The Dark Side of London: God Didn’t Save the Queen.
Beyond Hanwell is an indie first-person survival horror game developed and self-published by Steel Arts Software, a British independent game studio founded in 2015 that officially entered the gaming industry in 2017. In just a few years, the studio has steadily established a strong reputation within the atmospheric horror genre. Following its initial PC release in September 2024, the game expanded to consoles in November, completing the Hanwell series that has earned the British team notable acclaim.
A Thought-Provoking Narrative
Set in the aftermath of Welcome to Hanwell, the game puts you in the shoes of the protagonist emerging from a dark, photorealistic London Underground station. Tasked with exploring the shadowy, desolate streets of Westminster, you must uncover the truth behind the enigmatic “Director,“ whose presence blankets the city in an unsettling silence. Alone in a London perpetually cloaked in rain, fog, and biting winds, you must unravel the mysterious secret of the figure pulling the strings from the shadows. But beware—his creatures, the Anomalies, lurk around every corner, ready to confront you.
Every Door Holds a Story
To escape Hanwell, players must locate four ID cards, each belonging to a pivotal character encountered throughout this harrowing journey. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, granting players the freedom to explore the environment at will, guided by an innovative, fully three-dimensional map that meticulously scales every building, corner, and even tree within the game’s boundaries—offering precise spatial awareness of your position and the optimal path forward.
However, Steel Arts Software has pushed boundaries beyond simple navigation. While the map highlights the four key buildings where the ID cards are hidden, players are encouraged to investigate every corner and interior space. Behind every door lies a story worth fully experiencing, all framed by an immersive atmosphere crafted to provoke an unrelenting sense of suspense and chills from beginning to end. This freedom is further amplified by the absence of chronological or procedural restrictions, delivering near-limitless replayability as no two playthroughs will ever be the same.
Unreal Engine: Setting New Standards in Realism
Once again, Unreal Engine asserts itself as a benchmark among game engines, masterfully rendering exquisitely detailed environments and evocative atmospheric lighting that sustain an unrelenting sense of claustrophobia and tension. It feels as though you are wandering the streets of London, capturing every moment with near-photorealistic precision through a smartphone lens, enveloped in profound silence—broken only by the subtle sound of rain, each droplet clearly tracing down your hands, flashlight, and weapon.
The Hidden Study and Research Behind Sound Design
The sound design is exquisitely crafted, with ambient effects that significantly deepen immersion. James Elsey harnesses electro-acoustic instruments, notably the innovative The Esoteric Machine, to create haunting and evocative soundscapes, further enriched by the ethereal vocals of Shila Vikström. Her spectral voice amplifies the pervasive atmosphere of dread and terror that will shadow you throughout your journey.
Into the Heart of Victorian London
The art direction weaves a chilling tapestry of gothic and dystopian aesthetics, casting London in a bleak, crumbling light. Every architectural detail is meticulously crafted, reflecting the studio’s deeply rooted British identity. The environmental design works in seamless harmony to shape a world that feels both immersive and unsettling—where danger and buried secrets may lie in wait around every corner. And believe me… every single one.
A Minimalist, yet Forward-Thinking Gameplay
Beyond Hanwell’s gameplay masterfully blends survival horror with action, featuring a dual-command melee combat system that allows for fluid and intense combos. Firearms are scarce—you alternate between a pistol and a rifle—encouraging tactical resource management. Creativity is never compromised: players can exploit the environment to tackle the “Anomalies” by crafting mines, various explosives, and Molotov cocktails, while wielding any available objects—from a broom to a chainsaw—to soak themselves in the blood of dismembered foes (monsters, spiders, clowns, witches, and more), delivering a deeply satisfying sense of power. Furthermore, the developers’ bold decision to remove the HUD entirely heightens immersion, plunging players into a truly engrossing experience.
What’s the Verdict From the Critics?
Beyond Hanwell has generally received positive reviews. On PlayStation 5, the game holds an average rating of 4.51 out of 5 stars based on 176 user ratings, while on Steam it boasts a solid 76.76% approval rating from 39 reviews. Critics praise the immersive atmosphere, art direction, and narrative depth, though some players have noted occasional technical glitches and a certain degree of repetitiveness.
Beyond Hanwell
PRO
- Immersive, dark, and atmospheric setting: The gothic, decaying London is meticulously crafted, with richly detailed environments that evoke a palpable sense of claustrophobia and mounting tension;
- Non-linear and replayable gameplay: Players enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace, uncovering side stories and intricate details that deepen the narrative experience;
- Rewarding combat and environmental mechanics: The dual-command melee system delivers fluid, intense, and satisfying combat. Moreover, the ability to strategically manipulate the environment—such as setting “Anomalies” ablaze or crushing them—adds a compelling tactical dimension to the gameplay;
- Stunning graphics: This is Beyond Hanwell’s true strength — visuals that will leave you positively stunned and, at times, speechless, prompting the question: how can one not be captivated by such a visual marvel?
CON
- Technical issues and optimization: At launch, some players reported clunky animations and a cumbersome save system, which occasionally hindered the gameplay experience;
- Enemy difficulty and repetitive gameplay: The balance of enemy challenge and the repetitive nature of certain gameplay mechanics have been points of contention among players;
- Artistic direction and narrative originality: Some critics felt the art style and storyline leaned heavily on familiar horror conventions, lacking fresh or innovative elements;
- User experience limitations: While the absence of a HUD and the difficulty in finding clues or solving puzzles may enhance immersion for some, others may find these features frustrating or obstructive.
7.5/10
