Investigative RPG HellSign is coming to Steam early access

I love a bit of cryptozoology. I’d be more than happy to go for a swim to find Nessie or traipse around North America on the hunt for Bigfoot. There’s more than a hint of that in ‘investigative’ action-RPG HellSign, but instead of doing this all in the name of science (or pseudo-science), you’re trying to find ways to murder these monsters. It’s OK, though; they want to murder you too. 

HellSign sees you exploring a monster-infested town, hunting and researching beasties like demonic hounds, giant spiders and spectral horrors in an attempt to find the monster that killed your family. Throw some moaning brothers and a Chevy Impala into the mix and you’d have an episode of Supernatural.

What separates HellSign from other action-RPGs is the aforementioned investigative element. Instead of kicking in doors and blowing away dozens of demons and ghosts with your shotgun, it appears to be considerably more methodical. You’ve got to hunt down the monsters, following clues and tracks and reading books. Research and experience will teach you the best tricks to putting them in the ground.

You can see how that all plays out in a gameplay trailer from earlier in the year, below.

That ghost smashed right through a wall. Rude! The environmental destruction is a nice touch, and hopefully won’t be restricted just to monsters. After all, if a ghost can break down a wall, surely a grenade can? Also worth noting is the interplay between research and your inventory. By selecting the spook, its weaknesses are displayed in your book, accompanied by icons that also appear in your inventory. As you prepare, choosing the right weapons and ammo, they disappear one by one, confirming that you’re ready for the fight. 

It looks quite promising, but a bit unnerving if you, like me, have arachnophobia. 

HellSign is due out on Steam early access on November 7.

Fraser Brown
Online Editor

Fraser is the UK online editor and has actually met The Internet in person. With over a decade of experience, he's been around the block a few times, serving as a freelancer, news editor and prolific reviewer. Strategy games have been a 30-year-long obsession, from tiny RTSs to sprawling political sims, and he never turns down the chance to rave about Total War or Crusader Kings. He's also been known to set up shop in the latest MMO and likes to wind down with an endlessly deep, systemic RPG. These days, when he's not editing, he can usually be found writing features that are 1,000 words too long or talking about his dog. 

Latest in RPG
A close-up of a scared young girl's face as she stumbles through the woods, a crown of twigs and flowers upon her head.
CD Projekt says it's not using generative AI on The Witcher 4 because it's 'quite tricky when it comes to legal IP ownership'
Ciri in The Witcher 4
The Witcher 4 won't be out until sometime in 2027 at the soonest, CD Projekt says
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 characters with their bodies replaced by skeletons, thanks to the KCD2 Skeleton mod.
Here's that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 mod that turns everyone into skeletons you asked for
Ghoul in sunglasses
I'm convinced being a ghoul in Fallout 76 is the best way to vibe in West Virginia, thanks to these powerful perk cards and my new true love: Radiation
A hunter digs in to some delicious dumplings in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Monster Hunter Wilds' first title update is overflowing with new stuff: A long-awaited Grand Hub, Arch-tempered Monsters, Arena Quests, and most importantly, fashion
Lou Graham
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 won't have typical RPG romantic relationships, but it will feature 'romantic feeding'
Latest in News
The snazzy red and black HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless headphones float in a teal void. The microphone is attached to the headset.
The best wireless gaming headset is now even better in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, boasting a more than $50 discount
A chip being held up in an Intel fab
Intel is reportedly 'working to finalize commitments from Nvidia' as a foundry partner, suggesting gaming potential for the 18A node
Amazon box
Don't panic! The 'Do Not Send Voice Recordings' option Amazon just removed was only used by 0.03% of customers and they can still have it
Digital generated image of people surrounded by interactive transparent and glowing panels with data. Visualising smart technology, blockchain and artificial intelligence
Now I shall demand the cookies! Proposed new browsing agreement turns the tables and lets users dictate terms to websites
Intel CEO, Pat Gelsinger, with a 18A SRAM test wafer
Former Intel CEO, Pat Gelsinger becomes executive chairman of a 'Technology Platform Connecting the Faith Ecosystem' to work on Christian AI using DeepSeek
Assassin's Creed Shadows immersive mode - Naoe holding a tanto in her hand as two guards fall to the ground behind her.
Assassin's Creed Shadows' first hotfix addresses stability issues and a photo mode crash