In a genre overflowing with charming indies and nostalgic throwbacks, Kick’n Hell by Fire Foot Studios dares to punch you square in the soul. This isn’t your average platformer. It’s a violent ballet of boots and fury, a game where your only weapon is your foot and the only rule is survival. It’s a precision 3D platformer with no hand-holding, no mercy, and no quit. If that sounds like your idea of fun, you’re in for one hell of a ride.
Welcome to Hell, Literally
Kick’n Hell doesn’t waste time on a long-winded introduction. You’re dropped straight into the inferno, armed with nothing but the power of a martial artist’s legendary foot. Satan mocks your every failure from afar as you attempt to climb through increasingly punishing levels in your journey to reach and ultimately kick the devil himself. The story isn’t front and center here, but there’s enough cryptic dialogue, taunting skeletons, and eerie lore bites to keep the atmosphere thick and intriguing.
One Button, Infinite Rage
The main mechanic? Kicking. That’s it. But the execution is deceptively deep. Every kick propels you through the air, and mastering this movement is the core of the experience. You kick brains, skeletons, snakes, and just about anything else that crosses your path – sometimes for combat, but primarily for propulsion.
Each stage is built vertically, and one nasty kick can send you plummeting back to where you started. There are no save points mid-jump. You either make it or you don’t. And while it sounds brutal (and it is), the reward for nailing a complex chain of kicks and sticking the landing is euphoric. It’s a raw, skill-based system that demands focus and punishes impatience.
Combat With a Twist
Combat is integrated into the platforming rather than existing as a standalone feature. Enemies serve as both hazards and mobility tools. You might kick a skeleton into lava or use its body as a launch pad. It creates a fluid dance of violence and movement. Occasionally, the combat can feel unfair, like when a rogue enemy barely touches you and you’re sent tumbling 10 minutes backwards. But those moments are rare, and they rarely think cheap enough to ruin the experience.
Chi Energy and Mastery
Scattered across the game are glowing Chi-energy collectibles. Grabbing these unlocks martial artist traits and passive bonuses that help slightly soften the harshness of hell. These pickups feel meaningful to players who explore or nail challenging paths. They add a subtle layer of progression without undermining the game’s punishing spirit.
Retro Vibes With Hellish Charm
Kick’n Hell rocks a distinct retro-pixelated 3D aesthetic that calls back to N64-era design while still feeling fresh. The environments are nightmarish yet oddly beautiful, with glowing hellscapes, crumbling platforms, and haunting backdrops. Each section of the climb feels distinct, and there’s a great sense of vertical scale. Looking up to see how far you still have to go is equal parts awe-inspiring and soul-crushing.
Sound Design That Strikes a Chord
The soundtrack is a gothic-electronic blend of choirs, ambient tension, and head-nodding beats. It captures the vibe of demonic ascent perfectly, elevating the gameplay without distracting from it. The sound effects pack a punch, especially the guttural thuds of successful kicks and the eerie moans of enemies. The whole audio package pulls its weight and then some.
Harsh But Fair—Mostly
Kick’n Hell is not for everyone. If you dislike punishing games that require near-perfect precision, it might drive you mad. The lack of frequent checkpoints means a single mistake can undo long stretches of progress, and for some, that’s going to feel like a dealbreaker. But for others, it’s precisely what they want: high stakes, no excuses.
What stands out most is how well the mechanics support the game’s tone. You’re not just in hell; you’re fighting it every step of the way. Every slip, every kick, every near-miss feels like part of the challenge.
Pros:
- Unique movement system built entirely around kicking
- Beautiful retro-inspired visuals
- Satisfying challenge and high replay value
- Killer soundtrack and immersive atmosphere
Cons:
- Very sparse checkpoints can feel punishing
- Occasional unfair enemy placements
- Limited narrative depth
Kick'n Hell: Kick’n Hell is a tight, focused, and furious platformer that trades hand-holding for harsh lessons and big payoffs. With its unique kick-based locomotion, brutal difficulty, and beautifully crafted pixel hellscapes, it stands out as one of the more memorable indie releases this year. It might frustrate you. It might break you. But when you finally kick your way to the top and stare down Satan, it’ll all be worth it. – ColdMoon
