Links

Steam

Twitch

CRITIK

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd
Item: Hellboy: Web of Wyrd
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Fighting, Single Player

AvailableOct 18, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperUpstream Arcade

Overview

Hellboy Web of Wyrd is a roguelite action adventure with an original story created in partnership with Dark Horse Comics and creator Mike Mignola. When an agent goes missing, Hellboy investigates. Prepare for monstrous toe-to-toe brawling

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd are quite diverse. Several critics, such as God is a Geek and GGRecon, praise the story for its interesting characters, engaging narrative, and its faithfulness to the Hellboy franchise. They appreciate the supernatural weirdness, dark humor, and the sense of depth and continuity that the story brings to the game. Hey Poor Player also highlights the engaging and nostalgic nature of the narrative, which adds a sense of depth and continuity to the overall experience. These positive opinions suggest that the story successfully immerses players into the Hellboy universe and provides an enjoyable and faithful narrative. On the other hand, some critics express negative opinions about the story. Metro GameCentral finds the storytelling incoherent and lacking in explanation of the game's setting. SpazioGames criticizes the story for being underdeveloped and failing to do justice to the original comic. GameSpot describes the story as unimaginative, predictable, and lacking substance. PCGamesN mentions that the story is often impenetrably lore-heavy, which may hinder the enjoyment for some players. These negative opinions highlight issues with the story's coherence, development, originality, and depth, suggesting that it may not be as compelling or engaging for all players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the story for its engaging narrative, interesting characters, and faithfulness to the Hellboy franchise, others criticize it for being incoherent, underdeveloped, predictable, and lacking substance. The positive opinions from critics like God is a Geek, GGRecon, and Hey Poor Player indicate that the story successfully captures the essence of the Hellboy universe and provides an enjoyable experience for fans. However, the negative opinions from critics such as Metro GameCentral, SpazioGames, GameSpot, and PCGamesN suggest that the story may not appeal to everyone and has room for improvement in terms of coherence, development, originality, and depth. Ultimately, players' enjoyment of the story may depend on their familiarity with the Hellboy universe and their personal preferences for narrative elements.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are split on the Story of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. Some praise its engaging characters and faithful adaptation, while others criticize its incoherent storytelling and lack of depth. Positive reviews highlight its immersive nature, while negative reviews point out its flaws in coherence and originality. Overall, opinions are mixed, with some finding it enjoyable and others feeling underwhelmed by its shortcomings.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

38%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd are quite diverse. Some critics, such as GameSpew and GGRecon, find the combat to be engaging and fun, with a focus on strategy and the ability to perform combos and strong attacks. They appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of the combat system, allowing players to establish a rhythm in fights and feel a sense of agency and creativity. The inclusion of regenerative health bars and environmental hazards also adds depth to the gameplay experience. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the gameplay of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. Critics like GamingTrend and Metro GameCentral find the combat to be shallow, unambitious, and lacking variation. They criticize the clunky controls, sluggishness, and unresponsiveness of the combat mechanics. The repetitive nature of the gameplay loop, limited enemy variants, and lack of challenge are also mentioned as drawbacks by critics such as PlayStation LifeStyle and Digitally Downloaded. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a more negative assessment of the gameplay in Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. Critics like Gfinity, God is a Geek, and Push Square highlight the frustration caused by clunky controls, cumbersome camera, and artificially expanded length due to the roguelike formula. Critics such as GameSpot and Screen Rant mention design issues, lack of variation, and frustrating mechanics. The repetitive nature of the combat, lack of depth, and limited enemy and combat options are also common criticisms. While there are some positive aspects of the gameplay, such as the engaging combat system and the inclusion of regenerative health and environmental hazards, the overall sentiment is that Hellboy: Web of Wyrd falls short in terms of depth, variety, and responsiveness. The gameplay is often described as repetitive, unambitious, and lacking challenge. The criticisms regarding clunky controls, sluggishness, and frustrating mechanics further contribute to the negative consensus among the critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed feelings about the gameplay of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. Some praise the engaging combat and strategic elements, while others criticize it for being shallow and repetitive. Most agree that the game falls short in terms of depth, variety, and responsiveness, with issues like clunky controls and lack of challenge.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd, with many stating that it successfully captured the art style and aesthetic of the Hellboy comics. Critics such as GameSpew, GamingTrend, God is a Geek, PlayStation LifeStyle, Push Square, SpazioGames, Areajugones, COGconnected, Digitally Downloaded, GGRecon, GameSpot, Gamer Escape, Gamereactor UK, GamesRadar++, IGN, Noisy Pixel, PCGamesN, Screen Rant, TRG, The Games Machine, TheGamer, Worth Playing, and ZTGD all commended the game for its ability to faithfully recreate Mike Mignola's distinctive art style and capture the essence of the source material. The cel-shaded graphics were particularly praised for their ability to mimic the look of a comic book and create a visually striking contrast, with critics noting the bold lines, flat shades, and low-detail faces as authentic to the Hellboy series. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. Gfinity and XboxEra mentioned inconsistencies in performance, such as stuttering loading screens and choppy frame rates, which detracted from the overall experience. Hey Poor Player also mentioned lower frame rates affecting gameplay fluidity. Additionally, Game Rant expressed disappointment with the lack of visual variety and empty environments in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd were highly commendable. The game successfully emulated the art style of the Hellboy comics, with its cel-shaded visuals, bold visual expression, attention to detail, and artistic coherence with the original comic book. The visuals were described as stunning, captivating, gorgeous, visually striking, and visually stunning. The game's ability to translate Mike Mignola's art style flawlessly and capture the iconic aesthetic of the Hellboy comics was widely praised. Despite some minor performance issues and criticisms regarding visual variety, the positive opinions outweighed the negatives, making Hellboy: Web of Wyrd a visually impressive experience for fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics raved about Hellboy: Web of Wyrd's graphics, praising its faithful recreation of the comic's art style, cel-shaded visuals, and striking contrast. However, some noted performance inconsistencies like stuttering and frame rate issues. Despite this, the game was lauded for capturing the essence of the source material and delivering a visually stunning experience overall.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd are generally positive. Many critics, such as GameSpew and Gamer Escape, praise the voice acting in the game, particularly the performance by Lance Reddick as Hellboy. They highlight his fantastic portrayal and how it adds authenticity and emotional depth to the character. The voice performances, including Lance Reddick's, are described as warm, likable, and well-voiced by critics like PCGamesN and Worth Playing. The voice acting is also mentioned to enhance the overall experience of the game, as noted by GameSpew. The sound design is also commended by critics like Gamereactor UK, who describe it as solid, with satisfying combat sounds and impressive audio during super attacks. IGN also mentions the positive aspect of the game's combat, with kinetic sound and visual design enhancing the impact of each punch. However, there are some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. Hey Poor Player mentions that while the soundtrack complements the game's atmosphere, the repetitiveness of the music becomes noticeable. XboxEra also notes that the lack of texture or detail in cutscenes robs them of emotion, which could potentially impact the overall experience for some players. Worth Playing also mentions that the shift in voice actors can be jarring, which might affect the consistency of the voice performances. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd are positive aspects of the game. The voice acting, particularly Lance Reddick's portrayal of Hellboy, is consistently praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and fantastic performance. The sound design, including combat sounds and audio during super attacks, is generally considered solid and satisfying. While there are some minor criticisms, such as the repetitiveness of the music and the lack of texture in cutscenes, the positive aspects outweigh the negatives. The critics' opinions collectively suggest that the Sound Design and Music contribute positively to the overall experience of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Lance Reddick's authentic and emotionally deep voice acting in Hellboy: Web of Wyrd, enhancing the character's portrayal. The sound design receives accolades for its solid combat sounds and impressive audio effects, adding to the game's immersive experience. Despite some minor criticisms like repetitive music and lack of texture in cutscenes, overall consensus is positive, highlighting the game's strong Sound Design and Music contributions.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Hellboy: Web of Wyrd has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Lance Reddick's portrayal of Hellboy is consistently praised, with many reviewers commending his performance as fantastic, authentic, and distinct. Critics such as GameSpew, Gfinity, Push Square, XboxEra, GGRecon, Gamereactor UK, GamesRadar++, Hey Poor Player, IGN, Noisy Pixel, PCGamesN, Screen Rant, TRG, TheGamer, Worth Playing, and ZTGD all highlight Reddick's excellent delivery, emotional depth, and ability to capture the essence of the character. His gravely, rhythmic cadence is mentioned as a perfect fit for Hellboy, adding flavor and authenticity to the overall experience. While the majority of critics praise the voice acting in Hellboy: Web of Wyrd, there are a few dissenting opinions. Game Rant criticizes the voice acting for Hellboy as inane and not great, while GameSpot mentions that the conversations with NPCs lack substance. These criticisms, however, are in the minority and do not reflect the overall sentiment of the critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Hellboy: Web of Wyrd is a standout aspect of the game. Lance Reddick's performance as Hellboy is consistently praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and distinct portrayal. The voice cast as a whole, including Lance Henriksen, is commended for their excellent delivery and ability to bring the characters to life. The positive feedback regarding the voice acting outweighs the few negative opinions, making it a strong aspect of the game that enhances the overall experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics overwhelmingly praise Lance Reddick's fantastic and authentic portrayal of Hellboy in "Hellboy: Web of Wyrd," highlighting his emotional depth and perfect fit for the character. While a few dissenting voices criticize aspects like NPC conversations, the majority agrees that the voice acting is a standout feature that enhances the game's overall experience.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

90%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance, Hellboy: Web of Wyrd receives mixed reviews across different gaming platforms. On the positive side, Worth Playing highlights that the game runs smoothly on PC, achieving a stable 60fps at a native resolution of 1280x800. XboxEra also mentions that there were no bugs encountered on PC or Xbox. These positive aspects suggest that the game performs well on these platforms, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience for players. However, there are several negative aspects mentioned by the critics. GamingTrend and Gfinity both note occasional bugs that can disrupt gameplay, indicating that the game may suffer from technical issues that affect the overall experience. COGconnected mentions bugs and framerate drops on PC, while Noisy Pixel describes rough performance during room transitions and stuttering in random instances. Screen Rant adds that the game suffers from crashes and technical issues, further detracting from the overall experience. These negative aspects suggest that the game may have significant technical flaws that hinder the gameplay and immersion. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Hellboy: Web of Wyrd has some technical performance issues. While some platforms, such as PC and Xbox, seem to have fewer bugs and smoother performance, there are still reports of bugs, framerate drops, crashes, and other technical issues. The Games Machine expects these issues to be fixed with a day one patch, indicating that there is hope for improvement. However, the general sentiment is that the game lacks stability and has too many annoyances, as mentioned by PCGamesN. ZTGD also adds that the game has issues with controls and responsiveness, further contributing to the negative feedback. These overall criticisms suggest that the technical performance of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd falls short of expectations, impacting the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd receives mixed reviews for technical performance. While running smoothly on PC and Xbox with no bugs, critics note occasional bugs, framerate drops, crashes, and other issues that hinder gameplay. Despite hopes for improvement with patches, the game falls short in stability and responsiveness, impacting player enjoyment.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

57%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd are mixed. Some critics, such as GameSpew and Push Square, appreciate the game's roguelike elements and the ability to buy upgrades and dive back in for a chance at better perks. They find the intrigue in collecting upgrades and exploring the game's environments to be enough to justify replaying. Additionally, Areajugones mentions the procedural generation of environments, which adds replayability through new secrets and challenges in each playthrough. GGRecon also highlights that while the game may not have deep roguelike elements, it offers enough depth and engagement to satisfy existing fans. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the replay value of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. GamingTrend, Gfinity, Metro GameCentral, SpazioGames, Digitally Downloaded, Gamereactor UK, Hey Poor Player, IGN, Noisy Pixel, PCGamesN, Screen Rant, TRG, and TheGamer all criticize the lack of variety, challenge, and mechanical depth in the game. They mention repetitive levels, limited variation in enemy types and environments, and a lack of meaningful upgrades or level variations. The clash between the roguelike elements and the narrative or action-oriented gameplay is also highlighted as a negative aspect. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Hellboy: Web of Wyrd has some replay value, but it is limited. The game's roguelike structure and the ability to buy upgrades provide some incentive for replaying, especially for existing fans of the Hellboy franchise. However, the lack of variety, challenge, and mechanical depth hinder the overall replayability of the game. Critics like Gamer Escape and Worth Playing mention flaws such as the lack of variety in weapons and charms, as well as the repetitive nature of the game. While there are positive aspects to the replay value, the negative aspects outweigh them, resulting in a mixed reception among the critics.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. Some praise its roguelike elements and upgrades, while others criticize its lack of variety and depth. Overall, the game offers some replayability for fans of the franchise, but its limitations may deter others.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

74%

Negative (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from critics. Several critics, such as GameSpew and GGRecon, praised the game for its intense and rewarding gameplay, capturing the essence of the Hellboy character and world. They appreciated the strong aesthetic and beautiful art style, which successfully adapted the comic book visuals. The game's narrative coherence with the world created by Mike Mignola was also highlighted as a positive aspect by The Games Machine. Additionally, the game's faithful adaptation of the Hellboy franchise was commended by Gamer Escape and Worth Playing, who mentioned that it provided an entertaining experience for fans. However, there were several criticisms raised by other critics. GamingTrend and Metro GameCentral expressed disappointment in the game's unambitious design, inconsistent mechanics, and wasted potential. They felt that the game failed to realize the potential of its source material and did not reflect a great Hellboy game. PlayStation LifeStyle and Digitally Downloaded criticized the game for its sticky brawling mechanics, repetitive level design, and low difficulty. They felt that the game lacked polish and depth, preventing it from reaching its full potential. Screen Rant also mentioned frustrating mechanics and design issues that plagued the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Hellboy: Web of Wyrd is a game with mixed results. While it impresses as an adaptation of the Hellboy franchise and captures the art style of the comics, it falls short in various aspects. The game's repetitive nature, lack of challenge, and flawed execution were common concerns raised by critics such as Push Square, Game Rant, and ZTGD. These issues prevented the game from realizing its full potential and hindered its replayability. However, it is worth noting that some critics, like Noisy Pixel and TheGamer, mentioned that fans of the Hellboy franchise may still find enjoyment due to their attachment to the source material. In conclusion, Hellboy: Web of Wyrd received a mixed reception from critics. While it garnered praise for its intense gameplay, strong aesthetic, and faithful adaptation of the Hellboy franchise, it also faced criticism for its repetitive nature, lack of challenge, and flawed execution. The game's potential was seen as missed by critics like Gfinity and Hey Poor Player. Overall, the game may appeal to fans of the Hellboy franchise, but it struggles to stand out as a great roguelike brawler due to its design issues and lack of innovation.

TL;DR

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd has received mixed reviews from critics. Praise for its intense gameplay, art style, and faithful adaptation of the Hellboy franchise was balanced by criticism of its repetitive nature, lack of challenge, and flawed execution. While some critics highlighted its strengths, others found it lacking in innovation and polish. The game may still appeal to fans of the franchise, but falls short of being a standout roguelike brawler according to many reviewers.

CRITIK

Reviews

77 reviews found

GGRecon

Oct 19, 2023