Hell's Gate
Project Overview
Hello, and thank you for showing interest in Hell's Gate!
This is an original visual novel inspired by games like Danganronpa, Your Turn to Die, and Zero Escape, with elements of dating sims and even horror games thrown in.
16 young adults are trapped within the halls of St. Jude's Basilica, an abandoned cathedral located in Japan, and forced to kill one another by a sadist controlling an all-seeing game master named Thea -- a doll dressed as a nun. Tristan Stieber, our protagonist, will be forced to solve murders, investigate crimes, and forge bonds with his peers in order to escape. Can he do it, or will everyone be sent to Hell's Gate?
Currently, we're looking for voice actors, artists, editors, and co-writers and co-directors to help lighten the load placed on the current director's shoulders!
Thank you for your interest in the game, and, in the words of our mascot and game-runner Thea --
May Hope shine its light upon you.
Discord: https://discord.gg/3MXqNez
Tumblr: https://hellsgatevn.tumblr.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HellsGateVN
Some more about the director/creator below!
Hello, my name is Starboy/Maris (I go by either name!) and my pronouns are he/they. I'm 21 years old and currently in my fourth year of college, where I'm majoring in Vocal Performance and minoring in Psychology. I'm a voice actor and writer, and I'm relatively well-known within the Danganronpa voice acting community. This project is a big passion of mine, and I'm so excited to be able to work on it and share it with everyone!
When you are logged in, you can comment, add submissions, create projects, upvote, search open roles, and way more. Login here.
Tristan is a 21-year-old trans man, born in Berlin, and currently residing in St. Jude's Basilica, somewhere in Japan.
Tristan is our protagonist, but differently than most protagonists of death games, he's on the shy, reserved, even timid side! He has trouble sleeping, and can't remember much about himself before waking up in the basilica. He's still likable and isn't threatening, so people tend to trust him, and he's also surprisingly good at keeping his wits around death.
Accent is optional, but preferred, since the character is German! Trans men are also highly encouraged to audition, but cis men can still audition too, as long as you're respectful!
(introductory, calm at first, then slowly panicking) W-Who, me? Oh, yes, I suppose introductions would be helpful. My name is Tristan Stieber, and I... I can't remember my occupation or passion. Hopefully I'll remember soon!
(nervous, but still relatively composed) This... this is a joke, yes? You can't be serious about this sort of thing.
(still anxious, but determined) You... believe in me? Well, I-I'll try my best!
Ryuunosuke is a 23-year-old man, born and raised in Japan, and currently residing in St. Jude's Basilica.
Ryuunosuke is a soft-spoken, reserved man, which completely contrasts his appearance as a gruff, tall, intimidating figure. Ryuunosuke lost an eye, but refuses to talk about how or why, and the subject even being brought up sends him into a calm rage. He genuinely wants to be friends with people, but finds it hard to do since he naturally tends to scare people.
Bass/baritone voice, definitely more crisp and concise with his words than average. Be prepared to use longer and more complex words, but feel free to ask for pronunciations if you need them!
(introductory, hesitant, a bit intimidating) My name is Ryuunosuke Yasuda. If we're done with formalities, I would appreciate it if I could return to my writing.
(hesitant, nervous, but slowly warming up and becoming more charming) Would you mind if I based a character in my current draft on you? Naturally, I would change names, physical descriptors, and maybe certain personality traits. Just so that nobody could trace the character back to you. Unless, of course, you'd be alright with that...?
(tense, tranquil fury) If you don't mind, I would appreciate if you would stop asking about my eyepatch... Please and thank you.
Aika is 22-years-old, born in Kyoto, and currently residing in St. Jude's Basilica.
Aika is incredibly smug and crude. She runs a petting zoo alongside her younger sister, but what's most interesting about her is her surprisingly good luck. She claims that she's never lost a game in her life, and she's become a bit cocky as a result. She's also very sexually vulgar, and doesn't pull punches when she flirts with people, unless they explicitly tell her they're not interested.
Despite her cutesy design, I don't want a cutesy voice for her. I want a more crass, even edgy kind of tone to her voice. Be prepared to swear more than usual.
(introduction, bored at first, then turns flirty) What's up, nerd? My name's Aika Jumonji, and I'm the luckiest bitch you'll ever meet. ...You could get lucky later on too if you play your cards right.
(catty, haughty) Those two can't stop talking about puppies and kittens. If someone doesn't get annoyed and off 'em soon, they might do it themselves by tripping down the stairs. (whispered) I'd praise those stairs for it, too.
(surprisingly soft, heartfelt) Seriously, you're... you're amazing. Like, easily the most badass human I've ever met, Apricot.
Nightstalker is 22 years old, and was born and raised in Wuhan, China. They currently reside in St. Jude's Basilica.
Nightstalker is a famous livestreamer, known best for their methods of playing games being unconventional. They've played shooters with Guitar Hero controllers, dating sims with steering wheels, and all sorts of combinations. They even see life as a game, and tend to be caught up in their own fantasy world because of it. They hide their face at all times, and any time someone tries to remove their mask, they get defensive.
Accent optional, but highly encouraged since they're a Chinese character! Nonbinary voice artists are highly encouraged to audition! I personally imagine them as AFAB, but I'll accept any interpretations as long as they're respectful!
(introductory, peppy, kind of fast) What's up, nocturnals? It's the leader of the pack, Nightstalker! (pause) Aaaaand, I just realized that you probably don't know who I am.
(full of wonder, curious) Hey, you! You got any fetch quests for me? Most people hate them, but I don't mind at all! It's easy loot anyway, plus it'll earn me friendship points. Oooor, I could ask you to be my companion...! N-Not like *THAT* though!
(anxious, trying to act tough) H-Hey! No touching the moneymaker! I-I won't hesitate! I'm proficient with melee weapons!
Anzu is a 23-year-old trans woman, born and raised in Nagasaki, Japan, but currently living in St. Jude's Basilica against her will.
Anzu is incredibly outspoken and argumentative. She's an activist at heart, and despite that fact seeming obvious outwardly, she seems to dodge questions relating to her past. She likes to keep an air of mystery about her whenever possible. She's also very protective of others that she sees as weaker than her, and will make sure that nobody is hurting emotionally or physically under her watch.
Anzu is a trans woman, so trans-feminine voice actresses are highly encouraged to audition! Cis women may also try out, as long as you are respectful!
(introductory, calmly) I'm Anzu Gensai. Do you wanna know more? (playfully) Well, I can't just go divulging ALL my secrets now, can I? You'll learn when you're ready to.
(gruffly, to the point) Don't mess with me. Trust me. One guy tried it and... let's just say that it took about two months to heal.
(angry, yelling) I'm not gonna give up just because some sicko that doesn't even want to show their face told me to! Give up the holier-than-thou act and SHOW YOURSELF so I can beat your ass into submission!
Cian is a 22-year-old detective, born and raised in Cork, Ireland. He was kidnapped and brought to St. Jude's Basilica, where he currently resides.
Cian is incredibly smug and arrogant, particularly regarding his abilities as a detective. He claims to have descended from Professor Plum (yes, the one from the game Clue(do)), and as such, thinks that people automatically know his name. He's also incredibly flirtatious, and seems to have a penchant for drinking -- he gets itchy when he's deprived of alcohol for long periods of time.
Accent optional, but highly encouraged, since the character is Irish!
(introductory, smug) Hi there, the name's Plum. Detective Cian Plum. I'm sure you're familiar with my work. If the name sounds familiar, you've probably heard of the cases I've solved. Or my ancestor, Professor Plum.
(flirty, playful) What's wrong, blue eyes? You're not willing to see my potential as a... private investigator? Well, perhaps another time, if we get the chance.
(offended, anger building) How DARE you insult my intelligence! Who here's solved the most cases? Me! Who's the most likely to get us out of this mess? ME! You hear me? You're nothing! NOTHING!
Kanti is a 22-year-old belly dancer. They claim to have been born on Venus, but they're currently being held in St. Jude's Basilica.
Kanti is eccentric. They genuinely believe that they're from the planet Venus, and are biding their time until they can return home. They're snooty and have incredibly high standards, and whenever they see someone as beneath them (which is often), they tend to use derogatory language and look down on them. Their biggest weakness, however, is their fear of men over 6' tall. Nobody knows why that is...
Kanti is genderqueer, so nonbinary voice artists are highly encouraged to audition! I always imagined them as AMAB, but I'm open to any and all interpretations of their voice!
(introductory, cocky and boastful) You may call me Kanti. I'm a professional bellydancer, but that's merely a hobby until I can finally get off of this godforsaken planet and back to Venus.
(disgusted, snooty) Who told you that you could speak to me? You will speak only when I allow you to speak. Otherwise, you're merely polluting the air with your words.
(genuinely terrified) H-How tall did you say you were? (pause) Oh, that's... that's great. Good for you. I've gotta... I've gotta go.
Parthenope is a 22-year-old trans woman, born and raised in Sapporo, Japan. She's one of the captives in St. Jude's Basilica.
Parthenope (Opi to her friends) is a well-known astrology blogger, famous for her positivity surrounding air signs, that normally get slighted by the community as a whole. She's passionate about space in general, and keeps track of astronomical phenomena to see in her lifetime. She's incredibly optimistic and cheerful, even in the most dire situations.
Parthenope is a trans woman, so trans-feminine voice actresses are highly encouraged to audition! Cis women are also encouraged, as long as they're respectful!
(introductory, optimistic) Hello! My name is Parthenope! I'm an astrology blogger! And, before you ask, I'm a Gemini. I know they get a lot of flack but I think Geminis are really cool! What's your sign?
(hesitant, but hopeful) O...kay, so maybe some people here don't really like me that much yet. That's fine! We DID just meet each other. I'm sure some of them will turn that attitude around!
(heartbroken) We're all gonna die here, and I can't do anything about it... I won't be able to see the next total eclipse, or the next comet soar through the sky... Ever again.
Joji is a 23-year-old marksman, born in Las Vegas. He's being held captive in St. Jude's Basilica, somewhere in Japan.
Joji is very suave and confident, and has a penchant for honesty, even if the truth is a bit harsh. He's also rather open about his proficiency with guns and his profession as a marksman, almost to a fault. However, once you start to ask him more about himself, he becomes rather closed off. He's very much a flirt and likes to tease people, particularly if he genuinely likes them.
Think a suave baritenor voice, with a bit of showiness to it -- after all, the man was born in Las Vegas. Also, be prepared to swear a lot. His word choices tend to be on the vulgar side, more out of habit than because he's genuinely being crude.
(introductory, confident but casual) The name's Joji Onishi. I'm a marksman. It's nice to meet you.
(teasing, cocky) What, you're gonna threaten somebody nicknamed the "Death Demon" with violence? (mocking) "Oh no, I'm so scared!" (back to being cocky) Whatever.
(playful, nonchalant) Aw, come on, don't be like that. I'm not trying to rile you up, honest to God. (flirty) Y'know, you look really cute when you're mad. Your ears get all red and your freckles show better.
A style similar to the one we have for our current sprites would be ideal! We're looking for sketch artists, line artists, and colorists! If you're able to do more than one of these jobs, please feel free! Please send original work here, or your own art of one of our characters! You can find the designs on our Discord or our Tumblr!
I have some poses in mind for certain characters, so some pose ideas will already be provided upon joining the team!
Say something you think would fit
This is for background artists! We're looking for backgrounds! The setting of the game is a run-down cathedral, so someone who can draw architecture in ruins would be perfect. The cathedral would also have lots of stained glass, so someone that can design stained glass windows would be great! Please send any original work that you think showcases your talents here!
I have some references in mind, so I'll send them to artists upon joining the team!
Say something you think would fit
This is for splash artists! These are promotional images, character art, graphics, and other splash art pieces to be used either in-game or for promotion. Since we don't have an established style for splash art, I'd be willing to look at any styles that you think would fit. Please put any original work that you believe showcases your talents here!
I have some ideas for poses for the characters, and some ideas for small graphics here and there. Those will be provided upon joining the team.
Say something you think would fit
This is for CG artists! These CGs would be used for certain events within the game proper, such as important plot events or interesting moments within the narrative. Since we don't have a set style for the CGs, any style will work here! Please send in your best original work here, that showcases your talents.
I have ideas for certain CGs in the game proper, and those will be provided upon joining the team.
Say something you think would fit
This is for animators! The animations would most likely be for the end-of-chapter punishments (read; executions), but could be used for other in-game moments, minigames, or important events as well! Since there's no style set for any animations, I'd be willing to see any and all styles! Please send in any original work that you think showcases your talents!
Execution ideas aren't finalized yet, but once they are, they'll be sent to the team as soon as they are!
Say something you think would fit
This is for video editors! We're looking for trailers for the game, official walkthrough videos, and other promotional material in video format. Please showcase any work of yours that you think shows your talents!
Say something you think would fit
This is for co-writers! Please send in examples of your writing! I'm most interested in seeing written romantic scenes, mystery investigations, and descriptions of scenes.
All romantic pairings and deaths are planned. Specific causes of death for victims are currently undecided, but ideas will be sent upon joining the team.
Say something you think would fit
This is for audio engineers and editors! Your help would be needed for making sure that voice clips are edited to be similar volumes, with as little background noise as possible, and as concisely and clear as possible, as well as for music and sound cues.
Say something you think would fit
This is for potential co-directors! This is an original project inspired by the likes of Danganronpa, Your Turn to Die, and Zero Escape. If you would like to help direct this project to make the end result the best it can be, please note any work you've done before and any special skills you have, and I'll be in touch!
Say something you think would fit
Comments
Public Submissions
