Enter the Pink Hellscape in Poison Control

From the developers known for over-the-top RPG experiences comes Poison Control, a unique genre-bending title that blends elements of a third-person shooter, action, and RPG. Set within a vibrant yet twisted underworld, the game explores the physical manifestations of dark emotions through a lens of "creepy-cute" aesthetics. If you are looking for a traditional combat experience, you might find something entirely different here; Poison Control offers an off-the-beaten-path journey that is unmistakably unique.

A Tale of Two Souls

The narrative of Poison Control begins in the depths of a literal pink hellscape. The protagonist wakes up bleeding and lost in an infernal domain, only to have their fate altered by a mysterious encounter. A creature known as a Klesha—a toxic manifestation of human delusions—decides to forcibly fuse with the player's body. This process transforms the entity into Poisonette, a girl who now shares your very flesh and blood.

Together, this duo must navigate "Belle’s Hells," a collection of personal underworlds inhabited by various girls, both living and dead. Your mission is to purify these realms of their toxic corruption to earn admission to heaven, which promises the reward of a single, coveted wish. As you progress through the levels, you will encounter over 20 sub-stories that flesh out the lore of the Belles and the mysterious connection between the host and Poisonette.

Gameplay Mechanics and Features

At its core, Poison Control functions as a 3D dungeon crawler with distinct dual-layered gameplay mechanics:

  • Third-Person Shooting: Most of your time is spent controlling the human host. Using weapons collected from various Belles, you must fight off demons and navigate through themed environments. While many weapons feature unlimited ammo with a reload cooldown, some require active resource management to keep the fight going.
  • Poison Purification: When the situation demands, you switch control to Poisonette. Unlike the host, Poisonette cannot directly combat demons; instead, her role is environmental. She must move through the levels to dispel pools of poison that represent emotional distress. By creating closed loops with her movement, players can clear entire sections of a Hell.
  • RPG Progression: As the bond between the host and Poisonette matures, her ability to run further and clear larger areas increases. Additionally, weapons can be strengthened using currency earned through gameplay objectives.

Who is This Game For?

Poison Control is a niche title that relies heavily on specific aesthetic choices. Players who enjoy anime tropes, archetype-driven character designs, and the "creepy-cute" style characteristic of Nippon Ichi Software will find much to love. It appeals to those looking for an experimental RPG experience that deviates from standard fantasy or sci-fi settings.

Available on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, this title is perfect for fans of dungeon crawlers who don't mind a heavy dose of stylized, supernatural storytelling alongside their action gameplay.