Instal Hell is Other Demons

As a self-proclaimed metalhead, I've always been drawn to the genre's intense energy and unapologetic attitude. The visual aesthetic of metal, however, has never held the same allure for me as the music itself. Metal: Hellsinger, unfortunately, leans heavily into the predictably hellish direction that I find less appealing. Despite this, the game still manages to evoke a sense of nostalgia within me.

Growing up, my musical tastes were shaped by bands like Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium. As I entered adulthood, my love for metal only deepened, with bands like Periphery becoming staples in my music rotation. During this time, I also discovered the joy of playing guitar, teaching myself riffs via online tablatures and honing my skills through practice.

My fascination with metal wasn't limited to its music, either. I was particularly drawn to the satanic imagery that often accompanied it – think devil horns and parodically evil iconography a la Tenacious D's 'Beelzebub: The Final Showdown.' This fascination has stuck with me even as my tastes have evolved over the years.

It wasn't until Metal: Hellsinger was announced, however, that I found myself genuinely excited about a first-person shooter. The game's unique blend of heavy metal and demon-slaying seemed like the perfect fusion of my two passions. After downloading the demo and replaying it multiple times prior to the full release in September, I was eager to dive in.

Unfortunately, after two play sessions, I've exhausted all that Metal: Hellsinger has to offer – and I can't help but feel disappointed. It's as if the game is missing something crucial, leaving me wondering what could have been with a bit more development. Despite this, my initial excitement remains, and I'm left hoping that future updates will breathe new life into this promising but ultimately underwhelming experience.