If there’s a game that makes you frustrated on the one hand but still keeps you glued to the screen on the other, it’s definitely Hades. Supergiant Games has delivered a real masterpiece with this action rogue-like – and I don’t say that lightly. You fight your way through the Underworld, die countless times in the process, and still think after every defeat: “Just one more run, then I’ll beat it!” Sounds frustrating? It is. But at the same time, it’s also incredibly satisfying.
Story: More Than Just an Excuse to Fight
In Hades, you take on the role of Zagreus, the son of the god of the dead, Hades. And Zagreus is completely fed up with life in the Underworld – he wants out, up to the surface. The problem: Between him and his goal are hordes of monsters, bosses, and all sorts of deadly traps. And his own father isn’t exactly thrilled about his escape attempt.
What makes the game so special is how it weaves story and gameplay together. Every attempt to escape the Underworld not only gives you new weapons or abilities but also new dialogues, little revelations, and funny interactions with the other characters. Even after countless failed attempts, Hades still tells you little details about the world of the gods, Zagreus’ family, or the quirky figures you meet along the way.
And these characters are just brilliantly written. Whether it’s the sarcastic Hades himself, the stoic Thanatos, or the charming Olympian gods like Aphrodite, Zeus, or Dionysus – each has their own personality that comes through perfectly in the dialogue. Especially cool: The gods support you with “boons”, temporary buffs that are not only integrated into the gameplay but also fit perfectly into the story.
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Gameplay: Fast, Tactical, and Brutally Fair
The heart of Hades is, of course, the gameplay. Each run is procedurally generated, which means no playthrough is the same as the last. At the start, you choose one of several weapons – from the quick sword to the deadly bow to a powerful cannon – and along the way, you receive boons from the gods that improve your attacks. These combinations are practically endless, which makes the game incredibly varied.
The combat system is fast, fluid, and extremely responsive. You always feel like you have full control – and when you die (which will happen often), it’s 99% of the time your fault and not because of unfair mechanics. What’s especially brilliant is the mix of dodging, positioning, and smart use of your special abilities. Just button-mashing won’t get you far here – especially in the boss fights, which are real highlights.
Speaking of boss fights: They’re not only visually impressive but also a serious gameplay challenge. Whether it’s the Furies in the first world or the rock-hard Theseus in Elysium – you need to learn their patterns, figure out their weaknesses, and strike at the right moment. This “learning process” is one of the reasons the game is so addictive. You can literally feel yourself getting better from attempt to attempt.
Presentation: A Work of Art in Motion
One of Hades’ biggest strengths is its presentation. The art style is simply gorgeous – colorful, detailed, and still clear enough that you don’t lose track of things in the heat of battle. Each region of the Underworld has its own look, from the fiery halls of Asphodel to the calm but deadly meadows of Elysium.
The soundtrack is also an absolute banger. The music fits the action perfectly, ramps up during fights, and sets an epic mood without being intrusive. And the voice actors do an outstanding job – every character has a voice that matches their personality perfectly. Zagreus’ slightly bored but still determined tone, in particular, is spot-on.
Technically, the game runs buttery smooth, even on weaker systems. Loading times are short, there are no annoying bugs, and the controls are top-notch whether you’re using a controller or mouse and keyboard.
A Must for Action and Rogue-like Fans
Hades is a game you keep coming back to. It combines engaging gameplay with a surprisingly deep story, charming characters, and a presentation that’s just fun. Every run feels fresh, and even after dozens of hours, there are still new combinations, dialogues, or secrets to discover.
Of course, the game isn’t for everyone. If you don’t like starting over again and again, or if procedurally generated levels quickly feel repetitive to you, you might not be entirely happy here. But for those who appreciate the charm of a rogue-like, Hades is one of the best examples of the genre. If you liked my review please leave me a comment.
