Inferno: Deathfield

Inferno: Deathfield is a dark fantasy VR role-playing game that immerses players in a first-person battle to seal the gates of Hell against Lucifer’s demon army. As a chosen warrior, navigate challenging stages, solve puzzles, and use strategic combat skills like Time Slow and Dodge Slow to defeat enemies such as Airdemons, Fallens, Necromancers, and Phlegyas. Experience a compelling storyline in Story Mode or compete globally in Infinite Mode for the top rankings.

Inferno: Deathfield: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Inferno: Deathfield (2018) is a dark fantasy action RPG that dared to bring the intensity of Bloodborne-style combat into the realm of virtual reality. Developed by Framing Inc. and published by YJM Games, this title emerged during the early days of VR gaming, a time when developers were still experimenting with the medium’s potential. Despite its ambitious vision, Inferno: Deathfield remains a niche title, often overlooked in discussions of VR RPGs. This review aims to dissect its strengths, flaws, and legacy, arguing that while it never achieved mainstream success, it offers a unique and challenging experience that deserves recognition.

Development History & Context

Studio and Vision

Framing Inc., a relatively obscure studio, developed Inferno: Deathfield as an HTC VIVE exclusive before its eventual release on Steam in Early Access. The game was designed to capitalize on the growing interest in VR gaming, particularly in immersive action RPGs. The developers drew inspiration from classic dark fantasy themes, blending them with fast-paced combat and puzzle-solving mechanics.

Technological Constraints and Gaming Landscape

Released in January 2018, Inferno: Deathfield entered a market where VR was still finding its footing. The Unreal Engine 4-powered title aimed to deliver high-quality graphics and fluid combat, but the hardware limitations of early VR headsets posed significant challenges. Competitors like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR and Fallout 4 VR dominated the space, offering more polished experiences. Inferno: Deathfield attempted to carve out its niche by focusing on intense, skill-based combat and a darker, more atmospheric setting.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

The game’s narrative revolves around Lucifer’s return from exile, seeking to conquer Hell and unleash his demonic legions upon the world. The player assumes the role of a chosen warrior tasked with sealing the gates of Hell and preventing the apocalypse. The story is told through environmental storytelling and occasional cutscenes, with minimal dialogue to maintain immersion.

Key antagonists include:
– Airdemons: Swift, aerial demons that harass the player in waves.
– The Fallens: Brute-like enemies that rely on sheer strength.
– Necromancers: Spellcasters who summon minions and cast debilitating spells.
– Phlegyas: A boss-like figure serving Lucifer, representing the game’s climactic challenges.

Themes and Tone

Inferno: Deathfield embraces classic dark fantasy tropes, exploring themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The game’s tone is unrelentingly grim, with a focus on survival and perseverance. The lack of a deep character backstory or branching narrative choices keeps the focus on gameplay, which may disappoint players seeking a rich, dialogue-driven experience.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

The game offers two primary modes:
1. Story Mode: A linear campaign where players navigate a maze-like castle, battling demons and solving puzzles to reach the top.
2. Infinite Mode: A survival mode where players face endless waves of enemies, competing for global rankings.

Combat and Progression

Combat is fast-paced and punishing, requiring precise timing and spatial awareness. Players wield swords, crossbows, and shields, with a heavy emphasis on melee combat. The game introduces three key skills:
– Time Slow: Temporarily slows down time, allowing for precise strikes.
– Dodge Slow: Combines dashing with time manipulation for evasive maneuvers.
– Forge Weapon: Enhances weapon damage for a limited time.

Progression is minimal, with no traditional leveling system. Instead, players must master combat mechanics and adapt strategies to overcome increasingly difficult enemies.

UI and Accessibility

The UI is minimalistic, with health and skill indicators appearing only when necessary to avoid breaking immersion. However, this design choice can be frustrating for new players who may struggle to understand the game’s mechanics. The game also lacks tutorials, forcing players to learn through trial and error.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s world is a surreal, gothic nightmare, filled with eerie castles, twisted corridors, and hellish landscapes. The environment is designed to disorient and challenge players, with hidden paths and deadly traps. The lack of traditional waypoints or maps adds to the sense of isolation and danger.

Visual Direction

Inferno: Deathfield leverages Unreal Engine 4 to create detailed, atmospheric visuals. The demon designs are grotesque and imaginative, while the lighting and particle effects enhance the game’s dark aesthetic. However, the performance can be inconsistent, with frame rate drops during intense combat sequences.

Sound Design

The soundtrack is a mix of orchestral and ambient tracks that heighten the game’s tension. Sound effects, such as the clang of metal and demonic roars, are well-implemented, adding to the immersion. The voice acting is sparse but effective, with Lucifer’s menacing presence looming over the narrative.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Inferno: Deathfield received limited critical attention upon release. The few reviews available highlight its challenging combat and atmospheric design but criticize its lack of content and technical issues. The game’s Steam page shows a mixed reception, with a player score of 38/100 based on 8 reviews (as of October 2025).

Influence and Impact

Despite its obscurity, Inferno: Deathfield contributed to the early VR action RPG genre. Its emphasis on skill-based combat and immersive environments influenced later titles like Asgard’s Wrath and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. However, its lack of post-launch support and the abandonment of Early Access development left it as a footnote in VR gaming history.

Conclusion

Inferno: Deathfield is a flawed but ambitious title that pushed the boundaries of VR action RPGs. Its punishing combat, dark atmosphere, and innovative use of time manipulation mechanics make it a unique experience, even if its execution falls short in areas like content depth and polish. While it never achieved mainstream success, it remains a fascinating artifact of early VR development, offering a glimpse into the challenges and creativity of the era.

Final Verdict: A niche but noteworthy entry in VR gaming history, Inferno: Deathfield is worth revisiting for its bold vision, even if it doesn’t stand among the genre’s greats.