Rating Curve

A classic 1.9 banger

S3rios's review of Bloodbath mentions that it would've been a lot better if the multi-colored and better paced Cataclysm had been the formula to follow when it came to hell-themed levels rather than the monochrome red that Bloodbath inspired. Well, here you go; according to Ggb0y, this is the intended sequel to Cataclysm, and you see a lot of Cataclysm DNA in a few parts, specifically in the gameplay department. Sadly, Manix and BIANOX's work in the decoration department leaves so, so much to be desired. You know how Cataclysm uses a variety of warm shades in different parts? Well, Infernal Abyss is just orange. Real nice work guys.

Even if you change the inspiration, I don't think that the trend of hell levels would magically get better; these creators lacked a lot of the skills to pull stuff like this off, to properly analyze what made Cataclysm so good and emulate that success in their own work. It's why hell themed extreme demons have become nigh unbearable in the community, because we're seeing faulty copies of faulty copies that further saturate the trend with worse and worse levels. This level stands at a point where the hell theme was not as set in stone as it is today, and it shows that if that standard had been continued, it would likely end up only marginally different than our current reality.

Grax is sadly moving like Celtics-era Shaq in 2.2. Hoping that they start picking it up with their next levels. I think there is a lot of potential for Grax to make another work on the same level as Broken Signal but I think this more cinematic approach is not how you do it- the gameplay has to be more prioritized.

This level always keeps you on your toes; it's such a delicious charcuterie board of ideas, all with the through-line of a computer malfunctioning due to overheating and improper use. Self-destructive is a good way to describe this level, as it feels like it's barely holding itself together, but I think that's what works so well for it- it's chaos contained in a single level.

If the second half was any better this would be pretty peak. I desperately wish we saw Ggb0y and xcy7 create more in 2.1.