Lethal Honor: Order of the Apocalypse (PS5) | REVIEW | 80's Comic Book Inspired Roguelite Action!!!

Developed by Viral Studios and published by HandyGames, Lethal Honor: Order of the Apocalypse is a roguelite hack-and-slash action game that plunges players into a shadowy post-apocalyptic world teeming with paranormal threats. The game centers on joining a clandestine organization dedicated to probing and combating otherworldly horrors that endanger humanity's existence. 

Set on the enigmatic Wolf Island, players embark on perilous expeditions to expose hidden truths amid an eldritch apocalypse, blending intense combat with narrative discovery. The story unfolds as a mature, intricate tale of conspiracy and cosmic dread, delivered through integrated hand-drawn comic panels that reveal plot points during gameplay. It explores the island's sinister secrets and the organization's murky operations, with progression tied to repeated attempts that peel back layers of mystery. 

Key characters include a roster of playable agents divided into Lost Agents and Key Agents, each boasting distinct backstories, skills, and approaches to the unfolding events, allowing players to switch between them to piece together the broader narrative. Gameplay revolves around brutal, fast-paced melee encounters where precision and strategy trump mindless aggression. Rushing in often spells quick defeat. 

Combat emphasizes hacking through grotesque eldritch foes with a mix of basic attacks, powerful special abilities, and customizable builds formed by combining artifacts and enchantments for devastating synergies. As a roguelite, it features procedurally generated levels that ensure variety in every session, with death serving as a mechanic that advances the plot by unlocking new insights, agents, or upgrades, encouraging experimentation and adaptation. 

A typical playthrough involves diving into runs across diverse biomes on the island, battling waves of enemies and formidable bosses while gathering resources and clues. Objectives focus on surviving these excursions, eliminating threats, and collecting narrative fragments through comic-style events. The ultimate end-game goal is to fully decipher the apocalypse's origins, resolve each agent's personal arc, and confront the core horrors plaguing the world, achieved through persistent runs that build toward a comprehensive resolution.

The Presentation ...

Presentation draws heavy inspiration from 1980s adult superhero comics, manifesting in a gritty, hand-drawn graphic novel aesthetic that fuses 2D artwork with 3D environments for a distinctive, immersive look. This style not only structures the storytelling but enhances the gloomy, oppressive atmosphere of the post-apocalyptic setting. Visually, the game shines with its detailed, shadowy illustrations that evoke a sense of dread and intrigue, while the soundtrack provides tense, atmospheric tones that heighten the intensity of combats and explorations, though it leans more functional than memorable.

The Verdict ...

In verdict, the roguelite elements deliver strong replay value through procedural variety, multiple agent playstyles, and build-crafting depth, making each failure feel like meaningful progress. The overall experience is a compelling mix of punishing action and dark lore, though its steep difficulty might frustrate newcomers. This game is best suited for fans of tough roguelites like Hades or Dead Cells, enthusiasts of hack-and-slash combat, and players drawn to mature, comic-infused horror narratives.