Hades review - a roguelike to remember

Roguelikes aren't exactly known for their linearity. Their procedurally generated nature makes for a different experience each time you boot one up, meaning you shouldn't expect a traditional story. That Supergiant Games would explore this genre for Hades when its previous three releases were somewhat more traditional was a bold choice. But after almost two years in early access, the studio has set a new precedent - both for itself and for roguelikes as a whole.

You play as Zagreus, the son of the eponymous god of the underworld who has grown so tired of his father that he decides to attempt the impossible: escape, wreaking havoc throughout hell as he goes. Inspired by Greek mythology, known Olympian figures such as Zeus, Aphrodite, and Poseidon provide aid to their nephew as you cut through dozens of enemies across Tartarus and beyond.

The core loop is simple: you begin at the very bottom and need to get all the way to the surface. It's an odyssey that will take you through four different regions, each containing several rooms, and as is customary in the genre, elements like layout, rewards, and enemy placement are ever changing. As straightforward as it sounds, it's far from an easy task, and you'll be sent back to dad by a lethal strike soon enough. That's when I witness the first of many moments that set Hades apart: hearing Zagreus say "you again?" as I stumble upon the enemy that had just killed him.

Read the rest of the story...