Hellbound
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About Hellbound
Hellbound is a fast-paced 2D arcade fighter from Ninety-Nine Studios, launched on PC and Linux in February 2026. Set in the Tenth Layer of Hell, it tasks you with battling endless waves of demons through a looping arena. The goal? Survive increasingly chaotic rounds, master combo chains, and ascend from cursed soul to angel. The game blends frantic action with a punishing difficulty curve, rewarding precision over brute force. Its single-player focus and minimalist design make it a niche but intense pick for fans of retro-style brawlers.
Gameplay
You control a single fighter in a vertical arena that resets after each wave, forcing you to adapt to shifting obstacles and enemy types. Combat centers on rapid slashing, timed dodges, and combo linking, every hit string resets the clock. The loop tightens with each round: faster demons, environmental hazards, and randomized power-ups keep things unpredictable. The final boss battle is a grueling test of reflexes, requiring flawless execution. Controls are tight but unforgiving, with no pause or save functionality. Sessions typically last 20, 40 minutes, but high completion requires dozens of runs.
What Players Think
Hellbound holds a 79% rating on PlayPile with 1528 reviews. Average playtime is 11 hours, but 32% of players hit 100% completion. Community moods lean 68% "frustrated" and 41% "accomplished," reflecting its punishing difficulty. Reviews praise the "addictive loop" but criticize the "unfair boss phase" and lack of tutorials. Achievement completion is 74%, with 100 total trophies. Linux users report occasional frame drops, but the core loop remains consistent across platforms.
PlayPile's Take
Hellbound is a $24.99 microtransaction that delivers a pure arcade challenge. It suits players who thrive on mastering mechanics over story or polish. The 32% completion rate suggests it's not for everyone, but the 100 achievements and replayable modes offer longevity. If you’re okay with dying often and want a game that tests your reflexes, this is worth the price. Otherwise, skip it.
Game Modes
Single player
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