Hades gets the queer love story right with Achilles and Patroclus

Queer love stories in games usually come in two flavours: those that are defined solely by their queerness, and those that are just like heteronormative relationships with the serial numbers filed off. The medium still has a long way to go when it comes to portraying a diverse array of queer love stories that feel believable and distinct from one another.

That's what makes Hades' love story between Achilles and Patroclus so special. It's a classical tragedy that's defined by intense longing and a willingness to risk it all, and one that's grounded by believable dialogue.

The story of Achilles and Patroclus existed well before Hades ever came into being. A key plot line in Homer's Iliad, the story goes that Achilles withdrew from King Agamemnon's war against Troy after the greedy king insulted him. While Achilles sulked in his tent, Patroclus donned his armour and led his army in his place, and though he made headway against the Trojan forces, was slain in a duel by Troy's champion Hector.

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