Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival Review

Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival puts players in the virtual boots of Aidan Lynch who must use the the Genesis Configuration, a mysterious puzzle box, to save his beloved Sunny from the Labyrinth. After a night of debauchery, Aidan and Sunny opened the gates of hell by using the the Genesis Configuration, and Pinhead and friends took Sunny away from our protagonist.

Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is a first person survival horror game with a healthy mix of action and stealth. While you can go guns blazing, some areas will leave the door open for stealth opportunities to take down enemies silently to avoid being overwhelmed. Aidan can run, dodge and slide: all three movements will be a lifesaver throughout different parts of the game.

As you progress through the game, you’ll be able to acquire additional weapons. While you’ll start off with a scalpel (which remains your default weapon instead of your fists and kicks), you’ll find a pistol. And when the shop opens you’ll be able to purchase additional firepower; shotgun, SMG, Revolver and AK47. Some enemies will also drop melee weapons while can others can be found by exploring.

And yes, weapons do break. But thankfully, you’ll find basic and advanced repair kit to prolong the life of your favorite toy. Although, once it breaks, you lose it; you can’t keep it in your inventory and fix it at a later time. You’ll also be able to purchase recipes that will allow you to craft a myriad of items such as ammo for all your weapons, bandages, first aid kit; among others.

Similar to the Silent Hill franchise, players will spend the game jumping between two worlds: the normal world where you’ll take on enemies, find keys and puzzle items to progress forward. And then there’s the Labirynth world where you’ll use need to move around treacherous areas, and use the Genesis Configuration to complete some platform puzzles.

Speaking of the Genesis Configuration, you can also use it in combat. As you progress through the story, you’ll unlock some skills; telekensis to throw specific items, use fire and the might Hellchains. All three of these use the Suffering meter which can be filled up by killing enemies and dishing out damage. While the first two can be used at all times, if you have some Suffering in the metter, the Hellchains can only be triggered once it’s full. This devastating attack will capture and stretch out every cronies on screen; obviously doesn’t work on bosses.

Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival looks great. Both the normal world and the Labyrinth offer two completely unique environments. With its moving parts, it does feel like the Labyrinth is alive. Enemy variety is a bit limited; between skinless walkers and Cultists dressed up in BDSM gear. Bosses are well designed and offer a new glimpse of gore. The voiceover work is absolutely spot-on. Doug Bradley, who played Pinhead in the movies, is back all pined up. Albeit a bit light and forgettable, the soundtrack is enjoyable.

And not everything is perfect in hell. Every melee weapon feels cheap; they don’t take much to break and their longevity doesn’t seem to matter no matter the material; blade, baseball bat. There’s also some repetitive segments; such as being chased by The Chatterer; three times is a bit much. And playing hide and seek with the The Revealer, a.k.a. Leviathan, is incredibly irritating.

Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is easily a contender for my GOTY list. The game is perfectly balanced, combat, while simple, is quite satisfying, the puzzles are enjoyable and the story, while a tad predictable, is really interesting. This game feels a bit like Resident Evil, Silent Hill and Bioshock had a love triangle baby. While they are some sequences that are frustrating, they are far and few between. If you’re a fan of horror games or action game and can tolerate some gore, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is an absolute blast to play.