Developer: Supergiant Games
Publisher: Supergiant Games
Release Date: 13th August 2021
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
▫️ Code provided by the publisher ▫️
Chances are that if you’re into games enough to be reading video game reviews, you already know that Hades is one of the most beloved indie games in recent years. The title launched on additional consoles last month and this review is further evidence that Hades is a game pretty much everyone who enjoys being challenged should play – it’s just that good. Let’s look at why.
Rogue-lite with a narrative focus
If you’ve ever played a rogue-lite (or full-on rogue-like) before, you’re probably used to games where the narrative very much takes a backseat due to the inherent challenge in presenting a narrative in a fractured playthrough. That’s not the case here, however, as Supergiant has managed to quite masterfully interweave a narrative not just during each “run”, but also between them. The story unfolds as you play, whether you perish or escape, and it’s a lot deeper than you may expect.
I won’t go into any details to avoid spoilers, but the story, in a nutshell, is that you want to escape the Underworld to seek out something – or someone – that’s lost to you. You’ll make friends (and enemies) along the way, and the way the game and its characters all know and comment on your overall progression along the way is quite remarkable. And it’s all fully voiced too. Hades sets the bar incredibly high for narrative in the genre – and, honestly, narrative-driven indie titles in general.
The closest comparison I’ve seen to this is 11bit studios’ Children of Morta, which is another awesome game you should play, by the way.
Part of what makes the narrative so good is all the characters. These aren’t just any old characters either; they’re all from Greek mythology, including Zeus, Hades, Hermes, Achilles and many more. They all play a part in the adventure, in that some of them provide context and world-building, while others quite literally provide you with the tools to survive – and ultimately escape.
Both as you encounter them, as well as between each run, whether successful or not, you’ll get the opportunity to speak to them, learn more and grow stronger. You can even give them certain items that, if you build your relationship enough, will result in additional rewards that deepen the overall progression. So let’s talk about progression next.
The fight never ends
Hades isn’t a game about reaching the end. Even though you’re trying to escape hell, doing that is not where the story ends. Really, it’s where it begins. You’ll struggle at first, that’s for sure, but once you start escaping, you’ll do so again and again… and again. Dozens of times, in fact, just to see everything the game has to offer. This is because of the game’s progression system, which, honestly, is incredible.
Maybe that sounds like a bunch of repetition, and while that is technically true, with the way you keep unlocking new things pretty much constantly for the first several dozen escapes, there’s always something new to work toward – and some new toys to experiment with. This includes not only new weapons but also various so-called Keepsakes, that modify your playthrough. Both of these things can and will be upgraded as you play, but this is still only scratching the surface of what you’ll unlock – and upgrade – along the way.
Let’s look at the weapons for a moment. You’ve got six very distinct weapons at your disposal, but as you meet certain requirements, you will start unlocking variations of each weapon, too, some of which completely change the way they work – and how best to use them. Some weapons are ranged, some are not… and some can be used in ways you might not expect at first glance.
In addition to this, through each run, various Olympians will assist your efforts by offering you certain boons that further enhance your build. This can result in things like your arrows becoming explosive, your fists striking with ice or thunder, your spear knocking enemies away, your dash reflecting projectiles – or any combination thereof. There are dozens of potential boons and even cases where two boons combine into something stronger.
All in all, this serves to create a ton of variety that keeps each run fresh and exciting – and I still didn’t even mention everything, but I wanted to leave a few surprises for you to discover if you jump in. Which you totally should, by the way.
Behind door number two
Hades is all about choice. Pick your weapon. Pick your variant. Pick your Keepsake. Pick a few things I haven’t yet spoiled. And then pick a higher difficulty, if you dare. It’s worth it, trust me. Even after all of those choices, however, and the choices of which boons you want along the way, each run is also a constant set of, well, even more choices. Door number one or door number two. In most circumstances, you’re presented with a general hint to what you may find, but certain things are still left to Lady Luck (not actually a character in the game).
Do you want to enter a chamber to get a reward from Poseidon? How about Aphrodite? Maybe both after a little clash of the titans? Maybe you want to avoid a fight and browse a store – if you’ve got the coin, that is. Sometimes you’ll find a trial, or a mini-boss, or a lonely character looking to help. Maybe you’ll find something else entirely. A big part of the fun of Hades is the unknown – and the hope that you can overcome it.
Oh and no matter which doors you pick, be sure to look out for fishing spots. You’ll thank me later.
It’s really, REALLY good
I could talk about Hades for a long time. It’s an incredible game. I’m sure I’m not the first to tell you this and I bet I won’t be the last either. There’s so much more to the game that I haven’t covered in this review, but a big part of the joy is uncovering just how deep it goes – and what interesting characters, mechanics and outcomes await you along the way. I have already escaped hell dozens of times and I can’t wait to escape dozens more. If you’ve yet to check it out, what are you waiting for?
Oh, and Hades in 4K 60 fps on PS5 (and Xbox Series X) is glorious. Glorious, I tell ya.
-K.A. Pedersen