Preview: Hellboy: The Science of Evil (PSP, PS3, X360)

The cynical red action hero is on his way to the video game format. We take a first look at the Australian developed Hellboy: The Science of Evil.

Growing up with Image & Marvel comics, I’ve found that like a lot of geeks I spend a lot of time in the comic world. So when I got the chance to sit down with a preview for Hellboy: The Science of Evil, I jumped at it.

So how is it? Well without trying to sound like too much of a review, it looks like Krome have done a relatively decent review. While some parts of the game felt like they needed polishing, Hellboy’s first video game outing seems like it’ll be a successful one.

Playing out a bit like God of War, you’ll find it’s quite easy to get into button mashing your way to cynical red victory. Graphically, Hellboy has a nice feel with character design looking like it’s been inspired by the Mike Magola comics. That works well with the story and the celebrity voice actors. That’s right, you’ll actually be listening to Ron Perlman as he is in the Hellboy films.

While the graphics and sound are shaping up to be good setting a creepy yet fun & quirky mood for the rest of the game, some of the level design makes me wonder whether The Science of Evil will be fun and not repetitive. Already after playing for around an hour, I found my attention wavering as the gameplay was merely level after level of the same monsters being beaten around again and again. Likewise, animations of Hellboy bashing into places seem like they’re over-used far too often.

That said, it’s still a lot of fun. From what I’m seeing, Hellboy: The Science of Evil doesn’t bring a whole lot that’s new to the gaming table, but for fans of the comic & movies, it will be a great title to take a look at.

Developer: Krome Studios
Publisher: Konami (Atari in Australia)
Classification: M
Released: August 22, 2008
Formats: PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
URL: Hellboy: The Science of Evil

Previewed by Leigh D. Stark

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