No More Room in Hell 2 – Early Access Game Review

A chilling horror-themed poster featuring relentless zombies against a blood-red backdrop, emblazoned with the striking title "No More Room in Hell 2.

No More Room in Hell 2 is a cooperative action horror game by Torn Banner Studios, now available in early access. As a sequel to the cult classic, it expands on the original’s intense survival mechanics. The game invites eight players to team up against relentless zombie hordes. Set in large, non-linear maps full of threats, No More Room in Hell 2 challenges you with scarce resources, permadeath, and unforgiving environments.

Designed for those who enjoy teamwork, No More Room in Hell 2 pushes survival horror to new levels. Its realistic approach to resource management and combat heightens the stakes. Ammunition is scarce, supplies are few, and every encounter with the undead demands careful planning. As an early access title, the game is still evolving. The developers are actively working on expanding content, improving gameplay, and enhancing performance.

In this No More Room in Hell 2 early access game review, we’ll explore how it captures cooperative horror. We’ll examine its challenging mechanics and the potential it shows for its full release.

A World Without Hope

No More Room in Hell 2 immerses you in a bleak, unforgiving world overrun by the undead. Set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse, the game paints a dark picture of survival where hope is scarce. Desolate streets and abandoned buildings create a strong sense of isolation, pulling you into the game’s unforgiving fight for survival.

The environments range from open spaces to cramped interiors, filled with silence and hidden dangers. You’ll navigate dark alleys, urban ruins, and rural areas, each designed to keep you on edge. Maps are non-linear, allowing you to choose different routes and explore various points of interest. This freedom makes exploration feel organic, yet every turn comes with the risk of encountering relentless zombie hordes or running out of resources.

Though No More Room in Hell 2 doesn’t centre heavily on a scripted story, it emphasizes environmental storytelling. Details like blood-stained walls, overturned furniture, and empty, abandoned homes tell the grim story of humanity’s downfall. These subtle elements build an atmosphere that feels authentic and unsettling, reinforcing the game’s themes of survival against overwhelming odds.

As you and your team push forward, the environment itself becomes an adversary. With limited resources and no guaranteed safety, each area brings new risks that demand caution. No More Room in Hell 2 captures the essence of a world stripped of hope, creating an intense setting where survival feels like a fleeting goal rather than a promise.

In the dimly lit hallway, where blood-covered figures and debris paint an unsettling scene, it's as if No More Room in Hell 2 has come to life, immersing you in its tense and haunting atmosphere.

Survive Together or Die Alone

No More Room in Hell 2 places heavy emphasis on teamwork and resource management. With up to eight players, cooperation is essential. Every encounter with the undead carries serious consequences, as the game uses a permadeath system. Once you’re gone, there’s no coming back until the next session, making each life valuable. This mechanic pushes you and your teammates to plan carefully, communicate often, and avoid unnecessary risks.

Resource management is another core gameplay element. Supplies like ammunition, health items, and tools are limited, so every decision impacts your survival. The scarcity of resources means that choosing when to fight or when to avoid it altogether becomes a strategic decision. You’ll also find makeshift weapons along the way, which can be just as valuable as traditional firearms. Combat itself leans more toward realism than high action, requiring precision and patience.

One of the first times I played really drove home how intense survival can get. My team had just barely managed to gather enough supplies after clearing out an old gas station, and we were low on ammo. Just as we were setting up defenses, a horde came out of nowhere. I had no choice but to use a broken chair leg to fight them off. In those moments, scrambling with makeshift weapons and trying to protect each other, I realized how fast things could spiral. No More Room in Hell 2 keeps you on edge, forcing you to stay sharp and work together.

The game’s environments are varied, with maps that contain randomized elements, from enemy spawns to environmental hazards. This randomness keeps each session fresh, as you never know what threats or resources await around the corner. While the lack of a save feature can make each run feel daunting, it drives home the importance of every choice you make.

In No More Room in Hell 2, survival isn’t guaranteed. The gameplay combines strategy, skill, and luck, making each session a tense fight for survival. Whether you’re gathering supplies, setting up defenses, or fighting zombies, every action has weight.

First-person view of a dark, atmospheric "No More Room in Hell 2" zombie apocalypse scene with armed survivors navigating eerie lighting.

Grit and Glow of the Sewers

No More Room in Hell 2 captures a haunting and grim atmosphere, placing you in a world worn down by the apocalypse. From dark alleyways to narrow, dimly lit underground tunnels, each location pulls you deeper into a world of survival. Shadows fill every corner, and the low lighting creates an unease that makes each encounter feel even riskier. The art design leans into realism, creating environments that look authentic and unforgiving.

Character models and zombies are created to match the bleak atmosphere. The undead are extremely detailed, with decaying skin, vacant eyes, and torn clothing, adding to the horror. Each zombie looks distinct, bringing variety to the waves of enemies and making encounters feel unique. The characters you control also reflect the world’s harshness, from dirt-streaked faces to battered clothing.

On the technical side, No More Room in Hell 2 performs fairly well, though you can still see that it is a work in progress. Occasional frame rate dips and texture loading issues are noticeable, but developers have been addressing these issues. Lighting and shadows effectively set the tone, though they sometimes appear inconsistent in larger areas.

Despite these minor flaws, the visuals and presentation firmly pull you into the game’s grim world. The gritty visuals, unsettling enemies, and shadow-filled environments reinforce the survival horror experience. Every step through the sewers and city streets becomes a nerve-wracking journey.

A relentless horde of zombies attacking in a scene from No More Room in Hell 2.

Is No More Room in Hell 2 The End of the Road… or Just the Beginning?

No More Room in Hell 2 presents a gritty, cooperative survival horror experience that fans of the genre will appreciate. Its focus on teamwork and resource management creates a challenging environment where every decision counts. The game’s realistic approach to combat, paired with permadeath and limited resources, pushes you to stay on your toes. As an early access game, No More Room in Hell 2 has already established a solid foundation. It shows its potential to grow into a well-rounded experience.

The visuals and atmosphere capture the bleakness of a world overrun by zombies, bringing a haunting realism to every map. There are some technical issues, like frame rate dips and occasional texture pop-ins. While these are noticeable, the development team has been responsive. Regular updates and fixes show their commitment to enhancing the gameplay and refining the experience for players.

If you enjoy cooperative survival games, No More Room in Hell 2, even in early access, offers plenty of replay value. The randomized elements and vast maps keep each session fresh, ensuring that no two runs are the same. While the game’s roguelike structure and lack of a save feature might not suit everyone, the evolving mechanics and setting create a rewarding experience for survival horror fans.

What are your thoughts on No More Room in Hell 2? Do you see potential in its early access journey, or are there features you’d like to see fine tuned? Let me know your take on this cooperative apocalypse in the comments below.

As always, remember to follow us on our social media (e.g., Threads, X (Twitter), YouTube and Facebook) to keep up with the latest news.

4ScarrsGaming

Jon is a proud Canadian who has a lifelong passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with more than 20 years experience. Jon is a strong believer and supporter in cloud gaming, he's that guy with the Stadia tattoo! He enjoys playing and talking about games on all platforms and mediums. Join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4ScarrsGaming on Instagram.

Leave a Reply