Hades

I originally downloaded this game with the intention of using it as a time filler. Little did I know I would be addicted to this game like I've never been before. To preface this I'm not a regular rougelike player and usually don't find them fun. When I started playing this one I couldn't stop! Such a great story leaves you a little excited if you die early in a "run". Tons of variety every time you decide to try and escape, it's almost like a different game every time. In short this game will latch onto you, and make you want to try over and over to escape the house of hades until you can finally make 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.

For those who don't know what this genre is, it's a roguelike. A roguelike is a game where you try to beat the game in one run (you can beat this game in 30-minutes but more than likely won't do it in your first try). The catch is, every time you die you get stronger and have a better chance of beating the game. I believe most people should beat this in about 20 - 30 runs but honestly, it kind of doesn't matter. The whole point of this game is to die repeatedly and while that doesn't sound like fun, this game created a formula that I feel other roguelikes have been trying to do for years. The story is surpisingly predictable and straight-forward but the characters, dialogue, music and voice-acting (what SuperGiant is known for) is top-notch. And yes, there is a tangible story you can follow in this game unlike most roguelikes.

In terms of roguelikes I've only played Returnal and this game. I believe this game was in early access for several years and I just beat it (in 2021) so the gameplay is incredibly balanced. It hits that sweet spot of difficulty where it's really difficult but not to the point of ridiculousness (like Souls games but...this is nothing like a Souls game). And just like Monster Hunter, whatever weapon you use truly doesn't matter; anything you choose you have an equal chance of taking out every boss; but I will say that the shield is overpowered but maybe that's just me. I also beat the last boss with the rail gun in case that's helpful.

I've played every SuperGiant game (except for Pyre) so I'm aware of the general art style and gameplay. This game has more gameplay varations than any other SuperGiant game I've ever played. I can only imagine how many permuatations of combat there are between what weapon and weapon aspect, passive item buffs, gameplay modifiers (for each run), weapon upgrades, boons including all of the accumulated progress upgrades overtime. You don't "level" but you do get stronger by buying character upgrades with "darkness" currency that you can spend after each run (after you either die or "beat" the game).

What takes this game to the next level are the positive and negative modifiers for end-game (or after you "beat" the game). You can both turn on modifiers to make the game more difficult but there's an added "god mode" so you passively get stronger every time you die. It's SUPER addicting as, by nature, the game raises the stakes for everytime you either beat the game or die on each run. The only downside is that the currencies you collect when you successfully get through stages of the game (which you keep no matter what) are not that interesting. I'm grinding through the game to buy furniture for the main character's bedroom...So even though the game is fun and addicting, there isn't too much motivation to keep going other than story tidbits from in-game characters you interact with.

Overall, the gameplay, gameplay progression, music, voice-acting, dialogue and really just addictiveness is polished to perfection. Not only did SuperGiant games create a great game, but they designed one that you'll potentially never want to stop playing long after the credits roll.

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.

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.