Helheim Hassle
Helheim Hassle is a narrative adventure game that is as much about friendship as it is about body parts. From the same universe (and set on the same Tuesday in fact) as previous hit Manual Samuel, comes this macabre adventure where you play as Bjørn, a pacifist Viking who hates the idea of dying and going to Valhalla… who then ends up dying and getting taken to Valhalla. When Bjørn is resurrected to assist with a task for the mysterious Pesto, he sees a way to negotiate his way out. Using Bjørn’s undying corpse with its ability to detach and combine limbs at will, players must solve challenging puzzles and navigate tricky levels in order to retrieve a certain magical item… In return, Pesto will try to grant Bjørn a permanent residence in Helheim – what a hassle!
Steam User 4
Honestly, the name is really apt for this game - it might be fun, but it's a hassle.
Visuals, audio, stupid jokes, everything is great as it was in the previous game, and this feels like another story in the same universe, which was fun.
I've enjoyed it more than not, so i'm recommending it, but there are some flaws that need to be addressed here.
The "player has detachable limbs to solve puzzles with" thing is fun, but the controls here are frustrating even after getting used to them, and that's not great since there are a ton of puzzles you have to go trough, and the timed ones are a real hassle. There is a single point save here, so if you messed up something before, well you better start the game over since there is nothing to load.
It also feels like there are two ways to play the game - do the bare minimum and get trough the story, or do pretty much everything, and both of these have problems. In the minimum route, everything is pretty ok until the the end, and then you have to deal with one of the most annoying "last fights" i have ever seen, since the controls are a hassle, and the fight is a series of timed puzzles.
And the other route is getting pretty much everything, since items use moon logic (the thing where can't logically deduce what the item is used for), and most quests require items or stuff from completing other quests, so if you miss one thing, you might get locked out of a bunch of other stuff. The absolute worst are two things that you can miss in the prologue (which you can't go back to) that lock you out from like a third of the content.
And, even with "upgrades" and stuff you get from being a bit of a completionist, the last fight is still frustrating.
You need to be a particular type of person to enjoy this game, and I'm kinda that, so i kinda liked it, but if you thing you're not, either don't bother or use a guide.
Steam User 3
Hellheim Hassle is such a fun and creative game! It reminded me a lot of Monkey Island with its humor, quirky characters, and clever puzzles. The gameplay is unique and keeps you thinking, and the story had me hooked. Definitely worth playing if you enjoy a good laugh and classic adventure vibes!
Steam User 3
Loved the storyline. A unique and interesting game!
Steam User 3
Great game. Don't think it got enough attention. Maybe these guys should have made a cartoon show/movie instead. Its best to be bad, its funnier. Last boss was a bit of a pain but its a last boss. What does feel hard is 100%ing this one. Can't believe Balder and Ramsey didn't get their own card.
Steam User 1
Helheim Hassle, created by Perfectly Paranormal and released by Yogscast Games, is an inventive puzzle platformer that merges quirky humor with Norse mythology, offering a gameplay experience that is both challenging and comically engaging. Players step into the shoes of Bjørn, a reluctant Viking who dies prematurely and finds himself in Valhalla—a warrior’s paradise he has no interest in joining. This unconventional premise sets the tone for the game, establishing a playful yet darkly humorous narrative that unfolds throughout Bjørn’s unusual afterlife journey. The story cleverly balances mythological references with absurd comedy, presenting familiar Viking lore through a satirical lens that keeps the tone light even amid complex puzzles.
The gameplay revolves around Bjørn’s unique ability to detach and control his limbs independently. This mechanic transforms the platforming experience into a puzzle-solving exercise, where players must strategically manipulate arms and legs to reach new areas, trigger switches, or navigate tricky terrain. Each level introduces increasingly complex scenarios that demand both creativity and patience, making experimentation an essential part of the experience. While the controls are generally intuitive, certain segments require precise timing and spatial awareness, which can occasionally feel challenging but ultimately rewarding once mastered. This combination of ingenuity and skill-based execution makes the game stand out among conventional platformers.
Visually, Helheim Hassle is distinguished by its charming hand-drawn art style. Each area of the game is carefully crafted with vibrant colors and imaginative designs that reflect the whimsical yet eerie qualities of the afterlife. Environments vary from serene, ethereal landscapes to grotesque and bizarre realms, giving players a constant sense of visual novelty. The character designs are equally compelling, portraying an array of eccentric personalities that enhance the storytelling while providing comic relief. The visual style reinforces the game’s tone, blending the mythic with the absurd in a way that feels cohesive and engaging.
The audio design complements the visuals and gameplay effectively. A dynamic soundtrack alternates between playful melodies and atmospheric tracks that align with the mood of each level, helping to immerse players in the world. Sound effects are deliberately exaggerated, particularly for limb movements and environmental interactions, heightening the comedic impact while reinforcing gameplay cues. The voice acting further enriches the experience, with each character delivering dialogue that captures their personality and amplifies the humor inherent in the narrative. This strong audio-visual synergy contributes to an experience that is both entertaining and memorable.
While the game excels in creativity and humor, it is not without minor drawbacks. Some players have reported occasional glitches or awkward interactions due to the complexity of the limb mechanics, which can temporarily disrupt the flow of gameplay. Additionally, the learning curve associated with mastering the detachment and reattachment of limbs may challenge those expecting a more traditional platformer. However, these issues are relatively minor in the context of the game’s overall design and do little to diminish its charm or appeal.
In summary, Helheim Hassle is a cleverly designed puzzle platformer that combines innovative mechanics, imaginative visuals, and sharp comedic writing to create a unique gaming experience. Its focus on limb-based puzzles challenges players to think creatively while maintaining a lighthearted, satirical tone that sets it apart from conventional platformers. Despite minor technical hiccups, the game delivers an engaging and memorable journey through a fantastical afterlife, offering both humor and clever gameplay in equal measure. It stands as a testament to Perfectly Paranormal’s talent for crafting distinctive and enjoyable titles that defy genre expectations.
Rating: 9/10
Steam User 1
This is a very cute and creative puzzle game. There's a good sense of humor throughout, and they come up with a lot of creative ways to require different body parts to interact with puzzle elements.
Steam User 0
Historia divertidisima, con un doblaje (en inglés) magnífico.
Los puzzles en general están bien, aunque se hacen un poco cansinos en algunas ocasiones, y hay algunos tramos donde te dan poco tiempo para hacer algunos puzzles y el juego no está diseñado para eso.
Pero su sentido del humor y sus personajes estrafalarios lo hacen un muy buen juego, incluso si no te gustan mucho los puzzles.