Hell Clock, A Path of Exile Inspired Roguelike, Revealed

Rogue Snails has launched Hell Clock, a Path of Exile-inspired roguelike Action RPG on Steam. The game is available globally for $19.99, boasting to be created in Brazil by a Brazilian development team, according to a press release.

Hell Clock is meant to be a retelling of the 19th-century War of Canudos. Players will be invited to delve into Purgatory and Hell in order to quell the demons that haunt Brazil. The main character is canonically revived by a magical Hell Clock so that they’re able to make multiple runs, endlessly fighting through the hellscape.

The game is currently composed of a three-act campaign and a Beta version of Acension, where players who have beaten the campaign can experience an “end-game” that’s designed to challenge the most experienced roguelike and RPG players. The base game itself doesn’t seem to be designed to be easy. Rather, it is designed to be challenging to complete under the conditions of the game.

Hell Clock is designed to be a race against time. The clock that revives the player seems to be timing each run, ensuring that each and every run keeps the blood pumping. Only by going quickly can players acquire Relics that make the character more powerful. These relics create devastating combinations through the channeling of Canudo’s unbreakable power. Powers are also described as “Hellish” as players can be lightning fast, strong & smash, or rain down hell using a gun.

Each descent also allows players to equip a different combination of blessings, opening up different playstyles and the ability to min-max one’s character or to create horrifically bad combinations. While the game may sound initially intense, the game offers a Relaxed Mode that removes the time pressure, or a player may choose to turn up the intensity through the Hardcore mode.

The official launch trailer is beautiful, showcasing the game’s rustic and almost retro style art that’s layered on top of the haunting music and voice acting. The experience it promises seems to be dark, atmospheric, and blood-pumping.