Overview
Developer: Supergiant Games | Genre: Roguelike Action | Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4/5, Xbox
Hades launched to widespread critical acclaim and holds up remarkably well even years after its release. It's the rare game that manages to be accessible to newcomers while offering enough depth to keep dedicated players engaged for hundreds of hours. This review breaks down what works, what doesn't, and who will enjoy it most.
What Is Hades?
You play as Zagreus, son of Hades, attempting to escape the Underworld and reach Mount Olympus. Each escape attempt is a run through procedurally generated chambers filled with enemies, traps, and boons granted by the Olympian gods. When you die — and you will die — you return to the House of Hades, upgrade your abilities, and try again.
This loop sounds punishing. In practice, it's deeply satisfying. Every run teaches you something, every death feels fair rather than frustrating, and every successful chamber feels earned.
What Hades Gets Right
Narrative Integration
Most roguelikes treat narrative as an afterthought. Hades makes story a core mechanic. Conversations with characters in the House of Hades evolve over time. NPCs remember your previous attempts. The world feels alive and reactive in a way that few games in any genre achieve. Dying doesn't feel like failure — it's how the story progresses.
Combat That Feels Amazing
Hades offers six distinct weapons, each with four alternate forms unlockable via an in-game currency. Add to that dozens of boon combinations from the Olympian gods, and the build variety is enormous. No two runs feel identical. The controls are tight, responsive, and rewarding — whether you're playing on keyboard or controller.
Progression That Always Moves Forward
Even failed runs yield resources. Darkness upgrades your Mirror of Night (permanent skill upgrades), Gems improve the House's aesthetics and unlock useful features, and Nectar builds relationships with characters. You never feel like you're spinning your wheels.
Art and Sound Direction
Supergiant's signature hand-painted art style is gorgeous. The voice acting is exceptional across the board — a remarkable feat given the sheer volume of dialogue. The soundtrack by Darren Korb is one of the best in recent gaming memory, blending Greek folk influences with modern electronic elements.
What Could Be Better
- Early runs can feel difficult: The first 10–15 runs are noticeably harder than later ones as you build your permanent upgrades. Some players may bounce off during this window.
- Late-game grind: Reaching the true ending requires completing a significant number of successful escape attempts, which may feel repetitive to some players.
- Limited enemy variety in later biomes: The Elysium and Temple of Styx sections introduce fewer new enemy types compared to Tartarus and Asphodel.
Who Should Play Hades?
| Player Type | Will They Enjoy It? |
|---|---|
| Action game fans | ✅ Absolutely |
| Story-driven game fans | ✅ Yes — surprisingly |
| Roguelike veterans | ✅ Deep build variety |
| Casual players | ✅ God Mode assists difficulty |
| Players who dislike repetition | ⚠️ Proceed with caution |
Final Verdict
Hades is a masterclass in game design. It respects your time, rewards curiosity, and delivers one of the most satisfying gameplay loops in the roguelike genre. The narrative ambition alone sets it apart. If you haven't played it, it belongs near the top of your list.
Rating: Excellent — Highly Recommended