Looks can mean everything if it means downloading a demo you’ve never heard of based on the artwork alone. To Hell With The Ugly is a complete unknown to me, but the illustrations were so striking, I had to try it out.
This must be what people mean when they say “go with your instincts” as it ended up being a point and click adventure – one of my favourites, as I’m sure you’re well aware. But this isn’t a homage to LucasArts and Sierra, but to the author of the book this is based on, Boris Vian.
Jeitaro
No, I didn’t know who they were either, but judging by the content in the demo, they must ooze cool. That doesn’t sound as ‘cool’ as I thought it’d sound/look. You play Rock Bailey (great name) – a dashing young man who is drugged and kidnapped on a night out. Upon waking, he returns to the scene of the crime to unveil another.
To say that To Hell With The Ugly is super stylish is a huge understatement. The visuals in this game are stellar, and I believe I may actually be in love with the artists who put this together. Despite having the longest legs in showbiz since The Dark Crystal’s landstriders, Rock is a brilliant no-nonsense protagonist.
As a point and click game you’ll retrace his steps from the night before, attempting to get back into the Zooty Slammer Jazz Club. Naturally, you can’t just stride in so have to run a few errands first. This involves collecting items on behalf of another and combining stuff in your inventory.
Jeitaro
What Persona 5 did for in-game menus is replicated in To Hell With The Ugly as it’s just bloody gorgeous. From the wide shots of downtown LA to the close-ups of the orange juice vendor, everything about this game – from the story through to gameplay (did I mention the art?) is wunderbar. But it doesn’t just stop at the point and click.
It took me off guard a little as there’s a turn-based combat side as well. The commands are the same as any other title in that you have submenus of attack and health, and no doubt more in the full game, but the actual fighting relies on a QTE where getting closer to the target will perform more damage/protect Rock from getting hit.
And… there’s also some evidence-based gameplay too. Without giving too much away from the demo, Rock will end up as an amateur detective, picking up clues to then ‘conclude his case’. In this instant, there will be a central verb to whatever noun to help build a sentence that summarises the scene. That sentence could do with some work in itself, but lots to do today and my hands are hurting. Let’s move on.
As I said, I’ve never heard of ARTE France’s adventure, but boy is it good. I’d wager that this is one of my most anticipated point and clicks, along with the likes of Incantamentum and Slender Threads. Wishlist it now, or if you’re reading in time, download the demo.
