Hades is an award-winning action roguelike developed by Supergiant Games, combining fast-paced combat, deep narrative elements, and stunning art direction. Released in 2020 after a successful early access period, Hades takes players on a journey through the Underworld of Greek mythology, following the story of Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, as he attempts to escape his father’s domain. With its unique blend of challenging gameplay, evolving storylines, and rich mythological backdrop, Hades has captivated both critics and players alike, earning a place among the best indie Slot Gacor games ever created.
Game Overview
Contents
- Developer: Supergiant Games
- Release Date: September 17, 2020 (official release)
- Genre: Action Roguelike, Dungeon Crawler
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Mode: Single-player
Storyline
Hades weaves a compelling narrative rooted in Greek mythology, but with its own creative twists. The story centers on Zagreus, the son of Hades, who is determined to escape the Underworld and reach Mount Olympus, spurred by the discovery of his true parentage and a desire for freedom. His journey is fraught with danger, as he must battle through the various layers of the Underworld, from Tartarus to Elysium, facing formidable foes along the way.
As Zagreus fights to escape, he receives help from the Olympian gods, who offer boons—powerful abilities that enhance his combat prowess. Along his journey, he interacts with a wide cast of characters from Greek mythology, including Hades, Nyx, Achilles, and his foster mother Persephone. Each character has their own motivations, relationships, and evolving storylines, giving the Slot game emotional depth and richness.
What sets Hades apart from many other roguelikes is its dynamic storytelling. Even when players fail in their escape attempts, the narrative continues to evolve, with new dialogue and character interactions revealed after every run. This creates a sense of progression and meaning, even in defeat, keeping players engaged throughout the experience.
Gameplay
Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler where each escape attempt is procedurally generated, meaning no two runs are ever the same. The game’s core loop involves Zagreus fighting through rooms filled with enemies, collecting upgrades, and using his abilities and boons to progress deeper into the Underworld. If Zagreus is defeated, he is sent back to the House of Hades to try again.
Key Gameplay Features:
1. Combat and Weapons:
- Combat in Hades is fast-paced and fluid, with Zagreus wielding a variety of powerful weapons known as the Infernal Arms. Each weapon—ranging from swords and spears to bows and fists—has multiple forms and upgrades, allowing players to experiment with different playstyles. Zagreus can also dash, deflect attacks, and use special abilities, making combat dynamic and skill-based.
2. Boons and Upgrades:
- As Zagreus progresses through the Underworld, he receives boons from the gods of Olympus, each of which enhances his abilities. For example, Zeus might grant lightning-infused attacks, while Aphrodite offers charms that weaken enemies. Players can mix and match boons to create powerful synergies, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay.
- In addition to boons, players can collect upgrades like Daedalus Hammers, which modify their weapons in unique ways, and Keepsakes, items given by characters that provide permanent buffs.
3. Procedural Generation:
- Each run through the Underworld is procedurally generated, meaning the layout, enemies, and rewards change with every attempt. This keeps the game fresh and unpredictable, encouraging players to adapt their strategies based on the challenges they face.
4. Character Progression:
- Despite the roguelike mechanics, Hades features a persistent progression system. Players can collect Darkness and Chthonic Keys to unlock permanent upgrades for Zagreus, making him stronger with each attempt. The Mirror of Night in Zagreus’ bedroom allows players to customize these upgrades, tailoring their approach to the game.
5. God Mode:
- For players looking for a less punishing experience, Hades includes a God Mode that gradually reduces the damage Zagreus takes after each failed run. This allows players to enjoy the story and progression without the frustration of frequent defeats, while still maintaining a challenge.
Visuals and Sound
Hades is a visual and auditory feast, with a distinct art style that perfectly captures the essence of Greek mythology. The hand-drawn character designs are vibrant and full of personality, each god and creature rendered with exquisite detail. The environments of the Underworld, from the fiery depths of Tartarus to the lush fields of Elysium, are beautifully designed, adding to the immersive experience.
The game’s sound design is equally impressive. The soundtrack, composed by Darren Korb, features a mix of intense battle themes and atmospheric melodies that complement the game’s tone. The voice acting, which includes standout performances from Logan Cunningham (Hades) and Darren Korb (Zagreus), brings the characters to life with wit, humor, and emotional depth.
Characters
The world of Hades is filled with well-developed and memorable characters, many of whom have rich backstories and evolving relationships with Zagreus. Some of the key characters include:
- Hades: The stern and unforgiving ruler of the Underworld, and Zagreus’ father, who opposes his son’s attempts to escape.
- Nyx: The goddess of night, who acts as a motherly figure to Zagreus and provides guidance throughout his journey.
- Persephone: Zagreus’ biological mother, whose mysterious absence from the Underworld plays a key role in the game’s overarching narrative.
- Thanatos: The embodiment of death and Zagreus’ friend (and possible romantic interest, depending on player choices).
- Achilles: The legendary hero who serves as Zagreus’ mentor, offering advice and support.
- The Olympian Gods: Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, and others who help Zagreus with boons, while their personalities shine through in their dialogue.
Legacy and Impact
Upon its release, Hades received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative blend of roguelike mechanics, storytelling, and action. It won numerous awards, including Best Indie Game and Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2020, and was praised for its deep narrative, addictive gameplay loop, and stunning visuals.
Hades has been lauded for how it revolutionized the roguelike genre by integrating meaningful narrative progression into a genre traditionally focused on mechanics. The game’s ability to make each failure feel like a part of the story rather than a setback has set a new standard for roguelike games.
Conclusion
Hades is a masterclass in game design, combining fast-paced, strategic combat with an evolving narrative that never feels repetitive. Its rich characters, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design make it a standout in the roguelike genre, offering players a deeply satisfying experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re drawn to its mythological setting, its addictive gameplay loop, or its touching story of family and redemption, Hades is a game that will leave a lasting impression.