In a recent trailer at the PC Gaming Show 2025, New Blood revealed details about one of the levels in Ultrakill’s final layer, called Fraud. The creativity and visual appeal of this new FPS map left me astonished, indicating that the long wait for Ultrakill’s early access was definitely worth it.
The first level of Fraud, titled Heartbreak Wonderland, starts with an ambiance reminiscent of a haunted hotel, drawing parallels to iconic locations like the Overlook from The Shining. The eerie decor and exceptional rendering also reminded me of the mesmerizing visuals found in Alan Wake 2.
The trailer introduces the protagonist, V1, as they navigate through a dark room before entering a lavish hallway via a TV screen. The scene transitions into an expansive foyer that resembles a mechanical funhouse, eventually revealing various segments of what seems to be an intricate level.
In a surprising twist, I initially thought I was viewing footage from two distinct levels since the visuals shifted dramatically to resemble the inside of an O’Neil cylinder—a theoretical habitat where living space is constructed on the inner surface of a rotating satellite. Notable examples from pop culture include elements seen in Mass Effect and Interstellar.
Ultimately, all these stunning visuals are part of the same level, Heartbreak Wonderland. The distinctive style integrates horror elements with surreal landscapes, defying my initial expectations. The closest thing to traditional hell in Ultrakill thus far has only been a brief interlude in Layer 6: Heresy, contrasting with the beautiful settings of cities, ancient ruins, and oceanic vistas featured in earlier levels.
Ultrakill’s graphics and art have also been updated as it nears its 1.0 release, leading fans to enjoy what they humorously refer to as Ultrakill Remastered before the actual game launch. I plan to save my excitement for an extensive playthrough when Ultrakill becomes officially available, and if this first glimpse of Layer 8: Fraud is any indication, the game is poised to finish on a high note. You can experience Ultrakill’s early access phase for just $25 on Steam.
