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Written by: Ian R. Betts
Publisher: MadMind Games
Developer: MadMind games
Platforms: PS4 (Reviewed) & Xbox One
Price: £34.99
Release Date: Out Now

Video game developer MadMind games funded for a Kickstarter project in late 2016 to create a game set in Hell. Also the promise of a game so brutal, and savage, that only adults could play. Fortunately enough money was raised, unfortunately PEGI refused to rate the game, so Agony, was slightly dumbed down to get a release. Agony is set in the realms of Hell, and you basically travel through Hell, solving puzzles, finding objects, meeting weird characters, and defeating Demons.

Sounds good so far. Unfortunately that’s about as exciting, and interesting as it gets. The first thing you will notice, is that it is incredibly dark, and you will struggle to see where you are supposed to be heading. So much so, the development team added a help feature, by pressing L2 on your DualShock pad, a bright blue light will tell you where to travel next. Graphically, the game is poor. Whilst I understand the game is set in a dull location, and made on a budget, having last gen graphics isn’t good enough.

That said, the imagery is truly horrific, in a good way. Blood dripping off impaled corpses, lots of Demonic symbols, and a really good Hellish vibe, does make you feel as if you are in Hell. It’s biggest drawback however is the gameplay. It’s a monotonous mixture of find an item, open door, wonder around a maze, hide from a Demon and repeat. Over and over and over again.

Another disappointment is the complete lack of help. In that the game rarely tells you what you can do. Finding a shrivelled up woman in a door apparently saves your game. But only three times. I could only save my game once with her though??? Other things like Demon possession, whilst a great idea, is poorly explained. The story is rather none descript. You play as the Red Goddess, trying to escape Hell. However, Baphomet, The Demon King won’t let you. That’s about it.

Overall, its not all bad. Wandering around the horrific world is interesting enough. The blood and gore, and the odd bit of nudity is actually quite funny, rather than scary. The game is only around 10 hours long. But once completed, there’s very little to go back to do or see. If you are interested in Devil worship, cults, Black Magic, and enjoyed games like Shadowman on the Sega Dreamcast, or Legacy of Kain on the PS1, then there should be enough here to keep you entertained. Otherwise, it may be best to play this when it’s on a sale.

Overall
A unique but rather dull gaming experience which will leave Devil worshippers lapping it up, and everyone else in agony.
What’s Hot
Superb and unique environment.
Blood, gore, and plenty of demonic activity.
A tough challenge.
What’s Cold
Graphically weak.
Generic gameplay.
Very repetitive at times.