Beyond Hanwell

Beyond Hanwell is a psychological survival-horror game set after the events of ‘Welcome to Hanwell,’ plunging players into a nightmarish version of London and Westminster. As a first-person nonlinear experience, you must scavenge for resources, wield makeshift weapons, and confront vicious anomalies while uncovering the secrets of the enigmatic figure known as The Director. Developed by Steel Arts Software, the game blends tense exploration, scarce combat resources, and branching paths to deliver a story-driven horror experience reminiscent of classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill.

Beyond Hanwell: Review

Beyond Hanwell is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, a game that transcends its indie origins to deliver an experience that rivals the best in the genre. Developed and published by Steel Arts Software, this first-person survival horror title takes players on a harrowing journey through the desolate streets of Westminster, London. Set in the aftermath of the studio’s previous game, Welcome to Hanwell, Beyond Hanwell expands on its predecessor’s strengths, offering a richly detailed world filled with suspense, tension, and a deep sense of foreboding. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and critical reception, providing a comprehensive analysis of what makes Beyond Hanwell a standout title in the horror genre.

Development History & Context

Steel Arts Software, founded in 2015, entered the gaming industry in 2017 with a clear vision to create atmospheric horror experiences. Beyond Hanwell is the studio’s second major release, following the critically acclaimed Welcome to Hanwell. The game was developed using Unreal Engine 5, a choice that allowed the developers to push the boundaries of graphical fidelity and environmental storytelling.

The gaming landscape in 2024 was dominated by high-budget AAA titles and a resurgence of interest in classic survival horror games. Beyond Hanwell emerged in this context, aiming to carve out a niche for itself by focusing on immersive storytelling and a deep sense of atmosphere. The game’s development was marked by a commitment to realism, with the studio meticulously recreating the streets of Westminster and the eerie underground stations of London.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Beyond Hanwell picks up where Welcome to Hanwell left off, with the protagonist emerging from a dark, photorealistic London Underground station. The narrative is centered around uncovering the truth behind the enigmatic “Director,” a figure whose presence blankets the city in an unsettling silence. Players must navigate the shadowy, desolate streets of Westminster, unraveling the mysterious secrets of the figure pulling the strings from the shadows.

The game’s narrative is non-linear, allowing players the freedom to explore the environment at will. This approach is facilitated by an innovative, fully three-dimensional map that meticulously scales every building, corner, and even tree within the game’s boundaries. This map not only provides precise spatial awareness but also encourages players to investigate every corner and interior space, as behind every door lies a story worth experiencing.

The game’s themes revolve around isolation, paranoia, and the unknown. The Director’s influence is felt throughout the game, creating a sense of constant surveillance and dread. The Anomalies, the game’s primary antagonists, are manifestations of this influence, lurking around every corner and ready to confront the player. The narrative is rich with lore and secrets, encouraging players to delve deep into the game’s world and uncover its hidden truths.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Beyond Hanwell masterfully blends survival horror with action, featuring a dual-command melee combat system that allows for fluid and intense combos. Firearms are scarce, encouraging tactical resource management. Players can alternate between a pistol and a rifle, using them sparingly and strategically. The game’s combat system is further enhanced by the ability to exploit the environment, crafting mines, explosives, and Molotov cocktails to tackle the Anomalies.

The game’s UI is minimalist, with the developers boldly removing the HUD entirely to heighten immersion. This decision forces players to rely on their surroundings and the environment to gauge their health, weapon status, and other vital information. The absence of a HUD also means that players must pay close attention to their surroundings, adding an extra layer of tension and suspense.

The game’s core gameplay loop revolves around exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Players must scavenge for supplies, weapons, and ammunition, using them to survive the ever-increasing scourge of Anomalies. The game’s non-linear structure allows for multiple playthroughs, with each run offering a unique experience based on the player’s choices and actions.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Beyond Hanwell is a visual marvel, with the Unreal Engine 5 rendering exquisitely detailed environments and evocative atmospheric lighting. The game’s art direction weaves a chilling tapestry of gothic and dystopian aesthetics, casting London in a bleak, crumbling light. Every architectural detail is meticulously crafted, reflecting the studio’s deeply rooted British identity.

The game’s sound design is equally impressive, with ambient effects that significantly deepen immersion. James Elsey, the game’s sound designer, harnesses electro-acoustic instruments to create haunting and evocative soundscapes. The ethereal vocals of Shila Vikström further enrich the game’s atmosphere, amplifying the pervasive sense of dread and terror.

The game’s world is dense, detailed, and atmospheric, with each location offering a unique set of challenges and secrets. The streets of Westminster are filled with lore and hidden stories, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny. The game’s use of dynamic weather and lighting further enhances the sense of immersion, with rain, fog, and biting winds adding to the overall atmosphere of dread.

Reception & Legacy

Beyond Hanwell has generally received positive reviews, with critics praising the game’s immersive atmosphere, art direction, and narrative depth. On PlayStation 5, the game holds an average rating of 4.51 out of 5 stars based on 176 user ratings, while on Steam, it boasts a solid 76.76% approval rating from 39 reviews. Critics have noted occasional technical glitches and a certain degree of repetitiveness, but these issues do not detract from the overall experience.

The game’s legacy is already being felt in the industry, with other developers taking note of its innovative approach to survival horror. The game’s use of a non-linear narrative, minimalist UI, and environmental storytelling has set a new standard for the genre, inspiring other developers to push the boundaries of what is possible in survival horror games.

Conclusion

Beyond Hanwell is a standout title in the survival horror genre, offering a richly detailed world filled with suspense, tension, and a deep sense of foreboding. The game’s innovative approach to narrative, gameplay, and world-building sets it apart from its peers, making it a must-play for fans of the genre. Despite occasional technical issues, the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy addition to any horror enthusiast’s library.

In conclusion, Beyond Hanwell is a testament to the power of atmospheric storytelling and immersive gameplay. Its place in video game history is secure, and its influence on the genre will be felt for years to come. For those seeking a truly terrifying and engaging horror experience, Beyond Hanwell is an absolute must-play.