Hades is a critically acclaimed roguelike dungeon crawler from Supergiant Games. Known for its tight combat mechanics, beautiful hand-drawn art, and innovative narrative, the game puts players in the shoes of Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, who is trying to escape the Underworld. Each run is challenging, fast-paced, and rewarding, making Hades a must-play for fans of action games and roguelikes alike.
Gameplay
Hades’ gameplay is the core of its appeal. Every escape attempt is a “run” where you fight procedurally generated enemies, gain powerful upgrades (boons) from Olympian gods, and face epic boss encounters. The combat is fluid and responsive, rewarding skillful dodges, combos, and weapon mastery. Each run feels fresh due to the variety of weapons, power-ups, and random enemy layouts.
Players also unlock permanent upgrades through the in-game currency Titan Blood, which encourages repeated runs and progression. The roguelike loop is addictive, yet fair — mistakes are punishable but never frustrating.
Graphics
Hades’ visuals are stunning. Supergiant Games’ signature hand-drawn style brings the Underworld to life with vivid colors, detailed environments, and dynamic lighting. Characters are expressive, and animations are fluid, making every attack, dodge, and death feel satisfying. Even on smaller screens, the art remains sharp and visually captivating.
Story
Unlike many roguelikes, Hades has deep storytelling woven into gameplay. The narrative unfolds gradually as Zagreus interacts with gods, monsters, and other characters in the Underworld. The writing is witty, emotional, and cleverly integrated into each escape attempt. Over time, the story evolves naturally without interrupting gameplay, making each run meaningful and engaging.
Pros
✔ Tight, satisfying combat mechanics
✔ Gorgeous hand-drawn art and animation
✔ Unique roguelike progression system
✔ Strong story integration
✔ High replay value
Cons
✘ Can be challenging for new players
✘ Some runs may feel repetitive if certain weapons or upgrades are overused
Final Verdict
Hades is one of the best modern roguelike games. Its combination of action-packed gameplay, beautiful art, and compelling story creates a highly addictive and enjoyable experience. Supergiant Games has crafted a game that’s both approachable and challenging, rewarding both newcomers and seasoned players.
Overall Score: 9 / 10