Hades

Rogue-like games are a genre I never previously enjoyed, but Hades is superb and has become one of my all-time favourites. Dying during a run in Hades never frustrates me because there are no downsides to it.

I have been playing video games for 45 years and have high standards. After nearly 400 Hades runs, I can honestly say that the artistic style, voice acting, design, gameplay, music and software testing are worthy of high praise.

P. S. If you play this on a PC boyo, do yourself a favour and use a programmable gaming mouse with a thumb button, or a compatible gamepad. The game is still excellent without one, but a programmable thumb button for the game's Special move is very helpful.

An outstanding roguelike dungeon crawler that blends fast-paced combat with a compelling narrative. Not to mention the striking art style and dynamic soundtrack, which create a vibrant and immersive experience. The combat is fluid and responsive, with a wide variety of weapons and abilities that keep each run fresh and engaging. The progression system is well-balanced.

One of standout features of Hades is its storytelling. Through repeated attempts to escape, players uncover rich character interactions and backstories, making each run feel purposeful. The voice acting and dialogue are top-notch, adding depth to the mythological setting.

A wonderfully packaged title that provides on all fronts. Excellently voiced, rich gameplay, beautiful scenery, and enthralling story are all present. Hades' most redeemable quality is in its replayability with "one more run" a common feeling to experience. A wide and vast assortment of boons, weapons, and keepsakes you gather along the way make the journey feel fresh even in the later stages of the game with "up the ante" style conditions to make a more challenging run. Death is inescapable, but with Hades it is how you learn. It's very rewarding to conquer what cut you down on a previous run and you'll feel that throughout your progress. Occasionally the RNG can frustrate, but that hardly detracts from the overall experience. With plenty of cosmetic flare, friends to make, and heat challenges to conquer! Hades will pull you in and you'll be glad it did with a confirmed sequel in the near future.

*My first rougelike experience* Played on PC - 84 hours - every achievement.

Looking forward to Hades II.

I was reluctant to check out Hades, because I'm not particularly into rogue-likes. I've tried Binding of Isaac, Enter the Gungeon, Don't Starve, Slay the Spire, Downwell, and Dead Cells, all of which I'd say are great games, but I honestly just didn't have the patience to see any of them through to the end. I never quite got that "okay, just one more run" feeling I've heard so many other people talk about until I tried Hades.

Hades is the ultimate game to convert those who don't typically click with rogue-likes. I literally could not stop playing it. I dropped 120 hours on it within 15 days. I typically wake up at 5 every morning to exercise. My earlier morning exercise made a sudden shift into extra Hades play sessions before work. I would bring my Switch to work to play during my lunch hours, but I suddenly found myself inadvertently taking extended lunches that I'd have to stay later at work to make up for. I'd look at the clock as my usual bed time approached, and think "my last run was only 22 minutes, I can definitely squeeze in just one more run."

For two full weeks, this game consumed me, and I loved every minute of it. As a side note, this game spurred me to begin reading up on a ton of Greek myth, which absolutely enhanced my understanding of the game's overall narrative, and many of the various character interactions. So I assume this game will be a delight for those who love Greek myth, since it did so much to enhance my appreciation of it.

This is the most complete and flawless game I've ever played. Throughout my time I have never once been frustrated to have to go through the same dungeons over again. Each "run" through the game's dungeons can be entirely different based on your character's build, though different weapons, abilities, and skills called "boons" that you obtain from the different Greek gods. Combat is smooth, impactful, and very satisfying. It's very responsive and is one of the best among isometric ARPGs. This game can be enjoyed by everyone; no matter if you play games for the story or if you are a hyper competitive speed runner. Honestly I can't find any fault in this game.