Software:SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell

Short description: 2016 video game

SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell
Developer(s)	Pine Studio
Publisher(s)	Headup Games
Engine	Unity
Platform(s)	Microsoft Windows macOS Linux Xbox One PlayStation 4
Release	Windows, macOS, Linux WW: July 28, 2016 Xbox One WW: September 22, 2017 Playstation 4 EU: February 22, 2018 NA: March 8, 2018
Genre(s)	Platformer

SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell is an independent video game developed by Pine Studio and published by Headup Games. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux via Steam in July 2016, for Xbox One in September 2017, for PlayStation 4 in February and March 2018, and for GOG.com in October 2018. It is a first-person platformer where you race against time using a variety of power-ups, inspired by speedrunning sessions in games like Quake or Super Meat Boy. The name "SEUM" was derived from ColloSEUM, the working title of the game.

On October 20, 2017, it got its first DLC titled "The Drunk Side of the Moon".

Gameplay

SEUM is a first person platform game featuring a protagonist named Marty, who embarks on a quest to recover stolen beer from Satan within the infernal realms. In this game, players assume control of Marty and possess the ability to cast fireballs, which serve various purposes such as illuminating lanterns and activating objects. Each level in SEUM conceals a hidden beer, and players are presented with the choice to either restart the level or exit upon discovering one. In the event of player character demise, a level must be restarted from the beginning. The primary objective in each level is to navigate the treacherous terrain, filled with hazards such as fireballs, saws, bombs, swinging blades, and other menacing obstacles, while striving to reach the level's conclusion within a specific time limit.

Skillful players who complete levels expeditiously may earn an "Über Skull" as a testament to their proficiency. Certain levels within the game offer power-ups imbuing Marty with distinctive abilities, including the capability to reverse gravity, teleport, rewind time, spawn platforms, unleash a formidable roar (DLC content), soar with rocket propulsion (DLC content), and traverse a shadowy alternate world (DLC content). The game comprises nine floors, each housing a selection of levels. While players possess the freedom to tackle levels on each floor in any order, a prerequisite number of level completions is mandatory to unlock the boss level, subsequently granting access to the subsequent floor. Additionally, achieving the feat of locating all hidden beers on a given floor can unlock a bonus level where beers are replaced with bacon. In total, each floor contains eleven levels, making for a challenging and diverse gaming experience.

Plot

Marty, an overweight alcoholic American man is drinking beer in his house when he receives an unexpected delivery of a heavy metal vinyl album. After playing it backwards, he summons Satan, who steals all of his beer and slices off his hand when he attempts to retaliate. As Satan is leaving, Marty throws the vinyl album at him, dismembering Satan's right hand. Marty then replaces his hand with Satan's hand and then rampages through Hell, collecting his beer along the way as Satan taunts him.

Eventually, after reaching the ninth floor of Hell, Marty confronts Satan and kills him. Afterwards, Marty is transported to Heaven, where he consumes unlimited beer for an eternity.

Reception

The game received mixed to positive reviews. It currently holds an aggregated score of 77/100 on Metacritic for Xbox One.

External links

• Official webpage
• Steam Store Page