A Journey Through the Underworld: Hades Game Review

Even though Hades has been out for a while now (September 2020), this game is the one responsible for me to come up with the idea of focusing my reviews and content on indie games, a niche not at all forgotten or left behind, but certainly intriguing and a world of its own, compared to its partner AAA games. Besides, a sequel is on its way so it is a good idea to revisit this awesome masterpiece before the new one comes out.

Since video games exist, Greek mythology has been a great source of inspiration for games, with classic titles like Age of Mythology, Zeus Master of Olympus and more recent titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and God of War. So one would assume that Greek mythology could be overused and getting a new, refreshing title based on it would be impossible to achieve. One would be wrong.

Hades is a top-down action RPG developed and published by Supergiant Games. The game takes place in the underworld and players control Zagreus, the prince of the underworld, as he attempts to escape from his father’s shadow and join the olympians.

The game features fast-paced, hack-and-slash gameplay that is both challenging and rewarding. The combat system is incredibly smooth and the use of special abilities and weapons add depth to the gameplay. The graphics are stunning and the soundtrack is phenomenal, immersing players in the world of the underworld.

As we mentioned before, one of the best things about Hades is its incredible gameplay with great replay value. Each run is procedurally generated, meaning that players will encounter different enemies, bosses, and environments each time they play. This keeps the game fresh and encourages players to keep coming back.

Another standout feature of Hades is its storytelling. The characters are well written and the voice acting is top-notch. The game does a great job of weaving together the story of Zagreus’ escape with Greek mythology and even though some of the God’s personalities differ from their real counterparts (like Zeus, who we know to be the ultimate asshole), their structure makes them very three dimensional  personalities that enrich the experience for the player. As players progress, they can learn more about the characters and their motivations, and make choices that impact the story.

In addition to its strong gameplay and storytelling, Hades also offers a variety of customization options. Players can upgrade their weapons and abilities, as well as choose from different play styles, such as a more defensive or offensive approach. Each weapon brings different fight styles that suit your abilities better. In the game, players have access to a variety of weapons, each with their own unique abilities and play styles. The weapons include:

• The Sword of Hades: A classic sword that is reliable and versatile, making it a great starting weapon.

• The Stygian Blade: A heavy blade that deals massive damage but is slower to swing.

• The Infernal Arms: A pair of dual-wielded swords that offer fast and agile combat, allowing players to quickly dodge and attack enemies.

• The Heart-Seeking Bow: A ranged weapon that allows players to attack from a safe distance, making it ideal for taking out ranged enemies.

• The Underworld Shield: A defensive weapon that can be used to block enemy attacks and reflect projectiles back at them.

Each weapon can be upgraded using the resources you collect during your runs, allowing you to tailor your playstyle to your liking. The weapons in Hades are well-balanced and offer players a wide variety of options for tackling the challenges of the underworld.

Personally, my weapon of choice is the Heart-Seeking Bow, since it gives me a sense of speed and precision, although the gamer within me has challenged me to replay the game utilizing each one of the weapons, which ended up being really fun, learning and adapting to each of the weapons styles.

The boss fights in Hades are challenging but fair, and each one offers a unique and memorable experience. The game also features a variety of endings, depending on the choices players make, adding to its replay value.

One of the elements that I haven’t heard much about, but I think is one of its highlights is the art style. It has a distinct, hand-drawn aesthetic that perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the underworld. The character designs are unique and memorable, specially for Hades, since he’s always depicted in a very dark and monstrous-like creature in different media, but here has a more human representation.

The environments are detailed and visually impressive, the use of color is particularly noteworthy, with the game using a palette of rich, dark hues that perfectly match the mood of the underworld. Hades is a masterful blend of gameplay, storytelling, and presentation. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up but difficult to put down, with a depth that reveals itself over time. Whether you’re a fan of Greek mythology, action RPGs, or just great games in general, Hades is a must-play.

Overall, Hades is an excellent game that is well worth the investment. Whether you’re a fan of action RPGs or just looking for a great game to sink your teeth into, Hades delivers on all fronts.