Hades: Escape from the Underworld in this Stylish Rogue-Like Game
Available on Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, Playstation, and IOS for free: (Netflix Subscribers Only) (Price: $24.99)
Ever felt like you need to escape from life to something better, that is what Zagreus feels like in the Greek underworld. Hades is an incredible game with a unique take on Greek mythology, with a great story, fun combat, and an artistic design.
Story: In the game, Zagreus, the son of Hades, tries to escape from the underworld, after getting tired of living in the “House of Hades” for his entire life, and feeling unappreciated by his father. He is assisted by the Gods of Olympus and later learns about his birth mother, hoping to find her in Greece. The game explores themes of escapism and family, as Zagreus tries to leave the underworld hoping to escape his fathers realm, and reunite with his mother. You will grow relationships with many characters from Greek mythology including the Gods of Olympus, Thanatos, and Achilles.
Presentation: The games design is very well done. Each section in the game is well crafted, and drawn. Asphodel Represents a grim section of the afterlife, with lava pits, and skeletons. Elysium represents heaven in the Greek Mythology and has a sense of wonder. The animations are very well done and each attack animation is well made. The Gods of Olympus are very complex, and designed in their own unique way, fitting their godly title.
Gameplay: In the game, you will play as Zagreus and fight your way out of the afterlife. You will use darkness droplets to upgrade your abilities, titans blood to upgrade weapons, and nectar to strengthen bonds with character, including the Gods of Olympus. You will have the option to play with a different weapon for each attempt, such as a sword for basic playthroughs, a spear for quick attacks, or a gun for ranged attacks. Each time you die you will be sent back to the “House of Hades” to try and escape again, and each try will still feel rewarding. Each attempt at escaping will allow you to strengthen your bonds to NPCs and each character is fleshed out in with their own unique personalities. The games combat and difficulty are perfectly balanced and offer a great amount of entertaining trail and error.
In Conclusion: Hades is a great game with a unique take on Greek mythology, fun combat, incredible characterizations, and artistic game design. This is a game I would recommend to anyone who is interested in Greek mythology or enjoys rouge-like video games.
10/10: Masterpiece