Jupiter Hell is a turn-based roguelike shooter developed by ChaosForge and published by Hyperstrange, officially released on August 5, 2021 for Steam. A spiritual successor to the cult classic Doom, the Roguelike (DRL), Jupiter Hell combines retro-inspired design, modern visuals, and hardcore roguelike mechanics into one intense package.
With a pounding heavy metal soundtrack, procedurally generated levels, permadeath, and even Commander Shepard’s voice actor, Mark Meer, delivering Duke Nukem–style one-liners, Jupiter Hell feels like both a love letter to old-school roguelikes and a bold, atmospheric journey into the future of the genre.
A Modern Sequel to DoomRL
Jupiter Hell can be seen as the unofficial sequel to Doom, the Roguelike (2002), also created by ChaosForge. While DRL was a grid-based ASCII roguelike, Jupiter Hell reimagines the formula with:
3D isometric graphics that mimic CRT screen aesthetics for retro flair.
Tactical, turn-based combat where every move (reloads, heals, attacks) advances enemy turns.
Deep RPG progression with character traits and mastery paths.
Procedurally generated levels across the moons of Jupiter.
The result is a game that preserves the soul of DoomRL while providing the depth and style of a modern roguelike shooter.
Gameplay – Tactical, Brutal, and Addictive
At first glance, Jupiter Hell may seem slow compared to modern action shooters, but its turn-based, grid-style combat hides incredible tactical depth.
Movement & Combat – You can only move in four directions (no diagonal walking), similar to retro adventure games like King’s Quest. Each action triggers enemy responses, forcing you to plan ahead.
Weapons & Gunplay – Pistols, shotguns, rifles, rocket launchers, chainguns, and even chainsaws are at your disposal. Each weapon feels distinct, with satisfying feedback and tactical trade-offs.
Loot System – Instead of currency, loot is based on item rarity colors (blue, red, etc.), influencing durability, ammo, or damage output.
Inventory Management – Limited space forces smart decision-making. Picking up everything isn’t viable—you’ll need to compare weapons on the fly.
Permanent Death – Every run matters. Once your character dies, they’re gone for good, making survival strategies crucial.
The trait system is particularly rewarding. By choosing pre-requisite skills strategically, you can unlock mastery classes that define your build—whether stealth-focused, heavy-gun brawler, or a versatile hybrid.
Atmosphere & Presentation
One of Jupiter Hell’s strongest elements is its tone and immersion.
Voice Acting – Mark Meer (Commander Shepard from Mass Effect) brings grit and humor, with profanity settings allowing for either cleaner play or full Duke Nukem–style trash talk.
Retro CRT UI – The interface mimics an old-school CRT monitor, creating a nostalgic yet stylish aesthetic.
Soundtrack – A relentless heavy metal score amplifies every firefight, evoking classic Doom energy.
Level Design – Each moon (Callisto, Europa, Io) feels unique, keeping exploration fresh. Procedural generation ensures no two runs feel the same.
Game Modes – Beyond the Campaign
While the story campaign is the main draw, Jupiter Hell packs multiple game modes to keep you hooked:
Story Mode – The classic roguelike journey across Jupiter’s moons.
Trials Mode – Custom challenges for roguelike veterans.
Arena Mode – Wave-based survival with escalating difficulty.
Endless Mode – Fully randomized levels for pure roguelike chaos.
Classic Mode – A stripped-down roguelike experience without story elements, perfect for purists.
These options expand replayability and ensure there’s always a new challenge.
Difficulty & Replay Value
Jupiter Hell is not forgiving. Even on easier settings, permadeath means your mistakes are costly. Yet this is where the game shines:
Every run feels meaningful because death resets everything.
Procedural levels and loot ensure variety across playthroughs.
Summary screens after death showcase your stats, kills, and cause of demise—adding both frustration and motivation.
The result? A game that is as punishing as it is rewarding, perfect for roguelike enthusiasts.
Final Verdict – A Must-Play Roguelike Shooter
Jupiter Hell succeeds as both a modern roguelike masterpiece and a tribute to Doom’s legacy. With its blend of tactical turn-based gameplay, brutal gunplay, deep progression, CRT-inspired visuals, and atmospheric soundtrack, it’s one of the most unique roguelikes on Steam.
Whether you’re a fan of classic roguelikes, Doom nostalgia, or modern tactical shooters, Jupiter Hell is a must-play that will keep you coming back for “one more run.”
