Countless members of the gaming community have sung Hades' praises; everything that could possibly be said about it has been said. Yet, I find it impossible not to contribute with a review of my own.
Very, very rarely does something I play feel so perfectly put together. Although there's fairly basic gameplay at its core, it's the way that Hades builds upon that simplicity - and the game's general presentation - that allow it to be totally unique and fresh. Everything is given thought, down to the littlest detail - and that extends to every aspect, from writing to mechanics.
Even after playing it nearly every day for a month straight, I find myself eager to jump back in again and again. There's always something to strive for, some goal to motivate you. Whether it's building your relationships with characters, maxing out a keepsake, fulfilling a prophecy, or simply clearing the game as fast as possible; no matter what you prefer to focus on, there's going to be a near-endless amount of tasks for you to complete, and each feels just as important as the last.
SHORT REVIEW
Visuals: 5.5/5
Audio: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Gameplay: 5/5
Worldbuilding: 5/5
Overall game score: 5/5
IN-DEPTH REVIEW
Visuals:
As Zagreus attempts to flee his prison of a home, he must travel through multiple stages of hell. From the dim, stone-built rooms of Tartarus, to the grassy plains of Asphodel, where battle-hungry heroes reside. Each setting is ripe with its own style; the multitude of enemies and constantly-rearranging rooms are just two of the things that will keep your playthroughs from getting stale.
Possibly the best part of Hades as a whole is the outstanding character design. Every single member of the cast are absolutely lovely to look at, each a unique take on a - quite literally - ancient concept. Eurydice's afro-like hair, formed by a tree sprouting from her head. Zeus' beard of clouds. Charon's coin chain laid across his shoulders. Orpheus' harp, carved with elegant faces.
And then there's the telling details, too. Nyx adorns three tiny skulls with red eyes, nearly identical to the faces that Chaos wraps themself in. Hypnos wears a soft, quilt-like robe, which I'm sure keeps him comfortable during naps. Dusa's snake shares her blush. And all of these amazing tidbits are relayed through breathtakingly gorgeous 2D portraits, maybe the best ones ever created.
Besides that, I specifically want to call to attention the designs' color usages. Take Meg, for example. She is prominently blue and gold, but a bright pink highlights her lips, the edges of her wings, and her whip. Not only does it make the art pop even more, but it gives insight into her 'lover/rival' dynamic with Zagreus, adorning the parts of her that bring both pleasure and pain.
Then there's Chaos. Their body is entirely white, allowing both the red flowers and eyes emerging from them to stand out all the more. It resembles that of a 'blank slate' that creation is springing out of - a perfect look for the maker of all existence.
Lastly, I'll point out Asterius. Pink highlights him as well, drawing attention to his horns and axe - but most importantly, his gloves. They're gloves which Theseus also wears, the only pink in his design. It calls attention to the bond they share, the surprising way Asterius has affected Theseus, a man usually entirely focused on himself.
There are a million other parts of Hades' visuals I could talk about. The beautiful looks for each weapon aspect you can unlock, the gorgeous lighting, the fantastic 3D models... pretty much every conceivable part of Hades' art design is perfect. It's an endless well of fascination.
Overall, 5.5/5.
Audio:
To go along with the wonderful-looking characters, there is some of the most charming and appealing voice acting I've ever heard, period. Everyone's VA perfectly matches their personality, each having a totally unique tone and delivery to make them stand out. Zeus' booms like thunder, showing off his confidence and self-important attitude. Zagreus talks calmly and self-assuredly, even in the face of danger. Aphrodite allures with her cheeriness and flirtatiousness.
Of course, there's also the absolutely gorgeous soundtrack. It's without a doubt one of the best in the medium. Each piece is a symphony of modern and ancient instruments, incorporating both harp and electric guitar alike. They're hauntingly beautiful, filling every inch of the underworld with a life of its own. Orpheus' and Eurydice's pieces in particular deserve a mention. They both have heavenly voices.
And whenever an electric guitar kicks in, I go berserk. No boss music has ever hit me as hard as Hades' second form. I still get hyped up every single time.
Overall, 5/5.
Story:
Hades' narrative focuses on Zagreus, the prince of the Underworld, as he attempts to flee his father's domain to find his birth mother. He is aided on his journey by Olympian relatives, whom have only just found out about his existence - but they are unaware of his real quest, believing his ultimate goal is to reach THEM. As a result, Zagreus quickly finds himself caught between the contempt of Hades, and the blind idolization of the gods he's not yet met.
The dysfunction of this family is made apparent at every turn, with lies, deceit, and tension. Though the Olympians present themselves as prideful and aware, there is no shortage of drama to fuel family in-fighting; for as often as they like to chastise mortals for their flaws, the gods often sink to the same levels.
That's not to say they're unlikable. On the contrary, many of them are very charming. Artemis' introverted nature sets her apart from the others, letting her intelligence and skill shine through. Dionysus' fun party persona and easygoing nature are always sure to be a good time. Athena undoubtedly lives up to her title, bringing wisdom and strategy to every interaction. Hades does a fantastic job of portraying flawed characters whom you still bond with - and a big part of that is the writing.
Each bit of dialogue is entertaining. It provides constant insight into the cast, their perspective, or the world. Most everyone speak as bombastically or as slyly as gods would, yet the interactions remain natural and always flow well.
The real crux of the story, though, are the characters' relationships with one another. Zagreus and Hades' was strained long before the game started, and now is put fully to the test by his escape attempts. Zagreus and his mother have only just met, and their devoted love combined with the learning they must do about each others' histories is very heartwarming. The complicated backgrounds of the Olympians, which bleeds into Zagreus' life unexpectedly, add high stakes and drama. These setups lead to some surprisingly emotional and impactful moments, which are further complimented by the voice acting and music that accompany them.
You'd think a game as combat-focused as Hades would put the story in the backseat, but it never does. The constant stream of quips and observations from the gods during runs keep things flowing - and each visit to the house of Hades provides ample interactions to satiate you until your next return.
But most importantly, at the game's core, there's a simple, heart-touching story about family and the bonds they share, wrapped up in a cacoon of Greek mythology. It's simply lovely to explore.
Overall, 5/5.
Gameplay:
Hades' combat is built on fairly basic hack-and-slash/roguelite elements - but these are made exceptionally special by the multiple methods of customization at your disposal.
First and foremost, there are the many ancient weapons to wield; and besides all of them having their own unique 'feel' in combat, they each have four forms to choose from (which provide their own specific upgrades.) So if one weapon doesn't suit you, there are many more for you to choose from - or you can even find a new form of the former that you click with better.
Then, there are the 'keepsakes' you can earn. You do so by building relationships with the cast; each character will give you a totally personalized item in exchange for a nectar you give them. These keepsakes provide further bonuses, with the chance given to equip a new one at the beginning of a run and after clearing each level. Bonuses can range from extra starting gold to resisting a few hits from bosses.
There's plenty more I could discuss. Take the mirror of night, which allows you to spend currency earned on runs to upgrade and gain new stats; each slot has two separate stats for you to choose between. And the cthonic companions, which have 'charges' you can use to get aid from your friends in big fights. But, most importantly, there are the gods themselves.
Nine in total, each Olympian sports totally unique upgrades for your abilities, ones that are telling of their personalities and domains - from Artemis' criticals to Dionysus' hangovers. There are many other skills to gain from them too, such as Athena replenishing a 'life' and increasing the health it gives you. And although you can slightly sway things in one direction or another with keepsakes, which gods help you on a certain run is almost entirely random; you're never going to get the same combinations twice.
Meaning, no two runs will ever be the same. There are literally infinite combinations of possible playstyles to explore. And if things DO get too easy or stagnant for you, you may increase a run's difficulty through the 'pact of punishment'. This pact provides you with over a dozen ways of making the next run harder - while also giving the chance to earn additional rewards if you've beaten the final boss with the weapon you're using.
Now, all of that being said, let's briefly talk about the most important non-combat mechanic. This is, of course, building relationships. Not only does doing so unlock the aforementioned keepsakes and cthonic companions, but it also allows you to learn more of their backstories and personalities (which is totally worth it. Again, Hades' writing is amazing.) Although it's a very simple loop - earn nectar and ambrosia, give it to someone, read some new dialogue - it's very rewarding in its own way.
I can safely say that even after playing so much of Hades in such a short amount of time, I still find the mechanics totally appealing. Every few days, I'll feel myself craving the combat and character interactions all over again - and it's hard to resist the siren's call. Truly, this game is a constant source of entertainment. That's why I know I'll be coming back, even after I'm done writing this review.
Overall, 5/5.
Worldbuilding:
Amongst the gods is a rich lore of bitter pasts and complicated relationships. The Olympians struggle to fully connect with each other, let alone their brother and nephew in the Underworld. This divine family is held together by threads - threads of which you, Zagreus, are tasked to tighten.
Of course, doing so wouldn't mean nearly as much if the characters weren't so diverse, charming, and complex. Each one of them have their own takes about going-ons in the game, providing entertaining dialogue and an ever-evolving view of the world around you.
Those are, ultimately, the two things that lay at the heart of Hades' worldbuilding - the dialogue and the relationships. As you progress, you will uncover more and more of this massively-shared history. Best of all, it's perfectly paced to keep time with the gameplay - you'll be left constantly wanting more, while never feeling unrewarded.
Overall, 5/5.
Overall game score: 5/5 [5.1/5]. Hades is endlessly fun, beautifully presented, and filled to the brim with love. The amount of quality content you get for 20 dollars is ridiculous. So, if you haven't played this game yet, please do.
Very, very rarely does something I play feel so perfectly put together. Although there's fairly basic gameplay at its core, it's the way that Hades builds upon that simplicity - and the game's general presentation - that allow it to be totally unique and fresh. Everything is given thought, down to the littlest detail - and that extends to every aspect, from writing to mechanics.
Even after playing it nearly every day for a month straight, I find myself eager to jump back in again and again. There's always something to strive for, some goal to motivate you. Whether it's building your relationships with characters, maxing out a keepsake, fulfilling a prophecy, or simply clearing the game as fast as possible; no matter what you prefer to focus on, there's going to be a near-endless amount of tasks for you to complete, and each feels just as important as the last.
SHORT REVIEW
Visuals: 5.5/5
Audio: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Gameplay: 5/5
Worldbuilding: 5/5
Overall game score: 5/5
IN-DEPTH REVIEW
Visuals:
As Zagreus attempts to flee his prison of a home, he must travel through multiple stages of hell. From the dim, stone-built rooms of Tartarus, to the grassy plains of Asphodel, where battle-hungry heroes reside. Each setting is ripe with its own style; the multitude of enemies and constantly-rearranging rooms are just two of the things that will keep your playthroughs from getting stale.
Possibly the best part of Hades as a whole is the outstanding character design. Every single member of the cast are absolutely lovely to look at, each a unique take on a - quite literally - ancient concept. Eurydice's afro-like hair, formed by a tree sprouting from her head. Zeus' beard of clouds. Charon's coin chain laid across his shoulders. Orpheus' harp, carved with elegant faces.
And then there's the telling details, too. Nyx adorns three tiny skulls with red eyes, nearly identical to the faces that Chaos wraps themself in. Hypnos wears a soft, quilt-like robe, which I'm sure keeps him comfortable during naps. Dusa's snake shares her blush. And all of these amazing tidbits are relayed through breathtakingly gorgeous 2D portraits, maybe the best ones ever created.
Besides that, I specifically want to call to attention the designs' color usages. Take Meg, for example. She is prominently blue and gold, but a bright pink highlights her lips, the edges of her wings, and her whip. Not only does it make the art pop even more, but it gives insight into her 'lover/rival' dynamic with Zagreus, adorning the parts of her that bring both pleasure and pain.
Then there's Chaos. Their body is entirely white, allowing both the red flowers and eyes emerging from them to stand out all the more. It resembles that of a 'blank slate' that creation is springing out of - a perfect look for the maker of all existence.
Lastly, I'll point out Asterius. Pink highlights him as well, drawing attention to his horns and axe - but most importantly, his gloves. They're gloves which Theseus also wears, the only pink in his design. It calls attention to the bond they share, the surprising way Asterius has affected Theseus, a man usually entirely focused on himself.
There are a million other parts of Hades' visuals I could talk about. The beautiful looks for each weapon aspect you can unlock, the gorgeous lighting, the fantastic 3D models... pretty much every conceivable part of Hades' art design is perfect. It's an endless well of fascination.
Overall, 5.5/5.
Audio:
To go along with the wonderful-looking characters, there is some of the most charming and appealing voice acting I've ever heard, period. Everyone's VA perfectly matches their personality, each having a totally unique tone and delivery to make them stand out. Zeus' booms like thunder, showing off his confidence and self-important attitude. Zagreus talks calmly and self-assuredly, even in the face of danger. Aphrodite allures with her cheeriness and flirtatiousness.
Of course, there's also the absolutely gorgeous soundtrack. It's without a doubt one of the best in the medium. Each piece is a symphony of modern and ancient instruments, incorporating both harp and electric guitar alike. They're hauntingly beautiful, filling every inch of the underworld with a life of its own. Orpheus' and Eurydice's pieces in particular deserve a mention. They both have heavenly voices.
And whenever an electric guitar kicks in, I go berserk. No boss music has ever hit me as hard as Hades' second form. I still get hyped up every single time.
Overall, 5/5.
Story:
Hades' narrative focuses on Zagreus, the prince of the Underworld, as he attempts to flee his father's domain to find his birth mother. He is aided on his journey by Olympian relatives, whom have only just found out about his existence - but they are unaware of his real quest, believing his ultimate goal is to reach THEM. As a result, Zagreus quickly finds himself caught between the contempt of Hades, and the blind idolization of the gods he's not yet met.
The dysfunction of this family is made apparent at every turn, with lies, deceit, and tension. Though the Olympians present themselves as prideful and aware, there is no shortage of drama to fuel family in-fighting; for as often as they like to chastise mortals for their flaws, the gods often sink to the same levels.
That's not to say they're unlikable. On the contrary, many of them are very charming. Artemis' introverted nature sets her apart from the others, letting her intelligence and skill shine through. Dionysus' fun party persona and easygoing nature are always sure to be a good time. Athena undoubtedly lives up to her title, bringing wisdom and strategy to every interaction. Hades does a fantastic job of portraying flawed characters whom you still bond with - and a big part of that is the writing.
Each bit of dialogue is entertaining. It provides constant insight into the cast, their perspective, or the world. Most everyone speak as bombastically or as slyly as gods would, yet the interactions remain natural and always flow well.
The real crux of the story, though, are the characters' relationships with one another. Zagreus and Hades' was strained long before the game started, and now is put fully to the test by his escape attempts. Zagreus and his mother have only just met, and their devoted love combined with the learning they must do about each others' histories is very heartwarming. The complicated backgrounds of the Olympians, which bleeds into Zagreus' life unexpectedly, add high stakes and drama. These setups lead to some surprisingly emotional and impactful moments, which are further complimented by the voice acting and music that accompany them.
You'd think a game as combat-focused as Hades would put the story in the backseat, but it never does. The constant stream of quips and observations from the gods during runs keep things flowing - and each visit to the house of Hades provides ample interactions to satiate you until your next return.
But most importantly, at the game's core, there's a simple, heart-touching story about family and the bonds they share, wrapped up in a cacoon of Greek mythology. It's simply lovely to explore.
Overall, 5/5.
Gameplay:
Hades' combat is built on fairly basic hack-and-slash/roguelite elements - but these are made exceptionally special by the multiple methods of customization at your disposal.
First and foremost, there are the many ancient weapons to wield; and besides all of them having their own unique 'feel' in combat, they each have four forms to choose from (which provide their own specific upgrades.) So if one weapon doesn't suit you, there are many more for you to choose from - or you can even find a new form of the former that you click with better.
Then, there are the 'keepsakes' you can earn. You do so by building relationships with the cast; each character will give you a totally personalized item in exchange for a nectar you give them. These keepsakes provide further bonuses, with the chance given to equip a new one at the beginning of a run and after clearing each level. Bonuses can range from extra starting gold to resisting a few hits from bosses.
There's plenty more I could discuss. Take the mirror of night, which allows you to spend currency earned on runs to upgrade and gain new stats; each slot has two separate stats for you to choose between. And the cthonic companions, which have 'charges' you can use to get aid from your friends in big fights. But, most importantly, there are the gods themselves.
Nine in total, each Olympian sports totally unique upgrades for your abilities, ones that are telling of their personalities and domains - from Artemis' criticals to Dionysus' hangovers. There are many other skills to gain from them too, such as Athena replenishing a 'life' and increasing the health it gives you. And although you can slightly sway things in one direction or another with keepsakes, which gods help you on a certain run is almost entirely random; you're never going to get the same combinations twice.
Meaning, no two runs will ever be the same. There are literally infinite combinations of possible playstyles to explore. And if things DO get too easy or stagnant for you, you may increase a run's difficulty through the 'pact of punishment'. This pact provides you with over a dozen ways of making the next run harder - while also giving the chance to earn additional rewards if you've beaten the final boss with the weapon you're using.
Now, all of that being said, let's briefly talk about the most important non-combat mechanic. This is, of course, building relationships. Not only does doing so unlock the aforementioned keepsakes and cthonic companions, but it also allows you to learn more of their backstories and personalities (which is totally worth it. Again, Hades' writing is amazing.) Although it's a very simple loop - earn nectar and ambrosia, give it to someone, read some new dialogue - it's very rewarding in its own way.
I can safely say that even after playing so much of Hades in such a short amount of time, I still find the mechanics totally appealing. Every few days, I'll feel myself craving the combat and character interactions all over again - and it's hard to resist the siren's call. Truly, this game is a constant source of entertainment. That's why I know I'll be coming back, even after I'm done writing this review.
Overall, 5/5.
Worldbuilding:
Amongst the gods is a rich lore of bitter pasts and complicated relationships. The Olympians struggle to fully connect with each other, let alone their brother and nephew in the Underworld. This divine family is held together by threads - threads of which you, Zagreus, are tasked to tighten.
Of course, doing so wouldn't mean nearly as much if the characters weren't so diverse, charming, and complex. Each one of them have their own takes about going-ons in the game, providing entertaining dialogue and an ever-evolving view of the world around you.
Those are, ultimately, the two things that lay at the heart of Hades' worldbuilding - the dialogue and the relationships. As you progress, you will uncover more and more of this massively-shared history. Best of all, it's perfectly paced to keep time with the gameplay - you'll be left constantly wanting more, while never feeling unrewarded.
Overall, 5/5.
Overall game score: 5/5 [5.1/5]. Hades is endlessly fun, beautifully presented, and filled to the brim with love. The amount of quality content you get for 20 dollars is ridiculous. So, if you haven't played this game yet, please do.