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Hades is a game that feels like it was forged in the depths of the underworld—and not just in its setting, but in its design, gameplay, and narrative. Developed by Supergiant Games, known for their excellence in storytelling and design (Bastion, Transistor, Pyre), Hades takes the rogue-like genre to new heights, blending fast-paced combat, rich lore, and a progression system that always feels rewarding. It’s a game that combines the best aspects of its genre while pushing it forward in ways that are innovative, deeply satisfying, and endlessly replayable.
Hades tells the tale of Zagreus, the son of Hades, the god of the Underworld. Unhappy with his life in the depths of Hell, Zagreus decides to escape and make his way to the surface to find his mother and learn more about his past. Along the way, he must battle through the various chambers of the Underworld, all while dealing with the wrath of his father, the tricky gods of Olympus, and a host of enemies who seem hell-bent on stopping him.
What sets Hades apart from many rogue-like games is its incredible narrative structure. Each run of the game feels like a chapter in an ongoing story, with Zagreus’ escape attempts serving as a vehicle for character development. The writing is sharp, witty, and often emotionally resonant, offering players bits of dialogue that reveal more about Zagreus, his family, and the other gods of Greek mythology as they offer him powers and blessings. It’s a clever take on the concept of “failure” in a rogue-like: each time Zagreus dies, he doesn’t just reset—he returns to his home base, where he can interact with the characters, hear new lines of dialogue, and learn more about his journey.
The characters are absolutely one of the game's biggest strengths. From the kind and mischievous Athena to the tough-as-nails Ares, each Olympian god offers unique upgrades to Zagreus' abilities, and they have rich personalities that make every interaction engaging. Even characters like Sisyphus, Thanatos, and Dusa (who may be considered secondary figures in the Greek myths) become central to the narrative, creating a world that feels alive and deeply interconnected.
The relationships that evolve through the game—whether it’s Zagreus’ strained relationship with his father, or the growing bonds with various gods and characters—add layers to the story, making each escape attempt feel personal, not just a string of combat-focused objectives.
Hades shines brightest in its gameplay, which combines fast, fluid combat with rogue-like elements that make each run feel fresh. The core combat system revolves around Zagreus using a variety of weapons and abilities, each offering different playstyles. From the quick and agile Twin Fists of Malphon to the powerful, ranged Bow of Chiron, every weapon in the game has its own feel, and players can experiment with different loadouts during each run.
The combat itself is buttery-smooth, with a mixture of attack types, dash mechanics, and special abilities that allow for a satisfying variety of combos. The game also incorporates the use of Boons, powerful upgrades granted by the gods, which can alter your playstyle dramatically. For example, Athena might grant you a defensive boon, while Ares’ boons could make your attacks more lethal. These changes keep the combat dynamic and prevent it from becoming repetitive.
Each run through the Underworld offers new challenges and combinations, making each escape attempt feel different from the last. But what makes Hades stand out among rogue-likes is the sense of progression. Even when you fail, you’re always moving forward. You can unlock new weapons, increase your character’s stats, and gain access to permanent upgrades that make each attempt feel rewarding.
The enemies you face, from the lowly Shady Bats to the imposing Furies, are varied and challenging. As you ascend through the Underworld, the difficulty ramps up, but the combat is always manageable if you’ve built up your character in the right way. The bosses—like the first major fight with Megara and the terrifying Hades—are spectacular encounters that require strategy and quick reflexes. Each one is a test of everything you've learned up until that point.
The feeling of progression is powerful in Hades. With each death, you return to your base, where you can spend Darkness to level up Zagreus, gain new abilities, or unlock permanent upgrades. This creates a satisfying loop where failure doesn’t feel punishing; it feels like a part of the journey. And the moments where you finally make it further in the Underworld or beat a boss you’ve been struggling against are immensely satisfying.
Hades's art direction is gorgeous, with a stylish, hand-painted aesthetic that makes every scene feel like a work of art. The Underworld is vast and varied, from the fiery pits of Tartarus to the frosty fields of Elysium. Each zone is visually distinct, and the dynamic lighting and smooth animation add to the beauty of the world. The character designs are equally fantastic, with each god and monster being reimagined with a fresh, modern flair while staying true to their mythological roots.
The game's art perfectly matches its tone—grand and dramatic in moments of intensity, but also quirky and humorous in character interactions. It’s a visually striking game, one that blends the beauty of the Greek mythological world with a slick, contemporary aesthetic that feels modern but still timeless.
The music in Hades is exceptional, composed by Darren Korb (who also composed the soundtracks for Supergiant's previous games). The soundtrack is full of high-energy rock and orchestral compositions that perfectly complement the intense combat. The use of percussion and electric guitars during boss fights ramps up the excitement, while more subdued, melancholic tracks set the tone during quieter moments of the story.
The sound design is spot-on, with satisfying effects for every weapon swing, enemy attack, and spell cast. Zagreus’ voice acting is excellent, and the entire cast of gods, heroes, and mythological figures add their own charm to the story. The combination of fantastic voice acting, sound effects, and an emotionally resonant soundtrack really elevates the game's atmosphere, making it feel like a complete, immersive experience.
Hades is a masterclass in rogue-like design. The combat is fast and fluid, the characters are rich and lovable, and the story is compelling enough to make you want to keep pushing through each escape attempt. Supergiant Games has crafted a game that is not only fun to play but also a joy to experience. The constant sense of progression, the engaging story, and the diverse combat options make Hades a game that’s hard to put down.
Its combination of gameplay, narrative, and beautiful visuals makes it one of the best rogue-likes out there—and one of the standout games of the generation. Whether you’re a fan of Greek mythology, action-packed combat, or just looking for a game that offers both challenge and rewarding progression, Hades delivers it all in spades.
Rating: 9/10