Metal: Hellsinger

Metal: Hellsinger combines a first-person shooter with a rhythm game, and the result is one of the most distinctive titles of the generation on Xbox Series X|S. In a hellish setting, the player controls the Bride, a cursed being seeking revenge on the Red Judge of Hell, fighting hordes of demons to the rhythm of metal tracks composed for the game by respected heavy metal musicians, including singers from famous bands from around the world. A key element is the so-called combo system tied to the musical beat – the more precisely the player shoots in time with the track, the higher the damage multiplier and the louder the song's vocals become, turning the game into an adrenaline-fueled dance with death and music at once, where hearing becomes just as important as sight.

The weapon arsenal is limited, but each piece is designed to work differently in sync with the rhythm – from revolvers and shotguns to crossbows and even fiery boomerangs that return to your hand after hitting a target. The level design draws on Dante's vision of hell divided into several circles, with each level bringing its own visual motif, musical theme, and a distinctive boss with its own accompanying track composed specifically for that stage of the fight. On Xbox Series X|S the game runs smoothly even in intense battles with dozens of enemies on screen at once, which is absolutely crucial – and technically demanding – for maintaining the game's rhythmic precision.

Critics embraced the game enthusiastically, praising in particular its original genre fusion and high-quality soundtrack, which works on its own as a full-fledged metal album released separately from the game on streaming services. Despite its smaller scope and shorter playtime, Metal: Hellsinger became a cult favorite and an inspiration for other rhythm-action games that tried to replicate the fusion of music and shooting with their own twist and musical style.

Why play it: Thanks to its original fusion of rhythm and shooting and a soundtrack that works as a full-fledged metal album, it's worth your attention despite the shorter playtime.