Oh, the sweet suffering. I didn’t expect to be playing this game. With Halloween around the corner, most horror fans are hyped for seasonal movies, not games. Between a full-time schedule and the terrifying experience of Arc Raiders and some failed Destiny 2 matchups, I figured I’d had my share of fear.

Then, on a whim, I saw an incredible trailer for Hellraiser: Revival. As a longtime horror buff, Hellraiser fan, and writer, practically raised on these films, I couldn’t resist its sweet temptations. I bought the game.

After one of the most explicit opening scenes I’ve witnessed in gaming, Revival drops you into its first challenge. It isn’t much, and I won’t spoil anything, but I can think of a million positions I’d rather be in than the one protagonist Aidan finds himself in. So far, the game hasn’t disappointed, though I’m only about 40 minutes in and had to redo a few sequences after dying. I’ll also admit I know nothing about Saber Interactive as a studio.

That said, I find it interesting. It adds much-needed layers to the Hellraiser universe for those familiar with it, offering a fresh look at the world Clive Barker created. It even settles a question I always joked about: whether they’re “Xenobites,” as I call them, or “Cenobites,” as the game’s NPCs say.

A few pointers for the opening stretch

There are a few stealth segments, and one in particular will throw players off: the room with three cultists (“Marlowe will know the way”). If you’re playing on hard like me, it’s best to work up the courage to take them down with stealth. My approach was to sneak past, take out the other enemies first, then circle back for the three. Doing this sets you up for an easier time in a couple of later encounters.

Controls and what’s ahead

So far, the controls don’t feel especially immersive. I haven’t reached the vendor yet. For many players, a vendor offers relief from what can be considered stale elements that turn gamers off. I haven’t seen much of the deeper story, but I expect to be chased a few more times, and from the trailers I’d guess combat beefs up a little.

Verdict (so far)

I hope to be satisfied, since I’ve already bought it. If you’re simply into horror, you may want to rent this one. But if you’re a true fan of the series and have the spare $40 for the standard edition, it may be worth the buy.