What do the demons in hell do when they’re not tormenting souls and hopping through brimstone? This is a question that scholars and theologians have puzzled and debated for hundreds of years. The free game Hell of a racket offers one theory for intellectuals to read – demons compete over which sport is best, evidently.
Developer Helltown Racketeers describes his game with the following description: “Play as a fallen angel seeking redemption by punishing satanic worshipers who don’t play the holiest sport…tennis!” Instead of skulls impaled on pikes, there are football helmets. The map is littered with various sportswear, hot dog tracks, and equipment from fallen athletes. My trip to the arena is sponsored by companies that have established themselves in Satan’s realm, and it’s chock-full of evil demons.
I’m like the Doom Guy (you know, van Demise) but with a tennis racket instead of a gun or chainsaw. Sometimes I find a tennis ball and can serve it through a monster’s face. I can pick up other upgrades on the court, like one that gives me a super-sized tennis racket for easier parries.
The gameplay is relatively simple. The demons shoot a projectile at me and I use my racket to shoot it right back, turning it into a tasty burger or soda that I can devour and replenish my health. When I’m overwhelmed, I duck, dodge, and run. A few times the game drifted me off the map into the air, which certainly wasn’t ideal, but after a quick run I was able to descend and get back into the action.
It’s not exactly the most traditional take on hell – or tennis – but it’s a delightful romp through some silly territory. Hell of a racket released on May 1 and is available for free on Steam.