Hades is an award-winning action roguelike developed by Supergiant Games, released in 2020. Players control Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the Underworld, battling hordes of mythological foes with the help of the Olympian gods. The game features fast-paced combat, deep storytelling, and a dynamic progression system that keeps every run fresh and engaging. With its stunning visuals, memorable characters, and addictive gameplay loop, Hades stands as one of the best roguelikes ever made.
Introduction
Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler developed and published by Supergiant Games, known for titles like Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre. Released in full in September 2020 after a period of early access, the game quickly gained critical acclaim for its gripping combat, rich narrative, and stunning hand-drawn visuals.
Players assume the role of Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, who seeks to escape the Underworld and discover his origins. Along the way, he is aided by various Olympian gods who grant him divine powers, while being challenged by fearsome enemies and bosses that change with each attempt. The game’s roguelike mechanics, combined with a compelling storyline and rewarding progression system, make it one of the most engaging and well-designed games in recent years.
Gameplay Mechanics
1. Roguelike Structure
As a roguelike, Hades features procedurally generated rooms that change with each escape attempt. Every run is unique, with different enemy placements, rewards, and choices that impact Zagreus’ abilities. Players must learn from each defeat and adapt their strategies accordingly.
2. Combat System
The combat in Hades is fast, fluid, and highly customizable. Zagreus has access to six different Infernal Arms, each with multiple upgrade paths that drastically change their playstyle. The weapons include:
- Stygian Blade (Sword) – Balanced melee weapon with swift slashes.
- Eternal Spear – Long-range stabbing and spinning attacks.
- Shield of Chaos – Defensive weapon that can block and throw.
- Heart-Seeking Bow – Powerful ranged weapon with precision shots.
- Twin Fists of Malphon – Fast melee strikes for close combat.
- Adamant Rail – A gun-like weapon with rapid-fire capabilities.
Each weapon can be modified further using Daedalus Hammers, which add unique upgrades that significantly change their playstyle.
3. Boons from the Olympians
As Zagreus fights through the Underworld, he encounters various Olympian gods who offer him Boons—temporary upgrades that enhance his attacks, defenses, and abilities. The Boons come from gods like:
- Zeus – Lightning-based attacks.
- Poseidon – Knockback effects with water-based strikes.
- Ares – Doom-inflicting damage over time.
- Athena – Defensive buffs with deflective powers.
- Dionysus – Poisonous hangover damage.
- Artemis – Critical hit chances.
- Aphrodite – Weakening debuffs on enemies.
Players can mix and match these Boons to create powerful builds, making every run feel unique and strategic.
The Story & Characters
1. Zagreus: The Protagonist
Zagreus, the son of Hades, discovers a hidden truth about his past and is determined to escape the Underworld to find answers. His witty and rebellious personality contrasts sharply with his father’s strict and cold demeanor.
2. Hades: The Stern Ruler
Hades, the god of the Underworld, acts as both Zagreus’ father and his primary antagonist. He dismisses Zagreus’ attempts to escape as futile and frequently reminds him of the challenges ahead.
3. Nyx, Thanatos, and Hypnos
- Nyx, the goddess of night, supports Zagreus in his quest, acting as a mother figure.
- Thanatos, the god of death and Zagreus’ childhood friend, sometimes appears as a rival in combat trials.
- Hypnos, the god of sleep, humorously comments on Zagreus’ failures every time he revives at the House of Hades.
4. The Olympian Gods
The Olympian gods, including Zeus, Poseidon, and Athena, support Zagreus with Boons but are largely unaware of his full motives. Their interactions with him add depth to the lore and humor to the story.
5. Other Underworld Figures
- Charon, the silent boatman, serves as a shopkeeper.
- Cerberus, Hades’ three-headed dog, is a lovable companion.
- Megaera, one of the Furies, is a recurring boss and former love interest of Zagreus.
Progression System
Unlike traditional roguelikes where death resets all progress, Hades introduces permanent upgrades through the Mirror of Night. Using Darkness, a currency earned from runs, players can unlock skills like extra dashes, damage resistance, and health regeneration.
Additionally, Zagreus can forge relationships with characters through gift-giving, unlocking story elements and new abilities. The game also features a Pact of Punishment, allowing players to increase difficulty for better rewards after their first successful escape.
Visuals & Art Style
Supergiant Games is known for its signature hand-drawn art, and Hades is no exception. The environments are richly detailed, showcasing different layers of the Underworld, from the fiery Tartarus to the lush Elysium. Character designs are vibrant, with each god and figure having a distinct and stylish aesthetic.
Music & Sound Design
The game’s soundtrack, composed by Darren Korb, is a mix of energetic battle tracks and atmospheric melodies. The voice acting is also top-tier, with Logan Cunningham providing a deep and menacing voice for Hades, while Darren Korb himself voices Zagreus.
Critical Reception & Awards
Upon release, Hades received universal acclaim and won multiple awards, including:
- Game of the Year (DICE Awards 2021)
- Best Indie Game (The Game Awards 2020)
- Best Action Game (The Game Awards 2020)
- BAFTA Awards for Narrative, Game Design, and Artistic Achievement
Critics praised its gameplay, storytelling, and replay value, making it one of the best roguelikes ever made.
Impact & Legacy
Hades has influenced the roguelike genre significantly, setting a new standard for storytelling and progression within the genre. Its success has also led to the announcement of Hades II, promising even more innovation in the series.
Conclusion
Hades is a masterclass in game design, offering an addictive blend of action, narrative, and replayability. Whether you’re a fan of roguelikes or new to the genre, Hades is a must-play title that delivers an unforgettable experience.