PGC NEWS

Greek mythology, with its relatable gods and epic tales, has captivated audiences for centuries, inspiring countless works of art, literature, film, and even video games. Supergiant Games, the creators of acclaimed indie titles like Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre, adds their unique touch to this rich tapestry with Hades, a roguelike action game that reimagines the Greek underworld. Released on Steam and Nintendo Switch in September 2020 after an earlier launch on Epic Games, Hades quickly garnered critical acclaim and captured the hearts of players worldwide. This review explores the game’s captivating gameplay, replayability, and stunning visuals.

A Godly Roguelike Experience

Hades follows Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, on his quest to escape the underworld. Tired of the underworld’s monotonous routine and spurred on by the discovery of his true parentage – the goddess Persephone – Zagreus embarks on a perilous journey to reach the surface.

The game’s core gameplay loop revolves around Zagreus’s repeated escape attempts. Each run takes him through a procedurally generated series of interconnected chambers, each filled with monstrous foes and treacherous traps. This roguelike structure ensures that each escape attempt feels fresh and unpredictable, drawing from a vast pool of enemy types, room layouts, and potential rewards.

Hades

Upon clearing a room, players are presented with a choice of rewards, ranging from currency for temporary upgrades to Darkness crystals for permanent enhancements. Perhaps the most enticing rewards are the “Boons” bestowed by the Olympian gods. These boons, granted through Nyx’s intervention, offer a wide range of powerful upgrades and modifications to Zagreus’s abilities, adding significant depth and variety to the combat.

Divine Combat and Build Variety

Zagreus’s combat arsenal comprises a swift attack, a powerful special, a ranged magic attack, and a dash. The Olympian boons enhance and transform these core abilities, offering a plethora of build options. Poseidon’s boons grant knockback effects, Dionysus’s inflict poison, and Athena’s provide deflecting shields. The strategic combination of boons, coupled with different weapon choices, allows for an immense variety of playstyles.

Hades

Zagreus can wield six distinct weapons: sword, spear, shield, bow, fists, and gun. Each weapon possesses unique attack patterns and synergies with Olympian boons, further expanding the game’s strategic depth. This combination of weapons and boons ensures that players can experiment with countless builds, preventing the combat from becoming stale.

Endlessly Engaging Underworld Escapades

As a roguelike, Hades doesn’t have a traditional ending. Even after successfully escaping the underworld, the story continues, offering new challenges and narrative threads. Death is a frequent occurrence, especially for newcomers, but it’s not a complete setback. Zagreus retains certain resources, such as Darkness crystals and “Keepsakes” earned from defeating bosses, allowing for permanent progression.

Hades

These resources can be used to upgrade Zagreus’s stats and abilities, increasing his survivability and power. Additionally, Keepsakes like keys and Titan Blood unlock and upgrade weapons, providing a tangible sense of progress. The game also features a dynamic difficulty system that adjusts based on the player’s performance, ensuring a consistently challenging experience.

A Visually Stunning Underworld

Supergiant Games is renowned for its distinctive 2D hand-drawn art style, and Hades is no exception. The game’s visuals are a feast for the eyes, depicting a vibrant and stylized underworld far removed from traditional depictions. From the opulent halls of Hades’s palace to the fiery depths of Tartarus, each environment is meticulously crafted, brimming with detail and atmosphere.

Hades

The game’s bold color palette and striking contrasts create a visually arresting experience. The character designs are equally impressive, capturing the personalities of the Olympian gods and other mythological figures with a blend of majesty and relatable quirks. The fluid animations, though minimalist in their frame count, are impactful and satisfying, perfectly complementing the fast-paced combat.

Hades

Conclusion

Hades is a masterclass in roguelike design, seamlessly blending compelling gameplay, engaging narrative, and stunning visuals. The game’s dynamic difficulty, diverse build options, and constant sense of progression ensure that players remain hooked for hours on end. Whether you’re a seasoned roguelike veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Hades offers a truly unforgettable underworld adventure.