Blasphemy as a Game
There’s plenty of lore on Hell, Heaven and the realms between. These biblical creations are meant to enforce a moral and ethical code and to provide social foundations for a harmonious society. However, Korean indie developer Prettybusy doesn’t care for morals and has no fear of Hell. What in Hell is Bad? is an erotic take on RPGs that no one on Earth asked for.
NSFW
The game begins shamelessly, without hint of its innuendo, introducing itself as the smut that it is. The main character, which can be a boy or a girl, is pleasuring themselves to X-rated videos before an archangel attacks. Then Satan comes to the rescue, but not without forcing himself on the main character. What in Hell is Bad? is a lewd and hellish otome game, and all these characters need to find God—literally.
Solomon, a powerful human beloved by both God and all beings of Hell, seemingly passed decades ago. Now, God has gone missing, and Heaven suspects the kings of Hell. As a descendant of Solomon, it’s your job to defend all seven regions of Hell and find God. While players can choose between playing as either a boy or a girl, the game clearly targets a female audience. Even after choosing to play as a boy, the characters will constantly slip up and use words and phrases like “she” or “Solomon’s daughter.” That being said, the English dialogue is a poor reflection of the game’s story. The human world speaks Korean, while the demonic world speaks Japanese, with English translation available for both. Occasionally the translation comes off choppy and ruins the mood, which sucks because (smut aside) the actual story is pretty good.
Came for the Plot, Stayed for the Plot
The world and the story are both expansive, constantly unraveling through progression. The horny main character is the only basic part of the story. Solomon junior is nothing more than a sex addict revered only because of their relation to Solomon. However, What in Hell is Bad? has intrigue beyond its steamy scenes and side stories, and there are a lot of side stories. Each of the 72 devils has their own little comic dedicated to them and their past. These comics become available as relationships are developed, with the exception of a few side panels that are shown during loading screens.
The story is divided between narrative and battle. Each battle plays out automatically on a grid. Players must strategically place demons on the field’s grid to defeat the angels and progress through the story. You’ll obtain new demons (and angels) for battle through daily summoning.
Aside from its story mode, the game features the Dark Sanctuary and Secret Club. The Dark Sanctuary is a simple arena that helps players level up their characters and earn special items. The Secret Club is rated mature, to say the least, and for adults only. However, there is a kiddie room for those underage. This room is pure fan service, and it does a fair job of it. There are plenty of these opportunities throughout the game, and there’s even a small space for other players to interact.
What in Hell is Bad? has more in store than just smut and romance. While the more mature scenes can come off as stereotypical female fantasies, the gameplay and storyline are absolutely enthralling thanks to the game’s stimulating battles and lore.
