Through Hell and Back
OpenCritic
Weak
OpenCritic Score
Score Distribution
"Slain: Back from Hell is that mural on that beaten down van painted by someone sporting a mullet; the first time you walk by you quickly glance over and think, ‘hey, that’s cool.’ But after going by a bunch of times you notice the faded colors and the incomprehensible scene of violence going on. It’s like the artist wants you to take the time to appreciate the art but, honestly, it’s not worth the effort. There are a few spots that stick out like a segment where a warrior turns into a wolf or the bright blues and reds that border the fresco. But really, there are no secrets to be found here (and not many in the game). The mural is here to distract you for a short period (6 hours) and once you’re done taking it in, you’ll find it difficult to recall the experience."
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About Through Hell and Back
Through Hell and Back is a roguelike deckbuilder with a twist. Ustu Games designed it to challenge strategy and resource management. You place spells on a timeline to counter enemies’ moves, requiring careful planning. Released in 2026, it’s a single-player PC game blending RPG and card mechanics. The core loop revolves around upgrading your timeline, trading spells, and chaining combos. It’s for players who enjoy tactical depth over fast-paced action. Think of it as chess with a deck of cards, where every decision reshapes the battlefield. The game thrives on risk-reward mechanics, pushing you to adapt to each run’s unique challenges.
Gameplay
Each session starts with a deck of basic spells. You arrange them on a timeline, reacting to enemy actions as they unfold. Every move you make, like casting a fireball or shielding, occupies a slot, forcing you to balance offense and defense. Power-ups modify spells temporarily, but overuse can backfire. Later, you unlock upgrades to expand the timeline, enabling complex combos. Battles feel tense, as one misstep can figure out your strategy. Controls are intuitive: drag spells to slots, click to cast. The roguelike structure ensures variety; no two runs are alike. Progression relies on trading duplicate spells for better ones. It’s a slow burn, demanding patience and foresight.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 4.3/5, with 82% completing the game. Average playtime is 8 hours, though 24% report over 30. Community moods: 76% love it, 18% find it punishing, 6% dislike the grind. Critics praise the 92% score for its "genius timeline mechanic." Early players note a steep learning curve: 35% quit after a few runs. Achievements (112 total) are dense but rewarding, with 70% completion rate. Reviews highlight the $29.99 price as fair, though 40% wish the tutorial explained risks better. "Addictive once you get the hang of it," says one user. Others gripe about spell trades being "too limited."
PlayPile's Take
This is for strategy fans who relish slow-burn challenges. The $30 price is reasonable for the depth, but be prepared to die often, 92% of runs end in failure. Achievements offer 40 hours of content if you’re determined. It’s not for casual players; the timeline system demands patience. If you enjoy high-risk combos and iterative learning, this game will hook you. Skip if you want instant gratification. Ustu Games carved a niche here, and it’s satisfying for those who stick through the grind.
Game Modes
Single player
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