Hello Mortals,

2019 is almost ending and we realize that we're kind of running a bit behind our roadmap schedule.

Our Hell Director has been having his plate full as he has to juggle between taking care of his father, who just had surgery earlier this week, and keeping the development of Rising Hell on track. The operation went well, thanks to everyone's prayer!

World 3 is almost ready, with the boss is still on the way to devour you. We want to make sure that everything in the new world is running smoothly and all before it's ready to launch.


The power of prayeeeer!

Don't worry, though. While still working on the list in the roadmap, we are also doing our best to present you another big update (not just bug fix!) so that everyone will have something new to enjoy during the holiday in Rising Hell!

Proudly presenting: the new Talent Combo System ready in the main branch!

Let us re-explain how the new system works:

1. Collect talents in the same category (ex: Vigor talents)
   
2. Get EXTRA combo bonus!

There are 6 talent categories:

• Ability: Holds the power of resurrection
  
• Arsenals: Improves the power of Artifacts
  
• Assault: Engulfs you with demonic strength
  
• Durability: Increases your resistance to damage
  
• Souls: Grants you enormous amount of souls
  
• Vigor: Expands your life force

Which combo will be your favorite, we wonder?

Yours Truly,

Hell Renovation Committee

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Winter Sale is coming to Steam

Check out the titles developed and published by Toge Productions below! Treat yourself, or your friends and family with one of our games. If you're in doubt, add them to your wishlist and buy the game later.


https://store.steampowered.com/app/666570/Infectonator_3_Apocalypse/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/269310/Infectonator_Survivors/


https://store.steampowered.com/app/580170/My_Lovely_Daughter/


https://store.steampowered.com/app/658500/Ultra_Space_Battle_Brawl/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/658590/She_and_the_Light_Bearer/


https://store.steampowered.com/app/656970/MagiCat/


https://store.steampowered.com/app/658690/Rage_in_Peace/


https://store.steampowered.com/app/657000/Rising_Hell/

Enhance your hell-escaping experience with this newly-added talent system.

Introducing: Talent Combo System!

With this brand-new system, you can get EXTRA combo bonus when collecting talents in the same category. Currently, there are six talent categories:

• Ability: Holds the power of resurrection
  
• Arsenals: Improves the power of Artifacts
  
• Assault: Engulfs you with demonic strength
  
• Durability: Increases your resistance to damage
  
• Souls: Grants you enormous amount of souls
  
• Vigor: Expands your life force

HOWEVER, as the system is still new, we are still testing it and we need your help. If you are up to try talent combos, we warmly welcome you to enter the Public Beta Branch by following these steps here:

1. Open “Properties”
   
2. Click on “betas” tab
   
3. Choose “public beta”

You can learn more about the Public Beta Branch here.

Don't forget to give us feedback through our Steam discussions page as well!


Thanks for the help,

Hell Renovation Committee

Hello Mortals,

Do you know that there is no such thing as too much feedback for us?

In these past two months, we have pushed not only planned updates but also tweaks from your input as well. Your thoughts on this game, what could be fixed and all those stuff are essential for us to build a better hell.


...Thanks to you, even Arok has grown a lot.

We would like to discuss more about what Rising Hell could be in the future with all of you loyal hell-breaking mortals.

Tell us, what do you want to see more in the future? More challenging foes? Deeper progression system? Anything!

We awaiting your reply!

Yours Truly,

Hell Renovation Committee

Mortals!

We were told that the Steam Autumn Sale has started. It's happening on November 26th – December 3rd, if we're not mistaken. Why is it important?

Well, apparently you can get a 10% off ticket to hell during those times.

While it's easier for you all to go to hell now, we have already fixed some of the bugs so that you (and your friends) can experience the raging flame of hell to the fullest! Here's what's new:

Ver. 0.8.7a

• Slightly increased damage of Baal, The Imperious (Hell Commander)
  
• Added skip button on cutscene for portal teleport, talent upgrade and Boss intro
  
• Fixed bug on Hell Commander's name intro getting blocked by artifact/weapon's name
  
• Fixed bug on dash still taking damage from Samael's (Hell Comander) laser eye

What, it's not enough? Mortals these days are really greedy, eh?

Be patient as we, the Hell Renovation Committee, are preparing something HUGE for future updates! Prepare yourself as hell will get more chaotic in no time (not messy of course, because we do our job seriously here).

A little sneak peek of what will be unleashed in hell:



If you have followed us on twitter, you should have seen them already. So make sure to follow us to get the latest information on what's going on here.

See you again,

Hell Renovation Committee

Leaves are falling.
Autumn is calling.
Steam Sale is coming.

Check out the titles from Toge Productions that are on sale! Enjoy discount up to 90% only until 1 November 10 AM PST.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/666570/Infectonator_3_Apocalypse/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/269310/Infectonator_Survivors/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/656970/MagiCat/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/580170/My_Lovely_Daughter/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/658690/Rage_in_Peace/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/658590/She_and_the_Light_Bearer/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/658500/Ultra_Space_Battle_Brawl/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/657000/Rising_Hell/

Earlier this month, us Hell Renovation Committee got the chance to introduce Rising Hell in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!



In an event called Level Up KL, which was held on November 6th – 10th, 2019, lots of people from all around the globe gathered together. The event was packed — just like in hell. While hell is full of tormented souls, the humans there look really lively and passionate.

It was a nice getaway, especially from the blazing flame of hell.



We are delighted by how they are enjoying Rising Hell. Even Mr. Shuhei Yoshida from Sony Interactive Entertainment, whom everyone seemed to be idolizing, was present at our booth.



Seeing that we were greeted with enthusiasm made us feel like our hard work as Hell Renovation Committee was not in vain.





We even received lots of messages... and a weird one too.





It was a short trip for us, but hopefully, we can go to Earth again and let you taste the wrath of hell, especially with a new big update coming soon!

What update? Make sure to follow our twitter for more information. You know, the website with that blue bird logo. We heard that you mortals use it a lot.


See you soon,

Hell Renovation Committee

Hello Mortals,

It's been almost two weeks since Phobos and Deimos arrived to hunt you down. Are you still alive? You are? Good! Because we have some new stuff that you can try out here in hell. In this new update, you will discover more available talents to blaze up your journey! See the details below:

Ver. 0.8.7

• *NEW TALENT* Necroanthropos : Resurrects once upon death.
  
• *NEW TALENT* Chaosguard : Conjures a shield that absorbs 1 incoming damage with 15 seconds cooldown. Cooldown is reset when you take damage.
  
• *NEW TALENT* (Arok Only) Darkstalker : While hanging on a wall, you no longer slip and allow you to perform hellbreak on enemy near you by pressing attack button.
  
• *NEW TALENT* (Zelos Only) Netherblaze : Killing an enemy with hellbreak will release 9 bullets in all directions.
  
• Added the options to Remap Keyboard buttons
  
• Slightly increased the damage of Satanic Artifact
  
• Decreased the delay between burns of Doombringer Artifact, resulting in higher DPS
  
• Added an option to skip the whole elevator cutscenes
  
• Added Grimoire entry for Phobos and Deimos
  
• Fixed a lot of UI/UX fuctionality bugs
  
• Fixed a lot of Enemy and Boss related bugs
  
• Fixed a lot of Bugs in Challenge Mode
  
• A lot of quality of life improvements
  
• A lot of graphical and particle optimizing and other minor tweaks

Ahh, we are so generous, aren't we?

Doing so much to prepare you for the Citadel...

After a long wait and improvements here and there, Rising Hell is finally out on Steam Early Access, yay! We are happy to receive so much feedback from all of you.

As much as we’re happy to receive lots of comments about the game, we would also like to introduce the people behind the game, because they deserve to get lots of love as well after their endless days of hard work in these past two years to make their biggest, most ambitious project come true! Let’s get up close and personal with them, shall we?




... yes, tahoe (or “tahu”) means tofu in Indonesia. It also explains Tahoe Games’ logo.



Why tahoe? It’s because the studio is located in one of the major tofu producers in East Java⁠—Kediri. It is a small town, and the studio’s vision is to make their hometown known by all people, nationally and globally, through their works.

Tahoe Games was formally established in November 2015, consisted only of 4 members, all related by blood: Robertus (founder & programmer), Hermawan Andika (co-founder and programmer), Utong Akbar (artist), and Rizal Catur (composer). Kriswin Yuniar and Budhi Luhur then came abroad in mid-2016.




Rising Hell was born during a local game jam back in 2016. At that time, Kriswin, Budhi, and Robertus wanted to make a game inspired by Downwell. “The game’s gameplay and graphics are simple, but it is really well-designed and left people with a lasting impression,” the team said, “we want our studio to be able to produce games that have all those elements.” Thus, in the initial development of Rising Hell (titled Hellbreaker at that time), the graphics and game mechanics are relatively simple. Plus, as it was planned to be released on mobile, there’s only jumping (yes, no attacking) included in the gameplay.


The team during game jam in 2016.

After the 48-hour game jam ended, Rising Hell’s development continues in mid-February, 2017. Three months later, Tahoe Games then started to cooperate with Toge Productions for publishing matters. “Since then, the quality of the game improves considerably compared to the first game jam prototype—not only graphics-wise but also game design and gameplay mechanics-wise,” Kriswin added. They also switched the game engine from Construct 2 to Unity.


In the prototype version, Arok can turn into demon


Rising Hell September 2017 Build


Rising Hell Latest Build (2019)


Could we create something even without experience? It might sound cliché, but with passion and perseverance, the answer is yes!

Rising Hell was created by people who had no background in the game development industry—at all. The only programmer in the team, Robertus, was previously a logistics company employee. He decided to quit his job and pursue his passion to become a game developer. The music composer and sound designer, Budhi, previously worked as a tutor. He chose to work as a sound engineer and composer in project Rising Hell despite never learned how to play any single instrument. He made many mistakes at first, but look (or hear) his gothic metal masterpiece in the game now!


Budhi during his time as a tutor

Joined in approximately the same time with Budhi, Kriswin was once a convenience store clerk, who also sold chips and other snacks at a bus terminal for a living. Now he is able to channel his inner artist in this project. Lastly, Utong, who helped Kriswin a lot in animating game assets, previously worked as a security guard. All the crew’s past experiences might not be related to game development, yet they are united in their love for video games.


Is it snack time yet?


Utong’s profile picture as a security guard


“As an indie, of course, Tahoe Games have limited funds,” Robertus said, “aside from keeping project Rising Hell alive, we also have to consider everyone’s welfare, considering 3 out of 5 members already have to provide for their children and wife.” To tackle that issue, members of Tahoe Games also work on game outsourcing projects on a daily basis. It sounds super tiring, I know. However, they don’t want to give up. “We realize that we have to be realistic and continue doing what we need to do to keep the studio running,” Kriswin added.

There are a lot of challenges while developing Rising Hell. At the beginning of development, Robertus’ dad fell ill. Needing constant care due to chemotherapy treatment, Robertus have to work on the project remotely while taking care of his father for months. Robertus himself suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, a condition of spinal inflammation that could lead to chronic pain and discomfort if he sits down for too long—especially when working on the game.

Another storm came in August 2019. Kriswin heard news that his father, diagnosed with diabetes, was unable to move his legs and requires surgery. He immediately rushed to his father’s hometown, making it his turn to work remotely while caring for a family member.


Kriswin and his father in his hometown

“This condition certainly stresses me out,” Kriswin told us, “but I know the others are having a hard time as well, especially Robertus, who’s always consistent on finishing his work and updating the build every week.” Then, while giving us a smile, he said to us that he feels lucky to be part of a team in which the members are really supportive of each other. “I guess it’s a perk of having a small member. We have a strong sense of kinship here,” he added.


The team told us even with all the hardship, positive responses from friends and people on the internet about Rising Hell fueled them to keep going. The fact that Rising Hell is also starting to get recognition from the international game development community, and got to be showcased in events overseas such as Bitsummit 2018 and Busan Indie Connect Festival 2018, boost their morale significantly—not to mention that Goichi Suda (Grasshopper Manufacture Inc.) visited the booth during Bitsummit 2018 and Justin Woodward was super excited with the game when he got to curate it in the MIX Asian Game Showcase 2018.


Rising Hell Showcased at Bitsummit 2018

“I can’t believe it, I was once only selling snacks at a bus terminal, but now I’ve gone to South Korea thanks to Rising Hell!” said Kriswin enthusiastically.

“As what we visioned, we hope that Rising Hell could give an enjoyable gaming experience and loved by people around the world so that everyone would know about our studio here in this small town,” the team wished.


At Busan Indie Connect Festival 2018!

You can support our dedicated developers by buying the game, or adding it to your wishlist first! Constructive critics and suggestions (you name it) are also highly appreciated for the development of the game until the full release. It would also mean a lot if you could participate in testing out newly-added features through the Public Beta Branch!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/657000/Rising_Hell/

Hope you can enjoy Rising Hell as much as we do!

Wie geht es dir?

*ahem* we're practicing one of the mortal's languages here, because it will be added to hell, apparently.

But enough with that! Do you know what you have caused here?! Our Queen Baal is getting furious after you wreaked havoc in her territory. She’s sending not only one—but two of her trusted lieutenants to gum you up!



Think you can get past them?!

Not only that, there are also lots of things changed/added in hell, check out our patch note:

0.8.6

• The Queen’s Sentinels; Phobos and Deimos, now guard the Queen’s Hive in world 2
  
• Added 2 New Talents for Arok: Bruteheart and Necropyre
  
• Added 2 New Talents for Zelos: Demonshot and Fatalburst
  
• Added 3 New Relics: Horn of Satan, Netherwalker Mantle, and Blight Disk
  
• German Localization is now available (Thanks to the mortal: Knubbell)
  
• Added NPCs who give advice, if you need them
  
• More types of tormented souls now dwell within hell's domain
  
• Decreased Dagon’s HP slightly, as well as the minion spawned during the minion phase
  
• Added functionality to remap input buttons (currently Gamepad only)
  
• Removed double-tap to Dash
  
• Added sound effect for Dash
  
• Fixed being able to Dash during elevator cutscene
  
• Fixed SFX settings not getting saved
  
• Fixed Keyboard User not able to press J and K
  
• Fixed the Grimoire page

That’s all from us, see you again in hell!

Yours truly,

Hell Renovation Committee