SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell (PC) Review

SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell is pure gameplay, with every trace of fat cut loose. In this case, fat equates to story, as the game thrusts the player into its tight corridors and precision-based-jumping-focused Tartarus. Accompanying this insanity is a soundtrack almost ripped straight out of a garage metal fest, circa 1992.

The game controls like any other first person runner, though the instruments of traversal are somewhat unique. Things like a teleportation ball mean that through each short track, the player is required to think of new and more imaginative ways to reach the upcoming portal. Still, precision is the key here, as poor calculation is enough to see the player fall into the depths of fire below.

Fortunately, even with every inevitable failure, there's not much space to reclaim. The levels are all short, in the tune of only taking a few seconds to complete (once perfected). The first few runs of each level may take a lot of time, but each subsequent run is easier and easier. While it's too early to be sure, this is a good way to ensure a game keeps its appeal long after it's been beaten. While many games may offer rewards that seem trivial, SEUM manages to offer the allure of a better score.

Unfortunately, the game doesn't do the best job guiding the player into new mechanics. These are introduced fairly regularly, leaving little time for the player to get used to each new idea before they are bombarded with a new one. It doesn't help that some mechanics, like the teleport ball, are very difficult to get the hang of.

SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell also has some minor technical issues, like clipping and frame rate drops, but none of this hinders the player's ability to enjoy themselves. SEUM is a genuinely metal experience that feels like an adrenaline shot to the eyes. Even with its odd sense of pacing, it still manages to punch the player with a raw mix of endorphins and chaos.