KEY POINTS

  • "Hellpoint" is free to claim on GOG until June 16
  • The game is inspired by "Dark Souls" and sci-fi media of the late ‘90s and early 2000s
  • "Hellpoint" blends elements of occultism and futuristic science fiction 

Cradle Games’ action RPG “Hellpoint” is currently free to claim on the GOG website for a limited time. This brutal and challenging game is heavily inspired by FromSoftware’s venerable “Dark Souls” series, featuring fast dodge-centric combat, sprawling map designs and in-depth character customization.

“Hellpoint” is set in the far future aboard the Irid Novo, a gigantic space station meant to serve as a mobile colony for millions of people that eventually fell to ruin after an unfortunate series of unholy events. Players will take the role of a Spawn, a soulless, artificial being tasked with unraveling the mystery behind the Irid Novo and the fate of all its inhabitants.

In the typical “Souls”-like fashion, “Hellpoint” is an unforgiving game that demands patience, reflexes and sound decision-making skills. Careless players can easily get killed by even the weakest enemies, which makes every encounter deadly yet rewarding.

Hellpoint is an action RPG set in a giant space station overrun by technological and eldritch horrors
Hellpoint is an action RPG set in a giant space station overrun by technological and eldritch horrors Cradle Games

The game features a dark and heavy atmosphere inspired by the sci-fi aesthetics of late ‘90s and early 2000s. Cradle Games designed “Hellpoint’s” visuals with H.R. Giger’s style in mind, giving the Irid Novo a faintly familiar vibe for fans of the sci-fi genre.

Players can wield a wide variety of weapons that one can expect from a “Souls” game. Melee weapons like swords, axes and clubs are plenty but modern equipment like firearms and techno-magical catalysts are also available.

Enemies in the game range from basic zombie-like creatures to eldritch abominations summoned by the mysterious rituals and unusual circumstances surrounding the space station. Boss encounters are plenty and each offer a unique challenge.

The story and lore of “Hellpoint” are as vague as that of the “Souls” series. Many important bits of the game’s background are told via item descriptions, item placements and other world-based storytelling elements. The combination of occult and sci-fi is reminiscent of the 1997 “Event Horizon,” which has a similar premise.

“Hellpoint” received generally positive reviews from players and critics, with much of them praising the game’s faithfulness to its inspirations and its ability to deliver a solid “Souls”-like experience. However, technical issues related to bugs and performance hindered other players from enjoying the game completely.

The game can be claimed via GOG until June 16, at 1PM UTC.

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