Hades – A Dance with Death That Never Gets Old
Source: https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/hades
If you've ever wondered what it’s like to face death over and over again, only to emerge stronger each time, Hades is the game for you. This rogue-like dungeon crawler by Supergiant Games delivers an experience that's as much about resilience as it is about skill. But beyond its polished mechanics and gripping narrative, Hades is a masterclass in making repetition feel fresh and exhilarating.
The Art of Dying and Coming Back Stronger
Hades drops you into the underworld as Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, who’s determined to escape the clutches of his father's realm. The twist? You’re going to fail—a lot. But each failure isn’t a setback; it’s a stepping stone. With every attempt, you gather new powers, learn more about your enemies, and get one step closer to freedom. The game’s rogue-like mechanics mean that no two runs are exactly the same, which keeps the experience from feeling stale.
Yet, what really sets Hades apart is how it weaves its narrative into the gameplay. Each time you die, you return to the House of Hades, where you interact with a colorful cast of characters—each with their own stories, motivations, and relationships. These interactions are not just window dressing; they evolve with every run, making the narrative feel dynamic and alive.
Combat: A Ballet of Blades and Boons
The combat in Hades is fast, fluid, and incredibly satisfying. Zagreus can wield a variety of weapons, each with its own playstyle, from the swift and deadly Twin Fists to the long-range Adamant Rail. What truly spices up the combat, though, are the boons—gifts from the Olympian gods that dramatically alter your abilities. These boons can synergize in unexpected ways, allowing for a deep level of customization that keeps each run feeling unique.
However, there’s a delicate balance to be struck here. While the boons offer a lot of variety, they can also lead to some runs feeling overpowered while others feel underwhelming, depending on the luck of the draw. It’s part of the rogue-like charm, but it can also lead to moments of frustration when a run doesn’t come together as hoped.
A World Alive with Detail
The art and sound design of Hades are nothing short of stunning. The underworld is brought to life with vibrant, hand-drawn visuals that are both beautiful and haunting. Each area, from the fiery depths of Asphodel to the eerie, flower-filled plains of Elysium, is meticulously crafted, making every moment a visual feast.
Then there’s the soundtrack, which is as much a part of the experience as the gameplay itself. The music in Hades ranges from somber, atmospheric tracks to adrenaline-pumping battle anthems, all of which perfectly complement the action on screen. The voice acting is equally superb, bringing depth and personality to every character, no matter how minor.
The Grind: A Blessing or a Curse?
While Hades does an excellent job of keeping the gameplay loop engaging, it’s not immune to the grind that comes with the rogue-like genre. As you push further into the game, you’ll find yourself facing the same bosses, the same challenges, and the same environments repeatedly. For some, this repetition is a chance to refine their skills and experiment with different builds. For others, it might start to feel like a slog, particularly in the later stages of the game when progress can slow down.
The game tries to mitigate this with its ever-evolving narrative and the introduction of new mechanics like the Pact of Punishment, which allows you to tweak the difficulty in exchange for greater rewards. But even with these systems in place, there’s no denying that Hades requires a certain tolerance for repetition.
Conclusion: A Hell of a Good Time
Hades is a game that’s easy to fall in love with. Its tight combat, compelling story, and gorgeous presentation make it a standout in the rogue-like genre. But it’s not just about dodging enemies and collecting loot; it’s about perseverance, growth, and the joy of mastering a challenge. Sure, it might occasionally frustrate with its reliance on repetition, but the thrill of finally achieving that perfect run makes it all worthwhile.
In the end, Hades is more than just a game about escaping the underworld—it’s a game about embracing the struggle and finding beauty in the attempt. Whether you’re a rogue-like veteran or new to the genre, Hades offers an experience that’s as rewarding as it is punishing, and one that you won’t soon forget.
