Holey Hell for Windows

Keep going deeper and deeper

Holey Hell is a free action video game wherein you must stay alive as you try to unlock each door to the next level. Developed by Daniel Linssen, this is a 2D minimalist vector art indie game that offers endless levels and numerous enemies you must avoid.

Similar in premise to the That Level Again game series, Holey Hell has you unlocking doors to progress by fetching the keys scattered in each level. This game focuses more on the action rather than puzzles as you simply have to move carefully to avoid getting hit and dying.

Jump carefully

When you first launch Holey Hell, there is no tutorial for the controls. However, it’s easy enough to figure out as you’ll just use your keyboard’s directional arrow keys to move—that or the supported gamepad. Avoid using the WASD keys as the left and right are inverted. The objective is to grab the key at each level in order to open the door where you first spawn.

The challenge here is the levels’ unique looping terrain. Your character is constantly stuck inside a circle and running up to the sides and ceiling won’t make you fall, even if you jump using the Up arrow key. You only have five lives so you need to evade any enemies on the ground and in the air as you try to get the key. Fortunately, they don’t chase you.

In terms of graphics, the minimalist color scheme makes the game easy on the eyes and helps you spot where the dangerous obstacles are. The levels are always varied in the enemies present and the way the floor undulates—forcing you to consider your jumps carefully, too. However, this is just a game about getting high scores and there’s no actual reward other than getting far.

Easy to play and enjoy

All in all, Holey Hell is a fun challenge if you like endless levels and figuring out when to move rather than solving a puzzle for the keys. While there’s no tutorial and no reward other than beating your best score, this little game is well-rounded enough to become easy relaxation and mindless fun. There’s no pressure to complete as fast as possible either.