LogFAQs > #947750906

TheArkOfTurus posted...

(Assuming Hades doesn't go out next. Hades might go out next.)

Sorry, Ark.

3. Hades
Genre Rogue-like

Gameplay: 10
Rest of Game: 9
Engagement: 7
New to Me: 5
Playtime: 5

Total score: 36/40

Song selection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oll7pr4JVTQ

I have an interesting relationship with Supergiant Games. I think what they do, conceptually, is fascinating, but I never see their work through to the end. I played about half of Bastion, took very little interest in Transistor, and endured a couple hours of Pyre before moving on.

I also have an interesting relationship with rogue-likes. Typically, as games with a very high skill ceiling, I find them daunting and unwelcoming unless they have some form of progression. Rogue-lites, like Rogue Legacy, are intriguing when done well, but even then there becomes a sense that the game still either bars progress until you git gud (and perhaps lucky) or lets you grind like an RPG until you can simply bulldoze past whatever stands in your path.

In both of those regards, Hades is something very different. Couched within the mythos of Greek legends, Hades tells the tale of Zagreus, the son of Hades and Persephone. In this rendition, Persephone has fled the underworld long before Zagreus would ever come to know his mother, and instead believes that he was birthed and raised by Nyx. When he learns that his world is a lie, and also recognizing that he has no real place in his fathers realm, Zagreus vows to escape to the surface. Thus begins one of the most epic prison breaks in history, as Zagreus fights his way through several underworld realms, past the heroes of Elysium, and ultimately to the surface guarded by Cerberus.

To aid him on his journey, Zagreus acquires boons from the various Olympic gods, bonuses that grant him stronger attacks, more potent dashing for evasion, or status effects to inflict upon hells minions. Eventually, he will fail, emerging in the Pool of Styx within his fathers house, to lick his wounds and psyche himself up to go again.

And therein lies the charm of Hades. You acquire a few currencies along the way that can aid you in your progression, as well as several pieces of equipment you can choose between to influence the style of your next attempt. There are also six different weapons to select, ultimately with several augmentations, that help make every escape attempt different.

The other incredibly impressive part of Hades that helps make it feel unique is the writing. During each visit back to the House of Hades, a half dozen characters engage in new dialogue with you. The Olympic gods muse over your progress when you reach their boons. Several legendary figures like Sisyphus can be encountered during each flight, accompanied by new exchanges. If there is one thing that Supergiant Games can be counted on, it is their audio quality, as Darren Korb not only puts together an incredibly soundtrack, but also voices Zagreus himself. All exchanges between characters have full (and pretty decent) voice recording.

Of course, none of that would matter if the gameplay sucked. However, in spite of all the superlatives and extras Ive heaped upon Hades thus far, its the controls, handling, and combat that ranks supreme. Zagreuss movements are tight, fluid, natural, and easy to find at least one weapon you feel very comfortable playing. Zagreus clears through each room, rewarded with a boon, currency for Charons shop, or some other extra that will aid him on the path to reach first Megaera, and then each of the other bosses that stand in your path.

And the game doesnt even end with victory. There are so many unique bonuses and so many interesting ways to experience the game, coupled with the potential to crank the difficulty with heat settings that you can continue to challenge yourself well after youve escaped your fathers clutches for the first time. Im going to bet that Hades tops a lot of game of the year lists, and Id probably still be playing it if I hadnt gotten waylaid by Genshin Impact. Do not sleep on this one.

Should you play it?: Even if your gaming skills suck, yes. Watching it does not do it justice.

Next: A game where your opponents wear masks

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Video Game Music Contest 14 champion: Idola Phantasy Star Saga - Endeavour