AstralShift Abandons Horror for Hell Maiden, a Deck-Building Adventure Through Dante’s Inferno

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Hell Maiden is an upcoming “horde survival deck-builder” from AstralShift, set to be available for PC via Steam. This Portuguese indie studio, known for horror titles such as Little Goody Two Shoes and Pocket Mirror, is stepping out of the shadows to offer an action-adventure inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy.

In Hell Maiden, you play as Dante, who inexplicably returns to Hell after already reaching Heaven, with her memories completely wiped. Determined to return to Paradise and uncover the truth, she is joined by the wise Roman poet Virgil and the saint Beatrice. The journey takes you through the nine circles of Hell, where you face hordes of demons and massive bosses. You build your arsenal by collecting, stacking, and combining Tarot-inspired cards.

What sets Hell Maiden apart are the Poets of Limbo, legendary figures such as Homer, Ovid, and Lucan, who lend their blessings and weapons to your cause. Each poet offers unique upgrades, abilities, and ultimate attacks, allowing you to combine them for unstoppable builds. The game’s visuals are gorgeous, seamlessly blending nostalgic 2000s-era pixel art with a modern style.

The hand-painted environments and dynamic 2D animation make the combat even more special, while an all-female cast, inspired by the charm of Touhou Project, adds a playful note to the Divine Comedy themes. With multiple bosses, branching paths, and endless card combinations, the game is built for replayability.