Hellish Quart Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-03-26
  • Physics-based combat system and enjoyable combat.
  • Realistic sword fighting mechanics and historical accuracy.
  • Variety of characters and fighting styles.
  • Incomplete story mode and no online multiplayer.
  • Game feels janky with hit registration issues.
  • Complex controls and insufficient tutorial.
Hellish Quart header

Emotions

Archetypes

What players like:

Common complaints:

Gameplay feedback:

Performance notes:

Recommendations:

Other player notes:

Review evidence

Why players say this

What players like

Realistic sword fighting mechanics: The game is praised for its highly realistic and historically accurate sword fighting mechanics. Players appreciate the physics-based combat and the authentic representation of fencing techniques.

Intuitive and enjoyable combat system: The combat system is noted for being intuitive and enjoyable. Players find the controls natural and the combat mechanics realistic and satisfying.

Historical accuracy and realism: The game is commended for its commitment to historical accuracy, including realistic gear, techniques, and character designs. This adds to the immersive experience.

Variety of characters and fighting styles: The game offers a diverse cast of characters, each with unique fighting styles and weapons. This variety adds depth and replayability to the game.

Promising story mode: The story mode is described as promising, enjoyable, and intriguing. Players appreciate the narrative and find it charming and fascinating.

Common complaints

Incomplete story mode: The story mode is criticized for being short, unfinished, and not engaging.

No online multiplayer mode: The game lacks a proper online multiplayer mode, with players only able to use local multiplayer or workarounds like Steam Remote Play.

Game feels janky: Players report that the game feels unpolished and rough in various aspects, including controls and camera movements.

Hit registration issues: Players experience problems with hit registration, where hits do not always register correctly.

Complex and unresponsive controls: The controls are noted to be difficult, especially on keyboard, and are often unresponsive or poorly integrated.

Gameplay and performance

Physics-based combat system: The game features a highly praised combat system based on realistic physics and motion-captured animations. Players appreciate the realistic sword fighting, intuitive combat mechanics, and the use of historical fencing techniques.

HEMA and historical fencing: The game is noted for its Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) based fighting mechanics and historically accurate swordsmanship. This includes realistic fencing mechanics and the use of historical techniques.

Multiplayer and dueling: The game includes multiplayer functionality with a focus on competitive dueling. Players can engage in 1v1 fights and enjoy a balanced multiplayer experience.

Addictive and challenging gameplay: Players find the core gameplay mechanics addictive and challenging. The responsive gameplay and satisfying combat mechanics contribute to an engaging and enjoyable experience.

Story and campaign modes: The game offers a narrative-driven story mode with cutscenes and character interactions. Additionally, there is a story-driven campaign mode, providing variety in gameplay.

Graphics and performance issues: Players report various graphics glitches, performance issues, and optimization problems, especially on low-end devices and after updates.

Bugs and technical problems: There are numerous bugs reported, including slow-motion bugs, random lag, and various other technical issues that affect gameplay.

Physics and gameplay improvements: The game has excellent physics, but there are some issues with weapon physics and camera obstruction that need attention.

Network and latency issues: Some players experience network latency issues and problems with Parsec disconnects, but the game is solid enough for consistent PvP even at high latency.

Compatibility and control improvements: The game has compatibility with Wine/Crossover and improved responsiveness with gamepad support.

Recommendations

Recommended for martial arts enthusiasts: This game is highly recommended for fans of historical martial arts, fencing, and realistic swordplay, including HEMA practitioners.

Good value for price: Many players suggest buying the game on discount and find it to offer good value for the price.

Highly recommended to everyone: Several reviews strongly recommend the game to a broad audience without specific preferences.

Skill-based and realistic combat: The game is recommended for those who enjoy skill-based, realistic, and physics-based combat mechanics.

Potential for online multiplayer: There is a hope among players for the addition of online multiplayer, including PvP and ranked systems.

Buying context

Community fair range: $9.00 - $18.00.

Game completion: 100.0h.

Story completion: 7.0h.

Session length: 2.0h.

Endgame: 100.0h.

The game has a steep learning curve that initially hinders enjoyment, but after a few hours of play, mastering the mechanics leads to a rewarding and fun experience.

Reported time to anchor: 2h.

Player profiles

HEMA Enthusiast: Focuses on realistic and precise sword fighting techniques, often comparing in-game mechanics to real-life fencing. Motivation: Realism and historical accuracy in sword fighting mechanics. Stance: buy.

Hardcore Fighter: Focuses on mastering complex and realistic fighting techniques, often recommending the game to others who enjoy a challenge. Motivation: Enjoys challenging and punishing gameplay mechanics. Stance: buy.

Multiplayer Advocate: Focuses on multiplayer modes, often playing with friends or participating in community tournaments. Motivation: Enjoys playing with or against others, seeking competitive or cooperative experiences. Stance: sale.

Platform notes

Steam Deck: The game runs well on the Steam Deck, providing a positive performance experience. However, there are significant issues with the control scheme, which users find non-intuitive and frustrating. Additionally, there is a desire for more content, such as a story mode or online multiplayer. The user interface and experience also need improvement, as some users find the menus clumsy.

Other review notes

VR Support Inquiry: Players are inquiring or discussing the possibility of VR (Virtual Reality) support for the game.

Early Access Availability: The game is currently in Early Access, which means players can purchase and play the game while it is still in development.

Star Wars Mod: There is a mention or discussion about a Star Wars mod, indicating potential interest in modding or additional content.

Swordsman's Nationality Representation: There is a discussion or concern regarding the nationality of the swordsman character, represented with a flag.

Pirated Version Due to Sanctions: Some players have played a pirated version of the game for six months due to sanctions, highlighting issues related to game accessibility.