Hell Pieis a crass 3D platformer that released last year to mixed reviews, but fans ofConker’s Bad Fur DayandSuper Mario Sunshineshould be sure to play it as soon as they can.Hell Piewas first released in 2022for various platforms, putting players in the role of a demon who traverses a variety of worlds in search of disgusting ingredients to make a pie for Satan’s birthday. The game is unapologetically absurd, and its sense of humor should be immediately familiar to those who enjoyed Rare’s classic Nintendo 64 gameConker’s Bad Fur Day.
3D platformersare usually marketed to children, and as a result, they are typically family-friendly affairs. That’s whyConker’s Bad Fur Dayturned so many heads back in the day.Conker’s Bad Fur Dayhad over-the-top violence, swearing, alcohol, and even a giant pile of singing poo as one of its boss fights. The game was extremely inappropriate, but that was its charm, and it’s what helped it stand out from the sea of other 3D platformers that hit the market in the wake ofSuper Mario 64.
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Hell Piefollows inConker’s Bad Fur Day’s footsteps with its humor. The game even has players going toe-to-toe with anthropomorphic feces.Hell Piepushes the envelope when it comes to toilet humor, but it also has some smarter sight gags and funny references that should have wider appeal.
Not only doesHell Piehave seriousConker’s Bad Fur Dayvibes, but it also is oddly reminiscent ofSuper Mario Sunshine. The NPCs players interact with in the game are not unlike the characters players can talk to inSuper Mario Sunshine. The level design andart style brings to mindSuper Mario Sunshineas well, with a beach level that wouldn’t look out of place in Mario’s famous GameCube adventure at all.
Hell Piehas players exploring hub worlds that are filled with the ingredients that serve as the game’s primary collectible, but there are levels within these hub worlds as well. Not only that, but there are challenge stages that test players' platforming skills and push them to the limit. Thesestandalone stages also call to mindSuper Mario Sunshine, which offered similar standalone, platforming-focused levels to go with its larger hub world exploration.
While it clearly takes inspiration from classic 3D platformers,Hell Piealso manages to carve out a distinct identity of its own. It has a unique grappling hook mechanic that lets players swing across gaps, with new skills purchasable that increase players' platforming options that much further. The game’s mixed reviews seem to mainly be due to technical issues with theNintendo Switch port, so those playing on other platforms should have a better experience.
Hell Pieis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
