Hades

Hades is a roguelike action dungeon crawler game developed and published by Supergiant Games, an American indie game studio known for their previous titles such as Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre. The game was initially released in Early Access in 2018, with a full release in 2020 for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Nintendo Switch, and later for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Gameplay

In Hades, players control Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the Underworld and reach Mount Olympus.

• Roguelike: The game features procedurally generated levels and permadeath, meaning that when Zagreus dies, he returns to the start of the Underworld, losing some progress but retaining certain upgrades and items.
• Combat: The fast-paced combat system involves a combination of hack-and-slash attacks, ranged abilities, and special powers granted by Olympian gods.
• Upgrades: As players progress through each run, they can collect various upgrades, weapons, and boons from the gods to strengthen Zagreus and improve his chances of escape.

The game features a vibrant and stylized art style, with hand-drawn characters and environments that bring the world of Greek mythology to life.

Story and Characters

Hades takes place in the Underworld of Greek mythology, with Zagreus, the son of Hades, attempting to escape and uncover the truth about his past and family.

Throughout his journey, Zagreus interacts with a colourful cast of characters, including the Olympian gods who aid him, the residents of the Underworld, and his own dysfunctional family. The game features extensive dialogue and character development, with relationships that evolve over the course of multiple runs.

Reception

Hades received universal acclaim upon its full release, with praise directed at its addictive gameplay loop, engaging story and characters, and stunning art and music. The game was celebrated for its innovative approach to the roguelike genre, combining deep and satisfying combat with meaningful narrative progression.

Hades won numerous awards, including Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2020 and Best Indie Game at the Golden Joystick Awards 2020.

Fun Facts

• The game's voice cast includes a number of well-known actors, such as Logan Cunningham (Bastion, Transistor) as Hades, Darren Korb as Zagreus, and Ashley Barrett as Eurydice.
• Supergiant Games used an Early Access model for Hades, allowing them to gather player feedback and refine the game over the course of its development.
• The game's soundtrack, composed by Darren Korb, features a mix of orchestral, rock, and electronic elements, with vocals by Ashley Barrett.

Hades stands as a shining example of indie game development at its finest, seamlessly blending addictive roguelike gameplay with a rich and engaging narrative. Its success cements Supergiant Games' reputation as one of the most talented and innovative studios in the industry.