Hades Indie Game Review

Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler developed and published by Supergiant Games. The game was officially released on 17th September 2020 after a successful early access period that began in December 2018. Set in the Greek underworld, players take on the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape his father’s domain and reach Mount Olympus. The game is available on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and PC. Since its release, Hades has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its gameplay mechanics, narrative depth, and visual design.

Supergiant Games, known for titles such as Bastion and Transistor, has once again delivered a game that seamlessly blends storytelling with gameplay. The game’s vibrant art style, coupled with its rich voice acting and compelling characters, has positioned Hades as a standout title in the roguelike genre.

Game Plot: The Story of Zagreus

The narrative of Hades revolves around Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, who seeks to escape the underworld and uncover the truth about his origins. Each attempt at escape brings Zagreus into contact with various gods, each offering assistance in the form of boons, which grant special abilities and enhancements. As players progress, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including Hades himself, who serves as both the game’s antagonist and a complex father figure.

The game’s story unfolds through repeated attempts to escape, with each death providing more context and dialogue. This approach to storytelling ensures that the narrative remains engaging, even after multiple playthroughs. Players are gradually introduced to the lore of the Greek pantheon and the intricate relationships between its deities, making each escape attempt a journey of discovery both in terms of gameplay and story.

How to Play: Tips for Beginners

Hades is designed to be accessible to both newcomers and veterans of the roguelike genre. The core gameplay loop involves navigating through a series of procedurally generated rooms, each filled with enemies, traps, and treasures. The key to success lies in mastering the combat mechanics, which are both fluid and responsive.

For beginners, it is crucial to experiment with the different weapons available. Each weapon in Hades has a unique playstyle, and finding the one that suits your approach is essential. Additionally, make use of the various boons provided by the gods, as these can significantly enhance your abilities and provide a strategic edge in combat.

Another tip for beginners is to embrace failure. Dying in Hades is an integral part of the experience. Each death allows players to return stronger, with new upgrades and knowledge of enemy patterns. The game encourages a mindset of perseverance, rewarding players who learn from their mistakes and adapt their strategies.

What are the Features of the Game?

Hades is rich in features that set it apart from other games in the genre. One of its standout features is the dynamic narrative system, where the story evolves with each playthrough. The game’s voice acting and character interactions are deeply integrated into the gameplay, ensuring that the narrative feels organic and responsive to the player’s actions.

The combat system in Hades is another highlight. It is fast-paced, fluid, and highly customizable, with a wide range of weapons and abilities to choose from. Each run offers different combinations of boons and upgrades, making every attempt at escape unique.

Visually, Hades is stunning, with hand-drawn art and vibrant colours that bring the underworld to life. The game’s environments are richly detailed, and the character designs are both imaginative and true to their mythological roots.

The music and sound design also deserve special mention. The soundtrack, composed by Darren Korb, perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere, while the voice acting adds depth to the characters and the overall experience.

How Players Rate the Game

Hades has been universally praised by both critics and players. On Metacritic, the game holds an impressive score, with many reviewers highlighting its engaging gameplay, deep narrative, and exceptional art style as key strengths. It has won numerous awards, including the coveted BAFTA for Best Game, and was nominated for several Game of the Year awards.

Player feedback on platforms like Steam is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the game’s replayability and the depth of its combat system. The community around Hades is active, with players frequently discussing strategies, sharing fan art, and creating content inspired by the game.

Critics have also lauded the game’s approach to storytelling. The way Hades weaves its narrative into the gameplay has been described as a masterclass in game design, with many citing it as a benchmark for future titles in the genre.

How Successful is the Game?

Hades has been a commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide across all platforms. Its success is a testament not only to its quality but also to the strong reputation of Supergiant Games as a developer. The game’s release on additional platforms, such as the PlayStation and Xbox, further expanded its reach and contributed to its ongoing popularity.

The game’s critical acclaim has also played a significant role in its success. Winning numerous awards and receiving high praise from both players and critics alike has solidified Hades as one of the best games of its generation.

In addition to its commercial and critical success, Hades has influenced the roguelike genre as a whole. Its unique blend of narrative and gameplay has set a new standard for the genre, inspiring other developers to experiment with similar approaches in their own titles.