Hades Review: Live, die, repeat.

 

Hades Review

Game Title:  Hades

Publisher: Supergiant Games, Take-Two Interactive, Private Division

Year: 2018

ESRB Rating: T

Platform: macOS, Nintendo Switch, Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Genre: Roguelike, Action RPG

 

 

Hades, developed by Supergiant Games, has gained significant popularity and acclaim for several reasons, making it a highly enjoyable and addictive game to play. Here are some key factors that contribute to Hades' fun gameplay experience:

 

·         Fun Factor:  Hades is an action-packed roguelike game with fast-paced combat and a variety of weapons and abilities. The gameplay is fluid, responsive, and highly satisfying, allowing players to execute strategic moves, dodge attacks, and unleash powerful combinations. Each run feels unique due to the randomized levels, enemies, and upgrades, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Engaging and dynamic gameplay, compelling storytelling, rewarding progression system, unique and diverse characters, stunning art and sound design, replayability and variety.

·         Learning Curve: The gameplay is fluid, responsive, and highly satisfying, allowing players to execute strategic moves, dodge attacks, and unleash powerful combinations. The game offers a wide range of weapons, each with a unique playstyle, allowing players to experiment and find their preferred combat style. The combination of quick attacks, special abilities, and dashes creates a strategic and skillful combat system that keeps players engaged and challenged.

·         Graphics: Hades is visually stunning, featuring vibrant and detailed art that brings the underworld to life. Each area of the game is beautifully designed, with unique environments and atmospheric lighting. The art style and animations perfectly capture the dark and mythical ambiance of the game.

 

·         Audio:  The music in Hades blends various genres, including orchestral, rock, and electronic elements, to create a unique and engaging atmosphere that complements the game's action-packed gameplay and storytelling. 

        The voice acting in Hades is also highly praised. Each character in the game has a distinct voice and personality, and the voice actors deliver their lines with skill and emotion, bringing the narrative to life. The dialogue is well-written and the voice performances add depth to the characters' personalities and relationships. 

        In terms of sound effects, Hades delivers impactful and satisfying audio cues. From the clash of weapons to the sounds of magic and various environmental effects, the game's audio design contributes to the overall intensity and immersion of the gameplay.

 

·         Controls: It's important to note that control schemes can vary slightly depending on the platform you're playing on, and Hades provides the option to customize controls to suit individual preferences.             

          1. Movement: Hades allows movement in eight directions. On most platforms, movement is controlled using the left analog stick or directional keys on the keyboard.

          2. Attack: The primary attack is performed by pressing the designated button, usually the main attack button. Depending on the weapon equipped, the attack can be a melee strike, ranged shot, or special ability

    3. Dash: Dodging and evading enemy attacks is a crucial aspect of combat in Hades. The dash maneuver is executed by pressing the dedicated dash button, allowing the player to quickly move in any direction.

        
    4. Special Ability/Cast: In addition to basic attacks, each weapon in Hades has a unique special ability or cast. This ability is triggered by pressing the corresponding button, allowing players to unleash devastating attacks or magical projectiles.

    

          5. Call/Aid: As players progress through the game, they unlock the ability to call upon powerful allies for assistance. The call or aid ability is activated by pressing the designated button and can turn the tide of battle.

          6. Interact/Talk: Hades features a variety of interactable objects and characters. The interact or talk button allows players to engage in conversations, pick up items, open doors, or interact with various elements in the environment.

         7. Menu and Navigation: Accessing the game menu, inventory, or other in-game options is typically done by pressing the designated menu button. Navigating menus is done using the directional buttons or analog stick.

 

·         Story: One of the standout aspects of Hades is its captivating storytelling. Through dialogue, interactions, and character development, the game weaves a rich narrative centered around Zagreus' attempts to escape his father's domain. The characters in Hades are well-written and voice-acted, with their own unique personalities and stories. The game effectively blends Greek mythology with original storytelling, creating an immersive and emotionally engaging experience.

 

·         Characters: Hades boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities and abilities. Interacting with these characters not only adds depth to the story but also unlocks additional gameplay opportunities. Players can form relationships, receive valuable advice, and acquire new items or abilities from these characters, creating a sense of attachment and fostering a desire to explore their stories further.

 

·         Level Design: Hades is designed to be replayed multiple times, and each run offers new challenges and opportunities. The game's procedurally generated levels, enemies, and power-ups ensure that no two runs are exactly alike. Furthermore, the wide selection of weapons and various aspects of Zagreus's abilities provide diverse playstyles, allowing players to experiment and find strategies that suit their preferences. The combination of replayability and variety keeps players engaged and encourages them to keep coming back for more.

 

·         Changes: Hades is primarily a single-player experience, but the inclusion of a multiplayer or cooperative mode could enhance the game's social aspect. Allowing players to team up with friends or other players to tackle challenges together could provide a fresh dynamic and increase replayability. 

I would also hope for expansion on its endgame content. Hades provides an engaging narrative and progression system, but once players reach the endgame, some may desire additional content to keep them invested. Expanding the endgame with new challenges, higher difficulty levels, or additional storylines could provide further depth and longevity to the gameplay experience.

 

·         Recommendation: Hades is a masterpiece of game design. Its exceptional gameplay, storytelling, and art design just sucks you right into its incredible world. After you finally beat the game, you're left thinking, "what the heck do I do now?"

But guess what? Hades 2 is on the horizon, and I can't freaking wait! This time, they're switching things up with a badass female protagonist. Talk about leveling up the excitement and adding a whole new layer of awesomeness to the sequel!

 

 

Overall Rating: