Ghostrunner: Project_Hel Does Expansions Right

Ghostrunner, described as a “hardcore first-person slasher packed with lightning-fast action,” is an extremely satisfying game. It was challenging at times, but the game made sure to reward me for my efforts.

Fight your way through Dharma Tower to crush the Climbers’ rebellion. Beat new levels, defeat new bosses, experience a brand-new story, and play as a new brutal character. Remember, if it moves, it can be killed.

Ghostrunner – Project_Hel is the game’s first expansion and the experience was short but sweet. Playing as one of the bosses, Hel, from the main game brings a kind of satisfaction and sense of power (especially after getting pummeled by her multiple times). Project Hel carries over the same fast paced formula that the base game had: jump, run, and kill enemies. However now playing as a cybernetically enhanced being, it felt like I had cheats on. Not god mode though, as Hel is extremely fragile, and you still need to plan out your moves ahead of time.

Hel also boasts a rage meter that spices up the gameplay and separates the experience of the expansion to the base game. You can gain a shield for a brief amount of time or shoot a projectile. Both these actions will consume a part of your rage meter but offer more angles of approach to a situation.

This expansion is well made and brings the base game justice. I’d go as far as saying that getting the base game is worth it just to play Project Hel. But this begs the question “Should you play the base game first before Project Hel?”

One of the most staggering differences that sets Hel apart from the protagonist in the base game is her enhanced jump. Going from this to the lackluster jump that “Jack” has in Ghostrunner will make you uncomfortable and will take some time to get used to.

Story-wise, you shouldn’t have any problems with spoilers or continuity, and may even enhance your enjoyment of the base game’s story should you play Project Hel first.

In a lot of ways, starting Project Hel is a lot easier than starting Ghostrunner. Should you decide to play the expansion first, rest assured that you are not spoiling or ruining your experience of the base game. So no, playing the base game first is not a must before starting Project Hel.

Project Hel does a great job at setting itself apart while following the same Ghostrunner formula. Playing as Hel after the base game really makes you feel how enhanced Hel is, and the game makes sure that you make full use of her enhancements. 

Esports INQ reviewed Ghostrunner: Project_Hel on PC (Steam) via a review key provided by 505 Games. The game and the expansion is also available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, 

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