Hevn

Hevn is a first-person sci-fi survival thriller set in the early 22nd century on the distant planetoid Naic, where humanity mines the vital element Soviten. Players take on the role of Sebastian Mar, a colonist for the powerful Nomoni Conglomerate, who awakens to find the mining outpost ravaged and the crew missing. Stranded and alone, Sebastian must navigate malfunctioning systems, hostile alien creatures, and environmental hazards while managing his nutrition, sanity, and stamina. Through scattered logs and clues, he uncovers corporate secrets and fights to escape the lethal expanse of Naic before it claims him too.

Hevn: Review

Hevn is a game that has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, despite its relatively modest scale. Developed by the independent studio Miga, Hevn is a first-person adventure set on the desolate planetoid Naic, where the player takes on the role of Sebastian Mar, a mining engineer who wakes up to find his colleagues missing and the facility in disarray. The game’s blend of exploration, survival, and narrative depth makes it a standout title in the sci-fi genre. This review will delve into the various aspects of Hevn, from its development history to its reception and legacy, providing a comprehensive analysis of what makes this game unique.

Development History & Context

Miga, the studio behind Hevn, is a small but ambitious team that set out to create an immersive sci-fi experience. The developers drew inspiration from classic immersive simulations such as System Shock and Deus Ex, aiming to blend exploration, survival, and narrative elements into a cohesive whole. The game was developed using the Unity engine, which allowed the team to focus on creating a rich and interactive world without being bogged down by technical limitations.

The gaming landscape in 2018 was dominated by large-scale AAA titles, but there was also a growing appreciation for indie games that offered unique and innovative experiences. Hevn was released on September 24, 2018, during a time when players were increasingly looking for games that offered deep storytelling and immersive environments. The game’s release on Steam and Itch.io allowed it to reach a broader audience, and its unique blend of genres helped it stand out in a crowded market.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Hevn is set in the early 22nd century, a time when humanity has managed to overcome the carnage of the preceding century. The discovery of an element called Soviten on the distant planetoid Naic has helped to drive technological progress and economic growth. Sebastian Mar, the protagonist, is one of the colonists selected by the Nomoni Conglomerate for mining expeditions on Naic. However, he wakes up to find the colony ravaged and his colleagues missing, setting the stage for a desperate struggle for survival.

The narrative of Hevn is delivered through a combination of voice-acting, environmental storytelling, and collectible logs and journals. The game’s themes revolve around survival, corporate greed, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement. The story is told through the eyes of Sebastian, who must navigate the physical and political dangers of the Nomoni Mining Facility while unraveling the mystery of what happened to his colleagues.

One of the game’s standout features is its use of environmental storytelling. The world of Naic is filled with clues and hints that help to flesh out the game’s lore and backstory. Players can explore the facility, reading logs and journals left behind by the missing colonists, and uncovering the dark secrets of the Nomoni Conglomerate. This approach to storytelling allows players to piece together the narrative at their own pace, adding a layer of depth and immersion to the game.

The characters in Hevn are well-developed, with Sebastian Mar serving as the game’s protagonist. His journey is one of discovery and survival, as he struggles to uncover the truth about the events on Naic. Edna, Sebastian’s colleague and the only other known survivor, serves as a guide and ally, providing valuable information and support throughout the game. The dialogue between the characters is well-written and adds depth to the game’s narrative.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Hevn is a first-person adventure game that combines elements of exploration, survival, and combat. The game’s core gameplay loop revolves around exploring the Nomoni Mining Facility, gathering resources, and solving puzzles. Players must manage their health, fatigue, and mental state to survive the harsh conditions of Naic.

One of the game’s unique mechanics is the “Time Well,” which allows players to stop time and incrementally move it forward during combat or puzzles. This mechanic adds a strategic layer to the game, allowing players to plan their actions carefully and avoid dangerous situations. The “Investigation Implant” is another key feature, allowing players to highlight useful objects and find important Data Packet Terminals.

Combat in Hevn is a mix of stealth and direct confrontation. Players can use a variety of weapons and tools to take down hostile life forms and droid robots. The game’s combat system is designed to be challenging but fair, with enemies that require strategy and skill to defeat. The “Anti-Gravity” zones created by Processed Soviten add an extra layer of complexity to the game’s puzzles, requiring players to think creatively to solve them.

The game’s UI is clean and intuitive, with a mini-map that outlines important locations and a health meter that tracks the player’s condition. The “Player Modules” provide deeper statistics about the player’s health, combat skills, and the nearby area, adding a layer of depth to the game’s mechanics. The “Tension” mechanic, which races against time before the hacker Daedalus discovers Edna’s location, adds a sense of urgency and danger to the game.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The world of Hevn is a desolate and dangerous place, filled with the remnants of a once-thriving mining operation. The art direction is gritty and realistic, with a color palette that emphasizes the harsh conditions of Naic. The facility is filled with detailed environments, from the crumbling corridors of the mining operation to the vast, open plains of the planetoid’s surface.

The sound design in Hevn is exceptional, with a mix of ambient sounds and voice-acting that immerses the player in the game’s world. The voice-acting is top-notch, with performances that bring the characters to life. The game’s soundtrack is a mix of electronic and orchestral music, adding to the game’s atmosphere and tension.

The game’s atmosphere is one of its strongest points, with a sense of isolation and danger that permeates every aspect of the experience. The world of Naic is a living, breathing entity, with a day-night cycle and dynamic weather that affects gameplay. The game’s use of lighting and shadows adds to its immersive quality, creating a sense of depth and realism.

Reception & Legacy

Hevn received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics praising its atmosphere and narrative depth but criticizing its technical issues and clunky gameplay mechanics. The game’s Steam page shows a “Mostly Negative” rating, with players citing bugs, performance issues, and a lack of polish as major drawbacks. However, the game has also garnered a dedicated following, with fans appreciating its unique blend of genres and immersive world-building.

Despite its mixed reception, Hevn has left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. The game’s use of environmental storytelling and its focus on exploration and survival have influenced subsequent titles in the sci-fi genre. The game’s legacy can be seen in the growing appreciation for indie games that offer unique and innovative experiences, as well as in the continued development of immersive simulations that blend exploration, survival, and narrative elements.

Conclusion

Hevn is a game that defies easy categorization, blending elements of exploration, survival, and narrative depth into a cohesive and immersive experience. Its unique mechanics, such as the “Time Well” and “Investigation Implant,” add a layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay, while its gritty art direction and exceptional sound design create a world that is both beautiful and dangerous. Despite its technical issues and mixed reception, Hevn has left a lasting impact on the gaming industry, influencing subsequent titles and contributing to the growing appreciation for indie games. In the annals of video game history, Hevn stands as a testament to the power of independent development and the potential of immersive simulations to captivate and inspire players.