Title: Hell Let Loose
Publisher:Â Black Matter Pty Ltd
Developer:Â Team17 Digital Ltd
Genre: Strategy, Action, World War II, Simulation, FPS
Official Site: https://www.hellletloose.com
Release Date: Jun 6, 2019
Available on: PCÂ
Where to Buy: Steam
Hell Let Loose is an Indie FPS World War 2 game that came out onto steam early access back in June of 2019. The premise is roughly similar to that of other games in the genre, such as Rising Storm 2 Vietnam and Verdun. However, Hell Let Loose sets out to provide players with a realistic take on WW2 combat rather than a traditional arcade-like feel. It accomplishes this goal with unique gameplay mechanics such as the game’s dynamic frontline and the supply resource system.Â
The game also offers 100 player count battles that consist of combined arms of Infantry, Tanks, Artillery, and Planes. Overall, with the current stage of the game’s early access development, I feel the developers are accomplishing this goal rather well, and Hell Let Loose so far has been quite enjoyable. However, the game is not without its share of flaws, but in the end, it still manages to march on to victory. That said, here are my overall impressions of how Hell Let Loose is fairing in Steam Early Access.
To Hell And Back: Breathtaking Visuals and Sound
To start, I feel the overall gameplay of Hell Let Loose is spot on and can be immersive as hell. Everything from the feel and sounds of the game to the breathtaking maps I found managed to create a level of immersion seldom found amongst other games in this particular genre.Â
The maps in this game are quite large with the sheer scope and beauty of the environments being absolutely breathtaking. The maps are also according to the steam page “modeled on real reconnaissance images and satellite data” which really shows as each location feels realistic and improves the overall quality of immersion making you the player feel as if you are really in a war zone. However, there are only eight maps in the game at the moment which isn’t unexpected due to the game being early access but can be quite repetitive at times.
Despite this, I was still impressed with what the game currently provides players, especially the map based on the D-Day landings. The other visuals of Hell Let Loose are also absolutely phenomenal; weapons, vehicles, and just the overall aesthetic of the game, in general, look great. However, one point where I feel the game falls behind is with the models for soldiers.Â
These models overall look pretty dated compared to the rest of the game but are pretty minor and have no real noticeable impact on my enjoyment of the game. Sounds are also some of the game’s strongest points, from the distant sounds of gunfire to the sounds of artillery shells slamming against the ground. Overall with the combination of both visual and sounds help make the game an atmospheric masterpiece that captures the soul of the second world war.
Screaming Eagles: Familiar Gameplay Features
Overall the game is fairly similar in structure to that of Rising Storm Vietnam with players making up squads of soldiers. However, Hell Let Loose differs from Vietnam by having three types of squads: Armor, Recon, and Infantry. Armor consists of tank crews and Recon sniper teams that consist of two members. In Infantry you have your traditional roles all serving a purpose within the game, some more vital than others. For example, the support role can build supply boxes that are required to build outposts and garrisons that serve as spawn points for the entire team.Â
There are also several other types of Infantry roles, and depending on the role, have specific equipment and weapons that function great in combat. Overall these roles I found, for the most part, serve their intended purpose aptly. However, this was often only when squads were made up of players that communicate and work together. This is something that becomes a problem later on, but we will talk more about this later. If you attempt to play around with anything past recon and infantry you are probably going to be confused.Â
This is due to mechanics for both tanks and artillery have somewhat of a learning curve. For example, with tanks, you have to manually control most of the tank’s functions, from starting the engine to shifting gears. For artillery guns, you have to calculate and adjust for elevation, etc. Overall both tanks and artillery seem to function as one would expect, and at times really make the difference in turning the tide for either side Axis, or Allies. Â
Hearts Of Iron: Intense And Engaging Combat in Hell Let Loose
So far in the game, there are two factions to choose from the Axis which consists primarily of the German Wehrmacht, and the Allies consists of the American armed forces. In matches, players up to 50 on each side will battle for various points or objectives, one defending and one attacking in the two-game modes Warzone, and Offensive. This is where the primary meat and potatoes of the game lie and it is pretty intense. Combat overall feels more engaging than other titles such as BFV and has real intensity. There are also a lot of interesting mechanics at work that help to add to the gritty realism Hell Let Loose provides.
For example, the game has a realistic suppression system where players can become suppressed when under enemy fire. In the event of this, the screen will start to turn black & white, and also distorted. The result is a really immersive effect that really makes you feel like you are in a war zone, it also has the added bonus of being useful while in combat. For example, you can utilize the suppression mechanic to stop rival player machine gun emplacements or to lock down enemies while teammates close in for the kill. The supply system was also by far one of the most impressive features in the game, for it adds an element of strategy.
 However, I would like to see what supplies could be used for, expanded in the future. For example, perhaps they could be used to construct sandbags in certain locations similar to BFV. Overall I had little issues in regards to combat and I feel how it functions at the moment is pretty solid. Everything from gunplay to weapons, in general, felt great and had real weight to them when in use.
Final thoughts on Hell Let Loose
Overall Hell Let Loose in its current state of early access development is a solid but familiar WW2 FPS. It has enough to differentiate itself from other titles in the genre However, I can’t help to feel there is a lack of content. I feel the game could use more factions and especially more game modes. But despite this, the game at the moment is fun and is promising, and if you are a WW2 fan or just like games like a Rising Storm or Red Orchestra I definitely would keep an eye on this title.
However, I can not recommend the game unless you are going to be playing with friends. This is due to the game being pretty horrible while playing it alone as most of the time players barely work together. This results in outposts and garrisons not being built closer to objectives, thus forcing you to play a walking simulator where you walk long distances to just die and to repeat it all over again. However, the game can really start to shine when players do work together and it can become both amazing and intense.Â
Final Verdict: Despite its faults, Hell Let Loose is one of the most immersive and engaging WW2 games available currently on steam. The game has a promising future and does an excellent job of building a solid foundation for what could possibly become one of the most competitive games in this genre. I Highly recommend trying the game out with some friends, and especially if you are a fan of other games similar to Hell Let Loose such as Rising Storm or Post Scriptum.