Requiem of Hell

"Short game length runs this game down"

Requiem of Hell is the first hack-n-slash isometric-view game for the N-Gage. People who are familiar with the Diablo series will find this game enjoyable, as it comes with most of the Diabloesque elements. I quote: "most" of the elements.

Story - 10/10

The story is quite different from other RPG/Hack-n-slash games. You're not a knight in shining armor appointed to a task of saving the princess, neither are you avenging the lives of your slaughtered relatives. In fact you're becoming of a hero is very unlikely. You really aren't a hero at heart, it's just that almost everyone on Earth has been killed by an evil being called Dalu, which includes you. Then a fairy summoned by someone trapped in Dalu's body is appointed to find a corpse to use on her mission - and that is to stop Dalu and release her summoner (and grant his wish as the game would state it). Which then puts you to a wild (and hard) rescue operation through hordes of High AI and buffed-up monsters.

Gameplay - 7/10

First, I would like to point out that this game is undeniably HARD. The AI of the monsters is high, as they use tactics to bring you down. They wouldn't chase you individually most of the time, the would attack in packs and circle you attacking you in all directions (and you can only block attacks in front of you, and only once per attack). Some monsters also block attacks and have special moves which also adds to the difficulty.

But that doesn't necessarily mean it's unplayable or unenjoyable, in fact that's what made me play it die hard. Getting pass their tactics, using spells effectively, and finally killing everything that moves. Luckily, you have an efficient and 100% responding control system from the d-pad to the number keys, and everything is within reach and reconfigurable. You also have a lock-on system which helps big-time, and a combo hit-counter although useless since you really don't combo beyond 4 hits (the only combo you have is a 3-step slash which after that only repeats the animation).

The game makes a downfall, though, in its variety. It only offers you 3 spells which only become available after you reach a certain level. You get a blinding/stunning spell, a semi-protection spell which damages everything around you, and a blizzard like spell which freezes and partially damages everything on-screen (Fun? Yes it is). You can use the spell by pressing the assigned key then can you only use it again once it's portrait is filled up and glowing again. You can also raise the spells levels by using it again and again, but you will since you will need to use the spells again and again.

Also, as deep as I can dig at this game, there is no other boss monster but Dalu. In fact there are only about 10 different monster types, with around 3-5 different color themes to tell apart which one is stronger or weaker. Another lack in variety.

In the whole of my game, the only equippable items I've only come across the game were weapons and accessories (comes with different passive effects, and also, the only equippable weapons are axes and swords depending on your character). You also get throwing weapons, but they've never been a use to me and they only end-up junked in my inventory. You don't get armors in this game, which is sad.

The status screen also lacks any variety. I don't know but the status screen in the screenshot in the N-Gage Games Manual doesn't match the in-game status screen. The in-game status screen will not display your portrait... geez, the only stats you could see is your damage and defense, which raises itself every level-up. The inventory is also very tedious to navigate, as it displays items in a linear way like a conveyor belt does.

Graphics - 10/10

This is where this game shines, as it really looks Diabloesque. It may not be in 3D like other n-gage games, but the character art of the hero (and the heroine), the monsters, the items and the environment are very much pleasing to look at. Everyplace has a different look, but still retains the eerie and dark atmosphere. There is never an awkward animation of the hero or the monsters. (Dalu's character art is simply badass).

Sound - 7/10

I don't know about other gamers, but I find some of the sound effects in this game familiar. I think I may have heard a scream or two from the monsters in Diablo... (when Troy dies he sounds like a dying Paladin and a female monster sounds like an enemy rogue when killed) hmmm... Anyway, the sound effects are good but also lacks in variety (as there are only a few monsters).

Music - 7/10

I never really play the game music when I play games, so I may miss a thing or two here. The game music is always eerie and scary to say the least.

Play Time - 1/10

Is it me or is this game really that freaking SHORT?!? I don't know if I did something that screwed this game up, but I finished the game in around 4 game hours, only taking time in solving some unexplained things and levelling-up (which you are going to do plenty of times). I've only been through around 8 maps, and only met one boss (twice) and that is Dalu. I don't know, but for me, I'm giving this game 1 in play time for being extremely short. Just when you are expecting more, you're going to be given the credits...

Replayability - 1/10

Yep, another 1. There isn't much to do after you finish this game. There is not HARD mode, there are no bonus maps, and the available characters only differ in gender and weapon as far as I can observe. You play so hard to finish the game, you feel disappointed to see the credits so soon, and you finally put it back in its box or lend it over to someone else.

Final Recommendation - Rent(?)

Buy it if you really want to play it. I have to admit, I think I wasted my cash on this game, because it is very very very short. I don't know if you could rent n-gage games but if you could in your place, give it a try then buy it if you like it.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 05/02/05