What is Jigokuraku: BATTLE IN HELL'S PARADISE?
Yo, so I finally dove into Jigokuraku: BATTLE IN HELL'S PARADISE. If you're into the anime or manga, you'll probably love the vibe, but as a deckbuilder fan? It's a weird one. It's not your typical 'draft a card, kill a monster' loop. Instead, it blends character collection with some tactical switching that's... okay, but maybe not what you're expecting. Here's the deal on whether it's actually worth your storage space.
Gameplay
You're dropped onto a gorgeous, creepy island where you'll manage a party of criminals and executioners fighting for survival. Instead of a traditional card deck, your 'deck' consists of characters and abilities you pull via gacha. The core loop revolves around switching these characters mid-battle to trigger synergies, which is where the actual strategy happens. It's more of a survival RPG hybrid than a tight roguelike, so don't expect the mechanical precision of Slay the Spire or Balatro.
Meta-progression is tied to deepening bonds with your allies to unlock new powers and voice lines. It's satisfying if you're invested in the cast, but it lacks that addictive 'one more run' quality. You'll find yourself spending way more time in menus and managing pulls than experimenting with wild combat builds. It's free to play, which fits the gacha model, but that comes with the typical trade-offs in pacing.
The rough edges are hard to miss. Since it's a mobile port, the Steam version feels clunky and stiff. The biggest letdown is that the game plays it too safe. It doesn't lean into the weirdness of the setting, meaning you'll feel the depth limitations pretty quickly. It's a functional experience, but it's missing the strategic spark that makes a deckbuilder legendary. I'd give it a 6/10.
Key Features
- Gacha-based character deck building
- Mid-battle character switching synergies
- Bond-based meta-progression
- Stunning MAPPA-inspired visuals
Video Review
Screenshots
Verdict
“It's hells paradise of course it's peak!”
Grab this if you're a die-hard fan of the anime or manga who wants a pretty companion piece. If you're looking for a deep, genre-defining deckbuilder, skip it—the systems are too shallow and the mobile port feel is too distracting.
Play for Free →* Price at time of publication (checked 10.07.2026). Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. This is an editorial review, not a commercial offer.