Hades! A Roguelike Dungeon Crawler That Will Leave You Wanting More (And Cursing at Your Bad Luck)

Hades! A Roguelike Dungeon Crawler That Will Leave You Wanting More (And Cursing at Your Bad Luck)

Prepare yourself for an addictive blend of fast-paced combat, captivating narrative, and charming Greek mythology! Hades, developed by Supergiant Games, isn’t just another roguelike dungeon crawler – it’s a masterclass in the genre. This game takes you on a thrilling journey through the underworld as Zagreus, son of Hades, who dares to defy his father and escape to Mount Olympus.

Unraveling the Underworld: A Story of Family and Rebellion

The story unfolds through beautifully written dialogue and interactions with an eccentric cast of characters drawn from Greek mythology. Each encounter sheds light on Zagreus’s motivations and the complex relationships within the Olympian family. Persephone, Zagreus’ mother and Queen of the Underworld, provides emotional support and powerful boons during your escape attempts. Thanatos, the God of Death, offers cryptic guidance while occasionally lending a hand (or scythe) in combat.

Hades himself, voiced by renowned actor Logan Cunningham, is a formidable antagonist – a stern and unrelenting father figure who throws everything he can at you to prevent your escape. The narrative unfolds organically through repeated attempts at escaping, revealing more about the characters’ backstories and motivations with each run.

The Dance of Death: Fast-Paced Combat and Weapon Variety

Hades shines brightest in its combat system. It’s a frenetic ballet of dodging, attacking, and unleashing powerful special abilities called “Boons” bestowed by various Olympian Gods. Each God offers unique blessings that drastically alter your playstyle. Ares might grant you increased damage output, while Athena blesses you with defensive shields.

The variety extends beyond the boons; Zagreus can wield six different weapons, each with its own distinct attack pattern and upgrades. The Stygian Blade offers swift slashing attacks, the Coronacht shotgun blasts enemies from afar, and the Adamant Rail shoots powerful projectiles with pinpoint accuracy. Mastering these weapons and learning how to synergize them with Godly boons is crucial for survival in Hades’ challenging underworld.

Weapon Description Strengths
Stygian Blade A quick and versatile sword. High damage output, good mobility
Aegis Shield A shield that can be thrown and blocks enemy attacks Strong defensive capabilities, crowd control
Bow A ranged weapon with powerful piercing shots Long-range attacks, accurate
Rail Fires a charged projectile that deals heavy damage High burst damage
Fists Unleashes a flurry of punches for close-quarters combat Excellent mobility, strong against single targets
Wand Shoots elemental blasts that can inflict various status effects Versatile, good against multiple enemies

A World of Replayability: Procedural Generation and Endless Challenges

Hades is designed to be played over and over again. Its procedurally generated dungeons ensure no two runs are ever the same. You’ll encounter different enemy combinations, room layouts, and challenges on each attempt, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

As you progress, you’ll unlock new weapons, boons, and upgrades for Zagreus. This allows for experimentation with different builds and playstyles, further extending the game’s replayability. Even after countless hours of playtime, there are still secrets to uncover, hidden chambers to explore, and powerful relics to collect.

A Feast for the Senses: Art Style and Soundtrack

Hades is a visual treat, boasting a striking hand-painted art style that brings the underworld to life with vibrant colours and detailed character designs. The environments are richly rendered, from the oppressive halls of Tartarus to the sun-drenched fields of Elysium.

The soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere. Composed by Darren Korb (who also composed music for Bastion and Transistor), it blends orchestral themes with haunting melodies and energetic battle music that will get your adrenaline pumping.

Hades is a rare gem in the gaming world – a roguelike dungeon crawler that transcends its genre through exceptional storytelling, exhilarating combat, and stunning presentation. It’s a game that will grip you from the first moment and leave you wanting more (and cursing Hades’ name when he throws another Cerberus your way). So, prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through the underworld – you won’t regret it!