checkpoints 🔚 Conclusion Slain: Back from Hell is a love letter to gothic horror, metal, and old-school challenge, with gameplay that demands precision and rewards persistence. For players seeking a difficult yet stylish experience with unforgettable art and sound, Slain is a highly recommended title. ⭐ Final Score: 8.5 / 10 Perfect for fans of: Castlevania, Blasphemous, 2D Dark Souls, and heavy metal culture. [/quote] [/code]

Has some interesting spritework, controls feel allright I suppose. Story kinda feels like a middle schooler's fantasy, like think unironic metalocolypse blood and gore but none of the humor. Overall it's something I would give a neutral rating to if Steam had one, as is? I'd probably say 80%, don't pay more than 3-4 bucks.

Remember this is my opinion, as someone who enjoy most the game. What is good: The pixel art, the monsters and boss art are pretty beautiful, and at least i can say are a couple of unique monster, for other hand, the music is awesome, and it didn't feel too much repetitive , tho the game is pretty short What is bad: I hate the gampley tbh, even tho is simple it kinda feels like is bad developed, the hitboxes are a terror and the parry work most of the time, but still sometimes it can fail, or you can just miss the parry attack, with is pretty bs. for other hand, the weapon selection doesn't feel too much great , it doesn't have variety and it's aerial combat is an horror, for be a platformer, either the jump or the aerial strike feels bad, i loved the "root on ground" fights since they worked well, but when jumping came in, it kinda it's pretty bad. Finally, i just have to say, i rlly enjoy the art music, and some times, the feel of facing some enemies and mostly all the bosses, i know the 2nd part is close to be released, i'm gonna wait for it, and hope they develop a lot of new things and tweak some thigns of the gampley. Farewell.

This game has some good ideas, but really suffers from an unpleasant input delay within combat. I'd say if it goes on sale 100% give this game a chance, but if not maybe buy the upcoming sequel for hopefully better polish overall.