Hellterns is a casual indie simulation game set in a dysfunctional Hellish workshop where players take on the role of devil interns tasked with processing wayward souls. The core loop revolves around catching escaped souls, running them through quirky machines to remove their sins, matching paperwork, and dispatching them onward while managing constant chaos from malfunctioning equipment and environmental hazards.
Gameplay
Players handle souls that exhibit the seven deadly sins through unpredictable behaviors. One soul might freeze solid in the Cryo Chamber, another floats to the ceiling, and others hide or resist processing. Seven distinct machines each carry side effects that can affect souls or the interns themselves, such as the Press flattening targets, Electroshock disrupting controls, or the Confiscator scattering tools. These same machines apply to players during mishaps, turning an intern into a soul that teammates must then process to restore.
Paperwork forms a key part of every shift. Each soul comes with a file containing a photo, cause of death, and sin list. Matching the correct file, stamping documents accurately, and completing forms determines success and pay. Errors lead to reduced rewards or escalating problems. A toolbox supports these tasks, but tools can fly or get misplaced amid the disorder.
Progression includes rising ranks that unlock new tools and perks. Players customize uniforms and hats to reflect their status. Every shift introduces 18 modifiers that alter conditions through fires, power outages, floods, breakdowns, theft, or fights, forcing quick adaptation in the deteriorating workshop.
Game Modes
Hellterns supports single-player sessions for solo interns managing the full workload alone. Online co-op allows up to four players to share shifts, where partners can assist by catching tools, handling multiple souls simultaneously, or recovering from disasters. LAN co-op provides the same collaborative experience on a local network. Teamwork often speeds up processing but can also amplify mistakes when coordination falters.
Workshop Management and Progression
The environment itself acts as an active element. Machines degrade over repeated shifts, and external events compound the difficulty. Players must balance soul processing with repairs and containment while avoiding permanent losses. Training elements help new interns learn the systems without derailing a shift. The upgrade shop and perk system reward consistent performance with better equipment and efficiency boosts across multiple sessions.
Is It Worth Playing?
Hellterns targets fans of simulation games who enjoy chaotic co-op experiences mixed with light bureaucracy and physical comedy. The single-player option makes it accessible for those who prefer independent play, while the four-player co-op emphasizes communication and quick reactions in a shared workspace. Since the game remains unreleased with no user reviews available, its appeal rests on the described mechanics of soul handling, machine quirks, and shift modifiers. Those drawn to casual indie titles centered on workplace absurdity in a supernatural setting will find the core loop and progression systems align directly with that interest. Availability is limited to PC at launch.
