Hades is an impressive rogue-lite action adventure game from developer Supergiant. It is a single player adventure where progression is made over many play-through attempts and hours. Hades in-depth story is about Zagreus, son of Hades, who is tired of living with his dad and wants to go and visit Mount Olympus and see what the topside world has to offer. In order to get there, the player must take Zagreus through the bowels of Hades and challenge some of the best the underworld has to offer. Hades is built around the concept of attempting to escape, unlock new weapons, build up the player’s character and explore and discover the secrets of Hades. The fact that the designers were able to make the same levels extremely fun and exciting with each escape attempt is truly incredible.

The story begins with Zagreus being fed up with dad and attempting to escape, while having the gods of Olympus offering their support. As Zagreus attempts each escape, he learns more and more from the demons and gods that he comes across, either in the House of Hades or out in the different regions of the underworld.

When Zagreus returns to the House of Hades after each death, he is given the option of speaking to different characters. Included is Nyx, the Night Incarnate, who gives Zagreus access to the Mirror of Night. This mirror allows the player to upgrade certain talents by unlocking them with Chthonic keys and then upgrading them using Shadow Points that are accumulated from each run. This will permanently upgrade Zagreus’s strength and powers for future runs. The House Contractor allows for updates to the décor, rooms and furnishings from gemstones earned from progression in the underworld.

Another use of Chthonic keys is to unlock the different Infernal Arms weapons that are available to use and upgrade. These include:

• Stygian Blade – Close range
• Spear of Varatha – Close to medium range with some long-range special attacks
• Shield of Chaos – Long range with some close-range attacks
• Bow of Coronacht – Long range with multiple arrows special attacks
• Fists of Malphon – Close range with uppercut special attacks
• Exagryph Adamant Rail – Long range bullet and rocket attacks

As Zagreus unlocks new weapons, he can use them on a training dummy named Skelly. Skelly gives a great little walkthrough for each weapon and leads to some great comedy on the part of the story about each weapon. Each weapon can be upgraded by spending titan’s blood, which is acquired from escape attempts. These upgrades consist of new aspects for each weapon and damage upgrades.

The gameplay is easy to follow as it consists of a basic attack, special and dash attacks coupled with specific call Boons that allows the use of the god gauge built up from killing demons. On the start of each escape attempt, one of the gods will send down a Boon that will update Zagreus’s weapon or other skillset. At the end of each room Zagreus will have a choice as to what reward the next room will have. The rooms are completely at random for what types of enemies or bosses will show. The player will want to be strategic on what Boons they accept, as only one can be accepted per Boon slot type. Also available is Charon’s store, where players can purchase random items for coins picked up. These consist of health upgrades, Boons, health replenishment and more.  If the player gets to the point where the normal mode is too easy for them then they have the option to restart a new game in Hell Mode.  This mode allows for each run to be customised with different challenges that turn up the heat on Zagreus.  Things like limited heath, addition health for enemies and time limits for each zone are all challenges that can be done.  It also takes the boons and gives certain disadvantages for each one making it super strategic for the player to know what curses will zero out certain upgrades and abilities.  Warning on this as the mode can not be changed on the save once enabled so recommend having a normal save and a hell mode save.

The audio and visuals in Hades are great throughout. From the audio side, each character has their own unique voice actor complete with accents and other inflections. The music changes with each situation and brings the energy during the intense boss fights and mellows out at times to change the mood to match the story moment. Also, later in the game you will be able to unlock unique music that can be played in the House of Hades while Zagreus is exploring. Visually Hades is artistically stunning from the start. As the player progresses through the underworld, each level has its own unique style. From the drab textures of Tartarus, to the lava filled red’s and brilliance of Asphodel, the lush greens of Elysium and much more.

If required, the game can be paused at a moment’s notice for any parenting duties, and progress is also saved often so that interruptions are not a problem.

Rob for One More Game

10 – Masterpiece – This game is a must play for anyone who plays games. A day one purchase is worth every cent.

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This game was reviewed on a retail copy for the Nintendo Switch. Our views are ours and ours alone.